BusinessMirror February 06, 2020 by BusinessMirror

HIT, BUT ALSO GAIN IN VIRUS FALLOUT By Elijah Felice E. Rosales @alyasjah

HE Philippines may take a hit from the business slowdown in China caused by the coronavirus outbreak, but the country can also benefit through the transfer of global production and orders to here, according to Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. Lopez on Wednesday told reporters the country may experience a reduction in transactions with China, its largest trading partner. The coronavirus outbreak there that forced businesses to shut down their operations temporarily is hampering the flow of

Philippines to exploit the relocation of global production and orders from China. He cited, for one, the output transfer of some automotive parts makers in China to countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. He disclosed the factory of Honda parts supplier in China is moving its production load to its counterpart here. “On the positive side, there are auto parts makers who vowed to move their production here. They will be loading their capacity in Wuhan to here instead of loading it there because they are already existing in the Philippines,” the trade chief explained.

goods from within and outside. “Even in our industries here, such as appliance makers, most of their parts come from China. If at all, there might be some delays for now in the delivery,” Lopez said. “There is a delivery from their source parts suppliers.” “We hope that when the situation in China normalizes, trade will return to normal as well. It’s important that the situation doesn’t last long because our worry is that the supply chain might be broken,” he added.

Opportunity However, for every adversity lies an opportunity, and Lopez wants the

See “Virus fallout,” A2

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PHL factories churned out fewer goods in ’19 T By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE volume of products churned out by factories last year contracted by an annualized rate of 8.6 percent, according to the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday.

Data from the PSA also showed that in December alone, the Volume of Production Index declined by 10.1 percent year-on-year, the third worse level recorded in 2019. The VoPI has been contracting

since December 2018, when it fell by an annualized rate of 9.3 percent. Last year, the largest annual declines for the VoPI were recorded in April at 14 percent and August at

12.4 percent. PSA data indicated that the Value of Production Index (VaPI) dropped by an annualized rate of 7.1 percent. In December alone, it contracted by 9.5 percent year-on-year.

D.O.F. BULLISH ON CTRP PACKAGES’ PASSAGE

HE Department of Finance (DOF) remains bullish on the prospects of passing the remaining packages under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) within the year as these gain headway in the Senate. Finance Undersecretar y Karl Kendrick T. Chua expressed confidence that all the CTRP packages would be passed within DOF’s target of first 15 to 18 months of the 18th Congress. “I think so. I think we are progressing well in the Senate for the last three packages,” Chua said following the first Senate committee hearing on Package 4 or the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (Pifita). Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Pia S. Cayetano also said in an interview that they are already

“To support manufacturing growth, there is a need to strengthen the transport and logistics sectors by building quality and climate-resilient infrastructure.” —Pernia

In terms of the Value of Net Sales Index, PSA figures revealed that it contracted by an annualized 1.1 percent, a reversal from the 10.2 percent recorded in 2018. “ To support manufacturing growth, there is a need to strengthen the transport and logistics sectors by building quality and climate-resilient infrastructure. See “PHL factories,” A2

‘Inefficient’ and ‘useless’ GOCCs must go–Drilon By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

EN AT E M i nor it y L e ad er Franklin M. Drilon on Wednesday made a pitch for the abolition of “inefficient” and “useless” government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs). During the first hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), Drilon noted that GOCCs receive subsidies from the national government aside from enjoying tax exemptions. Drilon made the remark after Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua presented the department’s version of Package 4, or the proposed Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (Pifita). The Department of Finance (DOF) is hoping that the tax-reform program would repeal 33 laws, 19 of which would remove the tax exemptions granted to certain sectors, including GOCCs. In repealing the tax exemptions specified in the National Internal Revenue Code and special laws, Chua said the DOF expects a revenue gain of P11.3 billion. Drilon then requested data on the subsidies granted to GOCCs. “This would be an input as to whether or not these GOCCs should continue to exist.” In an interview following the

PESO exchange rates n

hearing, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Pia S. Cayetano said she is open to the idea of abolishing non-performing GOCCs, adding that this would help plug leakages. “That’s no longer the scope of this committee, but I have said to the extent that we can gather information through this committee and it can be used not just to confirm their passive incomes but also what subsidies they are receiving, [then] we could transmit those data to our colleagues so proper steps would be taken,” said Cayetano. “It’s so difficult on my part because my job is to raise taxes and we have leakages, right? Of course, I am open to that so we can maximize our limited funds,” she added. Chua was mum on whether the DOF favors Drilon’s suggestion to abolish non-performing GOCCs. However, he said the DOF is ready to provide the data being requested by the senators. “Well, you know his context is he really wants to know how much do we really subsidize the GOCCs and I think since he was the author of GOCC Governance Commission law, he wants to see if the GOCCs are performing,” Chua said. Pifita aims to redesign financial sector taxation into a simpler, fairer, more efficient, regionally more competitive and revenue neutral.

f i n a l i zi ng t he com m it tee report on Package 2 or Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (Citira). “We are in the very final stage of proofreading. The commas, the periods and the erasures. We are working on that over this week, and I hope to sponsor it next week,” Cayetano said. As for Pifita, the senator said she also sees “very little resistance” in passing the measure. While she vowed that she can sponsor all packages within the timeline set by DOF, she said passing the measure is not her “sole decision.” “[For] Pifita, it appears that there will be very little resistance. We will list all the concerns of the sectors, but as far as the senators are concerned, there aren’t many issues against it. See “CTRP,” A2

PSA notes rice-price dip after tariffication

QUARANTINE FACILITY This is the massive drug rehabilitation center inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, which the government has decided to use as quarantine facility for 14 days for Filipinos returning from China, Hong Kong and Macau. The first batch of repatriates are expected to come home on Saturday (February 8). NONIE REYES

Fitch, Moody’s see virus cutting Asia’s growth

LOBAL think tanks and credit watchers agree that the novel coronav ir us (nCoV) now wreaking havoc on China and other countries in AsiaPacific could dent economic growth in the region. In separate pieces, Fitch Solutions—the research arm of Fitch Group, Moody’s Analytics—the research arm of Moody’s Group and

S&P Global ratings evaluated the economic impact of the nCoV. Only Fitch has specific figures as it projected that Asia-Pacific’s growth could decline to 4 percent this year, from 4.3 percent in 2019, if China’s economy would expand at a slower pace of 5.4 percent in 2020, from last year’s 6.1 percent. “We lay out two possible scenarios that could impact Asian

economies, and in both cases, we note that our initial view of a growth recovery in 2020, will be challenged,” Fitch said. Moody’s said the first quarter GDP growth of China could be slashed by up to 2 percentage points and this could affect other countries that have close ties with the economic powerhouse.

LMOST a year after the full implementation of the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law, rice prices continued to fall, albeit at a slower pace in January 2020, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In January, PSA data showed inflation accelerated to 2.9 percent in January 2020, from 2.5 percent in the preceding month. However, this is still slower than the 4.4 percent posted in January 2019. National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said rice prices contracted 6.5 percent in January 2020, the ninth consecutive month rice experienced deflation. “This is one of the reasons why food inf lation was relatively low,” Mapa told reporters in a briefing in Quezon City on Wednesday. However, Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) President Vic Dimagiba said despite the decline, a kilo of regular milled rice remained at P37, while a kilo of well-milled rice was at P40. Dimagiba said this was still higher than the government’s promise of P32 per kilo. Nonetheless, he said, there was already a P5-per-kilo reduction compared to 2019.

See “Fitch,” A8

US 50.7630 n japan 0.4636 n UK 66.1543 n HK 6.5369 n CHINA 7.2537 n singapore 37.0560 n australia 34.1990 n EU 56.0728 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.5310

See “PSA,” A2

Source: BSP (5 February 2020)

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A2 Thursday, February 6, 2020

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Fort Magsaysay will be virus quarantine site

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

OVERNMENT preparations are now under way to convert the drug rehabilitation center in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija into a quarantine facility for Filipinos coming from countries with confirmed cases of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III made the confirmation during the 46th Cabinet

meeting on Tuesday evening at the Palace. “Secretary Duque reported that they are now preparing Fort Mag-

saysay in Nueva Ecija as a quarantine area, which can accommodate 10,000 individuals,” Panelo said. “The President instructed the Health secretary to go to the site to properly address the people affected in detail,” he added. The preparations are expected to be completed before February 8 with the arrival of an initial batch of repatriated Filipinos on Saturday at the Clark Airport.

Ongoing repatriation

Panelo said they will be transported to Fort Magsasay to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine to ensure they are not infected with the 2019-nCoV. As of Monday, the Department

of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said at least 42 Filipinos in Hubei, China, said to be the place of origin of the 2019-nCoV, have expressed their interest to be repatriated. DFA said it will continue to repatriate for free Filipinos staying in China, who would want to go home, in the coming days. As of February 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported global cases of the 2019nCoV have already soared to 20,630 cases. Of these, 20,471 are in China. The dreaded disease already killed 427 people worldwide—426 in China and one in Philippines, a Chinese man who had traveled to Manila from Wuhan—making it deadlier than the severe acute

PHL domestic liquidity expands in December T HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday said the countr y ended 2019 with more cash circulating in the local economy, which it attributed to the rise in bank lending. The BSP said domestic liquidity—broadly measured as M3 —expanded by 11.4 percent to about P13 trillion in December 2019, faster than the 9.8-percent increase in November. A growing cash supply is often beneficial for an expanding economy such as the Philippines, as it provides fuel to the productive sectors of the country.

However, an excessively slow M3 expansion could be detrimental to the country’s overall economic growth especially if it is not enough to fuel productive activities. In contrast, excessively high cash supply growth could stoke inflationary pressures and pull prices upwards. The BSP said demand for credit remained the principal driver of money supply growth during the month. Loans for production activities—87.4 percent of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio—expanded at a rate of 9.1 percent in December, higher than the

reported growth in November at 8.1 percent. The sustained increase in production loans was driven primarily by lending to the following sectors: real-estate activities (19.7 percent); financial and insurance activities (17.2 percent); electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (8.3 percent); construction (23.4 percent); and information and communication (12.9 percent). Lending volumes declined in the following sectors: manufacturing (-1.9 percent), mining and quarrying (-11 percent), professional, scientific and technical

activities (-4.6 percent), and other community, social and personal activities (-21.7 percent). BSP data also indicated that loans for household consumption grew by 27.5 percent in December, from 26.6 percent in November. The BSP said this is due to faster growth in credit-card and salarybased consumption loans during the period. At this level, the BSP vowed to “continue to monitor domestic liquidity dynamics to ensure that overall monetary conditions remain in line with maintaining the BSP’s price and financial stability objectives.

Travel ban. . .

Continued from A8

Some for schooling and some for medication of their loved ones,” SHARP President Alfredo P. Palmiery said in his letter to POEA. “Their non-departure may lead to the cancellation of their visas and contracts by their employers who could not wait,” he added. To ensure the safety of OFWs in Hong Kong, Palmiery said they are coordinating with their counterpart foreign recruitment agencies to require the employers to provide their OFWs with face masks, and limit their going out from the house to very necessary and important errands only.

CTRP. . .

Continued from A1

[For] Citira, there are also a lot of sectors, but what I’m hoping is that when the different sectors see the final committee report, they’ll be happy. Because it is predictable, it is fair; so we can finally move forward,” Cayetano said. The House of Representatives has already

Minimizing risks

After WHO declared the 2019nCoV as a public health emergency of international concern, President Duterte ordered the imposition of an indefinite travel ban last Sunday for non-Filipino travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau from entering the country. Likewise, the order also banned all Filipinos from traveling to the three areas. To further help contain 2019-nCoV in the country, Panelo

PHL factories. . . Continued from A1

In this regard, a proposed bill to amend the Contractor’s License law will open up the country’s construction sector to eligible and qualified domestic and foreign contractors,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said. Pernia added that encouraging Asean regional cooperation to embark on potential regional infrastructure projects will allow the Philippines to maximize benefits from trade and deepen regional integration. He said the government needs to continue supporting initiatives to develop digital solutions to boost the growth of the manufacturing sector and bounce back from its poor performance last year. “We encourage industries to capitalize on innovation to reach their growth potential in this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To this end, the government needs to formulate and implement policies and programs to stimulate innovation in the country,” Pernia said. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) chief said there is a need to build the capacity of the work force and that embedding innovation in training is “crucial” to meet technical and emerging market demands. Innovation, he said, will allow Philippine manufacturers to make the shift from just producing basic products and commodities

ERC. . .

Continued from A8

Immigration guidelines

“FILIPINOS travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau will not be allowed to leave the Philippines unless the passenger is part of a government delegation conducting official duties, a member of the World Health Organization, and other agencies involved in fighting or containing the spread of the virus. The ban includes overseas Filipino workers, as well as permanent residents of other countries.” These are the guidelines that airport immigration agents across the country are required strictly to follow to implement the ban on the entry of travelers from China and its Special Administrative Regions due to the 2019-nCoV outbreak. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said he has ordered the bureau’s port personnel to see to it that the ban is implemented to the letter, and that all BI port personnel be told to exercise extra care and vigilance in screening arriving passengers. “We have instructed our men at all the ports to actively participate and support efforts to combat the spread of the 2019-nCoV-ARD,” Morente said, as he shared the Bureau’s efforts in assisting the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) in filtering arriving passengers through “redundancy checks.” He said that airlines and shipping agents were already advised not to board planes or ships with travel history to the concerned areas within the last 14 days. “Apart from this, other countries have already implemented their own measures to curb the transmission of this virus, and some have restricted travel. There are countries that would not allow passengers to board if they are sick,” Morente said. He reiterated the directive implemented by the Bureau of Immigration: “Following the order of the President, any passenger of any nationality who has been to China and their Special Administrative Regions within 14 days before coming to the Philippines shall automatically be denied entry. The only exception will be Filipino citizens and alien permanent status holders.”

respiratory syndrome in China in 2003, which had a death toll of 349 people. As of press time, DOH said there are only two confirmed 2019-nCoV cases in the country.

CMAP INDUCTION Manila Mayor Isko Moreno inducts into office the 2020-2021 officers of the Circulation Managers Association of the Philippines, led by the newly elected president Rolando Manangan (seventh from left) of BusinessMirror. From left: Past president Carlito Tugadi, board member Ferdinand Cubinar (Manila Standard), auditor Erlinda Villar (Pilipino Mirror), board member Alberto Balanag (Manila Bulletin), secretary Jojit Mon Abano (Bulgar), vice president Edwin Monforte (PhilStar Media Group), Manangan (BusinessMirror), treasurer Erick B. Clemente (Malaya Business Insight), business manager Bert Acuna (Philippine Daily Inquirer), PRO Edison Camarines (The Manila Times), board member Venizza Ragel (Abante) and board member Clarita Gulanes (Daily Tribune).

PSA. . .

Continued from A1

He said the disparity between retail and farm-gate prices remain wide due to “inadequate monitoring and enforcement.” Given the trend, LKI’s outlook showed prevailing prices of regular and well-milled commercial rice shall stay as the market price may remain at their current levels. This, Dimagiba said, gives the National Food Authority (NFA) more reason to sell cheap rice, especially for the consumption of the bottom 30 percent of households. “[The] government had been waiting for the market to behave by itself but almost a year since the rice tariffication law they can’t meet their target price. [Maybe] they were too optimistic last year that imports will bring prices faster [because] it [prices] did not [go down],” Dimagiba told the BusinessMirror.

Inflation 2020

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said inflation in January 2020 remained within the expectations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The BSP projects inflation to settle at 2.9 percent in 2020 and 2021, within the government’s target range of 2-4 percent.

approved Citira, Pifita, as well as Package 3 or the real-property valuation reform. Citira aims to lower the CIT rate from 30 percent to 20 percent over 10 years to bring it closer to the Asean average while redesigning the current convoluted fiscal incentives system to make it performancebased, time-bound, specifically targeted and more transparent. Package 3 aims to adopt a single valuation

However, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the government needs to be vigilant and guard against upside risks that could cause prices to spike this year. “Despite the relatively stable inflation outlook, we cannot be complacent, as the balance of risks remains on the upside for 2020 due to the effects of the Taal Volcano eruption, spread of African swine fever, and novel coronavirus (2019-nCov),” Pernia said. University of Asia and the Pacific School of Economics Dean Cid Terosa told the BusinessMirror that inflation would remain within the range of 2.4 to 3 percent this year. Terosa said this is largely due to external risks, particularly global supply disruptions caused by trade tensions, the novel coronavirus, and strong domestic demand. In this light, Pernia said the country has intensified its preparedness for disaster risk response, including the formulation of recovery and rehabilitation plans, like in the areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. “We should also increase investments in climate and disaster-resilient farm technologies and practices, and promote the adoption of such among farmers and fisherfolk,” Pernia said. Cai U. Ordinario

base which will eliminate wide disparities and achieve consistency in real-property valuation. Meanwhile, Pifita aims to make the country competitive in attracting capital and investments through rationalizing tax system in the financial sector to further boost economic growth. The DOF is targeting to reduce the number of final withholding tax rates on interest income to a single rate of 15 percent regardless of currency,

maturity, issuer and other differentiating factors. Moreover, a single rate of 15 percent will also be imposed on interest income, dividends and capital gains. Aside from this, the initial public offering tax will also be removed since it is a seen as a tax on capital,0 and is detrimental to capital markets and the documentary stamp tax will be rationalized to promote capital mobility. Bernadette D. Nicolas

The ERC chief stressed the importance of new power generation capacity, which the Luzon grid lacks, and well-maintained power plants. “We cannot build plants. The only thing left for us is, how we dealt with the Supreme Court decision—153 PSAs [power-supply agreements] that were told to undergo CSP [Competitive Selection Process]—as a matter of policy, we told them, don’t stop your supply while you’re doing your CSP,” said the ERC chief. “They are required to do the CSP but providing the supply should go on. Because if you stop that, as an effect of the CSP decision, that’s 1000 plus MW on top of the real shortage,” she added. Moreover, the agency vowed to fast-track the processing of Certificate of Compliance (COCs) filed by power generation firms. “’Yung mga applying for COCs, fina-fast-track namin so they can operate. We reviewed which are the pending applications, like issuance of COCs, that’s why there is focus, any plant should not run without the COC. Beyond that, [we are] limited [to that],” said Devanadera. Aside from ERC, the country’s independent electricity market operator shared the same view. “With the expected increase in demand, tight

Virus fallout. . . Continued from A1

According to Lopez, his agency is doing an assessment on how deeply the coronavirus outbreak in China will cut trade figures as it spreads to numerous parts of the world. In Southeast Asia, there are now 25 cases in Thailand, 24 in Singapore, 10 in Malaysia, eight in Vietnam, two in the Philippines and one in Cambodia. “It’s reeling mostly from global,” Lopez assessed. “From the local economy, it is being affected because of the global slowdown, both on exports and also the supply chain, the sources of our imports. Assuming there are no problems on the supply chain, our operations are running just normal. It should be business

said Duterte “instructed the Presidential Communications Operations Office to spend more time in informing the public of the health advisories and guidelines laid out by our health experts.” For its part, the Department of Education (DepEd) opted to follow the DOH advice of limiting the exposure of students to the 2019-nCoV by issuing advisories for students to avoid huge crowds and discouraging schools to conduct field trips. Duterte, Panelo said, also wanted local officials, particularly, barangay captains, to enforce the measures of the national government against the 2019-nCoV risk facing charges for nonfeasance. to higher value intermediate and specialty products for domestic and export purposes. “The Philippines also needs to improve its reputation concerning intellectual property protection. This will attract foreign companies to locate sensitive technologies and product operations in the country,” he said. In December, PSA data showed that the VoPI declined largely due to the 47.9-percent contraction in the manufacture or petroleum products and basic metals. Two other major industries that registered two-digit reductions in VoPI were furniture and fixtures (30.4 percent) and miscellaneous manufacturers (10.5 percent). Data indicated that the average capacity utilization rate of local factories last year was at 84.34 percent. In December 2019, PSA said it was at 84.4 percent, the same rate in September, May, and March last year. In December, the PSA said 12 of the 20 major industries recorded a capacity utilization rate of at least 80 percent. Manufacturers of tobacco products recorded the lowest average capacity utilization rate at 73.2 percent, the lowest since April, when it settled at 71.9 percent. PSA data also indicated that makers of petroleum products posted the highest average capacity utilization in December at 90 percent. MISSI is a report that monitors the production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization of selected manufacturing establishments to provide flash indicators on the performance of the manufacturing sector. supply conditions and price spikes are likely to happen particularly during summer period. This underscores the need for new generation capacities to meet increasing demand and to help prevent recurrence of high market clearing prices,” said Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (Iemop) Chief Operating Officer Robinson Descanzo. Iemop is the operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the country’s trading floor for electricity. And when WESM prices spike, there will probably be an increase in electricity prices, as more power plants tend to conk out down during summer months. “Why do we say this? Because we have a projected growth of 5.6 percent, which is equivalent to 700 MW and we don’t have additional power plants coming in before summer,” Descanzo said when asked why there could be tight supply in the next few months. While the entry of large generating capacities like GN Power Dinginin coal plant with 669 MW would be helpful in addressing this likely scenario, the additional capacity will only happen when the power plant is online in July this year. It will be noted that in 2019, the commercial operations of Unit 3 of the Masinloc Power Plant (355 MW) and the San Buenaventura Power Plant (455 MW), both expected to have come online in 2019, were deferred.

as usual here.” Industry leaders earlier told the BusinessMirror exports will suffer from the factory closures in China, a move taken by many multinationals to protect their workers from possible infection of the respiratory illness. Technology giants Google, Amazon and Microsoft closed their offices in China temporarily while Beijing races to find a cure for the novel coronavirus and prevent its further spread. Exports to China from January to November of last year improved 6.28 percent to $8.79 billion, from $8.27 billion during the same period in 2018, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data. More than half—over 56 percent—of this are shipments of electronic parts, which also grew above 6 percent to $4.95 billion, from $4.66 billion.

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, February 6, 2020 A3

Gunmen snatch physician inside clinic in Jolo, Sulu By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

HE military has dispatched special teams to rescue a doctor who was snatched on Tuesday night inside his clinic in Jolo, Sulu. Armed Forces Western Mind-

anao Command commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said four suspects abducted Dr. Daniel Moreno inside his clinic in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, at around 7 p.m. The armed men took Moreno toward Santa Nina Rasul Complex before heading to Indanan, Sulu, aboard

a maroon colored Toyota Tamaraw FX. “Upon receipt of information, we immediately launch pursuit operations and our special units are ready for the rescue,” Sobejana said. He said checkpoints have also been put up in order to prevent the kidnappers from taking their

victim to another area. All units established checkpoints and blocked possible ingress and egress points as of this press time. Meanwhile, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Masbate apprehended three vessels used in illegal fishing activ-

ity along the waters off Balud in Masbate on Monday. The FV Reconnaissance-IV, FB Sacred Heart-IV, and FB Delta-X which are all owned and operated by Martin Agro Industrial Corp. in Jaro, Iloilo, were apprehended for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 as

amended by RA 10654. Coast Guard spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said the vessels, together with the fishermen and crew, were brought to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Mobo, Masbate, for documentation and filing of charges.

Price of regular-milled rice dips DA allows feeding, harvest of fish in Taal Lake as water quality improves 12 percent at 6-yr low of ₧36.42 By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said fish cage operators in Taal Lake could now resume feeding their fish stocks as water quality in area continue to improve. Citing tests conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the level of dissolved oxygen in Taal Lake, which is an essential component to fish growth and survival, has improved and is now below critical level. BFAR conducted the tests from January 14 to 30, 2020, following the eruption of the Taal Volcano. DA-BFAR Region 4A Director Sammy Malvas said tests on Taal water quality also showed that sulfide level is within normal. However, Malvas urged fish cage owners not to overfeed the fish—commonly tilapia and bangus (milkfish)—to avoid accumulation of ammonia in the waters of Taal Lake. “The DA-BFAR tests showed the sulfur content of tilapia samples from Taal Lake compares with those from the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center, in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija,” he added. “This indicates that despite the volcanic eruption, the fish did not ingest much

BI stops departure of 7 Dubai-bound women at Naia By Recto Mercene @rectomercene

EVEN women allegedly attempting to leave the country using bogus travel documents were nabbed by immigration authorities, while they were about to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Dubai last Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Bureau of Immigration (BI) Port Operations Division chief Grifton Medina said the passengers were barred from leaving after immigration officers found the documents they presented are bogus. “Those syndicates behind these trafficked women must know there is no letup in our anti-trafficking campaign despite the coronavirus [2019-nCoV] outbreak. Our departure areas remain off limits to human traffickers and their victims,” he said. The virus outbreak has prompted BI to implement stricter screening procedures for arriving and departing travelers as part of measures to combat the spread of the virus. Ma. Timotea Barizo, BI’s Travel Control and Enforcement Unit chief, the intercepted passengers were caught in possession of fake Philippine Overseas Employment Administration clearances. Barizo said the passengers’ validation forms, purportedly showing that their papers were checked and cleared by Labor Assistance Center personnel at the airport, were also found to be counterfeits. “They admitted during interview that the bogus documents were given to them by their handlers, and they were recruited via Facebook to work as domestic helpers in the United Arab Emirates,” Barizo added. The women were eventually turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for investigation.

sulfur,” he added. Malvas said they will continue to conduct water quality monitoring and assist fish cage operators who are coping with the production disruption caused by Taal Volcano’s eruption. In an earlier news statement, the Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance Inc. (TLAAI) appealed to the national government to allow its members to feed and harvest healthy and marketable fish grown in cages in the Taal Lake. The TLAAI said around 70 percent of the fish in cages on the lake survived, and can still be harvested and sold for public consumption. The TLAAI is requesting that their members be given window hours everyday when they will be allowed to go back to feed and harvest fish in their cages. “Half of the surviving cages still have healthy living fish, but they need to be fed, and fattened, to maximize quality and value. We also need to repair our cages and start recovering and rebuilding whatever is left of our livelihood. These fish are our only chance to recover and sustain our 12,000 workers and their families,” the group said. Apart from this, the TLAAI also requested that a mobile office of BFAR and other local government units be set up for the issuance of auxiliary invoice and local transport permits to facilitate quick and efficient fish harvest.

Intense watch

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), meanwhile, is conducting an intense monitoring of Taal Volcano anew after it recorded 156 volcanic earthquakes, including two low-frequency events and a total of 18 harmonic tremors in the past 24 hours. Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 3 over Taal. The earthquakes, including the harmonic tremors, which lasted from one to three minutes, indicate magmatic activity beneath the surface of the volcano. Harmonic tremors are sometimes followed by a phreatic eruption. In an interview, Maricel Capa, senior science research specialist at Phivolcs’ Volcano Monitoring Division said the frequency of the harmonic tremors observed over Taal over the past 24 hours is “not normal.” “This means that magma may be rising up to the surface anew. This may lead to volcanic eruption,” she said in Filipino. The volcano is currently under a two-week observation period since Phivolcs lowered the alert status to Alert Level 3 on January 26. It first erupted on January 12, spewing tons of volcanic ash that reached as far as Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, and Metro Manila. The eruption sent over a 100,000 people living near Taal Lake fleeing their homes for safety. With the volcanic activity waning, Phivolcs finally lowered the Alert status but warned of renewed unrest anytime.

HE average retail price of regular-milled rice (RMR) in the third week of January plunged 12 percent to a new 6-year low of P36.42 per kilogram, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. The latest quotation is now the lowest level since the P36.37 per kilogram level recorded in the first of January 2014, historical PSA data analyzed by the BusinessMirror showed. The latest figure was slightly lower than previous week’s P36.44 per kilogram, PSA said. “Annually, its rate continue to shrink by 12 percent from its level of P41.39 per kg in the same week of the previous year,” it added. Likewise, the average wholesale price of RMR continued to decline as it dropped to P32.97 per kilogram during the reference period from P33.02 per kilogram in the previous week, according to PSA. “Similarly, its annual rate decreased by 14 percent from its level in the same period of previous year of P38.34 per kg,” PSA said in its weekly price monitoring report. Authorities and experts attribute the drop in rice prices to the surge in imports following deregulation by the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law in March 2019. The passage of the RTL law was hailed by authorities and some industry experts, calling it one of the biggest reform measures in recent years. The law sought to increase the country’s supply of affordable rice.

The Philippines has overtaken China as the world’s top buyer of rice last year after the country’s total purchases surged to 3 million metric tons. “We are pleased to hear the PSA report on the declining rice prices, benefiting millions of our countrymen,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a recent statement after the BusinessMirror broke the story that RMR prices fell to a six-year low for the first time last week. “From here on, we will even work harder to sustain reasonable rice prices, coupled with efforts to empower our farmers by providing them quality seeds, needed farm machinery, credit, modern technology and training,” the DA added. However, the average retail price of wellmilled rice (WMR) during the period went up slightly to P41.38 per kg from P41.31 per kg recorded in the previous week. “Meanwhile, it moved down by 8.3 percent compared with its level fo P45.11 per kg in the same week of the previous year,” PSA added. “The average wholesale price of well-milled rice increased to P37.35 per kg or by 0.3 percent this week, from its previous week’s level of P37.42 per kg. It, however, continued to plunge as it had an annual rate of -10.1 percent from its level of P41.56 per kg in the same week of the previous year,” the PSA said. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

New access road seen boosting Quezon province’s economy By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

NEW access road in Lucena, Quezon, is expected to open by this quarter, the chief of the public works department said

on Wednesday, stressing that the project will provide a boost in the province’s economy. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the Quezon Eco-Tourism Cotta-Dalahican-Talao-TalaoMayao-Road is now 79 percent com-

pleted and will be opened before the end of March. He added that the agency is now “speeding up” the construction and rehab works for the benefit of residents and tourists. “Access roads to ports play a key role

in the growth of the region’s economy. Our priority is to provide local industries, large or small-scale, with all possible assistance for the continuous thriving of their businesses in the years to come,” he said. The P87-million project involves

the 355.77-lineal meter road opening and concreting of 1,349.10-lineal meter existing road, with drainage and slope protection. It is funded under the regular infrastructure fund of the regional office of the agency.

Duterte OKs housing grant for families living near Taal Six Davao City Hall offices get new vehicles, firetrucks By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

RESIDENT Duterte has approved the request of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to provide free permanent housing to families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. In news a statement issued on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President made known his decision during a Cabinet meeting last Tuesday night. Panelo said DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario estimated that around 5,000 to 6,000 households stand to be affected by the evacuation from a radius of 7 kilometers from the volcano, with the island of Taal itself housing 2,000 families. “The President approved the request of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to offer these housing units as a grant to the displaced families

instead and commended such act of generosity,” Panelo said. Panelo said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has previously allotted a total of 5,448 housing units in favor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which are spread out in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and Quezon. In separate news statement, NHA General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada Jr. said specifically, this included old AFP/PNP Housing Projects in Laguna, such as Valley Breeze Residences (553 units), Lake Breeze Residences 1 (176), and Lake Breeze Residences 2 (219). The list also included Villa de Pio Homes (300 units) and Sea Breeze Residences (600) in Batangas, as well as Villa de Adelaida (500 units), Summer Homes/Summer Ville (1,000), and Sunshine Ville 2 (1,000) in Cavite. Escalada also said the list includes San Manuel Homes (700 units) and

Happy Valley Homes (400) which are both located in Quezon province. “As of the moment, we are mobilizing our personnel on the field to prepare our housing sites to be ready for occupancy,” Escalada said, with an assurance that “all of these housing sites will be ready for its new occupants, the Taal survivors, w ithin 30 days.” T h is has become possible through Joint Resolution 2 which authorizes NHA to award unawarded, surrendered and canceled AFP/ PNP housing units to qualified beneficiaries. It was created to address the clamor for housing of Kadamay, a people’s organization. Escalada earlier requested Congress to issue a resolution to formally dispose of the then-AFP/PNP housing units which were not occupied by their intended beneficiaries. This after Kadamay stormed and occupied housing sites for uniformed personnel in Pandi, Bulacan, demanding ownership of the houses.

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Six City Hall offices here have been granted of needed mobility support with 20 vehicles along with two ladder firefighting trucks to boost modern rescue effort. The two Rosenbauer aerial fire and rescue ladder trucks from Austria cost the city government P128.76 million to acquire. The Central 911 and the Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao City fire department got one each. The City Social Services and Development Office received four L300 vans for its halfway homes and facilities, a double cab customized vehicle for its mobile kitchen and a pickup truck for its monitoring.

Five cars were allocated to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office for its daily traffic management duties. The City Veterinary Office was given four vehicles: one for veterinary clinic, two for animal rescue and one for dog impounding. Two vehicles were given to the Office of the City Mayor but these were the two buses donated by its China’s sister city. One bus would be dedicated to transporting teachers to their remote northern hinterland assignments and one for the use of the City Tourism Office and the City Investment Promotion Center. A bus would also be given to the City Health Office for its mobile dental services. The vehicles have been given their customary christening on Tuesday.

Agrarian reform beneficiaries to supply Palawan inmates with farm produce By Jonathan L. Mayuga

@jonlmayuga

GRARIAN reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will soon have a sure market in Palawan for their fresh produce, like rice and vegetables, and root crops. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently signed an agreement with the Bureau of

Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in three Palawan towns to directly source produce requirements from ARBs. Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Support Services Emily O. Padilla said rice, vegetables, root crops and other farm products will soon go directly for food of around 500 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under the BJMP’s custody

in the towns of Aborlan, Narra and Puerto Princesa City. The partnership is being implemented under the DAR’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, which seeks to address the government’s fight against hunger and poverty in the countryside. “The partnership is part of DAR’s six-point agenda to use the conver-

gence of government agencies, like the BJMP and private organizations, to give support to the farmers,” Padilla said in a news statement. The number of PDLs in the three Palawan towns constitutes a combined food market that would be of great help to farmer-members of ARBs, Padilla said. DAR Regional Director Zoraida O. Macadindang, a signatory to the

partnership, said DAR will assist and empower ARBs and their agrarian cooperatives to increase their production, and engagement, in agribased and related enterprises. “Our farmers will get a good price for their products as the BJMP coordinates directly with agrarian cooperatives for their food requirements and modes of delivery,” Macadindang said.

TheBroa

Business

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Unknowns of new virus make

By Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—Health authorities are scrambling to halt the spread of a new virus that has killed hundreds in China, restricting visitors from the country and confining thousands on cruise ships for extensive screening after some passengers tested positive. But with important details about the illness and how it spreads still unknown, officials and medical personnel are struggling. Governments have rushed to get their citizens out of China, which is orchestrating history’s largest anti-viral campaign by blocking 50 million people from leaving Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, and nearby areas. A growing number of Chinese cities are discouraging people from even leaving their apartments. Villages have blocked entry points with piles of dirt and rubble, while businesses and offices remain closed indefinitely. As Beijing’s authoritarian leadership faces questions over having kept its citizens in the dark for weeks before infections started to explode, other countries are trying to set up effective quarantines to stop a possible pandemic. Those efforts have not always been smooth, with violent protests near quarantine centers, banishment to remote islands, and some citizens allowed to leave quarantine early. A look at the world’s sometimeswobbly efforts to stop the crisis:

South Korea

SOUTH Korea has confirmed 18 cases of infection with the new type of coronavirus and there are fears of a broader local spread. The country has banned entry to all foreigners who traveled to China’s Hubei province, where Wuhan is located, after January 21. The government says it will consider stopping South Korean tourist visits to China if the outbreak worsens. Officials have acknowledged missteps in monitoring visitors from China and in tracing the contacts of those infected. Anxiety abounds. Movie theaters, shopping malls and restaurants have closed. A large church in Seoul skipped Sunday services because a virus patient had attended earlier. Parents have kept schoolchildren at home. Stores are running out of face masks and hand sanitizers. Residents of central South Korea threw eggs and other objects at government officials over plans to quarantine about 700 evacuees from Wuhan at government facilities in their neighborhoods.

Australia

AUSTRALIA has been criticized over its decision to quarantine about 300 Wuhan evacuees on a remote island used in the past to banish asylum seekers and convicts. Critics say a quarantine center on the Australian mainland would be preferable to Christmas Island. Some inhabitants of the island say the government is turning their home into a “leper colony.” The government argues that the location strikes a balance between supporting Australians stranded in China and protecting the wider Australian population from the disease. People on the Australian mainland who might have caught the virus are not placed in quarantine, but are advised to self-isolate for 14 days, which scientists say is the longest incubation period of

the virus. The 13 confirmed cases are being treated in hospitals. Starting this month, Australia has banned foreigners without permanent residency from entering the country if they had visited mainland China in the previous 14 days. China’s national women’s soccer team has been quarantined at a Brisbane hotel since arriving last week.

Japan

JAPAN, which has reported 33 cases, stepped up quarantine measures after officials were criticized last week for allowing two evacuees from Wuhan to leave early from a hotel where they had been quarantined. Officials say 518 evacuees have been placed under a 14-day quarantine at a hotel and three government facilities near Tokyo. Those with symptoms have been treated in isolation rooms at hospitals. Last Tuesday, the government confirmed at least 10 cases on a cruise ship and is quarantining its 3,700 crew and passengers on board. Starting Saturday, Japan banned the entry of foreigners who have visited Hubei province in the previous 14 days. Social media is overflowing with comments calling for a ban on all visitors from China. “I’m afraid Japan will be soon criticized for taking less measures than other countries,” said Mitsunori Okamoto, an opposition lawmaker.

North Korea

NORTH Korea has yet to report a case, but it’s still pushing a tough campaign to prevent the spread of the virus, which state media have called a matter of “national existence.” The country has blocked tourists, reduced flights and strengthened screening at borders, harbors and airports. State media say 30,000 health workers have been mobilized across the country for preventive measures. Rival South Korea last week withdrew dozens of officials from an inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong after North Korea insisted on closing it until the epidemic is controlled. Because fighting the virus is crucial “for defending the security of the country and the life and safety of people, all the workers in the anti-epidemic field set up rapid reaction teams...so as to promptly counter any slightest situation,” Pyongyang’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said.

United States

MARCH Air Reserve Base in California’s Riverside County is near capacity after housing 195 people flown in from Wuhan who are now under a federal quarantine. “We’re pretty much full at this point,” Maj. Perry Covington, a spokesman at the base, said. None of the evacuees at the base has shown signs of the illness. Tents were set up over the weekend to assist in screening passengers in case other US-bound flights from Wuhan are diverted to the base due to weather or other reasons.

IN this February 2, 2020, file photo, Indonesians who arrived from Wuhan, China, are sprayed with antiseptic at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Indonesia. INDONESIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY VIA AP

Latin America

MEXICO says 10 citizens who were flown from China to France last Saturday are in good health. The government hasn’t restricted travel to Wuhan but advises against nonessential trips. Venezuela has started to monitor incoming passengers for symp-

toms at its largest airport near the capital, Caracas, and plans to expand screening to other airports. Argentina hasn’t placed restrictions on visitors from China. But two hospitals in Buenos Aires and Ezeiza have been designated for possible isolation and treatment of patients.

Hong Kong, Southeast Asia

HONG KONG said Wednesday more than 3,600 people on board a cruise ship that was turned away from a Taiwanese port will be quarantined until health checks are completed. The ship was refused entry at Kaohsiung port after three passengers on an earlier voyage

later tested positive for the virus. An AirAsia plane carrying 107 Malaysians and their non-Malaysian spouses and children from Wuhan arrived in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday. They will be quarantined for two weeks. Indonesia moved 240 evacuees on Sunday from Wuhan to the re-

aderLook

sMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace | Thursday, February 6, 2020

global quarantines a struggle

PASSENGERS wear surgical masks at the check-in terminal at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, January 30, 2020. IVAN ABREU/BLOOMBERG

I circled the world in 37 hours because of the coronavirus By Lourdes Lee Valeriano

KAVASTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM

mote island of Natuna, where they will be quarantined. Health workers in protective gear sprayed the evacuees with disinfectant as they stepped off their jet. Thailand on Tuesday night admitted that 138 people just flown in from Wuhan to its first dedicated quarantine facility, inside a Navy compound in the east of the country. Evacuees were screened in a six-hour process at the airport in Wuhan before boarding with none showing definitive signs of the virus. They landed at U-Tapao airport and were taken to the Sattahip Navy Lodge, which normally serves as a guest house. They will be kept there two to a room for 14 days, with family members allowed to visit them if they are still not showing symptoms after three days’ stay. Quarantining of confirmed cases was already being done at various hospitals and around the capital, Bangkok.

Europe

BRITAIN has quarantined dozens of people evacuated from China at Arrowe Park Hospital in northwest England. One evacuee has been isolated at a separate hospital for further tests. “It’s quite weird being home but not being home, and also being sort of locked in, almost like being back in Wuhan really,” Kharn Lambert, a teacher who worked in Wuhan, told Sky News about being isolated at Arrowe Park. France used two flights to bring back about 400 people from

China. They are being quarantined at two different sites in southern France. Italy and Spain have quarantined dozens of evacuees at military facilities.

Africa

QUARANTINE measures are a serious concern in Africa, where health systems on the 54-country continent vary dramatically. John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there could be undetected infections on the continent. A plane carrying 167 Moroccan passengers, mostly students, arrived Sunday near Casablanca. They will be quarantined for 20 days in two hospitals in Rabat and Meknes. In Lagos in Nigeria, authorities asked people arriving from China or other affected countries to practice “unsupervised selfquarantine,” which means staying home, minimizing contact with family members and monitoring for symptoms. The Chinese embassy in Kenya says it required Chinese companies to quarantine employees returning to the East African country from China for two weeks, symptoms or no. South Sudan, with one of the world’s most fragile health systems following a five-year civil war, recently celebrated the installment of a single thermal scanner at the arrival area of its airport in its capital, Juba.

HEN I boarded Cathay Pacific Flight 841 at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 9 a.m. on February 1, I didn’t know I would be starting a journey that would be a super-accelerated version of literary character Phileas Fogg’s 80-day circumnavigation of the world. But because of the coronavirus outbreak, which has led 34 countries to impose travel restrictions, that’s what I ended up doing in one weekend. As the global death toll from the coronavirus exceeds 425, with more than 20,600 confirmed cases worldwide, and governments join with pharmaceutical companies to rush to test antiviral treatments, here is a window into how the travel industry operates in the face of a possible pandemic. It’s an individual account of travel at a time when you know immigration doors could be closing, but you can only guess which ones and when. My daughter, Allegra, and I were going to the Philippines to see my siblings and for a much-anticipated retreat to Siargao, a Bali-like surfing island in the southeastern part of the country. (When not on vacation, I’m copy chief of Bloomberg Businessweek.) I’d booked my tickets in the first week of January, just a few days after reports of a new SARS-like virus in China began appearing in media outlets. The New York-Manila round-trip tickets involved a two-hour stopover in Hong Kong each way; I’d taken this route many times, and Hong Kong was always an efficient hub. The CX841 flight to Hong Kong could not have gone more smoothly. It left on time and arrived about 15 minutes early. It looked to be threequarters full, which gave Allegra and me a free middle seat in our row. All the flight attendants and most of the passengers wore surgical masks that they brought with them. Having my nose and mouth covered was uncomfortably warm at first, but after takeoff, the cabin air got colder, and the mask stopped bothering me. Allegra and I and many passengers around us wore masks the whole flight except for meals. I had no inkling that my plans were to be upended until the Cathay boarding agent in Hong Kong for our connecting flight to Manila, CX903, looked at our passports and said we couldn’t get on the plane. Only Philippine passport and resident-card holders were allowed to enter the

Philippines. During the 11th hour of our 15-hour flight to Hong Kong from New York, it turns out, the Philippine government had declared a ban on all travelers from China and its territories, effective immediately. That included us—travelers merely transiting through Hong Kong. A man from Wuhan visiting the Philippines had died on February 1, the first coronavirus death recorded outside of China. I looked around me. Ten other people were milling around with the same dumbstruck expression I probably wore—six Air Canada passengers, two Brits, and a Filipina American, Lanie, and her boyfriend, Ronald, who were on the same Cathay flight from New York as we were. On our shirts were blue stickers, attached by the agents to signal that we would need assistance. The Cathay boarding staff couldn’t give us a big picture of what our options were. The only thing they’d say was that we should first get our luggage. I couldn’t get angry at them. It was just some six hours after the Philippine ban was imposed. After the Manila flight took off, two Cathay staffers escorted us through immigration, which we had to pass to get to baggage claim on the fifth floor of Terminal 1. There we got our temperatures checked and our passports stamped. At the baggage carousel, Cathay staffers told us our bags would arrive in a half-hour. And if we couldn’t find our luggage? One of them pointed to the baggage assistance counter, then disappeared. While we waited for our bags, Allegra and I went over our options. We considered visiting Tokyo instead, but it was difficult to make brand-new vacation plans while in the baggage claim area sorting out the mess of our original trip. Besides, our passports now had Hong Kong stamps, and I worried that some airports might be closed to us by the time we tried to return to the US. We ultimately decided to cut our losses and return to New York. I called the travel insurance company to hear my options—my $213 policy provided up to $2,000 for trip cancellation and $3,000 for trip interruption. The agent said I should file my claim online, adding that it would be helpful if I could get a statement from Cathay saying we’d been prevented from boarding. Of course, in the chaos of the moment, I hadn’t thought of doing that, nor do I think Cathay’s boarding agents would have been capable of supplying me with one. They were as gobsmacked as I was.

We decided to make our way to the ticketing counters on the seventh floor. By then, it was 6 p.m. My plan was to look for a late-night flight to New York, which would give us enough time to reunite with our bags, which still hadn’t been located. (Cathay was dealing with thousands of redirected pieces of luggage, a baggage agent told me.) But the only New York-bound flight that evening was CX846 at 7:45 p.m. I was determined not to stay overnight in a Hong Kong hotel. The day before our trip, the US announced a ban on foreign nationals coming from China, beginning on Sunday, February 2. It did not include Hong Kong. Still, Allegra and I had checked with our respective HR departments. We were told that as we were merely transiting through Hong Kong, we wouldn’t have to go into a 14-day self-quarantine required of employees who were coming from Hong Kong and China, new policies at each of our companies. Would staying in a Hong Kong airport hotel be considered actually staying in Hong Kong? I did not want to take the risk. Lanie, my new Filipina American friend, and I had formed an information-sharing agreement, and we called out to each other what our respective ticket agents were telling us to ensure that we were all on the same page. My ticket agent hadn’t even realized that many Philippine-bound passengers had been stranded. We got our tickets at 6:30 p.m. We weren’t charged a rebooking fee, which for our ticket class would have been $200 apiece. On a February 3 travel advisory, Cathay announced that rebooking and rerouting charges would be waived for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon passengers affected by travel restrictions arriving in, departing from, or transiting through Hong Kong between February 1 and February 29 with tickets issued on or before February 1. It also said passengers who are affected by entry restrictions are entitled to a full refund for Cathay Pacific/ Cathay Dragon tickets issued on or before February 3 for travel from February 3 to February 14. It was then off to a different counter to check in; it was about 6:45 p.m., an hour before our flight was to depart. By the time we got to the front, we still didn’t have our bags—but a call confirmed that they had been located. In a mad dash, Allegra and Ronald headed to a sixthfloor office; from there they were escorted to the fifth-floor baggage claim area and then signed back into the airport. They came rushing back

to the counter not even five minutes before check-in closed at 7:05 and boarding started. Surprisingly, we got on with time to spare—Allegra and I in the center seats of the middle row, and Lanie and Ronald in the seats behind us. In the chaotic four hours after we were kept from boarding our Manila flight, there were many moments of levity and kindness. A ticketing agent fretted that the Brits in my group had no masks; their London return flight wouldn’t be till the early hours of the morning, too long to be without a mask in Hong Kong’s airport, in her view. Her thanks as well as theirs were profuse when I gave them some that I had. The check-in agent kept apologizing for what we were going through and the check-in counter manager made call after call to help Allegra and Ronald get the bags speedily. We were supposed to be charged HK$120 ($15.45) apiece for airport tax, but in the rush, we weren’t. We arrived at JFK at 10:07 p.m. Sunday night, some 37 hours after we flew out of the same airport. We had traveled 16,144 miles. By the time we landed, the ban on China travelers that the US government announced on Friday had taken effect.12 The immigration agent asked us whether we had been to China. We said no, just Hong Kong, and we were waved through. As the plane was landing in New York, I had looked at the plane’s path on my screen. It was then that I realized that both my outgoing and incoming flights had flown east. I had effectively circumnavigated the world. All in 37 hours. Notes: 1 Why didn’t we cancel our plans? Even though I started to worry that this vacation could be more vulnerable than usual to circumstances beyond my control, altogether, canceling my trip would have cost me over $1,000 ($200 rebooking or cancellation fee for each of our tickets, loss of the $100 apiece I paid to preselect our seats, and about $450 in nonrefundable domestic fares). I decided to push ahead. After all, we weren’t going to mainland China and were just transiting through Hong Kong. I also had travel insurance (purchased for $213). 2 The US is temporarily barring entry to foreign nationals who have visited China and pose a risk of spreading the illness, unless they are immediate relatives of US citizens or permanent residents. Flights from China would be funneled through just seven US airports. The State Department issued its highest level do-not-travel advisory for China. Bloomberg News

A6 Thursday, February 6, 2020 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

You can help prevent coronavirus infection

S of Wednesday, February 5, the Associated Press reported that the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak that began in China has infected more than 24,500 people globally. China has reported 490 deaths, saying that most of the deaths have been in central Hubei province, where illnesses from the new type of coronavirus were first detected in December. Outside of China, The Philippines was the first country to record a coronavirus death, which sent shock waves not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces. It also raised questions about government’s ability to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Chinese man who died was the partner of a Chinese woman whose infection was announced earlier. Both were admitted to the San Lazaro Hospital on January 25. The man reportedly complained of a cough and sore throat, before developing fever and pneumonia. He also showed “signs of improvement,” before his condition suddenly deteriorated 24 hours before his death. At a Senate hearing, it was learned that the two had traveled to two other destinations in the Philippines during the course of their trip from Wuhan, exposing themselves to an undetermined number of Filipinos after arriving in the country from Wuhan through Hong Kong on January 21. Concerned officials are now trying to track down all those who were on the same flight as the two coronavirus patients, as well as the people working in hotels, and other places they visited. Although the DOH chief has assured the public that all measures needed to contain the spread of the virus is being strictly implemented and followed, and that the hospital where the two Chinese patients were taken had “implemented rigorous infection control protocols while caring for them,” people who heard the news about the coronavirus death in Manila scrambled for face masks to protect themselves and their families, even as health workers claimed they had no effect against the infection. With the death of the Chinese patient on Sunday, President Duterte ordered a travel ban—something many people had been demanding on social media after China sealed off Wuhan—that covers all passengers who traveled from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The Senate hearing also revealed that as of February 4, the Department of Health has only contacted 17 percent, or just 50 of the 331 passengers who may have come in contact with the country’s first two confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV, showing gaps in the government’s protocol for tracking down potentially infected persons. The senators were also disappointed to discover the apparent lack of communication between the DOH and the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines regarding contact tracing, which is crucial in stemming the spread of the dreaded virus. Coronavirus is a potentially life-threatening family of viruses that cause conditions like the common cold, MERS, SARS, and other respiratory conditions. It’s a virus that can infect your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. There is no vaccine for coronavirus. To help prevent infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold—Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth; and to avoid contact with people who are infected, avoid crowded places.

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Dear China, you changed the world John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX need to put things in WEperspective.

An estimated 400 million dengue infections occur worldwide each year, with about 96 million resulting in illness. According to the Department of Health, a total of 271,480 dengue cases were reported from January to August 2019. Worldwide, more than 140,000 people died from measles in 2018, with 228 million cases of malaria in 2018 causing 405,000 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the influenza cases in 2018 to 2019 were associated with more than 35.5 million illnesses and 34,200 deaths in the United States. Nonetheless, all of that nonsense means nothing. The human cost of the NCoV epidemic is incalculable. But the future tragedy is anyone’s guess. Pick the prediction you think best from “No problem” to “Zombie apocalypse” and you

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sales by 10 percent.” As I mentioned before, India relies on Chinese parts to manufacture its cell phones. Capital Economics writes, “The impact of prolonged disruptions to Chinese manufacturing would be most damaging to Asian economies, such as Taiwan, Malaysia and Korea that are heavily connected to China via supply chains. Other vulnerable countries include commodity producers like Saudi Arabia, Chile and South Africa. Manufacturing of both parts and finished goods can shift relatively quickly. Mexico has picked up the slack caused by the US trade war with China. The Nikkei Asian Review reports that “Honda Motor’s major car parts supplier F.tech is to move its brake pedal production from Wuhan, China, to the Philippines amid the new coronavirus outbreak.” However, the longer the virus outbreak lasts curtailing Chinese production, the closer global manufacturing will look at finding ways —permanent ways—to not put all of its eggs in one Chinese basket. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Visit my web site at www.mangunonmarkets.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stockmarket information and technical analysis tools provided by the COL Financial Group Inc.

vote for. The mobile app mentioned by Guanzon, however, goes a couple of steps farther—it is envisioned to be used for actual voting. That means this still-to-bedemonstrated app is really a new way to implement an idea that the Comelec has been pushing for since 2007—Internet-based voting. Back then, as now, the turn out of overseas voters was underwhelming. The low numbers were attributed to several factors, the top 2 of which were—first, the difficulty and inconvenience of making a trip to the embassy to cast a vote; and second, the fact that overseas Filipino workers (who made up a significant fraction of the overseas voting population) often moved from residence to residence without leaving forwarding addresses, resulting in mailed ballots being sent back undelivered. Internetbased voting was seen as a potential solution to both these problems as it would allow the voter to vote from any computer—even a home computer—with access to the Internet, and it would essentially eliminate the need for a physical mailing address, making individual mobility a nonissue. The 2020 version envisioned by Guanzon adds the use of mobile phones into the mix and basically supercharges the potential of the idea. The ubiquity of smartphones

and the widespread availability of mobile Internet access means that we are now on the cusp of the age of the portable vote where you no longer need to go to a physical polling place, or need a desktop computer to access the voting portal! People with smartphones would be able to literally vote anywhere, and at any time during the voting period. And since Internetbased voting does away with the need for paper ballots, you can most likely pay for the entire system out of the savings alone. All in all, mobile app-based voting is promising to be an ideal solution. But there’s a catch—Internetbased voting— not to mention mobile app-based voting—isn’t authorized by law. Which is why, in her tweet, Guanzon specifically says that the Comelec “will ask Congress to pass a law.” As an interesting side-note to this story, the feisty commissioner followed up on her tweets by announcing the identities of the “four suppliers” she had mentioned, asking netizens to “research them,” and to e-mail her the results of their digging. This sort of crowdsourcing of background checks is an interesting strategy, to say the least, and it definitely shows that this savvy senior commissioner has her fingers squarely on the pulse of our young voters.

The portable vote

✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Publisher

might be correct. One thing that we can say with certainty is that the future of global trade has changed in the short term, and maybe forever. Through the Industrial Revolution, two aspects of manufacturing created the modern world of products that we use every day. These were interchangeable parts, and the assembly line. No one person is solely responsible for either of those techniques and both were refined over time. Henry Ford likes to take credit for the assembly line process. What he did was improve the process in car production by moving the automobile past the workers rather than move the workers from car to car. However, because of interchangeable parts and that men and women on the assembly lines were also interchangeable, global manufacturing is what it is today. Eventually, workers in five differ-

ent factories speaking five different languages could manufacture parts which were then assembled into finished goods by workers in five other factories speaking five more different languages. This system made sense and helped build greater global prosperity. No longer did a country have to depend on its own natural resources. The Philippines used to make most of the global automotive wiring harnesses. But due to skill, luck, or Divine intervention, China became an important manufacturing hub for both finished goods and parts. The world never complained much as China could be depended upon to deliver. No one argues with the Beijing government. January 2020 changed all that. Now we are reading “Hyundai, Kia Factories Crippled In South Korea As Part Suppliers In China Remain Closed: Yonhap News reports that Hyundai Motor Co. and its sister Kia Motors Corp. suspended production lines in South Korea after it was hit with a parts shortage from China.” “iPhone shortages predicted to hit US: Ming-Chi Kuo, known by some as the world’s leading Apple expert, said in an investor note that he would be lowering his prediction of Q1 iPhone

SPOX

HE Commission on Elections’ indefatigable Senior Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon once again started conversations all over the place when she tweeted: “four suppliers of Mobile App voting program/system offered to conduct a test run for @Comelec. If successful we will ask Congress to pass a law.” The Comelec’s march toward modernity clearly didn’t end when it successfully introduced the automated election system in 2010. For the roughly three people left in the world who still don’t know what it is, the word “app” is an abbreviation for “application,” which in turn refers to a piece of software generally performing a specific function, or set of functions. If the software is designed to run on a mobile platform, i.e., a smartphone or a tablet, it is referred to, quite imaginatively, as a mobile app. In the context of elections and election management, mobile apps are nothing new. There are apps that allow a person to register as a voter, as well as to check their registration status; there are apps that act like news aggregators, allowing users quick access to election related news; and some apps that are primarily used for voter education, or even as an aid in choosing who to

THE ubiquity of smartphones and the widespread availability of mobile Internet access means that we are now on the cusp of the age of the portable vote where you no longer need to go to a physical polling place, or need a desktop computer to access the voting portal! People with smartphones would be able to literally vote anywhere, and at any time during the voting period.

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Epira review: Govt must put people at center of power development

‘Salt of the Earth’ Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco Jr.

ALÁLAONG BAGÁ

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

HE last Senate hearing on the power transmission issue confirmed our concern on the vulnerability of the national grid system to “cyber attacks.” The system can be immobilized by cyber warriors. These warriors can also engage in cyber piracy, digging and accumulating data of officials, businesses and homes. These are terrifying possibilities. Paging General Esperon, Defense Secretary Lorenzana, DTI Secretary Lopez and Neda DG Pernia.

The hearing also witnessed the animated exchanges between the officials of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the senators (Dick Gordon, Win Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel) on the role of Chinese technical people in the management and operation of the transmission business. The critical issue: are there violations of the Constitutional provision that only Filipino citizens can hold executive positions in the operation of the grid system? As to the profit issue, the Senate still has to set new hearings on how much profits are being accumulated by NGCP, how much should go (or should have gone) to the government through TransCo and PSALM, and how much should be shouldered by the consumers. A number of CSO representatives, who were not able to speak in the hearing, claim that NGCP has been accumulating so much profits at the expense of the republic. The Senate should be able to sort all the figures in the future hearings. The hearing touched on the role of DOE and ERC in the monitoring of the transmission business and other segments of the entire power sector. As the government watchdogs in the sector, these institutions have shared very little information on the transmission controversy, claiming that their auditing capacity is limited and undefined. As such, they are unable to conduct honest-to-goodness audit of NGCP and other power companies, and share the results of their audits with the Philippine public? Can they not be more proactive, resourceful and assertive? At the end of the hearing, the good lady senator, Hontiveros, came up with a very important suggestion: a full-blown review and assessment of the 2001 Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira). A full-blown review? Why not? Two decades ago, Epira was enacted based on the premise that a restructured power industryunderaregimeoffreecompetition would deliver quality, reliable and affordable supply of electric power for the consuming public. The restructuring took twoseeminglysimplesteps:“unbundling” of the power sector into its different segments (generation, transmission, distribution and retailing) and “privatization” of virtually all these segments, including the establishment of a privatized Wholesale Electric Spot Market (WESM). The neoliberal economic planners were effusive with praise on the Epira law. Accordingly, Epira means an end to endless power disruptions. Above all, power shall be cheaper and affordable to the masses. It has not. The Philippines still has the highest power rate in Southeast Asia. The country, in fact, is in the top 5 countries of the world with the most expensive electricity. This probably explains why Ayala’s IMI electronics as-

sembly is done in China (despite rising wages), not in the Philippines. So why has electricity remained expensive in the Philippines despite the rosy promise of Epira eventually leading to lower electricity bills? This is one of the many questions that should be answered by the Legislative inquiry. We would like to line up below other questions that should be raised and answered in a Senate inquiry: Is the “take-or-pay” arrangements with the “independent power producers” encouraged by the Ramos administration to come in and invest on the power sector still on? How much has the country bled because of this IPP arrangement with a score of IPP producers? How much of the so-called stranded costs due to the foregoing arrangement with the IPPs are still in the books, and are being paid by the consumers? Has the WESM been successful in promoting competition, when most of the“spot”transactionsarebilateraldeals? Is Meralco, the biggest distribution company, controlled by Filipinos or Indonesians? Why is Meralco and other big power distributors allowed to set up their own power generation units, in violation of the principle of non-cross-ownership? Can Meralco’s distribution monopoly in Luzon be “broken up” through democratization, meaning representation of consumer groups in the Board? (The system of “independent directors,” who are usually chosen from the big private business sector, is no guarantee that consumers shall be protected.) On power generation, why is DepartmentofEnergyobsessedinthepromotion of coal plants when most countries of the world are now phasing out these fossilemitting plants as part of their commitment to combat global warming? Is DOE blind to the fact that the renewables are not only the future of the power sector, but they also happen to be cheaper now (in most instances) than the nonrenewables? Why is it difficult for small renewable power producers to be accredited by DOE, and to be connected to the grids in Mindanao and other islands? Can Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno emulate his counterpart in Malaysia, who asked the Malaysian commercial banks to minimize lending to coal plant producers? As to the NGCP, when will it fulfill its commitment to offer 20 percent of its stocks to the consuming public? Will it accept consumer representatives in its board? When will it complete the modernization of the grid system, and make it truly shielded from cyber attacks? Can the NGCP use its unique position in the middle of the power sector to promote greater involvement of the renewables in providing electricity to our people? Finally, can the Senate come up

with an new Epira that truly serves the interests of the people?

FTER pointing out to his disciples in the Beatitudes the indispensability of the inner dispositions like poverty in spirit, cleanness of heart and hunger for justice, Jesus reveals to them their dignity, and responsibility, in society as “salt of the Earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Salt, no mere flavoring

THE metaphor of being salt of the Earth does not mean being merely like a flavoring for food (Job 6:6), but something that purifies persons and things (Exodus 30:35; Ezekiel 16:4). Salt fertilizes the soil (Luke 14:35), and preserves from decay. In reference to the disciples of Jesus Christ, it means certain quality and definite consistency for the benefit of the Earth, and contributing to the enhancement of humanity. To have a valuable mission, to make a substantial difference in being of service to others is what is here emphasized, not some passing fancy or superficial cosmetic. If salt loses its natural proper-

ties, that is if Christians are untrue to their own nature, they would be irrelevant to humanity, “no longer good for anything but to be thrown out.” To fail in their mission in the world to share with all the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ, is to be useless, to be despised and gotten rid off like the tree without good fruit (Matthew 7:19) or the worthless fish in the net (Matthew 13:4850). If instead of announcing and witnessing to all the imperative of conversion to Christ, and instead of opposing the forces of evil the Christians themselves adopt the spirit of the world, they would be rejected by the very world they should have helped to change.

Thursday, February 6, 2020 A7

Children of light

TWO Sundays ago, we were presented of Jesus as “the great light” that shone on those living in darkness (Matthew 4:12-16), and the recent feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple has Simeon recognizing and proclaiming Jesus as “light to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32), the messianic dawn and coming of the “light for the nations” making God visible to humankind (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). Now, the followers of Jesus are called through their baptism and confirmation to be bearers of this messianic light, and to live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-14)—like the moon reflecting the light of the sun. As the light of the world, they must not be hidden, just as a city on a hilltop cannot but be visible. Or like a lamp that is placed on a stand precisely to have it cast its glow on those in the house. The mission of Christians in this one world we live in is to be a source of light to all, however difficult and frustrating it may be. The above similes of salt and light bring out the ecclesial concern that the faithful be true to their high calling in this world all together. No one, however charismatic, can do it alone, and be the light of the world or the salt of the Earth. One isolated candle cannot cast much

light, but individual lights burning in all the houses make a community built on a hill very noticeable, indeed, and cannot be disregarded, pushing darkness away and reflecting the divine source, the light that shows the way to all. Alálaong bagá, the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed and lived wholeheartedly can set the world ablaze. The present-day gloom in many de-Christianized nation in the world, where the lamps have been extinguished or allowed to flicker out, or in places where the light has not yet been ignited, makes the baptismal vocation of every Christian urgent and vital. The lighted candle we were handed at baptism, to be kept burning bright, is our life-long symbol of our world mission. The work of evangelization is incumbent upon all followers of Jesus. And it is by our lives in conformity with our faith that we draw others to Jesus. We must humbly be “before others,” having our light shining brightly so that others can see our witnessing and come to glorify God. Shunning selfseeking or triumphalist ostentation (Matthew 6:1), we spread the light of the gospel in the authenticity of our Christian lives.

Ippas’ and electric co-ops’ P59.23-B obligation plunges PSALM into debt Val A. Villanueva

BUSINESSWISE

HE inability to collect overdue accounts from independent power producer administrators (Ippas) and electric cooperatives has sunk the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) deeper into huge debts. Ironic, indeed! PSALM has been forced to take out loans that the government guarantees in order to timely fulfill its mandate of liquidating the financial obligations of the National Power Corp. (Napocor). In 2018, PSA LM borrowed about P23 billion to cover its maturing obligations. It borrowed $1.1 billion for accounts that had matured in May last year. This resulted in the government firm paying interests, guarantee fees and other finance charges of about P2.62 billion per year. “Had the Ippas and electric cooperatives paid their obligations, PSALM would not incur this much additional expenditure,” PSALM President-CEO Irene Joy Garcia told BusinessWise. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III lamented that “all these borrowing costs could have, otherwise, been used by the government for the construction of public-school classrooms, or to build roads and bridges.” He instructed PSALM to relentlessly pursue collection efforts against these Ippas, and use all remedies available to protect the rights of the government and the Filipino people. Ippas and electric cooperatives dominate the list of the top corporate entities with long overdue ac-

counts with the PSALM, amounting to a combined P59.23 billion as of December 2018. Many of these accounts were transferred in 2001 by Napocor to PSALM by virtue of Epira, or Republic Act 9136. A PSALM report to Dominguez, chairman of the state-run firm’s Board of Directors, showed that several Ippas have pending overdue accounts with PSALM amounting to P28.46 billion as of December 2018. Some of the Ippas are contesting in courts or in arbitral tribunals the amounts due. South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC), which administers the Ilijan gas-fired power plant in Batangas City, has the highest unpaid obligation to PSALM, in the sum of P19.75 billion. PSALM earlier terminated the Ippa, but the termination has been enjoined by the courts. Vivant-Sta. Clara Northern Renewables Generation Corp., formerly owned by Vivant Energy and Sta. Clara Power Corp., owes P3.86 billion to PSALM, which awarded it an Ippa contract for the Bakun Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ilocos Sur. Vivant-Sta. Clara filed a petition for rehabilitation, and was recently purchased by North Renewable Energy Corp. Despite the change in ownership, the company has not yet settled its overdue account. The Good Friends Hydro Resourc-

es Corp. of Lucio Lim Jr. has yet to pay PSALM P1.16 billion, while FDC Utilities Inc., led by Juan Eugenio Roxas as its president-CEO and a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corp., owes P1.12 billion. Both Ippas were involved with the contract to administer the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plants. As the previous Ippa for Mindanao I and II Geothermal Power Plants, the FDC Misamis Power Corp., a Filinvest Utilities subsidiary, also owes PSALM P2.56 billion. The PSALM report also listed 10 electric cooperatives and industries with the largest unpaid obligations to PSALM, with a combined total of P28.74 billion as of December last year. According to the report, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative has the highest overdue account, amounting to P9.63 billion. Represented by its General Manager Nordijiana Ducol, Lasureco owes PSALM the largest and longest overdue amount dating back 16 years. Second in the list is the Public Utilities Department of Olongapo City, although no longer a PSALM client, still owes P6.07 billion in obligations, representing over nine years of overdue power bills, over a decade of unpaid value-added tax (VAT) payments, and five years of penalties and interests. The defunct PICOP Resources Corp. that used to be owned by TP Holdings Inc. is third, with an overdue account of P2.96 billion since 2008. Fourth on the list is the Albay Electric Cooperative Inc., represented by Jelinda Pempeña and now known as the Albay Power Energy Corp. It is no longer a PSALM customer, but has P2.61 billion of power bills, VAT, and interests and penalties that has remained unpaid since 2006. Ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, are the Maguindanao Elec-

tric Cooperative Inc., led by Sultan Ashary Maongco, with P1.76 billion in unpaid obligations (more than 10 years of overdue power bills); and Global Steelworks International Inc. (now known as Global Steel Philippines), a subsidiary of Global Steel Holdings Limited, with an unpaid account since 2009 amounting to P1.68 billion. There are other Ippas and electric coops which have been notorious in servicing their debts. The list is too long for them to be mentioned here. Their mind-boggling debt is a heavy onus, not only on PSALM, but on the national government and the Filipino people, as well. PSALM is mandated to manage all existing debt of Napocor, capital lease payments to Ippas, and the outstanding obligations of electric coops to the National Electrification Administration and other government agencies. In order to pay all principal and interest payments on time, PSALM had to take out government-guaranteed loans, the borrowing costs for which could have, otherwise, been spent more wisely, as Dominguez himself pointed out, on public-school classrooms and infrastructure that form the backbone of a healthy economy. Until it receives all its payables, PSALM will find it impossible to realize its vision of becoming debtfree by 2026 in order to operate in “a competitive electric power industry through strategic asset privatization and financial management.” For PSALM to solve the debt problem of these Ippas and electric cooperatives by borrowing more is preposterous and ineffective. The Duterte administration must come up with a workable solution fast before PSALM, the national government and the economy go bust.

benchmarks across major advanced economies are already back below neutral, the rate that balances full employment and low inflation. While that may leave them reluctant to cut in case they need ammunition to fight a future downturn, they may choose to do so in the hope of warding off a renewed economic downturn. The SARS experience 17 years ago may offer reason not to panic. According to James McCormick, a strategist at Natwest Markets, the 2003 “impact on growth and markets was short-lived, and once it had passed, the global economy resumed its solid uptrend into the end of year.”

Less confident is Erik Nielsen, group chief economist at UniCredit Bank, who had already been among the few economists to predict the Fed would cut rates this year before the virus hit the headlines. “If the outbreak does not dissipate soon, the authorities in both China, and elsewhere, are likely to extend travel bans, people will stay at home, and the increase in uncertainty will cause consumers to delay consumption and firms to defer investment,” said Nielsen. “In other words, we think it’s way too early to dismiss this outbreak as just a brief interruption of constructive markets— as much as we wish it is.”

For comments/suggestions e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

Virus ‘wild card’ threatens to drag central banks back to action By Enda Curran Bloomberg Opinion

LOBAL central bankers are biding their time as the coronavirus fallout reverberates through the world economy, which they had hoped was stabilizing after its worst year since the financial turmoil of 2009. While yet to respond with major stimulus,monetarypolicy-makersacross the globe have expressed concern and signaled a willingness to act if the virus delivers a triple and sustained blow to demand,inflationandfinancialmarkets. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Tuesday he wouldn’t

hesitate to shield his economy. Australia, the developed world’s most Chinaexposed economy, said it’s still prepared to lower rates if needed, while stressing its important not to “catastrophize.” The Monetary Authority of Singapore said on Wednesday there’s “sufficient room” for the currency to ease if the economy weakens due to the impact of the coronavirus. At the US Federal Reserve, Vice Chairman Richard Clarida said on Friday that while it remains too early to determine the economic risk from the virus, it is a “wild card.” The economic pain is playing out in real time. Nike Inc. became the latest company to warn off a hit as it said it

has closed about half of its companyowned stores in China as a result of the outbreak, which it expects to have a “material impact” on its operations in the country. World Bank President David Malpass on Tuesday warned of an enormous amount of uncertainty. The upshot is that after racing to the rescue of swooning economies in 2019, central bankers are again having to assess a fresh downside risk to their economic outlook and new disinflationary impulse. Their hope is that the virus will soon be contained, enabling a swift bounce back in global growth, without them having to ease already loose monetary policy even further.

“Typically, what’s happened in the past, there may be a short-term impact of an epidemic or a pandemic, but longer term it seems to have relatively little influence and I think many observers are hoping that will be true this time,” former Fed Chairman Janet Yellen said on Tuesday in Washington. “But we don’t know where this is going and to my mind it is clearly a source of uncertainty and risk to the global outlook.”

Policy dilemma

A DILEMMA for central banks is that their key rates are already at or still near historical lows. Estimates by Bloomberg Economics show that

A8 Thursday, February 6, 2020

Travel ban likely in effect for 2 weeks

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla & Recto Mercene @rectomercene

HE country’s travel ban for China, Macau and Hong Kong will be in effect for at least two weeks to give the government time to assess if the spread of the 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is finally under control.

In a press conference, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said President Duterte approved the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) during the

Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening to ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFW). This, despite the position of the Department of Foreign Affairs

(DFA), which Bello supported, to exempt OFWs from the ban since it may lead to their retrenchment. In the end, Duterte sided with the position of Health Secretary Franciso T. Duque III, who said the government cannot “gamble on the health of our workers.” “He [Duque] recommended that we allow a period of two weeks and observe the situation, and then probably allow them [OFWs] to leave if the situation improves,” Bello said. The labor chief said Duterte, upon the recommendation of DOH, will have the final say whether to lift or extend the travel ban.

Chinese govt commitment

C abinet Secretar y K arlo B. Nograles said among the factors

“He [Duque] recommended that we allow a period of two weeks and observe the situation, and then probably allow them [OFWs] to leave if the situation improves.” —Bello

which could affect Duterte’s decision on the matter will be an official commitment from the Chinese officials to safeguard the welfare of OFWs bound for China, Hong Kong and Macau. “The Chinese officials are saying they will guarantee the health and safety of the workers, but it has not been stated publicly yet. It was just a private exchange to [Foreign Affairs] Secretary [Teodoro]

ERC rushing genco permits before summer By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Wednesday said Luzon has a supply deficiency of 1,800 to 1,900 megawatts (MW), and in order to help alleviate the situation it vowed to fast-track the process for powerrelated permits filed by generation companies.

“The deficiency is 1,800 to 1,900 megawatts, according to DOE [Department of Energy],” said ERC chairman Agnes Devanadera, partly in Filipino. “At first, they said the shortfall would be felt in May, but now it’s April,” she added, referring to the month where supply could be “very tight” because demand is expected to peak. When sought for comment, Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor

Delola said the figure cited by ERC referred to the least Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) of one day, or a “probabilistic measure” of the number of days that the power generation will be insufficient to meet the demand “with adverse conditions present.” “We need that much if we aim for the least LOLE of one day. To get through the summer months, as long as there are no forced out-

ages, we need around 800 MW to ensure all reserve requirements are covered. There’s still a possibility of red alerts on some weeks especially if we experience forced outages. We are constantly updating the outlook though, considering initiatives, such as ILP [Interruptible Load Program], energy efficiency, etc…,” said Delola in a text message. See “ERC,” A2

Pinoy on cruise ship positive for nCoV NORTHEAST MONSOON AFFECTING LUZON AND VISAYAS LOW PRESSURE AREA 850 KM EAST OF DAVAO CITY as of 4:00 pm - February 5, 2020

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that one Filipino among 10 other passengers has tested positive for coronavirus. Tokyo authorities made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the remaining passengers and crew, out of a total 3,700 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, would be quarantined for 14 days. The DFA said all the 11 who have tested positive for the virus will be transferred to a health-care facility. There are 538 Filipinos onboard the ship, which is now docked in Yokokama, Japan, the DFA said. “The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is closely and actively monitoring the welfare of Filipinos onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which is currently docked off the port of Yokohama, Japan under a quarantine implemented by the Japanese government,” the DFA said in a statement. “The cruise ship was quarantined when one of the passengers tested positive for the novel coronavirus.” “Since then and after this time, 10 persons onboard the cruise ship, including one Filipino, have tested positive for the virus, and will be transferred to a health-care facility. The other passengers have been asked to remain onboard the ship for the required 14-day quarantine period.” The DFA said it is in constant communication with the remaining Filipinos onboard “and is closely coordinating with Japanese authorities to provide them all possible assistance.” The infection was traced to an 80-year-old passenger from Hong Kong who was found to be infected with the pneumonia-causing virus. The Japan Times said the infected man from Hong Kong flew to Tokyo in mid-January and boarded the cruise ship in Yokohama on January 20. He disembarked in Hong Kong on January 25. The remaining passengers were told the vessel will dock later Wednesday to restock food and other supplies. “The Diamond Princess, with some 3,700 people aboard, has been kept in quarantine at anchor off the coast of Yokohama. Of all the passengers and crew, 273 who had close contact with the infected passenger took the virus test,” The Japan Times said, quoting Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Katsunobu Kato said at a news conference. “Results for 31 of them came back, and 10 people in their 50s to 80s were found to be infected and are being sent to a hospital, he said, adding that none are showing severe symptoms.” The Japanese government is requiring all passengers and crew, from 56 countries and regions, to stay on the ship for two more weeks from Wednesday. Recto Mercene

Locsin, himself, so let’s await developments,” Nograles said. Nograles said Duterte would likely be more comfortable in lifting the travel ban for OFWs with a firm guarantee from the Chinese government. He said Locsin is already communicating with the Chinese on the matter. The two-week period started on February 2, when Malacañang announced the enforcement of the travel ban. The ban stopped non-Filipino travelers coming from China, Hong Kong and Macau from entering the country, and at the same time all Filipinos from traveling to these places.

Potential displacement

Since the imposition of the travel

ban, Bello said at least 600 OFWs, who are mostly balik manggagawa or vacationing OFWs, have been affected by it. He said the OFWs have already availed themselves of the P10,000 cash assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). T he Society of Hong Kong Accredited Recruiters of the Philippines (SHARP) has appealed to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to allow the resumption of the deployment of OFWs, particularly for Hong Kong. “They are going to work, and their families are heavily banking on their earnings/remittances for their financial needs. See “Travel ban,” A2

D.I.C.T. SAYSBROWN CONFIDENTIAL THE QUICK FOX JU FUND USE ABOVE BOARD OVER THE LAZY DOG. THE LAZY DOG By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has clarified that its use of the P300-million confidential funds in 2019 was above board. In a statement, the ICT department said that the funds were used to “aid” law-enforcement agencies in “protecting” Philippine cyberspace from cyber criminals. “A key component of cyber security is information gathering on our ICT systems, and aiding the government agencies involved in law enforcement, and the defense of our nation and its people. Strategies for cybercrime and cybersecurity incident prevention are needed, together with the proper use of cyber tools, to protect our public safety and our nation’s security,” it said. The ICT department also defended the supposed need for confidential funds, given that cyber threat is “increasing at an alarming rate.” Citing studies from cybersecurity provider Kaspersky, the agency said the Philippines is one of the countries with the most risk of online infection, after climbing to the 12th place globally in 2019 from 17th the year prior. In the fourth quarter of 2019, it said, the Philippines is the seventh most attacked nation in the world. “This increasing problem in

Fitch. . .

Continued from A1

“Using our model of the global economy, we estimate that, in the most likely scenario for the spread of the virus, the disruption caused by the coronavirus will cut more than 2-percentage points from China’s real GDP growth at an annualized rate in the first quarter of this year and 0.8-percentage point from growth for all of 2020.” Moody’s Analytics said. “The rest of Asia suffers the most from China’s struggles with 2019-nCoV.” Moody’s also noted that the global economic of the new virus is expected to be larger than the economic impact made by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic, which also originated in China in 2003. “The global economic impact of n-CoV is expected to be substantially more significant than that of SARS, primarily because China has gone from being a bit player in the global economy in the early 2000 to an economic powerhouse today,” it said. “Back then, China accounted for just over 4 percent of global GDP, compared with 16 percent today. China has

cyber security needs to be addressed immediately and effectively. To do this, the expenditure of the funds, allocated as it was by Congress for that purpose, was both necessary and indispensable,” the ICT department said. Thus, there is an imminent need for “continuous monitoring so that both domestic and foreign cyber threats and cyber attacks can be identified, addressed, and promptly neutralized to protect the safety and security of our nation,” the statement read. It added that the DICT is mandated to aid law enforcement in the latter’s initiatives, given as it is a member of the National Security Council. “In sum, the Confidential Expense allocated in the 2019 GAA was legitimately used for cyber security and the protection of our national security, with the safety of our government’s information facilities and institutions, and the welfare of our people, being the Department’s utmost priority,” the statement read. To recall, news agencies reported that there might be irregularities in the P300-million confidential funds of the ICT department. Some reports quoted former ICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr., who still sits as the agency’s undersecretary for operations. Rio has since clarified that he is only opposed to having confidential funds, and that he has no direct knowledge of their disbursements.

become an integral part of the global manufacturing supply chain, accounting for about one-fifth of global manufacturing output,” Moody’s added. According to Moody’s data, SARS’ impact on the Philippines’s one-year real GDP growth was at -0.1 percent, while its 10-year impact was at -0.11 percent. Hong Kong was the most affected as its impact on GDP was estimated at -2.63 percent while India was least affected at -0.04 percent. S&P Global Ratings said that while the situation is still developing, they forecast that the virus will be stopped on its tracks within the first half of the year. “While the situation is obviously a fluid one, our base-case projection is that the coronavirus crisis will stabilize globally in April 2020, with virtually no new transmissions in May,” said S&P Global Ratings. “Our worst-case projection holds that the virus stops spreading in late May, and optimistically in March. In turn, this suggests that the peak impact on economic activity across Asia-Pacific will be in the first and second quarters. Growth should stabilize later in 2020 and recover through early 2021 as the temporary effect on activity wanes,” it added.

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of application for Alien Employment Permits published on December 19, 2019, the name of Ms. Zheng, Wanqi under JINSHENGLONG BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. should have been read as Ms. Zeng, Wanqi and not as published. In the ad material published on February 4, 2020 the company of Mr. Zehr, Steven Frederick under ABOITIZ POWER CORPORATION should have been read as ABOITIZ AIRPORTS ADVISORY SERVICES CORPORATION located at NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 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 NCR Regional Office located at 967 Maligaya St., Malate, Manila, within 30 days after its publication. Please inform DOLE NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Thursday, February 6, 2020

Govt review of Manila Water contract still on–DOJ chief

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the revision of the concession agreements with water concessionaires would continue despite Manila Water Co.’s decision to sell its 25-percent stake to business tycoon Enrique Razon.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the agency leading the revision of the contracts with Manila Water and Maynilad which the agency found to be onerous and disadvantageous to the government. Guevarra said Razon’s decision to purchase a portion of Manila Water’s stake is a business matter and has no

effect on the ongoing review of the concession contracts. “The CA [concession agreement] will be revised for he benefits of the consuming public regardless of the ownership of the water company,” Guevarra assured. One of the most notable onerous provisions is the prohibition

Teleserv cries foul over PSA’s unilateral MOA termination

ILIPINAS Teleserv Inc. (Teleserv), the former service provider of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Helpline Plus, broke its silence on Wednesday over what it calls a “unilateral and unjustified termination of its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PSA.” To make matters worse, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa “has been making statements damaging to Teleserv’s corporate reputation,” the company lamented in a statement, apparently referring to news reports where Mapa said two cases of data breach had led the PSA to conclude that Teleserv was not compliant with the contract. Teleserv President Jun Yupitun said that PSA overreacted and wantonly breached the MOA by quickly canceling it. He explained that, on its own and without the prodding of PSA, Teleserv promptly and properly addressed the complaints of data privacy breach even before any case was filed by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) against PSA, in a manner consistent with the Data Privacy Act. In a letter sent to PSA, Teleserv underscored that the total number of complaints only comprised less than one-half of one percent of the more than 1 million customers it serviced last year. “In other words, the mentioned two NPC cases do not establish any pattern of data privacy breach, nor is there a clear proof of a supposed weak security system.” In a press announcement issued last week, PSA said it decided to terminate its MOA with Teleserv on December 20, 2019, due to two complaints. A PSA official added that the MOA between the government and Teleserv did not specify Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure Teleserv’s performance, leading to the data breaches. A Teleserv official disputed this contention, saying that despite the absence of a KPI in the agreement, the company is an experienced and reputable BPO, which is self-regulated and has strong policies in place to ensure delivery of high service level. The Teleserv official added that any desired change or improvement in the MOA to incorporate such KPIs could have been addressed through an amendment of the MOA, and not through its unilateral termination. The official added that Teleserv

strictly complies with PSA’s operational guidelines particularly, PSA Memorandum Circulars (MCs) 201915 and 2019-16. MC 2019-15 provides the guidelines on the issuance of civil registry documents (CRDs,) including certificates for live birth, death, marriage, no marriage advisory, including authentication of these CRDs. On the other hand, MC 2019-16 specifies guidelines on the presentation of valid ID cards/documents in the issuance of CRDs. “We strictly comply with these guidelines, and make sure that each applicant’s privacy is protected. Our strict compliance to these guidelines even contributed to more customer complaints as well,” the Teleserv official stressed. He added: “Our service has accorded convenience and comfort to our customers, which last year was more than 1 million. With the unilateral termination of the MOA, and by Mr. Mapa’s own admission, our customers have shifted to the other provider which PSA had endorsed. I suggest that PSA should look into all its application channels as well; they may be promoting channels with weaker controls.” Teleserv also called baseless the PSA allegation that the company is offering PSA certificates through social media application such as Facebook, and online shopping sites like LAZADA and Sulit. “We have our own official Facebook application service which we developed and operate. We are not connected to any other non-Teleserv application channels.” “If PSA now thinks that we need to revisit the terms of the MOA and its Addendum specifically in regard to this expanded coverage, we could have simply been called to a meeting for this purpose. Instead of doing that, Mr. Mapa whimsically resorted to the inordinate cancellation of the MOA,” the Teleserv official lamented. “If only Teleserv was accorded its basic right to due process and was properly heard before its MOA was axed, PSA would have known that there was no compelling and contractually justifiable ground to nix the agreement. Teleserv has consulted its legal counsel to study its options and protect its rights. In fact, the appropriate demand letter was already sent to Mr. Mapa,” the Teleserv official asserted.

against government interference in rate-setting and the provisions on indemnification for possible losses in the event of such government interference. Guevarra earlier said it may take six months before the government could come up with the draft concession agreements and present the same to the water concessionaires for comments. The DOJ secretary said the legal and constitutional issues pertaining to the concession contracts have already been resolved by the DOJ. He added that the legal team is only waiting for the input of the Department of Finance on economic terms such as water rate-setting mechanism, factors to be considered such as inflation rate and exchange rate, expenditures that can validly included in the concession agreement

and what can be and cannot be taxed. Also found irregular by the DOJ was the extension of the contracts with the two water distributors until 2037 “that was granted 12 to 13 years before the original expiration of the 25-year concession agreements in 2022. Razon bought shares in Manila Water despite the ongoing review by the government of the concession agreements, Under the sale, the Ayala firm had agreed to sell 820 million common shares at P13 each to Razon’s infrastructure company Prime Metroline Holdings Inc. It raises P10.7 billion in additional equity capital that Manila Water would use to “pursue its long-term strategic initiatives.” Ayala Corp. remains as the biggest shareholder of the water utility with a 38.6 percent stake.

RHI posts net income of ₧4M

ntegrated sugar and bioethanol producer Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI) said its net income in the first quarter turned-around to P4 million from a net loss of P197 million due to sale of certain assets. However, RHI said its consolidated revenues during the Octoberto-December period declined by 32 percent to P1.3 billion from P1.9 billion recorded in the previous year. “The volume of sales for refined sugar in the first quarter was low versus last year, because of the decrease in refined sugar produced by the Group in the previous crop year. The average sales price of sugar also dropped during the period,” RHI Chairman Pedro E. Roxas said in a statement on Wednesday. The situation worsen as performance of the sugar mills during the

period was down, Roxas added. “This mirrors the overall performance of the sugar industry based on natinoal sugar production and tons caned milled, compared to the previous crop year,” he said. President and CEO Hubert D. Tubio said RHI’s alcohol segment also reeled from high feedstock costs, resulting in a lower revenue. “The average molasses cost in the first quarter was 32 percent higher than the average price in the past year,” Tubio added. RHI Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer Celso T. Dimarucut said RHI would use the proceeds from the sale of their investment to significantly reduce its long-term loans as part of its debt management plan. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Privacy body halts Grab’s passenger selfie, audio and video recording pilot

HE country’s data privacy regulator has directed Grab Philippines to stop the pilot tests of its in-vehicle audio and video recording, concluding these policies as violative of the privacy rights of passengers. In a notice of deficiencies sent dated January 31, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) told Grab it found multiple issues in its selfie verification, pilot test of the in-vehicle audio recording and the pilot test of the invehicle video recording. The NPC also said it appears that Grab did not identify and assess the risks posed by its data processing systems to the rights and freedoms of passengers, arguing the transport network vehicle operators only considered its own risks. “The video recording system will also enable Grab employees to monitor the situation live from the Grab office and take photos of what is happening inside the vehicle once the driver prompts the office through an emergency button,” the notice read. According to Grab executives, the photo, audio and video files collected through the systems will be released upon request to authorities in the event of dispute, conflict or complaint. However, the NPC said such systems that intrude into personal privacy were not relayed to patrons through Grab’s privacy notice and policy. The firm also failed to mention its legal basis processing the compiled data, the data privacy regulator added. Grab Philippines was given 15 days to comply with the remedial measures directed in the NPC’s notice of deficiencies. The lifting of the

order, however, will be decided by the commission on a per system basis. As such, the order is implemented separately for each of the systems and take effect until such time that Grab fully applies proper controls to address the deficiencies identified in the notice. “While this commission believes that the security of passengers and drivers is a primordial concern, their privacy rights must not be disregarded. It must be protected with earnestness by ensuring that the purpose of data processing is clearly stated, the data flow is secured and the risks are properly identified and mitigated,” the order concluded.

Grab explains

In a statement to media, Grab said the passenger selfie feature and pilot study for in-car audio and video recording were introduced as pioneering safety technology features with the aim of further protecting our ride hailing community. These features follow the legal criteria for lawful processing of data. “However, we recognize the mandate of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to protect user privacy. Passenger selfie feature and audio and video recording pilot have been temporarily suspended as we work with NPC to address their concerns,” said a statement by a company spokesman. Grab promised to “ fully cooperate with NPC in providing necessary supporting documents to adhere to their standards, implement additional corrective measures, and ensure that NPCs expectations and our approach for safety are mutually understood.” Elijah Felice E. Rosales

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, February 6, 2020

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 5, 2020

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH

50.1 150.2 85 25.1 11.12 59.6 31.25 51.5 20.6 174.5 59.1 0.85 18.2 0.53 0.39 0.75 174

52.1 150.6 85.15 25.15 11.2 59.8 31.7 52.25 21.95 176 60 0.88 18.48 0.64 0.425 0.78 176

52.15 152.5 83.3 25.05 11.04 58.1 31.3 51.8 20.1 172.5 59.9 0.85 18.48 0.64 0.43 0.75 176

52.15 152.6 85.65 25.15 11.3 59.8 32 55.65 20.6 176.9 60 0.85 18.48 0.64 0.435 0.75 176

50.1 149.2 83.3 25 11.04 58 31.05 51.4 20.1 172.5 59 0.85 18.48 0.64 0.41 0.74 176

50.1 150.6 85 25.15 11.12 59.8 31.25 51.5 20.5 176 59.5 0.85 18.48 0.64 0.43 0.75 176

1190 1250550 2434200 31200 83600 3980750 86300 2450 59200 273780 13450 10000 300 3000 300000 57000 30

61038.5 188471286 206609188.5 783050 930402 235127131.5 2689305 126836 1213660 48040162 798493 8500 5544 1920 126450 42530 5280

INDUSTRIAL

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

HOLDING & FRIMS

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

-25079.5 -36849909 47495405 7515 -604770 4526464 -1913470 -1182850 -8788171 23250 -

2.15 1.2 32.3 0.214 20.65 66.65 274.8 13.36 3.49 11.54 29.8 9.16 11.84 3.08 16.02 15.02 4.46 8.6 7.25 75 0.57 1.93 35.4 190.5 6.53 9.99 1.8 9.1 1.66 5.02 1.51 0.115 151.6 1.15 1.44 12.08 8.4 9.96 14.56 9.62 0.95 0.99 111 2.1 2.06 4.85 3.06 1.86 6.77 1.3 4.71 1.35 10.02

2.16 1.25 32.5 0.223 20.95 66.75 275 13.62 3.5 11.84 30.6 9.17 12.02 3.09 16.48 15.08 4.78 8.8 7.28 78 0.59 1.94 36.5 190.6 6.84 10 1.81 9.28 1.68 5.3 1.68 0.12 155 1.17 1.45 12.58 8.5 10 14.64 9.95 1 1 173.9 2.11 2.14 4.94 3.19 1.9 6.8 1.33 5.19 1.38 10.04

2.17 1.23 32.05 0.21 21 66.65 268.2 14.02 3.55 11.84 30.8 9.16 12.06 2.88 15.64 15.1 4.8 8.8 7.26 73.4 0.6 1.72 35.1 195.1 6.53 10 1.77 9.3 1.68 5.33 1.68 0.115 151.9 1.15 1.46 12 8.36 10 14.78 9.9 0.98 0.96 163.3 2.11 2.2 4.85 3.1 1.86 6.62 1.31 4.66 1.36 10.1

2.2 1.25 32.7 0.227 21.25 67 274.8 14.18 3.57 11.84 30.8 9.2 12.08 3.13 16.02 15.1 5 8.98 7.34 78 0.63 1.95 36.7 196.8 6.53 10.3 1.84 9.32 1.68 5.33 1.68 0.115 155 1.19 1.5 12.92 8.4 10.16 14.8 9.97 1.01 1 165 2.11 2.2 4.85 3.24 1.92 6.83 1.42 5.19 1.46 10.54

2.13 1.23 32.05 0.21 20.5 66.5 268.2 13.2 3.49 11.54 29.75 9 11.3 2.85 15.6 15 4.48 8.6 7.23 73.4 0.56 1.7 35.1 190.5 6.53 10 1.67 9.01 1.59 5.33 1.68 0.115 148.3 1.14 1.41 12 8.32 9.95 14.52 9.62 0.92 0.94 163.3 2.11 2.05 4.85 3.1 1.85 6.61 1.29 4.66 1.28 9.8

2.15 1.25 32.3 0.223 20.95 66.65 274.8 13.62 3.5 11.84 30.6 9.17 12.02 3.08 16.02 15.02 4.78 8.8 7.25 78 0.57 1.94 36.5 190.6 6.53 10 1.81 9.1 1.66 5.33 1.68 0.115 155 1.17 1.44 12.06 8.4 10 14.6 9.95 1 0.99 165 2.11 2.16 4.85 3.19 1.9 6.77 1.33 5.19 1.38 10.04

3881000 41000 740200 130000 785900 177530 109460 16769300 453000 55800 48900 188600 1515600 8275000 4700 2400 78300 1789400 254523500 98990 4774000 129692000 15000 1369170 6500 95700 2610000 34700 166000 100 2000 100000 828630 5665000 7097000 391400 56500 585000 2300800 13200 145000 2859000 250 20000 274000 8000 22000 1548000 664900 1794000 2100 10397000 5829300

8373740 50990 23913725 27730 16457425 11831180 29933154 229254782 1601480 653942 1467515 1710279 18132384 24848290 74150 36068 361197 15510660 1845314514 7565796 2782020 242161620 532560 265250108 42445 959858 4509160 320150 269450 533 3360 11500 126322123 6654180 10298980 4701734 473253 5851837 33629872 130332 142140 2780870 41080 42200 574660 38800 68430 2927490 4481954 2382150 9893 14279780 59310224

1460070 -833295.0002 -12818730 -1069726 -1920540 3325988 428060 -27092 -621570 -264622 1091460 2934650 15000 17522 7623761 1835459981 435888.4997 -456120 71200 -121726139 13060 -238320 -19120 110670 3451658 -9280 -3071180 -52536 1818874 -28459096 -128700 -24940 1097312 1657790 -172774

0.88 10 742 50.7 10.42 2.66 6 0.67 0.89 0.93 6.4 6.11 12.5 3.6 0.217 706.5 71.7 5.05 5.21 0.49 3.71 10.04 0.55 3.24 4.61 1.08 1.13 175 999 132.1 0.77 174.8 0.21 0.195

0.89 10.32 744 51 10.44 2.67 6.24 0.68 0.9 0.94 6.58 6.13 12.76 4.06 0.231 715 72.7 6.78 6.25 0.5 3.79 10.2 0.57 3.25 5 1.14 1.18 187.5 1000 134.5 0.79 176 0.225 0.201

0.85 10.48 747 50.05 10.52 2.5 6 0.67 0.9 0.88 6.2 6.24 12 3.6 0.206 695 71.9 6.78 5.21 0.5 3.7 10 0.55 3.25 5 1.19 1.11 171 990 132.5 0.79 176 0.226 0.21

0.89 10.48 748 51.25 10.64 2.66 6 0.68 0.9 0.93 6.58 6.28 12.8 3.6 0.249 715 72.7 6.78 5.21 0.5 3.8 10.24 0.57 3.28 5.01 1.19 1.13 189 1010 137.9 0.8 176 0.228 0.21

0.83 10 733.5 50.05 10.34 2.5 6 0.66 0.89 0.88 6.2 6.07 12 3.6 0.203 695 70.8 6.78 5.21 0.49 3.7 9.93 0.55 3.22 5 1.08 1.08 171 990 132 0.77 173 0.21 0.195

0.89 10.3 744 51 10.42 2.66 6 0.68 0.9 0.93 6.58 6.11 12.76 3.6 0.217 715 72.7 6.78 5.21 0.5 3.71 10.04 0.57 3.24 5 1.15 1.13 185 1000 132.1 0.77 176 0.21 0.195

21160000 6100 293820 675600 8099100 401000 202000 235000 137000 57000 269700 9749000 330800 1000 4750000 421160 1274920 2000 1500 3000 2309000 12380100 772000 38241000 22000 220000 58000 160 1131350 437540 143000 640 860000 2500000

18503410 61382 218639530 34372485 84489668 1048970 1212000 157170 122520 52660 1701389 59581583 4128342 3600 1042010 297247960 91841871.5 13560 7815 1490 8745940 124145351 435230 123728250 110050 242480 65170 29920 1129056415 58226549 112000 111554 193050 498470

-309330 21404810 -3507925 28352970 -30190.0002 438000 20100 441613 -48356740 11468 -4473310 19568188 -26050 23034675 -6700480 44000 -56499.9999 72709875 -32089837 -48647 97500

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.79 0.8 0.79 0.8 0.78 0.8 1210000 955060 -15010 ANCHOR LAND 8.75 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1 100 910 41.65 41.95 41.4 41.95 41.25 41.95 7781500 323787255 78390665 AYALA LAND 1.66 1.74 1.65 1.72 1.65 1.66 262000 433300 ARANETA PROP BELLE CORP 1.57 1.58 1.52 1.6 1.52 1.58 771000 1217890 344390 A BROWN 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.66 73000 47490 0.78 0.8 0.82 0.82 0.78 0.8 15000 12000 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.177 0.182 0.177 0.178 0.177 0.177 3340000 591580 CEBU HLDG 6.2 6.25 6.21 6.21 6.16 6.2 103500 641505 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.52 4.55 4.5 4.55 4.5 4.52 140000 631180 0.495 0.5 0.5 0.51 0.495 0.5 5899000 2954420 CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY 0.37 0.375 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 630000 233100 22200 DOUBLEDRAGON 16.5 16.7 17.2 17.2 16.3 16.5 131500 2193910 237412 DM WENCESLAO 9 9.05 8.81 9.05 8.81 9 30900 278130 -13500 EMPIRE EAST 0.39 0.4 0.39 0.4 0.39 0.4 520000 202900 1.45 1.46 1.43 1.46 1.43 1.45 15064000 21850200 -14219120 FILINVEST LAND 1.05 1.06 1.04 1.05 1.04 1.05 252000 264580 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 14.72 14.76 14.72 14.76 14.72 14.72 451600 6648406 157554 PHIL INFRADEV 1.07 1.09 1.11 1.13 1.07 1.09 2300000 2521120 49719.9999 0.74 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.76 0.77 8000 6140 CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD 4.06 4.07 3.95 4.06 3.9 4.06 19851000 79292240 10421630 MRC ALLIED 0.205 0.207 0.218 0.218 0.204 0.205 5690000 1180850 PHIL ESTATES 0.395 0.405 0.38 0.395 0.38 0.395 40000 15650 2.03 2.06 2.04 2.04 2.02 2.03 272000 551260 4040 PRIMEX CORP 25.25 25.5 25.2 25.75 25.2 25.25 371900 9446245 -2730930 ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY 0.31 0.315 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.31 560000 174750 ROCKWELL 2.07 2.1 2.09 2.1 2.07 2.07 51000 107000 SHANG PROP 3.18 3.25 3.17 3.31 3.17 3.24 32000 101800 2.46 2.5 2.5 2.53 2.45 2.5 62000 154610 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 39.05 39.6 39 39.6 38.65 39.6 17589000 687803620 -109255865 VISTAMALLS 5.28 5.4 5.4 5.44 5.28 5.28 47200 256164 SUNTRUST HOME 1.97 1.98 2 2.05 1.92 1.98 14062000 28,120,060( 1,643,319.9997) 6.57 6.58 6.59 6.59 6.35 6.57 989800 6474721 -2460086 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 17.3 17.6 17.74 17.96 17.4 17.4 101500 1779860 GMA NETWORK 5.23 5.26 5.29 5.29 5.23 5.23 177500 931513 0.445 0.45 0.44 0.47 0.435 0.445 2330000 1040200 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 1955 1962 1960 1974 1955 1962 16320 32014240 -10568170 PLDT 1045 1050 1026 1050 1026 1050 172180 179989880 -39619210 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.047 0.048 0.049 0.049 0.047 0.048 5400000 259100 4 4.09 4.5 4.64 4 4 1269000 5101660 DFNN INC ISLAND INFO 0.098 0.101 0.1 0.101 0.1 0.101 80000 8050 ISM COMM 3 3.02 3.06 3.17 2.79 3.02 43663000 129690000 938780 NOW CORP 2.22 2.27 2.28 2.33 2.2 2.22 1400000 3161790 -27180 0.245 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.245 0.25 1130000 280810 50000 TRANSPACIFIC BR 3.65 3.69 3.87 3.97 3.6 3.65 4853000 18018880 553060 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 9.5 9.7 9.49 9.7 9.45 9.7 13200 125508 ASIAN TERMINALS 17.5 18.58 17.5 17.5 17.5 17.5 200 3500 3500 CHELSEA 4.91 4.96 4.96 4.98 4.92 4.92 353000 1750480 -594000 78 79 75 79.95 75 79 77230 6029298.5 608994 CEBU AIR 127.2 127.6 129.9 129.9 127 127.2 1744200 222086794 -91927273 INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS 11.8 13.68 11.7 13.68 11.7 13.68 2200 26358 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.88 0.95 0.95 0.98 0.95 0.98 123000 117540 10.86 10.88 10.4 11.5 10.3 10.86 15148500 167,223,740( 30,556,026.0003) MACROASIA 1.05 1.08 1.05 1.08 1.05 1.05 68000 71790 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 7 7.3 7.15 7.4 7 7.35 4100 29635 3500 HARBOR STAR 1.15 1.18 1.23 1.23 1.14 1.18 1204000 1410930 27359.9999 1.31 1.39 1.31 1.35 1.31 1.31 321000 421910 ACESITE HOTEL WATERFRONT 0.59 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.59 0.59 390000 233620 FAR EASTERN U 890 900 900 900 900 900 10 9000 IPEOPLE 7.95 9 9 9 9 9 1100 9900 STI HLDG 0.6 0.62 0.61 0.62 0.6 0.61 1321000 798690 67100 2.69 2.7 2.65 2.7 2.6 2.69 163000 432200 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 9.08 9.1 8.84 9.17 8.84 9.1 4195100 37986692 4173441 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.05 2.09 2.1 2.18 2.02 2.09 60000 122350 2090 LEISURE AND RES 2.15 2.18 2.2 2.22 2.15 2.18 872000 1892730 2.97 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 35000 106750 MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP 3.43 4.5 4.9 4.9 4.6 4.6 2000 9500 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.495 0.5 0.495 0.5 0.495 0.495 6360000 3176650 -819900 ALLHOME 10 10.02 9.9 10.2 9.87 10.02 599900 6029965 669474 1.89 1.9 1.94 1.95 1.89 1.9 1365000 2598170 -521280 METRO RETAIL 38.4 38.5 38.5 38.5 38.3 38.4 941800 36165130 12610800 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 76 77.5 77.6 77.6 76 76 69060 5,291,274.5( 1,106,417.4997) PHIL SEVEN CORP 138 145 144.5 145 144 145 5720 824686 329260 2.22 2.23 2.17 2.28 2.15 2.23 1701000 3799890 -108410 SSI GROUP 18.28 18.9 18.5 18.9 18.22 18.9 4839500 88563146 -6276256 WILCON DEPOT 0.375 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.38 2820000 1082650 19250 APC GROUP EASYCALL 7.42 7.98 8.3 8.3 7.4 7.42 9500 72582 GOLDEN BRIA 424.4 434.8 425 425 424.4 424.4 180 76482 4250 0.325 0.33 0.34 0.34 0.32 0.325 6230000 2034300 181750 PRMIERE HORIZON 8.99 9 8.73 9 8.73 8.99 43200 382521 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 10 11.4 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 100 1150 APEX MINING 1.03 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.01 1.03 744000 764970 0.0015 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 0.0014 0.0016 403000000 616700 58300 ABRA MINING 2.24 2.34 2.4 2.4 2.23 2.24 162000 367270 -4480 ATLAS MINING COAL ASIA HLDG 0.27 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 10000 2750 CENTURY PEAK 3 3.03 3.05 3.05 2.98 3 770000 2318940 60000 6.49 6.76 6.7 6.79 6.5 6.5 22300 146834 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 1.44 1.45 1.45 1.46 1.41 1.44 1085000 1558020 -111810 GEOGRACE 0.197 0.202 0.206 0.207 0.197 0.197 1130000 224420 LEPANTO A 0.094 0.095 0.095 0.095 0.094 0.095 1240000 117080 0.0078 0.0079 0.0078 0.0078 0.0078 0.0078 2000000 15600 MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES 0.77 0.79 0.75 0.81 0.75 0.8 834000 665590 NIHAO 1 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.01 1.03 6000 6160 NICKEL ASIA 2.7 2.71 2.7 2.77 2.69 2.71 3763000 10201960 -7199020 OMICO CORP 0.435 0.45 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 70000 30800 2.88 2.89 2.8 2.92 2.8 2.88 402000 1133230 -31490 PX MINING 20 20.25 20.3 20.5 19.86 20.25 440200 8836704 -4101259 SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON 0.0054 0.0055 0.0055 0.0055 0.0055 0.0055 6000000 33000 ACE ENEXOR 7.64 7.77 7.8 8.05 7.6 7.77 198600 1554312 -75542 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 14400000 158400 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 25000000 265000 PXP ENERGY 8.6 8.68 8.5 8.78 8.5 8.6 233700 2031693 -145835 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 98.85 99.9 99.9 99.9 99 99 24080 2383956 99000 AC PREF B1 500 505 502 503.5 502 503.5 440 221240 101 103.2 103.1 103.2 103.1 103.2 170 17535 ALCO PREF B CPG PREF A 100.9 101.8 102 102 102 102 520 53040 DD PREF 100.1 100.8 100.1 100.8 100.1 100.8 82900 8354290 SMC FB PREF 2 1000 1022 1000 1000 1000 1000 150 150000 103.7 107.8 108.2 108.2 108.2 108.2 80 8656 FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P 481 500 480.4 480.4 480.4 480.4 6710 3223484 GTCAP PREF B 970 999 983 995 983 995 20 19780 MWIDE PREF 100 103.8 100 100.1 99.9 100 14540 1454100 999 1030 1033 1035 1035 1031 1031 990 1021650 PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C 76.9 77.65 77.7 77.7 77 77 11010 848242.5 SMC PREF 2D 75.2 76.1 75.25 75.5 75.2 75.5 3090 232470 SMC PREF 2E 75 76 75 75 75 75 200 15000 SMC PREF 2F 75.9 76 75.9 76 75.9 76 43810 3329559 75.2 75.85 75.1 75.1 75.1 75.1 20000 1502000 SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H 75 75.05 75.65 75.65 75.05 75.05 23920 1803232 SMC PREF 2I 75.8 75.9 75.8 75.8 75.8 75.8 38100 2887980 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

15.6 5.07

15.98 5.1

15.7 5.06

16 5.19

15.2 5.06

15.6 5.1

521200 55100

8153158 280258

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.05

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ITALPINAS 3.52 KEPWEALTH 9.7 XURPAS 0.82

1.08

1.1

9000

9900

3.54 9.74 0.83

3.44 10.02 0.82

3.64 10.06 0.84

3.39 9.66 0.81

3.54 9.74 0.82

407000 188100 2195000

1444220 1845897 1801850

9700 32800

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

110.6

-7727122 -50700

110.8

109.5

110.7

109.5

110.6

17890

1975331

55300

www.businessmirror.com.ph

NGCP: Execs, managers of the firm are all Filipinos

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) insists that it employs no foreigners in executive and management positions amid claims by lawmakers that it hired foreign nationals in the past. NGCP President and CEO Anthony L. Almeda said the company has always been diligent in implementing its board and management directives. Almeda said it does so with the “utmost regard for the law, and other rules and regulations.” Also, he said all corporate acts of the NGCP comply with the Constitution and other laws.

During a hearing last Monday, Senators claimed that the NGCP violated the Constitution by employing foreign nationals in executive and management positions, referring to Wen Bo and Liu Zhiaoquiang. The hearing was set by the Senate Committee on Energy amid national security concerns raised

by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian over China’s acquisition of a 40-percent stake in the country’s lone transmission line. Almeda said Bo and Liu left the country in 2018 and 2015, respectively. “They held technical positions in the company.” At present, Almeda said there are four directors sitting on the board from the State Grid Corporation of China who do not perform executive or management functions. He added that any audit of the NGCP should be conducted by the proper regulatory agency, which in this case is the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the independent body tasked by law and recognized by the Concession Agreement. Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi

reiterated his long-standing call to conduct a full audit on the NGCP. “We are hopeful that this hearing will finally put to rest the pending issues we have with the NGCP, so we could finally eliminate doubts concerning the integrity of the Corporation,” said Cusi. “On the matter of national security, conducting a thorough inspection of the NGCP remains critical to ensuring that the best interests of our consumers are being upheld,” he added. On its website, NGCP said it is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s state-owned power grid, an interconnected system that transmits gigawatts of power at thousands of volts from where it is made to where it is needed.

Ayala unit gets PCC nod for share purchase deal T mutual funds

he Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has c leared a dea l between AC Energy Philippines, Inc. (ACEPH) and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PINAI) involving ACEPH’s acquisition of PINA I’s entire stake in a wind farm operator in Ilocos Norte. In a disclosure, ACEPH said PCC commented in a decision dated January 28 that the transaction “will not likely result in substantial lessening of competition” and also said that it would “take no further action with respect to the Transaction.” ACEPH said it received PCC’s decision last Tuesday. It can be recalled that ACEPH signed in November last year a share purchase agreement with PINAI for the acquisition of its shares in Philippine Wind Holdings Cor poration (PhilWind), which owns about 67 percent of North Luzon Renewables Corporation (North Luzon Renewables). North Luzon Renewables owns and operates an 81megawatt wind

farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It is a joint venture of AC Energy, Inc., UPC Philippines Hold Co I B.V., Luzon Wind Energy Holdings B.V., which is an affiliate of Mitsubishi Corporation, and PINAI. The wind farm started its commercial operations in November 2014. In the same disclosure, ACEPH said it will purchase the entire shares of PINAI in PhilWind and that following this transaction, ACEPH will directly and indirectly own 67 percent of North Luzon Renewables. According to ACEPH, North Luzon Renewables is a generating asset with stable cash flows from Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) under the Renewable Energy Act. The acquisition, valued at P2.7 billion, will help achieve its goal to be the growth platform of the AC Energy Group in the country. It targets to achieve two gigawatts of attributable renewable energy capacity by 2025. ACEPH added tha the transaction is expected to be completed on or before June 30. Lenie Lectura

PayMaya growth driven by customer loyalty program

inancial technology player PayMaya claimed on Wednesday that it has “cemented” its position as the most rewarding mobile wallet in the Philippines, a feat that is driven by a customer loyalty program. Mark Jason Dee, who heads the growth and marketing department at PayMaya, said his group now holds the title, as it further “intensified” its campaign to encourage more Filipinos to go cashless. Wednesday saw PayMaya launching BalikBayad, a cash back program featuring Filipino actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. By using PayMaya, Dee said, users have the chance to get their money back at varying percentages. “As we work to bring even more features and services to

PayMaya we’re excited to introduce the most rewarding mobile wallet in the Philippines today to even more users nationwide with the ‘BalikBayad’ campaign,” Dee said. He noted that in February, PayMaya users got as much as P6,000 in cash back when using their mobile wallets to transact either digitally or physically. This cash back program, Dee added, “help more Filipinos easily learn and experience paying with cashless methods such as PayMaya, which can help contribute to achieving the goal of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of increasing the share of digital transaction.” The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas aims to migrate at least a fourth of the total transactions to non-cash means by yearend. Lorenz S. Marasigan

February 5, 2020

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 235.07 -13.45% -2.27% -3.15% -6.68% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.2403 -19.42% -3.74% -5.55% -10.25% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2941 -21.83% -6.48% -6.16% -10.44% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.8215 -15.03% n.a. n.a. -8.43% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7875 -11.64% n.a. n.a. -7.28% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.9629 -12.31% -1.04% -3.16% -6.86% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,6 0.7871 -12.86% -4.97% n.a. -7.79% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 94.59 -23.32% n.a. n.a. -8.46% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 47.3635 -11.49% -0.37% n.a. -7.64% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 495.68 -10.74% -1.19% -2.89% -6.96% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,8 0.9813 n.a. n.a. n.a. -4.74% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.196 -11.06% -0.47% -1.88% -7.06% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 35.1672 -11% 0.42% -1.71% -7.2% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9449 -11.12% n.a. n.a. -7.19% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.8248 -10.74% 0.31% -7.63% -1.12% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 805.61 -10.77% 0.25% -1.27% -7.62% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.7668 -16.86% -3.35% -4.98% -9.94% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.8597 -11.78% -0.52% -2.05% -8.3% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9246 -11.03% 0.1% n.a. -7.61% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.3965 -9.71% 1.32% -0.25% -7.03% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 108.0938 -10.47% 0.95% -0.34% -7.58% ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.9742 -2.52% 2.97% -0.52% -5.27% 9.07% n.a. Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.386 14.7% 0.53% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5165 -13.1% -4.14% -5.15% -2.96% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.0699 -10.94% -3.14% -2.99% -5.1% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5275 -6.08% 0.34% -2.91% -3.95% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,5 0.2158 n.a. n.a. n.a. -5.56% Grepalife Balanced Fund Corporation -a N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9106 -0.88% 1.48% -0.35% -2.67% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.6384 -0.84% 0.12% -1.48% -3.98% -2.02% 0.1% -1.54% -3.94% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.2917 Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.0485 -5.73% -0.14% -0.54% -3.64% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6618 -5.15% 0.39% -1.27% -5.23% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9759 n.a. n.a. n.a. -3.92% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9344 n.a. n.a. n.a. -6.22% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9284 n.a. n.a. n.a. -6.52% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9117 -6.73% -0.62% -2.63% -6.47% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $0.0388 8.77% 3.34% 1.98% 1.49% Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -a $1.0072 3.48% 3.3% 0.26% -2.96% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.9372 11.42% 7.27% 4.09% 0.68% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,7 $1.1375 8.3% 4.44% n.a. 0.77% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 358.18 3.85% 2.66% 2.18% 0.11% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.906 1.88% 0.39% -0.84% 0.21% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.1311 4.93% 5.15% 5.17% 0.47% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2288 3.84% 1.98% 1.67% 0.17% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.357 5.52% 2.05% 1.23% -0.09% Grepalife Fixed Income Fund Corp. -a P N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.371 11.68% 2.13% 1.22% -0.04% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.7622 5.18% 2.54% 0.6% -0.69% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 0.9666 6.17% 1.15% -0.24% 0.24% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.0738 8.69% 4.02% 2% -0.07% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.6919 7.5% 3.4% 1.4% -0.54% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $470.57 4.49% 2.75% 2.66% 0.5% 1.28% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є220.41 3.05% 1.92% 0.31% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2116 6.14% 3.09% 2.25% 0.36% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.026 4% 1.59% 1.36% 0.78% Grepalife Dollar Bond Fund Corp. -a N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -a $1.1085 5.88% 1.67% -0.31% 1.21% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4374 10.07% 3.77% 2.72% 1.4% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.06068 5.91% 2.35% 1.82% 0.61% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2423 11.53% 3.51% 2.62% 2.11% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 3.91% 2.9% 2.21% 0.33% 126.19 First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a,3 1.0269 2.65% n.a. n.a. 0.06% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.2517 5.66% 2.95% 1.61% -0.4% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2682 3.69% 2.93% 2.41% 0.28% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0391 2.07% n.a. n.a. 0.18% Feeder Fund Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,4 $0.99 n.a. n.a. n.a. 0% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is January 3, 2019. 2 - Launch date is January 28, 2019. 3 - Launch date is February 1, 2019. 4 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 5 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 6 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 7 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 8 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. "While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

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Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Skills of a high-performing association board member

N my column last week, “Association Governance Essentials,” I listed six key ingredients for effective board governance. This time, I wish to share with you the mindsets and behaviors to become a boardroom asset from Australia’s Conscious Governance, a global, independent advisory service for non-profit boards, CEOs and directors: Skill 1: A willingness to utilize personal awareness. As the amount of information available increases expone ntially, the role of awareness of what’s happening has gained more importance. Intuition and gut feel have been shown by numerous research papers to be one of the most powerful governance tools available to a board member. Cultivate a sense of curiosity and remain open to the new, the unfamiliar and the unknown all around you. Skill 2: The ability to ask probing questions. The role of questions in boardroom decision-making is often ignored or misunderstood. When Board members refuse to ask questions that invite curiosity, it sends a clear message regarding the culture of the organization. When innovation and possibility are discouraged, blame and confusion run rampant. Exploring the “what if” and “how else” is a gift that every board member can bring to the table. Skill 3: An understanding of risk. Risk analysis is an integrated component of the decision-making process of the board. Risk is not inherently good or bad; its potential to impact on an organization’s ability to carry out strategic goals is the reason it must be well-managed. It is also about turning these risks into advantages, by analyzing them from a strategic opportunity viewpoint, and managing them in a different way. Skill 4: Automatically consider multiple scenarios. There are always many feasible ways of conducting an initiative or activity. Do not settle for the first option that is presented to you. Reliably assume it will not always be the most efficient. Always insist on at least two or three alternate ways of carrying out the one important task; only then can you make an informed choice. Skill 5: A willingness to confront facts and mistakes.

Association World Octavio Peralta Good board members have a willingness to confront facts and evidence without taking a fixed point of view of what is right or wrong or filtering out the information that is uncomfortable. As a board member, you must create an environment where it is okay to talk honestly about what needs improvement or what is not working. Use the phrase, “what are we missing?” without assuming that you are missing something. Skill 6: Personal ownership of performance targets. As a board member, you must insist on evidence (reports, data metrics) demonstrating that performance targets are being met. If targets are not met, be willing to ask: “What is not working and what do we need to do about it?” Use dashboard reports, key metric graphs, and visualizations to track performance targets with relevant parties. Skill 7: Be custodian of the vision. Board members are tasked with two imperatives: understanding the nuances behind the association’s vision statement and utilizing it in all discussions and decisions around the board table. It is your responsibility to encourage others onto a similarly strategic way of thinking. When a reflection of your vision statement is demanded in decisions, operations and strategies, the values of your association are made apparent to everyone. The contributor, Octavio “Bobby” Peralta, is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, and president of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations. The purpose of Pcaae—the “association of associations”—is to advance the association management profession and to make associations well-governed and sustainable. The Pcaae enjoys the support of Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board and the Philippine International Convention Center. E-mail: obp@adfiap.org.

Visa‘s financial literacy tack educates more than 36,000

HE local office of Visa Inc. said its 3-year-old financial literacy program has reached over 36,000 students and teachers in 30 cities. Teaming up with Tanghalang Pilipino and Teach for the Philippines Inc. (TPI), Visa launched the Tagalog skit, titled“Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog” (crumpled, round) three years ago, with support from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The interactive play focused on Gwyneth, a young student faced with several money management decisions throughout the story. With the help of her best friend, grandfather and national heroes who come to life from the money she held, Gwyneth had to make informed financial decisions. The play’s third and current run completed several showcases in Malabon and Bulacan last year. “Lukot-Lukot, Bilog-Bilog” had over 30 performances around Metro Manila and nearby municipalities, including Rizal, Bulacan, Malabon, and Navotas. In addition, a digital version of the play, and a teacher’s manual with interactive activities were distributed nationwide through TPI’s network. The not-for-profit organization that focused on educating Filipino students and teachers collaborated with Visa to bring the play to other 64 schools in 21 cities, including Laguna, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Aklan, Surigao and Zamboanga. More importantly, Teach for the Philippines taught the teachers how to infuse money management knowledge through lessons conducted in schools. “Proper money management habits should be formed when children are young to better prepare them for their responsibilities in the

future,” Dan Wolbert, Visa’s country manager for the Philippines and Guam, was quoted in a statement as saying. “For two decades, our global financial literacy programs have educated millions, empowering children and adults in over 30 countries.” Wolbert said they “saw the importance in the Philippines to create a scalable and sustainable program that could impact local Filipinos.” He added that since the launch of Visa’s financial literacy program, Visa was “extremely pleased that crucial knowledge and skills on money management have been shared with students and teachers in the country.” Wolbert vowed to continue its partnership with the BSP, TPI and Tanghalang Pilipino “to expand our efforts and promote the importance of financial literacy to more Filipinos.” Tanghalang Pilipino Company Manager Carmela M. Manuel was quoted in the same statement as saying they were pleasantly surprised about the show’s impact on students and aimed for it to be more interactive going forward. “We encourage kids to share their learnings and ask questions after each show,”Manuel said. “Many of them do this, and everyone including the audience, performers and showrunners are excited to be part of this program.” TP Chief Strategy Officer Patricia Feria-Lim said their organization’s goal is to provide access to inclusive, relevant, and excellent education. “By making financial literacy both entertaining and interactive, the lessons become more relevant to students and they are able to learn better. We are happy to bring this approach to more kids across the country.”

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Security Bank raises ₧2.07B from long-term securities

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

id-sized lender Security Bank Corp. on Wednesday said it raised P2.07 billion in its offer of Long-Term Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (LTNCD). The bank said the deal was over subscribed as it only offered P1 billion. The said deal is already the third tranche of debt offer following December’s P2.3-billion offering. The said deals are part of the P20-billion approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The

issue date of the third tranche is February 5, with August 5, 2025 as maturity date. The bank said the LTNCD issuance is part of its efforts to diversify funding sources and support business expansion plans. Multinational Investment Bancorp. acted as the sole lead arranger and selling agent, as-

sisted by Security Bank. Similar to a bond, a certificate of deposit is a fixed-income security held on to by the investor until its maturity. According to a blog at the Security Bank web site, an LTNCD is a hybrid “bank product offered to investors looking for a relatively safe investment, but with higher interest rates than a regular savings account or shortterm time deposit.” Security Bank’s net income grew 18 percent during the three quarters of 2019 ending September to P7.7 billion from the previous year’s P6.53 billion, mainly driven by its core business income. Revenues for the period rose 28 percent to P24.16 billion from P18.77 billion in the previous year. For third quarter 2019 alone,

its income grew P2.7 billion, up 22 percent from P2.24 billion in the previous year, while revenues grew 35 percent to P8.78 billion from the previous P6.49 billion. Net interest income from customer loans and deposits and peso bond issuance increased 49 percent P5.9 billion. “Key to this growth was the continued expansion of retail loans and low-cost deposits and disciplined pricing in wholesale loans,” the company has said. Retail loans rose 54 percent year-on-year as it now account for 27 percent of total loans versus 19 percent last year. Total net interest income grew 33 percent to P7 billion. Total loans grew 11 percent year-on-year to P444 billion, while total deposits grew 4 percent to P487 billion.

Number of ATM units down in Q3 T he number of automated teller machines (ATMs) declined in the third quarter of the year, largely due to the reduction of units provided by the smaller banks during the period. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that as of September 2019, there were 21,440 ATM units in the country. The data revealed that 11,865 of these were on site or operating in bank branches; 9,575 were offsite stand-alone ATM units. The end-September ATM number was, however, about a 2-percent decline of total ATMs in just a span

of three months. The end-June 2019 ATM total, in particular, was at 21,844 units—12,017 onsite and 9,827 offsite. For universal and commercial banks—the bigger players in the local industry—ATM units continuously rose from quarter to quarter. In end-June 2019, their ATM units were at 18,949. From July to September, these banks managed to put up 37 new ATM units to bring their total to 18,986 units. However, smaller banks in the country seemed to go towards the other direction.

In end-June 2019, thrift banks have 2,312 ATM units nationwide. However, by the end of September last year, this was down to 1,871 units. This was a reduction of 441 ATM units in a span of three months. Both onsite and offsite units were reduced during the July to September period: onsite ATMs for thrift banks declined from 1,553 units to 1,392 while offsite units declined from 759 to 479. Rural and cooperative banks, meanwhile, had an unchanged number of ATM units at 583 as of end-September 2019.

In the recent annual reception for the banking community hosted by the BSP, Central Bank Governor Benjamin Diokno emphasized the need for the banking community to draw closer to the Filipino people. “I have always said that a central bank cannot operate from an ivory tower,” Diokno said. “It is imperative that our stakeholders understand what we are mandated to do. And today, more than ever, the BSP is committed to bringing the benefits of central banking closer to all Filipinos through more inclusive policies.”

Thursday, February 6, 2020

The World BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

China’s coronavirus outbreak weighs on global business

EIJING—Global business is catching a chill from China’s virus outbreak. Mink breeders in Denmark called off a fur auction because Chinese buyers can’t attend due to travel curbs imposed to contain the disease. A irlines have canceled 25,000 f lights to and w ithin China af ter t ic ket sa les collapsed, according to travel data prov ider OAG. General Motors Co. and other automakers are telling employees to limit travel to China, their big gest market. On Tuesday, the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau announced it was closing casinos for two weeks as a precaution. The territory is a big moneymaker for US casino operators Wynn Resorts Ltd. and Las Vegas Sands Corp. Hyundai Motors, meanwhile, said it is suspending production in South Korea due to disruptions in the supply of parts as a result of the outbreak. It said it is seeking alternative suppliers in other regions. Global companies increasingly rely on China, the world’s No. 2 economy, as a major buyer of

food, cars, movie tickets and other goods. But that has left them more exposed than ever to the pain of its latest abrupt slump. The Singapore Airshow, due to open next week, announced on Tuesday it is canceling a business conference due to the absence of Chinese participants. Tourism revenue in Thailand and other Asian destinations that rely on China for up to 30 percent of their foreign visitors plunged after Beijing canceled group tours. Businesspeople were told to put off foreign trips. “Many national, as well as international events are now a l ready c a nce led ,” t he c h ief executive of Kopenhagen Fur, Jesper Lauge Christensen, said in a statement. T he co op e r at ive of 1, 50 0 Danish breeders who account for 40 percent of global mink

production ca l led off this month ’s auction of 2 million skins. Most of the group’s exports usually go to China and Hong Kong. Italy could lose up to €4.5 billion ($5 billion) in tourism revenue this year as virus fears keep visitors away, polling agency Demoskopika said in a study released on Tuesday. In Milan’s luxury MonteNapoleone shopping district, dozens of luxury brands decked out their windows for Chinese New Year. But wealthy Chinese shoppers have failed to arrive in their usual numbers. The Italian National Fashion Chamber estimated that industry sales will decline 1.8 percent in the first six months, because of the virus. It had been expected to grow 3 percent. Chinese v isitors are responsible for about one-third of all lu xur y purchases globally. In Ita ly, t hey spend more t ha n Russians, Arabs and Americans combined. Chinese authorities have suspended most access to Wuhan, a manufacturing center at the center of the outbreak, and surrounding cities in Hubei province with a total of 50 million people. The eastern city of Hangzhou, the home of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and a center for

telecom technology companies, imposed restrictions on movement in the city and said checkpoints will be set up to examine passersby for the infection’s fever. The government extended the end of the Lunar New Year holiday to keep the public at home and reduce chances infection might spread. China already was dealing with the impact of a tariff war with Washington and a separate outbreak of African swine fever that does not infect people but has disrupted pork supplies, causing food prices to soar. Streets and subways in many cities are stil l largely empt y even after most of China officially returned to work this week. Thousands of restaurants and cinemas have been closed to prevent crowds from gathering. Holly wood studios lost Lunar New Year ticket sales, usually a revenue high point for the industr y. Officials express confidence China can weather the latest trouble but forecasters say it could knock up to 1 percentage point off this year’s grow th, which might fall to as low as 5.2 percent. T he economy already was ex pected to slow after hitting a multi-decade low of 6.1 percent last year. Forecasters, including Barclays

and Morgan Stanley say the outbreak could depress this year’s global economic growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points. China suffered similar woes during the 2003 outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. Growth rebounded quickly afterward, and the global impact was limited. This time, even if China recovers quickly, the worldwide impact could be bigger than SARS, forecasters say. That is because China now accounts for 16.3 percent of global economic activity, more than triple 2003s share of 4.3 percent, according to the International Monetary Fund. The antivirus measures will drag down Chinese activity this quarter, which “will pose pressure on the global economy and spark fears in financial markets,” Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics for Oxford Economics, said in a report. The lockdown of Wuhan, a manufacturing center of 11 million, has disrupted production of liquid crystal and light-emitting diode panels, according to IHS Markit technology research, now a part of Informa Tech. That has depressed supplies and pushed up prices for manufacturers that use them in computer displays, TV sets and other products. As the curbs wear on, the impact

could spread, depressing auto production and sales, and prices of oil, iron ore and other materials from Australia, Brazil and African suppliers to China’s huge industries, forecasters say. China is the world’s biggest importer of many commodities, including oil. The price of Brent crude, the benchmark for international oil trading, has fallen to about $55 per barrel from $70 in early January, partly due to weak Chinese demand. Lower oil prices mean cheaper gas for Western consumers but they hurt exporters such as Indonesia that use the revenues to help pay for schools, health care and social services. Demand and prices “will depend on how quickly transportation and industrial activities will return to normal levels,” Fitch Ratings said in a report. Even smaller companies are directly affected by the outbreak because of increasingly tight links with China’s nimble, efficient manufacturers. Ma ny ma nu fact u rers have yet to feel the impact, because factories closed for up to three weeks ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. But forecasters say delays in reopening will quickly depress demand for imported components and materials, such as copper and steel. AP

The World BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Saudi’s bid to cut hits Russian pushback as Opec experts meet

audi Arabia’s diplomatic push for an Opec+ production cut ran into Russian resistance again on Tuesday, while delegates from the alliance met in Vienna to assess the fallout from the coronavirus. Opec+ technical experts gathered to analyze the impact of the crisis on oil demand, and diplomatic efforts between Riyadh and Moscow continued in parallel. According to two delegates, Saudi Arabia is pushing for a production cut of at least 500,000 barrels a day—and even up to twice that amount. But Russia, whose budget is more resilient to lower oil prices, continued to push back, according to several delegates. The price of crude has plunged on expectations that the coronavirus will squeeze China’s economy and curtail consumption of oil in the world’s biggest importer. Bloomberg reported this week that 20 percent of demand has been knocked out. “For oil markets, this is the worst crisis, at the worst place, and the worst time,” said Roger Diwan, vice president of financial services at IHS Markit Ltd. “Opec has no option but to cut production as China is going to buy a lot less crude.” It’s no easy task for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies to evaluate the impact of the disease, which continues to infect thousands of people each day and cause massive economic disruption. Estimates of how much demand will be wiped out in the coming months vary widely, making it difficult to gauge the size of a production cut that would trigger a price recovery. Officials will continue their meeting on Wednesday, and their assessment may help determine whether the 23-nation alliance—which pumps about half the world’s oil—convenes an emergency ministerial meeting later this month to consider new production cuts. The dynamic between Saudi Arabia and Russia is not new: since the alliance of Opec plus allies was created three years ago, the two sides have fought about whether to cut production, often publicly, but have ultimately found a way to compromise.

Differing views

In Vienna, the technocrats heard a presentation from China’s ambassador, Wang Qun, and looked at models of how the virus will affect demand. Opec’s internal analysis, presented in the Austrian capital on Tuesday, showed a modest drop in global demand growth of about 400,000 barrels a day for about six months even for a worst-case epidemic, according to delegates. Earlier in the day, BP Plc. predicted the outbreak would have a bigger effect, erasing 300,000 to 500,000 barrels a day of consumption for 2020 as a whole. S&P Global Platts said its worst-case scenario was for a hit of about 1 million barrels a day, which would take annual demand growth down to 320,000 barrels a day, the weakest since the 2008 to 2009 financial crisis. After meeting with experts on the Opec+ Joint Technical Committee, China’s ambassador Wang told reporters that the virus would inevitably affect oil demand, but cautioned against overreacting. Behind closed doors, he told cartel officials that the impact would be limited and localized, said delegates, who asked not to be named because the talks were private. “Any exaggeration and any overreaction is not in the best interest of the general public let alone the market,” Wang told reporters. Opec+ only just started a fresh round of deeper cutbacks last month, the latest step in a three-year effort to prevent plentiful US shale supplies putting the global market into surplus. But the outlook has deteriorated rapidly in the last few weeks. Opec’s research department in Vienna presented two models with different estimates of how the virus may affect oil consumption, according to a delegate. The worst-case scenario envisaged a fast-spreading epidemic that lasts six months and wipes out about 400,000 barrels a day of demand, before a market rebound to pre-virus growth levels in the second half of the year. If Opec+ were to maintain its current output reductions throughout that period, there would be a surplus of 600,000 barrels a day in the first quarter and 1 million in the second, the analysis showed. The committee hadn’t yet discussed whether the group should deepen its cutbacks, delegates said.

Justified worries

West Texas Intermediate crude closed below $50 for the first time in more than a year on Tuesday. The US oil benchmark was up 1.1 percent as of 10:02 a.m. in Singapore on Wednesday. Prices are still far below the levels that most Opec members need to cover government spending. While Riyadh has urged fellow producers to meet and act, there’s so far been a more cautious attitude from its most important partner, Russia. Though not an Opec member itself, Moscow has proved to be an influential voice since the Opec+ alliance was established three years ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz discussed the global energy markets by phone on Monday evening, the Kremlin said in a statement, adding that both leaders confirmed “readiness to continue cooperation within Opec+.” Moscow doesn’t face the same budgetary need for elevated oil prices as most Opec members. Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday his country is prepared to meet this month, and intervene if necessary, but the impact of the virus should be assessed first. Iraq, which is Opec’s second-largest producer but has a poor record of implementing output cuts over the past three years, said it supported a response to the coronavirus. “There’s definitely a justified worry over what’s happening, given the importance of China as a consumer,” a spokesman from the country’s oil ministry said in a statement. ”We believe that the wisdom of the members of Opec are capable of containing this crisis in the coming period.” Bloomberg News

UN chief warns ‘a wind of madness is sweeping the globe’ U

NITED NATIONS —UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that “a wind of madness is sweeping the globe,” pointing to escalating conflicts from Libya and Yemen to Syria and beyond. At a wide-ranging news conference, he said, “All situations are different but there is a feeling of growing instability and hair-trigger tensions, which makes everything far more unpredictable and uncontrollable, with a heightened risk of miscalculation.” The UN chief also expressed great frustration that legally binding UN Security Council resolutions “are being disrespected before the ink is even dry.” Guterres singled out Libya where he called the current offensives by the warring parties “a scandal”—coming soon after world powers and other key countries adopted a road map to peace in Berlin on January 19 that called for respect for a UN arms embargo, an end to foreign interference in the fighting by rival governments and steps toward a cease-fire. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011, when a civil war toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi who was later killed. A weak UN-recognized administration that holds the capital Tripoli and parts of the country’s west is backed by Turkey and to a lesser degree Qatar and Italy. On the other side is Gen. Khalifa Hifter, whose forces launched a surprise offensive to capture the capital last April from their base in the country’s east and are backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as France and Russia. Guterres said the 55-point Berlin agreement has been repeatedly violated by fighting and continuing arms deliveries. “We are seeing more and more civilians being targeted,...migrants in a desperate situation and all the commitments that were made apparently were made without a true intention of respecting them,” he said. The secretary-general also expressed “enormous concern” at the escalation of attacks in Idlib, Syria’s last rebel-held province with a population of 3 million, and said the UN is “particularly worried” that the escalation now includes the Syrian and Tukish armies bombing each other. He again urged a cessation of hostilities “before the escalation comes to a situation that then becomes totally out of control.” As for Yemen, Guterres said he was very encouraged recently to see Iranian-backed Houthi Shiite rebels stop attacking Saudi Arabia

and the Saudis, who back the country’s internationally recognized government, limiting their military actions. But unfortunately, the last few days have seen “a new escalation,” he said, adding, “We are doing everything we can for this escalation to be reversed, and everything we can to create the conditions for a true political dialogue to be re-established.” In Iraq, which has faced mass anti-government protests since Oct. 1 in which at least 500 demonstrators have been killed, the secretary-general called for the human rights of protesters to be protected. The protesters have decried rampant government corruption, poor services and lack of employment and are demanding the overthrow of the political establishment, electoral reforms and snap elections. Guterres said militias have sometimes been “the worst perpetrators of violations of human rights” and attacks against protesters. It’s critical for the government to ensure that the army and policy regain the monopoly on the use of force to ensure the normal functioning of the state, he said. He also said Iraq’s unity must be preserved and “external interferences” must be avoided because divisions are deep and the “risks of the country imploding are high... (which) would have devastating consequences for the region.” On the decades-old conf lict between Israel and the Palestinians, the secretary-general said the US peace plan unveiled last week doesn’t comply with UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and international law. The resolutions support a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and call all Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal. The secretary-general stressed that global problems “feed on each other.” “As economies falter, poverty remains entrenched. As future prospects look bleak, populist and ethnic nationalist narratives gain appeal,” he said. “As inst abi l it y r ises, invest ment dries up, and development cycles down. W hen armed conf licts persist, societies reach per i lous tipping points. A nd as governance grows weak, terrorists get stronger, seizing on the vacuum.” Guterres said that this year— as the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary—he will press “to break the vicious circles of suffering and conflict and push for a surge of diplomacy for peace.” AP

Twitter to label altered media, remove if it may cause harm

AN FR ANCISCO—Twitter will begin to label and in some cases remove doctored or manipulated photos, audio and videos that are designed to mislead people. The company said on Tuesday that the new rules prohibit sharing synthetic or manipulated material that’s likely to cause harm. Material that is manipulated but isn’t necessarily harmful may get a warning label. Under the new g uidelines, the slowed-down video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in which she appeared to slur her words could get the label if someone tweets it out after the rules go into effect on March 5. If it was proven that it also causes harm, Twitter could also remove it.

But deciding what might cause harm could be difficult to define, and some material will likely fall into a gray area. “This will be a challenge and we will make errors along the way—we appreciate the patience,” Twitter said in a blog post. “However, we’re committed to doing this right.” Tw it t e r s a i d it c o n s i d e r s threats to the safety of a person or a group serious harm, along with risk of mass violence or widespread civil unrest. But harm could also mean threats to people’s privacy or ability to freely express themselves, Twitter said. This could include stalking, voter suppression and intimidation epithets and “material that aims to silence someone.”

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Google, Facebook , Tw it ter and other technolog y ser v ices are under intense pressure to pre ve nt i nte r fe re nce i n t he 2020 US elections after they were manipulated four years ago by Russia-connected actors. On Monday, Google’s YouTube clarified its policy around political manipulation, reiterating that it bans election-related “ deepfa ke” v ideos. Facebook has also been ramping up its election security efforts. A s w ith many of Tw itter’s policies, including those banning hate speech or abuse, success will be measured by how well the company can enforce it. Even with rules in place, enforcement can be uneven and slow. This is likely to be especially true

for misinformation, which can spread quickly on social media even with safeguards in place. Facebook, for instance, has been using t hird-par t y factcheckers to debunk false stories on its site for three years. While the efforts are paying off, the battle against misinformation is far from over. Tw itter said it was committed to seeking input from its users on such rules. Twitter said it posted a sur vey in si x languages and received 6,500 responses from around the world. According to the company, the majorit y of respondents said mislead ing t weets shou ld be labeled, though not ever yone agreed on whether they should be removed or left up. AP

B6 Thursday, February 6, 2020

CvSU student interns sent to Vietnam From baking cakes to baking the future: Conti’s celebrates 22nd Anniversary with Punlaan School

NLIMITED servings of Mango Bravo. Baked Salmon at half the price. Buy 1 take 1 Chicken Pie. These to-die-for deals would surely have customers lining up outside Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurants, an ideal thing to do to create buzz in celebration of its 22nd year. But instead of drawing crowds, Conti’s opted to do something different - give back to the community and reach more underprivileged women by committing to design and furnish the bakeshop training kitchen of Punlaan School in San Juan City.

Since 1997, the well-loved bakeshop and restaurant has been delighting customers by offering culinary treasures that Filipinos have become accustomed to. On the first year that Conti’s celebrated its founding year under Udenna’s Eight-8-Ate, President and CEO Joey Garcia challenged the young leadership to continue the legacy of the founders who have been partnering with Punlaan since 2006. Punlaan School was born in the 1970’s to help poor young women and give them the chance to study and earn for

themselves and their family. The school is known for giving students free and holistic education that goes beyond skills training and general culture to values formation, an effective and sustainable tool for enabling upward social mobility. With over 3000 graduates in the past 40 years, Punlaan School aims to reach more underprivileged girls and increase the number of students they’re supporting from 150 per year to 500 students annually via its new building project. Conti’s signified its pledge to design and furnish Punlaan’s new bakeshop training kitchen, a world-class kitchen similar to the Conti’s commissary. This is their way of expressing gratitude, recognizing that staying in the competitive culinary business for 22 years is no easy feat. “We have a deeper purpose than just serving delicious food. We have an obligation to ensure that our mission of creating delightful experiences everyday will continue for generations. And what better way to do that than by investing in education,” says Joey Garcia, Eight-8-Ate President & CEO.

BIR-led tax innovation challenge kicks off bootcamp with top 20 finalists

HE Hack-a-Tax Bootcamp kicked off last January 18, 2020 gathering the 20 shortlisted candidates coming from different regions across the Philippines. The teams were a mix of students and IT professionals who took the time to submit one-of-akind solutions to help improve taxpayer experience and transactions. The top 20 finalists are: 1) Tax Aide (Northern Luzon); 2) Wyvern Innovations-Onnet (Metro Manila); 3) Yashua BIR-Men (Mindanao); 4) STI College-Novaliches (Metro Manila); 5) Nex Team (Metro Manila); 6) BIR Mini App-Gorated (Metro Manila); 7) Digitax (Metro Manila); Taxccelerate (Mindanao); 9. Team Virtualandes (Visayas); 10. Tax Office (Metro Manila); 11. Team Artax (Metro Manila); 12) Third Channel (Metro Manila); 13) ECTAX (Southern Luzon); 14) eConnectors; 15) Tax I.T.; 16) Tax Heroes (Southern Luzon); 16) Tax Heroes (Southern Luzon); 17) eKasilicon (Metro Manila); 18) Juan Pos (Mindanao); 19. BIzz App (Southern Luzon); 20) Easy Tax v1.0 (Metro Manila).

The entries have been evaluated by a panel of tax and IT experts. Categories of the 20 finalists include Accounting and Bookkeeping System, Taxpayer Registration System, Tax Filing and Payment System The 20 finalists will be participating in a series of mentoring and technical sessions to complete their system development and testing in consultation with the BIR and other innovation partners such as Microsoft Philippines, PayMaya, Amazon Web Services, PAGCOR, Talino Venture

Lab, and Pencilstate Design among others. Final pitching and announcement of winners will be by end of March 2020. All top three winners will get a sixmonth mentorship from industry leaders, free cloud credits from sponsors, BIRaccredited platform plus a cash prize of Php300,000 for the first placer; Php200,000 for the 2nd placer; and Php100,000 for the 3rd placer. The teams will own their respective solutions that will be developed from the #HACKATAXPH Challenge.

Packaging experts hold free mentorship seminars for MSMEs at Propak 2020

ROPAK Philippines partners with local and international packaging organizations for “Meet the Global Packaging Experts sessions, set in connection with ProPak Philippines Expo slated on on Feb. 5-7, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Aiming to help Micro, Small & Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) improve their products by updating them on new processing and packaging trends and technologies, ProPak gathers industry leaders from the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), World Packaging Organization (WPO), the

Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP), and Sealed Air who will share knowledge on packaging design, cost, safety, processing, sustainability, among others. The mentorship is set to equip MSMEs with the essential technical and creative know-how to help scale up and market their products. Limited slots per day will be opened to interested participants for the sessions set on Feb 5 to 7 at the Innovation Stage inside the exhibition hall. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2018 List of Establishments, MSMEs account for 99.52 percent of the

business enterprises operating in the country with 998,342 establishments. “The key to MSMEs going global is exposure to innovations, technologies, trends, and knowledge from around the world, especially machines that meet international processing & packaging standards. Educating themselves on these regulations and networking with exhibitors and participants who have been through the course will be able to guide MSMEs to step up to the next level,” said Mark Prakasvudhisarn, organizer of ProPak Philippines. Interested participants may consult with ProPak organizers through the official ProPak Philippines 2020 website at fb.com/propakphilippines. Aside from showcasing the latest technologies in manufacturing, packaging, and processing from more than 400 local and international exhibitors, the three-day expo will also host various workshops led by government agencies and manufacturing and business associations. ProPak Philippines is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

IGHT student interns from Cavite State University (CvSU) went recently to Vietnam under the 2019 Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP). Student-teachers taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English are currently undergoing student teaching in various Learning Centers of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry. They are Christian John B. Pulido and Mary Ahn Dee P. Cairme (CvSU-Cavite City Campus); Melandro F. Soriano and Irish Angel D. Vargas (CvSU-Tanza Campus); Shiela Mae R. Padilla (CvSU-Carmona Campus); Freszha B. de Jesus and Caren A. Diones (CvSU-Imus Campus); and Charlene M. Gonzales (CvSU-Don Severino delas

Alas Main Campus). In a pre-departure orientation, John Carlo Diloy, former SIAP trainee, said that the “training was very beneficial for his own growth as a professional teacher citing some of his experiences while undergoing internship.” Photo shows the student interns and their advisers (standing); and (seated from left) Dr. Julie S. Guevara, Administrator of CvSU Child Development Center; Dr. Ammie P. Ferrer, Dean College of Education; Dr. Camilo A. Polinga, Vice President (VP) for Administrative and Support Services; Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, VP for Academic Affairs; and Prof. Cristina M. Signo, Campus Administrator of CvSU–Carmona Campus. Antonio G. Papa, Ph.D.

Government, farming communities should help Batangas, Cavite coffee farmers

HE ash that the restive Taal volcano has been spewing for days is hurting coffee growers in Batangas and Cavite. According to news reports, the Department of Agriculture has pegged the damage at P74 Million, as of last week. The damage to agricultural properties will not only affect coffee growers in these areas but the Philippine coffee industry as a whole, so the government and coffee farming communities should stepping up efforts to help the farmers. Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTN) has announced its communities’ successful venture into coffee farming as a livelihood source. Eight (8) barangays around Rio Tuba allotted 152 hectares for planting coffee and RTN added 48 hectares more, coming up with a total of 200 hectares for coffee growing in the area. With years of preparation needed before the land is able to yield coffee beans, RTN and its partner barangays collaborated with Rocky Mountains Arabica Coffee (RMACC) for the transfer of technology, and with the Palawan Cooperative Union (PCU) and the Cooperative Development Aide Authority (CDAA) for the trainings and sharing of best practices in coffee farming. Bong dela Rosa, RTN Community Relations Manager, confirms that they have started harvesting Liberica beans, also known as “kapeng barako” and are finding ways to perfect

the processing of these beans to produce coffee from a mining community that would live up to the quality that Philippine coffee is known for. The coffee planting process in this mining community in Rio Tuba uses what is called the microbial technology where the soil is conditioned using organisms and enzymes that make the lateritic soil healthy enough to grow agricultural products. It takes about 4 years for coffee to start yielding beans. Just last year, the communities in Rio Tuba that are in this coffee growing program successfully made their coffee available for “local tasting”. Dela Rosa shares that RTN and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) have allocated P36 million to support the mobilization of the coffee farming project, which is now in its fourth year. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) once reported that the world consumes almost 2 billion cups of coffee every day, and that intake steadily grows. Statistics say that 93% of Filipino households buy coffee products at least 3 times a week. “This is the opportunity we want to take advantage of,” declares dela Rosa. The coffee project was funded by RTN’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) in support of the the Provincial Government of Palawan’s mandate to provide livelihood opportunities to communities impacted by mining operations in the areas.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. launches joint operations to aid in Taal relief efforts

PON the eruption of Taal volcano on January 12, thousands of Filipinos were uprooted. Their homes, sources of income, and belongings were covered in a thick layer of ash as the volcano spouted violently and relentlessly. In a wholehearted effort to aid those who have been abruptly affected by this devastating natural calamity, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. has launched joint relief operations across its properties and centers. SMHCC, SMX Convention Center, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, and Taal Vista Hotel have collectively initiated voluntary employee donation drives to help supply urgent aid as well as support other ongoing relief endeavors led by concerned units and local governments. The cumulative amount of these drives went toward

providing canned goods and disaster relief food, clothes, hygiene kits, and mats to evacuation centers in Tagaytay City and Batangas. Taal Vista Hotel successfully organized the donation of linens, towels, blankets, bread and pastries, fruits, and cooked meals to the NBI Evacuation Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Evacuation Center in Tagaytay City. To further significantly assist in the region’s evacuation and relief programs, SMHCC, alongside SMX and Taal Vista Hotel, unselfishly volunteered at the Tagaytay Municipal Hall, Tagaytay Integrated School, Guinhawa, Luksuhin, Alfonso, Cavite, providing urgent aid to more than 350 families. Meanwhile, more deliveries of donations and goods are underway as Pico Sands Hotel secures contributions including towels, linens, and blankets. All of which will be sent to an evacuation center in Batangas. SMHCC stands firm by the Filipino people in proactively extending a helping hand to all those in need. SMHCC’s joint relief operations will continue to serve as a much-needed response to the urgent call for the assistance of families and communities struck by this unfortunate natural catastrophe.

ALARM RAISED FOR TOKYO 2020 Sports BusinessMirror

THE illuminated Olympic rings float on the water as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower are seen in the distance in the Odaiba District in Tokyo. Tokyo put on a flashy fireworks display on Friday to mark the six-months-to-go milestone for this summer’s Olympics. AP

| Thursday, February 6, 2020 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

By Koji Ueda

The Associated Press

OKYO—Tokyo Olympics organizers on Wednesday said they are increasingly concerned about the disruption the fast-spreading virus in China is causing ahead of the games, which open in just under six months. Chief Executive Officer Toshiro Muto sounded a grave note speaking at a meeting with officials of the International Paralympic Committee. “I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum toward the games,” Muto said, speaking in Japanese. “I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.” Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor of the Athletes Village where 11,000 Olympians will stay, showed his apprehension. “I truly hope that the infectious disease will die down somehow so that we will be able to operate the Paralympics and Olympics smoothly,” he said. “In the worst case—we will do our utmost for the athletes so that they will be able to concentrate on performing their best.” Tokyo organizers have repeatedly said there are no plans to cancel the Olympics. That position has been repeated by the Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee (IOC). But the problems deepen with each passing day. Some Olympic qualifying events have been canceled, or relocated. Travel restrictions will add more confusion, and traveling fans are sure to be fearful. Japan has not reported any deaths from the virus. But deaths in mainland China rose to 490 on Wednesday. “In Japan, we are facing all sorts of problems including coronavirus infections, cyber security and transportation systems,” Toshiaki Endo, an organizing committee vice president, said on Tuesday at a news conference. “The IOC is satisfied with our preparations,” he added. Craig Spence, a spokesman for the Paralympic committee, tried to be reassuring. “We have full confidence that the relevant authorities, in particular here in Japan and the World Health Organization, will take all the necessary measures to address the situation.” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was asked Monday in the national legislature about the viral outbreak and the impact on the Olympics. He brushed aside worries. But Yurkio Koike, the government of Tokyo, sounded more concerned in recent comments. “We must firmly tackle the new coronavirus to contain it, or we are going to regret it,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer Toshiro Muto (right) addresses a news conference with Craig Spence, head of communications of the International Paralympic Committee, in Tokyo on Wednesday. AP

A POSTER promoting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is posted next a train door as a commuter wearing a mask looks at his phone. AP

The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada), meanwhile, called a temporary halt to testing because of the coronavirus outbreak—less that six months out from this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Given the proximity to the Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) has warned that it is “indeed likely that this will have an impact on the testing missions in China and solutions will have to be found.” Chinada “will gradually resume testing as soon as the situation improves,” and the ITA added that “private providers” could be used to conduct tests. “The situation is one of caution so as not to endanger athletes or test officials and while recognizing the importance of anti-doping activities, the priorities are to maintain public health for all,” it said. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) is aware of the situation and monitoring it. “We are assisting Chinada as it implements a plan that will maintain the integrity of the anti-doping program in China,” a Wada spokesman told AFP. The zika virus and SARS outbreak mean that this is “not the first time that such an outbreak has occurred,” Wada added. It is up to agencies to “ensure that the system is maintained while also operating in line with directives from health, law enforcement and border protection authorities.” There have now been more than 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in China, with the death toll in the country now up to 425. The virus has spread to more than 20 other countries and the World Health Organization has declared a global emergency, but said today that it does not yet constitute a pandemic. Dozens of sporting events due to be held in China have either been canceled or moved as a result of the crisis. The most high profile is the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, scheduled for March of this year but now postponed until 2021. China won 70 Olympic medals—26 of them gold—at Rio 2016 to finish third the medals table. It left Brazil with a total of 239 Paralympic medals—107 of them gold—and topped the medals table. The biggest anti-doping controversy surrounding a Chinese athlete at present is that of Sun Yang, who faces up to an eight-year ban after one of his entourage smashed a blood vial with a hammer during an attempted drugs test. Wada appealed an International Swimming Federation decision to only issue him with a warning and the case is in the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. With insidethegames

Wada: U.S. bill could ‘shatter anti-doping system’ T

HE World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) sent a letter to US senators explaining how a bill designed to deter drug cheats in international sports would, instead, “have the unintended consequences of shattering the antidoping system” if it is passed without changes. The document, obtained by The Associated Press, was sent this week at the request of a Senate committee that is holding a hearing Wednesday in which it will hear testimony about the Rodchenkov Act. The House passed the bill last year, and Wada has hired a lobbying firm to engage Congress for changes in the legislation triggered by a Russia cheating scheme that has shaken the global Olympic movement for the past five years. Wada Director General Olivier Niggli told AP that “Wada favors governments using their legislative powers to protect clean athletes in the fight against doping and this Act is no exception.” The six-page Wada letter does, in fact, say the agency

“supports the overall objectives of the legislation.” The letter also goes into extensive detail about provisions it says would create a “chaotic World Anti-Doping system with no legal predictability.” The measure, named after the Moscow lab director who blew the whistle on Russia’s cheating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, calls for fines of up to $1 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who participate in schemes designed to influence international sports competitions through doping. (Individual athletes who get caught doping would not be subject to punishment under the law.) It would also allow the US Anti-Doping Agency to obtain information collected by federal investigators, which could help in prosecuting anti-doping cases. The Wada letter said the agency agrees with the information-sharing language. But there is also a long list of concerns, notably over the “extraterritorial” jurisdiction the bill proposes—a

clause that would allow US authorities to pursue those who perpetuate doping schemes at international events in which Americans are involved as athletes, sponsors or broadcasters. Many US corruption laws, including those used to prosecute Fifa executives in the soccer-bidding scandal, include similar extraterritorial jurisdiction. “The effort to criminalize doping acts under US law and then apply that law extraterritorially [cq] will shatter the international harmonization of rules that is critical to advancing clean sport,” Wada wrote in the memo. It predicted that if the US passes the law, “other nations will follow suit and inevitably competing jurisdiction on the same set of facts will result in confusion, weaken the system, and compromise the quest for clean sport.” The athlete-advocacy group FairSport sent out a news release responding to the Wada document, giving a point-bypoint rebuttal of the clauses with which the agency disagrees. In that statement, Rodchenkov’s attorney, Jim Walden,

said similar laws with extraterritorial jurisdiction weren’t always popular “with corrupt nations.” The Rodchenkov Act “will do the same in the fight against doping fraud deployed by gangster states who hijack international sports competitions,” Walden said. At meetings last November, Wada officials took criticism for lobbying efforts on the bill, which has bipartisan support in Congress. “If we, as payers to you, use those funds to undermine legislation, then that’s not going to be a cooperative and effective way to go forward,” said Kendel Ehrlich, the US government representative on Wada’s foundation board. The US government provides about $2.5 million annually to Wada. In its letter to the senators, Wada also defended its action in the long-running doping case involving Russia. Wada recently ruled on the latest development in the Russia saga: proof that the country had tampered with the data it was

supposed to turn over as part of a deal to be reinstated. Wada set a framework that would ban the Russian flag and its dignitaries from the upcoming Tokyo Games while allowing for some of the country’s athletes to compete. Russia appealed that case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and on Tuesday, Wada asked the hearing to be made public. Wada said it was urging a “go-slow” approach to any legislation “authored in revulsion to Russia’s cheating.” “Such a move would jeopardize the international system, could undercut the foundation upon which Wada sanctioned Russia; and send shockwaves through the system precisely at a time when clean sport needs a strong and globally recognized system,” the letter said. Niggli wanted it made clear that Wada’s intent is not to scuttle the bill. But, he told AP, “currently, there are elements of the Act that could backfire and be counter-productive for the protection of clean sport around the world.” AP

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Business

C2 Thursday, February 6, 2020

EMOTIONAL MOMENT FOR PUERTO RICANS S

AN JUAN—The screams echoed across Puerto Rico when Jennifer Lopez unfurled a feather cape representing the flag of the United States territory during the Super Bowl’s half-time show, a moment that many were still replaying and sharing on Monday. The move came at a trying time for those on the island of 3.2 million US citizens who are struggling to recover from a devastating hurricane and major earthquake.

“Everybody began to clap. They jumped out of their chairs. It was so exciting. There were even people with tears falling down their face,” said Danny Hernández, a spokesman for the mayor of the southwestern town of Guayanilla, where dozens of people lost their homes in a recent 6.4-magnitude earthquake that killed one person and led US President Donald J. Trump to approve a major disaster declaration for towns in the island’s southern region. Hernández, himself, stood up when he saw

the flag, a custom Versace cape that had 40,000 feathers in it, with 2,000 crystals making up the flag’s lone star, according to an Instagram post by stylist Mariel Haenn. “I got goose bumps,” he said. “I’m not going to lie.” He noted the flag became a symbol of resilience and hope after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a Category 4 storm, causing more than $100 billion in estimated damage and killing an estimated 2,975 people in its aftermath.

It also became a symbol of resistance and justice last summer when large protests over corruption, and other issues led to the resignation of the island’s former governor. It was so strong a symbol that the territorial legislature in 1948 banned people from even owning one because it was then seen as a symbol of an independence movement. The law was repealed in 1957. “We Puerto Ricans are very sentimental about the flag,” Hernández said.

The half-time moment surprised Puerto Rican journalist Jonathan Lebrón Ayala and his family as they watched the game at home. His wife and daughter jumped up, spilling a drink on the floor as Lopez yelled, “Let’s get loud! Latinos!” and then unfurled the flag while her young daughter sang, “Born in the USA.” “It was rather hectic,” he recalled with a laugh. “You could hear people in the neighborhood screaming.” Lebrón said he felt it was the most politically charged National Football League Super Bowl ever, and that the moment will draw attention to Puerto Rico’s needs, which also include recovery from a 13-year recession. “For better or for worse, people are going to be more in tune, looking for information about Puerto Rico,” he said. On Monday, one of Google’s suggestions for people seeking details about J.Lo’s performance was, “What flag was in the halftime show?” Lopez is from the Bronx and her parents are from Puerto Rico. The moment also intensified

Jennifer Lopez and daughter Emme Maribel Muñiz perfo

a long-standing political debate on the island between those who support statehood and those who favor the current political status, with both sides noting that the US flag was on the other side of the cape. Regardless of what political interpretation Puerto Ricans and others took from the moment, Lebrón said, “It was such a nice surprise during this time when we’re not doing very well.... It’s a moment we will never forget.” AP

Standards rise for Refugee Olympic Team to Tokyo 2020

efugee Olympic Team Chef de Mission Tegla Loroupe claimed the standard has been raised for the squad prior to its second Olympic Games, at Tokyo 2020. Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously endorsed the formation of the refugee team for the second consecutive Summer Games back in 2018. The team is expected to be larger than the 10-strong team which participated at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The IOC awarded 49 refugee athlete scholarships to inspire others as they attempt to secure places on the team, which includes the 10 members of the Rio 2016 squad. Loroupe, who will again serve as the team’s Chef de Mission, claimed the expectations have risen with increased standards required to reach the Olympic Games. Several of the athletes currently train at the Tegla Loroupe Refugee Training Center in Kenya. “In Nairobi, we train 25 refugees and five Kenyan athletes,” Loroupe told the Chinese news agency Xinhua. “Compared to 2016, the expectations of the Refugee athletes for the Tokyo Olympic Games are higher. “Without compromising on standards,

the sportsman selection will be based on highest performance—and will be highly competitive.” “We focus on methods to help these athletes achieve high requirements by entering them to participate in local, regional and international competitions for exposure,” he added. The athletes are not required to meet the qualification criteria outlined by International Federations. Their standard will be assessed prior to a final decision as to whether they make the team. The Rio 2016 team featured athletes in athletics, judo and swimming. The three sports could again feature refugee athletes at Tokyo 2020, but competitors may also come from badminton, boxing, karate, taekwondo and weightlifting. All are being assisted by Olympic Solidarity through its refugee athletes support program, along with training grants and National Olympic Committee support. The support is aimed at ensuring the athletes can train toward the Games but also continue their sporting career, and enhance their future after Tokyo 2020. The team will compete at Tokyo 2020 under the acronym “EOR,” standing for Equipe olympique des réfugiés. The team is expected to be announced on June 20, the World Refugee Day. Insidethegames

LeBron scores 36 in three-point barrage in Lakers’ rout of Spurs

OS ANGELES—LeBron James absorbed contact and tumbled to the court while his fifth 3-pointer in a three-minute span dropped through the net. The Los Angeles Lakers’ entire roster left the bench and crossed the court, gleefully picking up their leader while a sellout crowd roared. “That’s what we’re all about,” James said. “Our team, anytime anyone is having success in the game, we cheer like it’s our own. So having that camaraderie, having that brotherhood, even though they’re beating you up, it’s just a pretty cool feeling.” Nine days after Kobe Bryant’s death, the Lakers finally had an evening that felt like a return to normalcy. Well, as normal as anything can be when King James is performing feats of basketball brilliance. James scored 19 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter with that incredible threepoint barrage, propelling the Lakers to a 129-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. James added nine assists and seven rebounds, while Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma had 18 points apiece as the Lakers beat San Antonio for the third time, sweeping the season series. After the Spurs chipped away at the Lakers’ big lead late in the third quarter, James and Kuzma put the game away with

a combined seven 3-pointers in three-anda-half minutes to start the fourth. James’s shots seemed to increase in difficulty with each possession, but he buried them all. “When the guy gets hot like that, it’s always fun to watch him,” Davis said, laughing at the Lakers’ group celebration after the final 3. “It wasn’t the plan. We all just kind of ran over there and jumped on him.” DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his hometown for the Spurs, who have lost five of seven. San Antonio was outrebounded 58-28 by the bigger Lakers, and the Spurs grabbed only three rebounds in the fourth quarter while the Lakers went 16 of 24 from the field. When asked what the Spurs can do when James gets rolling, Coach Gregg Popovich quipped: “Make sure you get good pictures.” Bryn Forbes added 13 points, but one night after the Spurs blew a late lead in a three-point loss to the Clippers, they returned to Staples Center and fell to 0-2 at the start of San Antonio’s eight-game road trip while a rodeo occupies AT&T Center. “As a competitor, it’s what you want to play against,” DeRozan said of the LA backto-back. “I don’t look at it like it’s being tough. It’s part of the job, part of the game, and as a competitor you want to compete against the best. You worry about the toll afterward.” AP

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sMirror

Thursday, February 6, 2020

RAMIREZ NAMED TOP EXECUTIVE T

HE man behind the success of Team Philippines in the 30th Southeast Asian Games will have his share of the limelight in the San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night. Team Philippines Chef de Mission William “Butch” Ramirez will be honored with the Executive of the Year honor during the March 6 gala at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel for his successful stewardship of the country’s successful campaign in the SEA Games. Ramirez, also the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), is credited for steering

the Philippines to a second overall championship of the SEA Games after 14 years—or when the country hosted in 2005 with Ramirez also as chef de mission. The 1,115-strong Filipino athletes won a record haul of 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals, the most for the Philippines since joining the Games in 1977. Ramirez joins an elite group of sportsmen who were bestowed the same prestigious award by the country’s oldest media organization headed by President Tito Talao of the Manila Bulletin. The list includes the likes of Manuel V.

Pangilinan, Ramon S. Ang, Wilfred Uytengsu, Hans Sy, Ricky Vargas, Chito Salud, Ernesto “Judes” Echauz, Dan Palami and Philip Ella Juico. Ramirez joins the entire Team Philippines to the SEA Games— named Athlete of the Year—on centerstage during the awards night also presented by the PSC, Milo, Cignal TV, Philippine Basketball Association, Ramirez Rain or Shine and AirAsia. The country’s sportswriting fraternity will also be handing out trophies for the President’s

National athletes, soon, will be Civil Service eligible

ATIONAL athletes will have a chance to acquire professional and subprofessional eligibility soon following discussions between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Wednesday. In a courtesy visit at the Rizal Memorial

orm during halftime of Super Bowl 54. AP

Sports Complex, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada proposed the possibility of granting eligibility to national athletes who achieve podium finishes in PSC-recognized international competitions. “With the success of our national athletes in recent competitions, we wanted to honor their achievements and legacy with plans on issuing

FAJARDO GOES DOWN WITH THIGH FRACTURE

UNE MAR FAJARDO suffered what could be his worst injury in his career—a complete fracture on his right tibia—and will be sidelined at least for the entire Philippine Cup. Fajardo, the five-time Most Valuable Player who is a cinch for a sixth top individual award trophy—suffered the injury during San Miguel Beer’s practice on Monday. “The team regrets that he won’t be able to play for the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup. June Mar, for his part, is also saddened that he may not be able to join any upcoming international competition,” a San Miguel Beer statement on Wednesdaysaid. The statement furthered that the 30-year-old Fajardo underwent a successful surgery last Tuesday and the team expects him to recuperate for his possible return in the league’s 45th season. “He is scheduled to go through post-operation

rehabilitation to allow him to recover at the soonest possible time,” the statement said. “The San Miguel Beer management is committed to ensuring that June Mar gets the best medical care, and would like to thank the fans for the messages of concern and well wishes,” it added. Fajardo is leading the statistical contest for last season’s MVP race with averages of 18.8 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. With the 6-foot-10 Cebuano pride out of action, San Miguel Beer needs to fill the huge void in the frontline. Moala Tautuaa, now a Beerman from a trade with NorthPort for Christian Standhardinger, could see his minutes soar along with veteran center Billy Mamaril. Tautuaa was a starter with the Batang Pier before he was sent to the Beermen. He has decent numbers of 14 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Aside from the two big men, San Miguel has Arwind Santos and Russell Escoto to ease the load inside the paint. Santos, the 2013 MVP, was back in practice after serving an indefinite suspension following an altercation with former import Dez Well. San Miguel Beer, with Fajardo as core, has won the Philippine Cup five years in row. The season starts with the same all-Filipino conference on March with the Beermen kicking off action against the Meralco Bolts in a lone game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

special eligibility, which will help them in their future endeavors as Filipino citizens,” Lizada said. “We thank the CSC for this initiative in supporting our national athletes. This future development will not only recognize their success, but will also help them as they serve the country through sports, may it be in local

ENDURO CHAMP

The Standard Insurance Duathlon Team dominates the 2020 FastTwitch Enduro Duathlon held recently at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The team, led by standout Joey de los Reyes (second from left), wins the Super Enduro, Enduro and Sprint categories. Also in photo are (from left) John Topia, Efrain Iñigo, Jessie Sabado,Tara Borlein, Doy Comendador, Robeno Javier and Jarwin Banatao. The team is managed by Standard Insurance Group Chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz and coached by Bernie Llantada.

Award and the National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year. The other awards are Ms. Basketball, Mr. Volleyball, Ms. Golf, Mr. Football and Coach of the Year. There will also be recipients of Major Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, Tony Siddayao Awards, Milo Junior Athletes Award and citations to be led by the SEA Games gold-medal winners. Sports personalities who passed away last year will also be accorded with a posthumous recognition. government units and the national government,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez said. Ramirez said that the crafting of terms of the agreement will be derived from existing policies under Republic Act 6847, or the Philippine Sports Commission Act and Republic Act 2260, also known as Civil Service Act of 1959. “The terms and conditions of the agreement are yet to be determined, but we are positive that with special laws and issuance policies from the CSC, our athletes will be granted of eligibility,” Ramirez said. Under the Civil Service Act, Subprofessional Eligibility qualifies applicants for first level positions in government, such as clerical, trade and custodial service positions which require less than four years of college education. Professional Eligibility, on the other hand, qualifies an individual for first and second level positions, such as professional, technical and scientific positions that require four years of college education. Last year, Ramirez signed a Memorandumof-Agreement with the Social Security System to ensure the protection of all national athletes and coaches.

THE five-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo sustains a complete fracture on his right tibia.

Paris prosecutors investigate rape claims in figure skating

Fernandez, Sison top Bill Shaw tilt

ARIS—Paris prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation following accusations from retired figure skater Sarah Abitbol that she was raped by a coach. Abitbol is a 10-time French champion and won a bronze medal in the pairs’ competition at the 2000 world championships. In a book published last week, she accused her former coach, Gilles Beyer, of raping her from 1990 to 1992 when she was a teenager. The Associated Press does not normally name sexual assault victims, but Abitbol has written and spoken about her personal experience. In a statement released Tuesday, Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said the police unit in charge of protecting minors will also try to identify other possible victims in the skating world. Beyer and two other coaches have been accused of sexual abuse by other former athletes. “I’m relieved, speaking out at last is bearing fruit,” the 44-year-old Abitbol said,

aulino Fernandez and Gene Sison engineered a huge second-round rally by holing two clutch birdies and stringing pars in the last few holes to rule the 31st Bill Shaw Golf Classic at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club recently.

After scoring 44 points in the best ball format at the East course and needing at least an 89 aggregate at the West to win outright, Fernandez and Sison carded an 88 that tied them with former Commission on Election chairman Ben Abalos Sr. and partner Zaldy Carpeso at 132. But after the tiebreak rule was applied, Fernandez and Sison emerged overall champions because of a lower team handicap in the invitational event that gathered 800 players. Abalos and Carpeso instead topped the Seniors 1 division of the two-day tournament presented by San Miguel Corp., Shell and Yakult with support from Chronos and D&L as platinum sponsors and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. as diamond sponsor. Not to be outdone was the tandem of Oliver Gan and junior standout Rianne Malixi, the 12-year-old who won the Match Play Championships in January. They assembled 157 (West) and 151 (East) for a 308 total to grab the overall team gross trophy.

and Lamar Odom got into a three-point shooting contest at the same House of Kobe before it was spiffed up and inaugurated and he beat the National Basketball Association champion who was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. He builds courts for the people of Valenzuela, knowing how basketball is the national pastime and that the game is able to become a unifying force, a deterrent to drugs and crime and an inspiration for many who play the game. Use of the courts is free. All that those interested to play there need to do is reserve for slots, wear basketball shoes while playing and observe proper conduct. Why such high-end amenities for the courts he builds? “Because the less fortunate among us will never have the opportunity to play in courts like these. They would have to spend a lot to be able to do so. What I want is for ordinary folk to experience some of the privileges that only rich people can afford. Kahit sa basketball court man lang. [Even if only in basketball courts],” said the congressman who also heads the Committee of Sports and Youth Development in the House of Representatives. But the House of Kobe is something special. “It’s the only court named after one person,” Cong, Eric said. “It is a tribute to the fiercest competitor in the game of basketball. Where can you see someone with a torn Achilles tendon stay in the game and shoot two free throws, then

sink those free throws and win the game?” he recalled. (Kobe Bryant even did the unbelievable after that. He walked off the court on his own power.) “That is true Mamba Mentality.” Cong. Eric said the Kobe Court has since taken a life of its own. Around 400 visitors come daily to see what it looks like. A low outer wall located at the entrance that was painted only with Kobe’s signature now bears messages, doodles and signatures from hundreds of fans. Candles and flowers adorn the wall. People leave shoes and Kobe memorabilia. On Saturday, February 8, the congressman will have a pa-liga at the House of Kobe and it will start at exactly 8:24 in the morning. “During that tournament and hereafter, the numbers 8 and 24 will forever be retired in the House of Kobe. No one can wear those numbers here anymore,” Cong, Eric said. “He died young and his life was full of meaning. The day he left was the day he was born in our country, through this court,” he continued. “The House of Kobe isn’t done yet. It is still evolving. Come back in a month and there will be new additions here.” The iconic image of GiGi Bryant lovingly looking up at her father already dominates the staircase with the Black Mamba handrails. Three days ago, it wasn’t there.

speaking to BFM TV channel. Urging other victims to contact her, Abitbol said she did not file a lawsuit earlier because she did not dare speak at the time. Beyer last week said he had “intimate” and “inappropriate” relations with Abitbol. “We were afraid,” Abitbol said. “We didn’t dare to say anything about someone who had such power over you, we were ashamed. Now, people are starting to listen to women.” Abitbol’s book and a series of stories investigating sexual abuse in sports published by L’Equipe newspaper last week have triggered strong reaction from sports officials. On Monday, French skating federation President Didier Gailhaguet was asked to resign by the Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu. According to L’Equipe, the French sports ministry terminated Beyer’s contract as technical adviser in 2001 following a report that highlighted repeated “serious acts” committed

against young skaters. Despite the dismissal, Beyer continued his work at a local club and served several terms at the French skating federation until 2018. “The weight of facts and their continuation over time illustrate that a general dysfunction exists within the federation,” Maracineanu said after meeting with Gailhaguet, adding that he “cannot absolve himself of his moral and personal responsibility.”

FOR FR. SUAREZ Jeson Patrombon

(second from left) holds his two trophies as he poses with (from left) Villa Aurora Tennis Club officer Gaga Butchon, singles runner-up Joshua Kinaadman and Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala area manager Almee Salvador after dominating the Fr. Fernando Suarez Open held in honor of the healing priest (inset), who succumbed to cardiac arrest Tuesday.

House of Kobe Tessa Jazmines tessa4347@gmail.com

PART OF THE GAME ON January 26, 2020, a Sunday, the House of Kobe was inaugurated in Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. It’s a first-class basketball court with shiny wooden floors, a photo gallery of Lakers greats on one side, bigger than life Kobe murals in all his kinetic glory on the other and a giant sticker of a basketball-with-aregal-Lakers crown ensconced at center court. It features, among others, Laker banners, Mamba-inspired handrails with the texture of the black snake’s skin, the giant jersey and cemented handprint of Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom who had visited the country last year, and a big picture window that reveals more Kobe art on an outside wall, the Mamba with an intense gaze seemingly egging players on to give their total self to the game—the Mamba Mentality. That Sunday, Rep. Eric Martinez of the second District of Valenzuela and a consummate basketball

lover (I’ll prove that claim in a bit) said he closed his speech by “calling on the greatest Laker of all time, Kobe Bryant,” to come to this court that was built especially for him. He wanted Kobe to see the house that was named after him, that vibrated with subdued tones of purple and gold, that was for all effects and purposes a sacred Lakers space in a semirustic Metro Manila neighborhood. But the very next day (Manila time), Kobe died. The date of the court’s inauguration and the day that Kobe and his daughter GiGi passed into the mists of time was the same: January 26. “Cong. Eric,” fondly called Court-gressman by the people of Valenzuela and those who know him well, said “On Sunday we inaugurated a court. The next day it became a shrine. Kobe lives here forever.” To be honest, The House of Kobe is not the only basketball court that Cong. Eric has put up in his

THE House of Kobe is a tribute to the fiercest competitor in basketball.

district. There are five more. There is a Chicago Bulls-themed court he calls One Center as a nod to CHI’s home court, United Center. There is a Boston Celtics court with murals of Celtics greats, complete with all the 17 championship banners hanging from the rafters, plus a giant signature of Red Auerbach on the floor. It’s called Shamrock Garden. There is a court called The Rock that is dedicated to the Houston Rockets, and another one for the San Antonio Spurs. And a court called Bahay Alamat, ablaze with murals of Philippine basketball legends beginning with

Caloy Loyzaga, down to Ramon Fernandez, Alvin Patrimonio and June Mar Fajardo. There are nine districts in Valenzuela, and Cong. Eric has already built six basketball courts. Three more are in the works, one of them dedicated to the Golden State Warriors coming in March. Why the basketball court edifice complex? To begin with, you may never get to meet anyone as passionate and as erudite about basketball as the 47-year-old congressman is. He remembers dates, names, records and basketball achievements like a walking encyclopedia. He walks the talk, too. He

Sports BusinessMirror

| Thursday, February 6, 2020 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

RONALDO CRISIS STILL UNSETTLED L

By Ken Ritter

The Associated Press

AS VEGAS—A legal fight by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo against a Nevada woman who wants more than the $375,000 she received in a rape case hush-money settlement in 2010 should be decided by an arbitrator, not in a courtroom, a US magistrate judge said Tuesday. Kathryn Mayorga, a former teacher and model who lives in the Las Vegas area, claims in a lawsuit that Ronaldo or his associates violated the confidential settlement by allowing reports of it to appear in European publications in 2017. Mayorga met Ronaldo at a nightclub in 2009 and went with him and other people to his hotel suite where she alleges he assaulted her in a bedroom, according to her lawsuit. Ronaldo, through his lawyers, maintains the sex was consensual. Mayorga’s lawyers say she didn’t break the confidentiality agreement. Her lawsuit claims conspiracy, defamation, breach of contract, coercion and fraud. It seeks to void the 2010 deal and collect at

least $200,000 more from Ronaldo. Her attorneys have asked for the case to be decided in a courtroom. The Associated Press generally doesn’t name people who say they’re victims of sexual assault, but Mayorga gave consent in 2018 to be identified. The recommendation Tuesday by US Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts put in writing his verbal ruling in November allowing the settlement to remain under seal and recommending to US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey that it be decided by a mediator. “The court finds that none of [Mayorga’s] arguments to invalidate the arbitration agreement have merit and it will compel all of her claims to arbitration,” Albregts wrote. Magistrates handle court filings and pretrial arguments. US district judges handle trials. Mayorga’s lawyers didn’t immediately respond to messages about whether they’ll appeal Albregts’s recommendation. Ronaldo’s attorney, Peter Christiansen, declined to comment. Ronaldo is one of the richest athletes in the world. He plays in Italy for the Turin-based soccer club Juventus and captains his home country Portugal’s national team.

CRISTIANO RONALDO has yet to fully rid himself of the rape case filed against him as Lionel Messi slams Barcelona brass. AP

Ronaldo’s lawyers maintain that reports about the settlement and payment were based on electronic data illegally hacked, stolen and sold by cyber criminals. They say they believe the documents have been altered and complain that Mayorga’s lawsuit damages Ronaldo’s reputation. Mayorga’s attorney, Mark Stovall, says Mayorga, then 25, had learning disabilities as a child and lacked the legal capacity to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Ronaldo’s lawyers counter that there is no evidence Mayorga was incapacitated or incapable of understanding what she was signing. They have said in court the existence of the agreement and payment should never have been disclosed publicly. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, hit back at Barcelona’s Sports Director Eric Abidal on Tuesday after he criticized the players’ efforts. Messi used his Instagram account to publish a text attacking Abidal for his criticism and saying the former player and other club directors should take responsibility for their recent decisions. “Honestly, I don’t like to do this kind of thing, but I think everyone has to be responsible for their roles and

take responsibility for their decisions,” Messi posted on an Instagram story. “We [players] are the first to acknowledge when we don’t play well. Those in charge of the sports department also have to be held accountable for their responsibilities and, above all, for their decisions.” The rare public attack by Messi came after the Spanish daily Sport published an interview in which Abidal said “many players were not satisfied and didn’t work hard” under Coach Ernesto Valverde, who was replaced by Quique Setién in the beginning of the year. Messi highlighted that quote from Abidal on his Instagram story. The two were teammates until the Frenchman left Barcelona in 2013. “Lastly, I think that when you talk about players, you should name them,” Messi said. “Otherwise, you are tainting all of us and helping spread rumors that are not true.” The club did not immediately respond to Messi’s comments. Barcelona hasn’t been playing well since Valverde was replaced by Setién. It lost the Spanish league lead to Real Madrid and was almost eliminated by third-division club Ibiza in the Copa del Rey. Its next game is Thursday at Athletic Bilbao in the quarterfinals of the Copa.

Koreans receive compensation for Ronaldo no-show in Seoul

EOUL, South Korea—Compensation awarded to two South Korean fans for the cost of tickets and for so-called mental anguish because Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t play in a preseason exhibition in Seoul last July is just the beginning, a Seoul-based lawyer said Wednesday. The promoters of the exhibition between Italian giant Juventus and a K-League All Star team, advertised that Ronaldo would play for at least 45 minutes. But the Portuguese star stayed on the bench for the entire game, angering sections of the 65,000 crowd. A court in Incheon on Tuesday ordered The Fasta to pay 371,000 won ($465) each to the two fans. Korean lawyer Kim Kwang-sam says the company will face more legal action from disgruntled fans.”There are 87 people who have filed a lawsuit in the Seoul Central District Court,” Kim said, referencing soccer fans who are seeking 950,000 won ($799) each. “The amount will be bigger this time.” The promoters did not respond to requests for comment. Ronaldo’s failure to play, explained by Coach Mauricio Sarri after the game as muscle fatigue following an exhibition in China 48 hours earlier, led to a verbal clash between the South Korean K-League and Juventus. The Italian club also arrived at the stadium late for the match, causing the kickoff to be delayed by almost one hour. “For fans in South Korea, Ronaldo’s appearance isn’t just about contract, but a trust in Juventus with 121 years of its rich history,” the K-League said in a statement last year. “The fans expected Juventus to offer an explanation and a sincere apology for the reasons of discrediting the trust so easily, but the Juventus club even gave up its last hope. “If Ronaldo was unable to play,” the statement said, “it would be a blatant deception to include Ronaldo as a substitute on the start list.” AP

US teenager nets 1st Dortmund goal in German Cup loss

merican teenager Gio Reyna scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund in style on Tuesday night in a 3-2 loss at Werder Bremen in the German Cup. The 17-year-old, a son of former US national team captain Claudio Reyna, entered in the 66th minute with Dortmund trailing, 3-1, in the round-of-16 game. He scored 12 minutes later after receiving a short pass from Julian Brandt about 10 yards outside the penalty area. Reyna played the ball from his left foot to his right and back to dribble between Yuya Osako and Leonardo Bittencourt, then played it back to his right as he cut past Davy Klaassen. Reyna poked the ball toward the center of the field with his right foot to create space, and curled a rightfooted shot around Milos Veljkovic and into the upper far corner of the net. Goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka was so beaten he did not even leap. A member of the US team at last year’s under-17 World Cup, Reyna made his senior team debut for Dortmund on January 18 at Ausgberg and at 17 years, two months and five days, became the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga. Christian Pulisic was 17 years, four months and 12 days old when he made his Bundesliga debut for Dortmund on January 30, 2016. Claudio Reyna scored eight goals in 112 appearances for the US from 1994 to 2006, appearing in three World Cups, and played in Germany for Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg. He quit as sporting director of Major League Soccer’s New York City team in November to take a similar role with the Austin expansion club that starts play in 2021. Gio Reyna’s mother, Danielle Egan Reyna, scored one goal in six appearances for the US in 2003. AP

CHRISTINE SINCLAIR adds to international goal record in Canada’s match against Mexico. GIO REYNA starts to make his presence felt in Bundesliga.

DINBURG, Texas— Christine Sinclair extended her international career-goals record when she scored in the 26th minute and Canada went on to defeat Mexico, 2-0, on Tuesday night in the final group stage match at the Concacaf Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Canada advances to face Costa Rica in a semifinal on Friday in Carson, California. Mexico draws a more difficult task in the other semi against the defending World Cup champion US national team. The winners of the semifinals will earn the region’s two berths in the Tokyo Olympics. The tournament’s title match is set for Sunday. Jamaica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis; eliminated from the knockout round, met in the late match at Edinburg’s HEB Park. Sinclair sat out of Canada’s last group match after scoring two goals in the opener, giving her 185 international goals, most among men or women. She passed retired US star Abby Wambach, who had 184. Sinclair scored No. 186 to give Canada the early lead before Shelina Zadorsky added Canada’s second goal just before the half.

SINCLAIR NAILS GOAL NO. 186 Khadija Shaw, meanwhile, scored Jamaica’s first goal, and the Reggae Girlz went on to defeat Saint Kitts and Nevis, 7-0, also on Tuesday. Shaw finished with two goals in the final match of the tournament for both teams. The top finishers in the group, Canada and Mexico, advanced to the semifinals in Carson, California, on Friday. Eight teams, including the US national team, were taking part in the tournament that determines the region’s two berths in the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Shaw scored in the 39th minute, and Tiffany Cameron added a goal for the Reggae Girlz some two minutes later. Jamaica broke away with four goals in the second half. Havana Solaun scored in the 51st minute before Shaw’s second goal in the 57th. Trudi Carter converted on a penalty kick, and Kayla McCoy added the final two goals. Last summer in France, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to play in the World Cup. Cedella Marley, daughter of the late Reggae artist Bob Marley, was the team’s benefactor in the run-up to the tournament. Saint Kitts and Nevis was making its first appearance in the qualifying tournament. AP

Success

EAR God, it is amazing to note that people strive to attain success. Does everybody attain it? Yes, for those who struggle hard and consistent in reaching their goal with the help of God attitude. “In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble,” Proverbs 15:6. In this line of inspiration, we can all attain success in many ways: material success, spiritual prosperity, and dayto-day even how small accomplishment, if we regard success as something that is hard earned through our effort, prayers and help from God. Amen. GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

Life BusinessMirror

I travel-hacked a college tour and saved $3,000

BY LIZ WESTON NerdWallet

MTRAK’S “buy one, get one” spring sale got me started. My teenage daughter and I had used a similar two-for-one deal last year to take an overnight train trip from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. This year, she wanted to use her spring break to check out colleges in Chicago, as well as the Pacific Northwest. When Amtrak announced the return of its companion fare sale, I thought a couple of nights on a sleeper train might be a good way to start our college tour. She agreed. At the same time, I noticed that we had travel rewards piling up all over the place: points, miles, free anniversary nights at hotels, even a Southwest companion pass that had yet to be used. At NerdWallet, we’re always telling people to spend rather than hoard their rewards, which get less valuable over time thanks to program devaluations. So I decided to see how much I could save on one 10-day trip. The answer: more than $3,000. I’m bragging, but I also hope my experience might help you get more value from your own rewards programs. First, the details. Our itinerary includes two nights in an Amtrak sleeper car, two airline tickets from Chicago to Seattle and six nights in historic hotels in three cities (plus one night in a convention hotel). The fare for our flight home was less than $90; and I got to use that companion pass, which allows

me to add another person to any flight I book with Southwest for only the cost of fees and taxes (in this case, just $5.60). My total cash outlay for all the booked travel: $846, including $740 for the Amtrak double-bunk roomette. The price tag for the trip without all the discounts: $4,234. This total doesn’t include most meals, incity transportation or incidentals (such as college sweatshirts). Also not included are the annual fees I pay for the credit cards that provided most of these rewards. Those fees totaled $733. That seems like a lot, but that cost is more than offset by other card perks, including travel credits, airline lounge access and free breakfasts at hotels. Most important, we don’t carry credit-card balances, so we don’t pay interest. The only way to win the travel rewards game is to pay balances in full every month, since otherwise interest costs will overwhelm any travel savings. If you do carry balances, look instead for a low-rate credit card that will help you pay off your debt faster. If you’re new to travel rewards cards, or just want to get more out of the ones you have, here are my tips: ■ HOTEL-BRANDED CREDIT CARDS ROCK. It’s typically easy to use your points because there are often tons of available rooms and no blackout dates. In most cases, the annual fee is more than offset by the free night you get on each card member anniversary. The downside: You can only redeem your points at that brand.

■ BUT A GENERAL ISSUER REWARDS PROGRAM HELPS, TOO. General travel rewards cards offer the flexibility to book with a number of different hotels or airlines. You can transfer points from the general rewards card to other frequent traveler programs, or use your points to book travel directly through their portals. ■ CHECK THE COUCH CUSHIONS. In addition to two anniversary nights that were about to expire, I had about 2,500 points moldering away in a forgotten Amtrak rewards account, which paid for coach seats from Seattle to Portland. ■ IT’S OK TO KEEP IT SIMPLE. Typically I’ll use a travel comparison site, such as Kayak, to get an idea of going rates, then check hotel and airline sites to see if I can get favorable exchange rates for my points. Once I’ve found a good deal, I’ll transfer points from a general rewards program to book the travel. But sometimes it’s nice to take the easier, faster way. I booked most of our hotel rooms and the flight to Seattle directly through a general rewards card’s travel portal. My points were worth 1.5 cents each, which is a decent return, and I didn’t have to spend hours comparing all my options. ■ ‘BOOKED’ IS BETTER THAN ‘BEST.’ It’s fun to score a big win, but the most important thing is that the rewards get used. Points programs are constantly being devalued, meaning it takes more points to get the same reward. Points in some programs can even expire (shudder). So don’t lose your points—use them. AP

Thailand tourism authority gives Filipinos new ways to enjoy Thai experience SRIRACHA Tiger Zoo

IT is high time Filipinos see for themselves what #AmazingThailand is all about. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showcases the best of what the Land of Smiles has to offer, with its very own section at the 27th Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) TravelTour Expo 2020. Happening on February 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, the PTAA offers the best deals on airfare, accommodations, tours and other services you might need for your next trip. Joining Travel Expo for the 20th time, TAT invites all travel enthusiasts to explore the most exciting parts of Thailand—from culture to food, sights and nightlife—with exclusive deals they can only avail themselves of at the Travel Expo. Thailand is a sought-after destination for all kinds of travelers because of its accessibility and

affordability. At the Travel Expo, the TAT booth features a number of travel agencies providing Thailand tours for as low as P4,000 for three days and two nights, where travelers old and new will be able to get the best of what the country has to offer. At the TAT booth, several must-see Thai spots have geared up to provide guests information on the following sites: MAHANAKHON TOWER. A site to behold in the city of Bangkok, King Power is the second-tallest building in the city at 77 floors. Take the elevator straight to the roof-deck and savor the sights in one of Bangkok’s highest points, enjoying a cocktail while you’re at it. SRIRACHA TIGER ZOO. Built in 1994, this sprawling animal paradise in Pattaya is home to tigers, cubs, camels, ostriches, kangaroos and a large number of crocodiles. Experience

feeding animals or brace yourselves for an exciting crocodile show. PATTAYA FLOATING MARKET. Experience living in a river-based community where culture, food and human interactions are just as precious as those on land. While streaming through ancient rivers of

Pattaya, guests will also get to sample or purchase local delicacies and products from all over the country. Expo guests who avail of Thai tour packages (land, air and full packages) at the TAT booth will receive a token from TAT upon presentation of their official receipt.

REELING: REPORTING AFFLICTIONS D4

Thursday, February 6, 2020

All aboard: Amsterdam-London nonstop train service to start THE HAGUE, Netherlands—A nonstop train from Amsterdam to London will begin services at the end of April, the Dutch government announced Tuesday. Roger van Boxtel, president-director of Dutch rail company NS, said the new service will improve transport ties between the Netherlands and Britain despite the UK’s departure from the European Union last week. “Brexit or not, from April 30 London is getting closer,” he said in a statement. Passengers can already travel nonstop from London to Amsterdam, but people going in the other direction have to change trains and go through passport formalities in Brussels. A new agreement between the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom means that passengers will now go through passport checks in Amsterdam before boarding the train. “The direct connection makes the train journey to London easier and, in particular, quicker,” said Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Cora van Nieuwenhuizen. She said that cutting the travel time by about an hour means that “the train will really become a viable alternative to the airplane.” The British government also hailed the start of direct Amsterdam to London Eurostar services. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps went to St. Pancras station on Tuesday for the arrival of a special preview train from the Dutch capital. “The days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be over, as we look forward to direct, return, high-speed services to Amsterdam and beyond,” he said One-way tickets start at €40 ($44). The train will take about four hours to travel from Amsterdam Central Station to St. Pancras in London, via the tunnel under the English Channel. A direct service from the port city of Rotterdam to London will begin May 18. AP

DISCOVERY Shores Boracay

TRAVEL DEALS FROM DISCOVERY PROPERTIES

EMBARK on “A World of Discovery” and tick off your 2020 bucket list as Discovery Hospitality unveils exciting travel deals to the 27th PTAA TravelTour Expo, happening from February 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Perfect for sun worshippers, urban staycationers and food connoisseurs, discover delightful experiences at any of their award-winning properties, with rates up to 58-percent off. Commune with the awe-inspiring beauty of rejuvenated Boracay at Discovery Shores and revel in the island’s unparalleled powdery white sand and captivating sunsets. With rates starting at P17,000, offers include overnight accommodation for two (minimum of two nights stay), buffet breakfast at Sands Restaurant, roundtrip Caticlan airport transfer, and P5,000 food and beverage credit per two-night stay. Fall in love with Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan, lounging on sun-drenched beaches and swimming with the resort’s resident sea turtles. Memorable getaways are inclusive of overnight accommodation for two (minimum of two nights stay), buffet breakfast at Firefish Restaurant, roundtrip Busuanga airport transfer, and P5,000 food and beverage credit per two-night stay, with rates starting at P16,000 net. Escape the heat and hustle of the city at Discovery Suites Ortigas. Stay in a Junior Suite at P4,800, a one Bedroom Suite for P5,600, a two Bedroom Suite for P9,400, and a three Bedroom Suite for P11,800. Offers include buffet breakfast at Restaurant 5, high-speed Wi-Fi access for multiple devices, and access to the indoor pool, gym and children’s playroom. The hotel is conveniently located across world-class shopping and dining destinations in Ortigas CBD. Moreover, explore the best of the Philippines’s off-thebeaten-path destinations with Discovery Fleet’s Nature Escape packages for Cebu and Coron with itineraries that begin at five days and five destinations that will take travelers from snorkeling with the majestic whale sharks to exploring the magnificent Apo Reef. More information is available at www.discoveryhotelsresorts.com.

Entertaining BusinessMirror

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Foolproof way to perfectly cooked fish? Try your Dutch oven HALIBUT with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Charlie Heaton, 26; Rick Astley, 54; Kathy Najimy, 63; Tom Brokaw, 80. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Take your time and systematically initiate changes you want to make. You have plenty to gain if you are willing to work hard and follow through with what you want to see happen. Reconnecting with old friends will help you put your life in perspective and prompt you to consider making a move or taking on a new project. Your lucky numbers are 2, 9, 15, 29, 33, 38, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you feel compelled to make a change, look for a way to alter your appearance without attracting a lot of attention or visit a place you’ve never been. Don’t share personal information or secrets. HHH

By America’s Test Kitchen The Associated Press

OOKING fish at a low temperature in a covered pot is a nearly foolproof way to achieve perfectly cooked fish, since the heavy Dutch oven holds in moisture and allows the fish to cook through gently and evenly. This method is also a wonderful way to concentrate flavor, meaning that a minimum of ingredients can make a big impact. We started by browning sliced garlic in oil, which mellowed its flavor and infused the dish with warm aromatic notes. Cherry tomatoes, which are of reliable quality year-round, became soft and sweet with the gentle cooking. Capers provided briny bites, and thyme gave the dish an herbal base note. Browning the halibut was unnecessary; it didn’t contribute much to the flavor, and the fish’s texture was better without it. While the halibut rested, we finished the sauce by cooking off some of the excess liquid on the stovetop. Sea bass and swordfish steaks are good substitutes for the halibut.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Consider what you can do for others. Lending a helping hand will encourage better relationships. If you love someone, let them know how you feel. Make plans that will give you something to look forward to. Romance is highlighted. HHHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stick to the truth, and hang out with people who aren’t excessive or who ask for too much. Balance and integrity will help you get ahead and ward off trouble. A personal change will help you financially. HH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t worry so much about what others do or think. Do your own thing and enjoy life and those who fit into your plans. It’s OK to be unique and to follow the path that feels most comfortable. Romance is featured. HHHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for a unique way to use your skills. A little will go a long way if you use precision and detail to make what you have to offer stand out. An unexpected change will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. HHH

HALIBUT WITH ROASTED GARLIC AND CHERRY TOMATOES Servings: 4 Start to finish: 1 hour 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and pepper 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried 2 (1 1/4 pound) skin-on full halibut steaks, about 1 1/4 inches thick and 10 to 12 inches long, trimmed Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 250°F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add garlic, pepper flakes, and pinch of salt and cook until garlic

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Dreams can come true if you make plans and follow through. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time. Look for simple but effective ways to reach your objective. Romance is on the rise. HHH

is light golden, two to four minutes. Off heat, stir in tomatoes, capers and thyme. Season steaks with salt and pepper, and lay on top of tomatoes. Cover, transfer pot to oven, and cook until halibut flakes apart when gently prodded with paring knife and registers 140°F, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove pot from oven. Using two thin spatulas, transfer steaks to cutting board, tent with aluminum

foil, and let rest while finishing sauce. Bring tomato mixture to simmer over medium-high heat and cook until slightly thickened, about two minutes. Off heat, stir in remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove skin from steaks and separate quadrants of meat from bone by slipping spatula gently between them. Serve halibut with sauce. n

DIVE into Japanese fusion at Yuki Café

bustling yuppies. From soft Japanese waffles to hearty Filipino comfort food, there’s a little something for every busy bee at this vibrant hub, a stone’s throw away for every community member. Here are just five of the many restaurants to grab a bite in or do a bit of entertaining during the work week: n HAVE A KOREAN FEAST OVER LUNCH BREAK. At Premier The Samgyupsal, enjoy an unlimited meal of tender pork and chicken, served fresh and luscious. A Korean lunch is an ideal way to draw energy for the day ahead, and with Premier The Samgyupsal’s nine delicious meat variants, delectable side dishes, and economical rates, it’s a staple for every hungry professional.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be careful what you wish for. Changes made can upset someone close to you. Make sure you get the go-ahead before you put your plans in motion. Think matters through, find out where you stand and proceed with confidence. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Talk less and do more. If you really want to keep the peace, be sure to live up to your promises. An interesting development will improve your living conditions. Romance will bring you closer to someone you love. HHHHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make changes that make sense. Don’t let anyone sidetrack you or convince you to do something that is extravagant. Stay in control, and make a point to be a leader, not a follower. HH

5 delicious spots for busy foodies AT Assembly Grounds at The Rise (www.assemblygroundsattherise.com), every dining option has been specially curated for North Makati’s (NOMA)

www.businessmirror.com.ph

n DIVE INTO JAPANESE FUSION. Yuki Café is no typical Japanese restaurant. There’s the usual katsudon and tempura rice toppings, but there is also spaghetti topped with spicy cod roe, butter, olive oil and nori flakes. What really sets it apart, however, is the taiyaki: soft, fish-shaped waffles bursting with filling, whether red bean, cheese or Nutella. n CHOMP ON SOME ONE-OF-A-KIND JAPANESE BURGERS. Expect a different kind of burger experience from Chatto Bites. These unique creations transform beloved Japanese favorites into burgers, from a Karaage burger topped with wasabi tomato sauce, to a Buta Kimchi Rice Burger and a Japanese steak drizzled with red wine sauce. Plus, with its chill, laidback vibe, the Chatto Bites in Assembly Grounds

at The Rise gives diners a welcome respite from the office. n ENJOY A PLATE OF HERITAGE. Sometimes, a nostalgic, back-tobasics plate of comfort food makes all the difference in a stressful work week. At Recipes, savor the crispy, the succulent, the creamy, and the sour with traditional dishes like general’s chicken, crispy tilapia, lechon kawali, kare-kare and more. n GRAB A CUP OF ENERGY. At Starbucks Reserve, order a cup of coffee made from especially imported beans, blended to perfection. With a warm, aromatic cup of caffeine, the work week no longer seems so daunting. These VIP branches also allow guests to choose from an exclusive array of the rarest pastries Starbucks has to offer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Personal improvements can be made that will calm your nerves and make you feel good about who you are, the way you look and how your life is unfolding. Simplicity and moderation will be the keys to happiness. HHHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Embrace change. Look for new beginnings, pursuits and interests. The more you learn and expand your horizons, the more you will end up accomplishing. A job opportunity will encourage you to use your skills and experience in different ways. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Use your intuition when dealing with people who can influence your progress or future. A kind word or gesture will go a long way when you want assistance. Romance is on the rise and will improve your personal life. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are compassionate, helpful and insightful. You are resourceful and encouraging.

‘trilingual’ BY DON GAGLIARDO The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 1950s literary counterculturist 9 Like the alphabet in Vatican City, which the starred answers’ letters also appear in 14 “Check out this doozy!” 15 Genre with drum machines 16 Starts something with gusto 17 Creeps (around) 18 Human Genome Project focus 19 Japanese IT giant 20 Girls Trip actress Tiffany 21 Ridicule 23 Teacher’s sticker shape 26 Status for some income 33 Sic on 35 Bottom 36 “Yikes!” 39 Gave a poker hand to 40 Goes on a shopping spree, say 42 Bread-making supply 43 “Juggled” issue 45 Common shade trees 46 Presidential first name that sounds like a tree

9 Makes very dry 4 55 Tick off 56 Pint-sized drink? 59 Unprincipled 60 Queen’s seating area at Wimbledon 62 “Hasn’t turned up!” 63 Unlike a bikini 64 Like the alphabet in Athens, which the starred answers’ letters also appear in 65 Like the alphabet in Moscow, which the starred answers’ letters also appear in DOWN 1 Dallas nickname 2 British boarding school 3 On the ocean 4 Many college lab instructors 5 Amelia Earhart’s vehicle 6 External 7 Bring forth 8 Young Egyptian king 9 ___ an ear (listen) 10 Scored 100 percent on 11 Spicy Asian cuisine

2 Works on a comic 1 13 Have a few pretzels, say 15 Org. associated with long lines 20 Placed a curse on 21 Recount, as bad memories 22 Barack, to Malia and Sasha 23 Move through puddles 24 Allegro or adagio 25 Leaning 27 Old-timey “before” 28 Cavity revealer 29 ___ Fisher (fashion brand) 30 Heavy ___ band 31 Light bender 32 They’re pitched away from home 34 Snowblower brand 37 Drill instructor, often: Abbr. 38 Gets well 41 Muddy enclosure 44 Like some pungent buns 47 Appliance for two kinds of sheets 48 Animal with zebralike markings 49 Feeling of hunger 50 Love, in El Salvador 51 Cameo, say

52 Motley ___ 53 Unskilled writer 54 Yellowstone grazer 56 Cain’s brother 57 Particular points 58 Business VIP 60 Mythical bird 61 Small, in rap names Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Parentlife BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, February 6, 2020

FROM left: Being physically active helps my kids keep healthy—scooter time with my kids when they were preschoolers; my husband with my son finishing a fun run when Marcus was seven; games like Sequence and art activities like this Cling Creator are good ways to occupy our kids’ time at home now that we need to avoid crowded places.

How I protect my kids’ health MOMMY NO LIMITS

MAYE YAO CO SAY

mommynolimits@gmail.com

ANY of us parents worry if we are protecting our children’s health enough. Most of us worry the most when they are babies. Thanks to the efforts of many groups on breastfeeding awareness, most moms, including myself, now opt to breastfeed as much as they can. Aside from breast milk providing the ideal nutrition for babies, according to www.healthline.com, it contains important antibodies that help your babies fight off viruses and bacteria. When my kids reached their toddler years, my pediatrician advised me that the correct milk and diet should be sufficient. She did not prescribe a daily multivitamin. She only advised me to take multivitamins with zinc when my kids were sick, or had been exposed to situations where there was a risk of getting sick like maybe when there were many kids in school who had colds. I was also personally not too

fond of giving medicine right away. I would usually try salinase first. As early as when they were a year old, I allowed my kids to “get dirty.” I have wipes usually for eating time but when they play, I allow them the freedom to run around the park and play in the sandbox. I also take them to “real” crowds. At times they would catch something, but I feel it’s better they develop their immune system. My son had underdeveloped lungs when he was born. He also had slight skin asthma. I think as a result, he would often throw up in the car. I wanted him to overcome this over time and not allow this to limit his activities in the future. So I took him to more car rides and road trips. I would stock up on airplane barf bags. It was inconvenient to have a smelly car every now and then, sure, but I think it was worth it especially now that I see my son so active in basketball, futsal and fencing. Filipinos are currently facing the risks from the coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The issue is real but the hearsays and posts in social media can be confusing. It is good that the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a “myth buster” section on its web site. Below are a summary of some of these. You can visit the web site to view the more thorough explanations: n CAN PETS AT HOME SPREAD THE NEW CORONAVIRUS (2019-NCOV)? At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets, such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is

always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. n DOES THE NEW CORONAVIRUS AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE, OR ARE YOUNGER PEOPLE ALSO SUSCEPTIBLE? People of all ages can be infected by the virus. Older people, and people with preexisting medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease), appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene. n ARE ANTIBIOTICS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING AND TREATING THE NEW CORONAVIRUS? No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The coronavirus is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. n ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC MEDICINES TO PREVENT OR TREAT THE NEW CORONAVIRUS? To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. The advice that is most important for me is my pediatrician’s advice because she knows my kids’ health history the most. Also, she is best to contextualize it in the Philippine setting. Below are her advice and how I currently apply it: 1. Most important is frequent handwashing by anyone with cough and colds, as well as those in

close contact with the sick person. I use antibacterial wipes. I also keep alcohol now in all the cars and at the kitchen counters in the house for everyone’s use. 2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unclean hands. 3. Face masks may help reduce transfer of a respiratory virus if worn by the sick person, as well as the close contacts. Wearing masks in crowded places may also be worthwhile. I was initially planning to stock up on masks because of the coronavirus. It was good that WHO released a guideline on when we should wear a mask. According to this bulletin: n YES—If you have respiratory symptoms—cough, difficulty breathing. n YES—If you are providing care to individuals with respiratory symptoms. n YES—If you are a health worker and attending to individuals with respiratory symptoms. n NOT—needed for the general public who do not have respiratory symptoms. 4. Avoid unnecessary overseas travel and limit crowd exposure. We try to avoid going to crowded places so we spend more time at home. So I am starting to stack up on art supplies, games and the like to avoid too much screen time. 5. Also, stay well hydrated, eat healthy and get enough sleep. 6. Vitamin C (with zinc), multivitamins and DHA/Omega 3 supplements will do very little if one is already in good health, but may add to above measures. n

Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp now on its 8th season WHEN children are encouraged and given avenues to thrive, they are able to excel in their passions both in the arts and sciences. Most moms today are invested in their children’s holistic well-being and happiness. With so many research and reading materials powering up the belief that a child’s present state— psychological, physical and emotional state—may affect his or her adulthood, they look for ways on how to make sure that everything they do today has an effect on the future. Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp is not just a fleeting summer activity, but a carefully designed program that harnesses the benefits of creative expression and proper mentoring, so that the child’s gift is nurtured to the fullest. “Promil Four has always been about partnering with parents to nurture their children’s gifts and bring out the best that they can be at what they love to do,” says Maria Carmela Gabunada, associate marketing director of Wyeth Philippines Inc. “This same philosoph is what motivates us to extend our program to a summer talent camp, and bring children closer to activities they want to pursue.” I-Shine Talent Camp comes at a perfect time for children six to 11 years old as this happens during summer time with seasoned mentors who can inspire, train and instill hard and soft skills they will need in their craft and in life. That’s why the focus is on the process as much as it is on the output.

SOLANE VILLANUEVA PLANT JOINS RESCUE MARCH CHALLENGE

FROM left: award-winning craftsmaster Robert Alejandro, arts director Kara Escay, Philippines’s first Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, i-Shine Alumna Krystal Brimner, National Artist Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Wyeth Philippines Marketing Director Jocelyn Lacida (not in photo), G-Force’s iconic celebrity choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy, Trumpets President Audie Gemora, and host Issa Litton

With Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp Season 8, a new generation of eager talents can truly shine. It is the biggest and most prestigious summer talent camp, for children six years old and above. This year, i-Shiners will be able to take classes on ballet, theater, art, music or dance starting April 13.

The camps will be guided by experts in their craft who have been known for making a mark in their respective industries. Helping the new batch of hopefuls to move the artforms forward, they will lead in locations that will cater to teaching the children. More information is available at bit.ly/2Os8dgy.

ISLA LPG Villanueva Plant recently participated in the Rescue March (Mass Assembly for Rescue and Care for Humanity) Challenge that was spearheaded by STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI), an independent power producer operating in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. The Rescue March Challenge is an activity that aims to simulate an anticipated big earthquake and how rescuers would respond to such emergency. Presuming that roads and transportation would be unavailable for use, rescuers would have to withstand going on foot across the city to search for survivors. They must also be able to properly run life-saving emergency procedures. The program was also organized to show appreciation to the various rescue and emergency first responders around the municipalities

of Tagaloan and Villanueva, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Red Cross, to name a few. The sole private company invited was Isla LPG Villanueva Plant, assisted by Shell Bitumen. In total distance, the responders traveled 6.3 kilometers on foot, in their respective rescue uniforms with PPEs (personal protective equipment). “This march was an endurance test for the responders. With direct sunlight and heat combined with the full PPE covering and exhaustion, it was indeed a challenge—which the responders handled well,” said Clark Publico, ILC Villanueva Plant operations executive. The march lasted for an hour. In comparison to actual emergency response, this has proven that the ILC Emergency Response Team is capable and prepared in the event of disasters.

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Thursday, February 6, 2020

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Reporting afflictions PHOTO: NONIE REYES

REELING

TITO GENOVA VALIENTE

titovaliente@yahoo.com

OPULAR histories, such as those contained in newspapers, are always a source of enlightenment or alternative view of the past. I was reading a digital copy of the Manila Cable News, a newspaper published during the American Occupation. In its issue dated January 3, 1903, a page stands out for its “unusual” concerns. The page lists a detailed assignment of American dentists all detailed to take care of the dental needs of American soldiers out in the field. By this time, any Filipino who rose up in arms against the Americans were either called ladrones (thieves) or insurrectos (insurgents). And yet, the imperialists were concerned with dental hygiene. On the same page can be found what seems like a regular feature, with the title “Cholera News.” It says: “The cholera situation in the provinces for the 24 hours ending at eight o’clock yesterday morning showed a slight gain for that period over the preceding day, there being 62 new cases and 42 deaths.” Then it states the details of new cases and deaths in Zambales, Oriental Negros (sic), Capiz and Misamis provinces. From this news, one gets an impression about how regular the monitoring of the “cholera situation.” But there is another image that comes out of this health focus: the Philippines was a land of diseases. In his paper, “Immunization and Hygiene in the Colonial Philippines,” published in Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Volume 62, Issue 1, January 2007, Warwick Anderson writes: “During the Philippine-American war of 1898 to 1902, the Spanish health system broke down completely. As they advanced, American forces established in its place a new stratum of public health institutions, based directly on a military model.... It divided the city into 10 districts and appointed a municipal physician to each. During this period, separate hospitals for smallpox, leprosy and venereal diseases were established, and a veterinary corps was organized. In August 1899, the board added a bacteriological department to its municipal laboratory and set up a plague hospital.” On April 6, 1901, a health ordinance was promulgated by the Americans. This “became the foundation of a new civil health organization: it was the basis of all subsequent ordinances and of the sanitary code,” as Warwick writes. Mass vaccination, demonized under the present dispensation, was an American legacy and became an important part of the accomplishments of the colonial health authorities. Warwick describes the mass vaccination as conducted with a “military rigor.” Smallpox vaccination, according to the report, became “thus one of the first medical means of intervening in Philippine social life.” Significantly, Warwick took note of the symbolic importance of this mass vaccination and whatever success it had gained: “the control of contagious disease in the archipelago indicated the beneficence of American occupation: health officers were saving the Orient from itself, leading its people onto the path of science, progress and health.” Where did that health legacy bring us to? Looking around in this present chaos

around the coronavirus, it seems we really have never evolved a better health system. Give and take the evils wrought upon us by the expansion of the American empire, how we conduct surveillance and monitoring remains crude. Most of our TV networks are hysterical about the reporting of the disease. It is true what they say, in the gaps and interstices of formal discourses can be found the other texts about order and disorder. What is happening is that it is not only the coronavirus that is going viral but the news— informed and misinformed—about it. A few days back, the Internet carried the photo of a man unconscious on the pavement. A man reports that he thinks the man is “Asian.” Interestingly, the good man did not use the word “Chinese.” The networks captured this scene. A police line demarcated the area where the “sick” was. The citizen who was concerned enough about the implication of a man falling down, sick and unconscious started to call the police, the Red Cross, a hospital. There were no responses from these institutions. After an hour, the man on the pavement could not be found anymore. Some witnesses said the man stood up and walked away. We do not know how reliable the words that filtered in: that man was not Chinese and was not sick; he was a Korean who got so drunk that he fell unconscious to the ground. The man who reported this incident soon was being criticized. Fortunately, there are intelligent insights arising out of that incident. These were the facts that no police came to the scene, no Red Cross responded, and no hospital came running to look into the situation. As I began writing this today, Tuesday, February 4, I was viewing a streaming video of the hearing in the Senate about how the health authorities were responding to the present health crisis. Onscreen could be seen Sen. Pia Hontiveros asking Health Secretary Francisco Duque III about the situation on the field. Below the images were text from viewers lambasting the senator about misdemeanors and corrupt practices she is allegedly involved in. The messages were relentless and ranged from screaming exposés and expletives that had nothing to do with

virus or other vices. A few days back, a “sad” story about a Filipino family observing how a Chinese family avoided joining them in the elevator circulated online. The implication of the story was that this Chinese family is so concerned about fear of contaminating the Filipino family, they would rather stay behind instead of adding anxiety to the Filipinos. A rejoinder to that post, however, revealed the anecdote as a prepared “narrative” spread by different people with the purpose of creating a sympathetic note favoring the Chinese. The narrative of mass vaccination is a phantom of history. Here we are, timid in the use of ethnicity as being related to an epidemic and the spread of a disease. It is as if we should not blame Wuhan because, as some government officials put it, the virus has spread anyway to other parts of the globe. Here is a situation where the Philippines and the Filipinos are not the “unwell,” but the government is suppressing that mindset. The reporting about the spread of the virus has been so slow that we were left scared in the dark. The spread of knowledge was hampered by health officials who would not tell the full story. When that Chinese woman reported on her own to the health authorities, the latter did not mention she was with a partner who was very sick and who eventually would die. If we are to believe the news reports, the Philippine airport authorities were not properly informed what to do with transit travelers. They found themselves following an instruction not to allow passengers of airlines coming from China into the country; now they are facing the problems of not allowing passengers who got into the Philippines to leave the country. The Warwick paper indicates how the “crusade for cleanliness sharpened social divisions [and legitimated social categories] in the Philippines, further separating colonized from colonizers, the sick from the healthy, native disease carriers from nonimmune foreigners.” In the end, all the diseases were Tropical and the West was the bastion of good health. In the end, we are deathly scared being accused of racism instead of being conscious with our science and our health. ■

ELY BUENDIA SET TO ROCK ANOTHER NIGHT AT RESORTS WORLD MANILA FRESH from the success of his A Night at the Theater concert in December with scenes inspired from Resorts World Manila’s Ang Huling El Bimbo (AHEB) The Musical, Pinoy rock icon Ely Buendia gears up for a repeat performance at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on February 20. Due to insistent public demand, the legendary front man of one of the most influential Pinoy bands of all time is, once again, set to display his thespian side and integrate the exciting elements that make up both theater musicals and rock concerts. As the first performance allowed audiences to witness a unique integration of both disciplines, not

to mention a side of Buendia not previously seen by his fans, this time promises to be another Pinoy musical experience for the books. Aside from the cast that include Gian Magdangal, Chino Veguillas, Jon Santos, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Reb Atadero, Victor Robinson, Lance Reblando, Tanya Manalang, Sheila Francisco, plus members of the ensemble and some of the members from the creative team behind the breakthrough 2019 musical, Buendia will also be joined by his band Nitoy Adriano, Audry Dionisio, Pat Sarabia, Carissa Ramos and Joseph Cabanero, plus the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Notable production contributions

include Myke Salomon’s musical arrangement, writing by AHEB playwright Dingdong Novenario, and the direction of theater veteran Jamie Wilson. “This was a leap into the unknown,” said Buendia of the original show, and as a new decade begins, the legendary singersongwriter and artist is, once again, all set to present his vast creative arsenal to music fans of all ages in his one-night concert. Tickets to A Night at the Theater: The Repeat are now available at the RWM Box Office at the Ground Floor of Newport Mall and all Ticketworld outlets. More information is available at www.rwmanila.com.

GEM PREMIERES HIT JAPANESE MEDICAL DRAMAS, TOUCHING LOVE STORY WITH STAR-STUDDED CAST

JAPANESE entertainment channel GEM, a joint venture of Sony Pictures Television and Japan’s Nippon TV, welcomes 2020 with exciting additions to its lineup of popular and sought-after Japanese programs. Now airing are two new medical dramas and a compelling romance that are bound to make viewers fall in love, and turn their weeknights into date nights with GEM. The first medical drama is the much-talked about A Lone Scalpel, starring former actor-singer Hideaki Takizawa in a challenging role of a US-educated Japanese surgeon working at a rural hospital in the 1980s, an era when internal organ transplant had not yet been legalized in Japan. The story revolves around Takizawa’s character, Tetsuhiko Toma, and his journey to performing an unprecedented surgery that will challenge the medical taboos of Japan in the 1980s. A Lone Scalpel airs every Monday and Tuesday at 9 pm. Another ongoing medical drama airing on the same week as Japan on GEM is Top Knife, which stars Yuki Amami, who has won multiple awards, such as the 2004 and 2005 Television Drama Academy Awards for Best Actress, 2001 Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Actress, and the 1997 Japan Academy Awards for Rookie of the Year. In Top Knife, which is on GEM every Monday at 10 pm, Amami plays Yoko Miyama, a genius neurosurgeon who is torn between her commitment to saving her patients’ lives and the guilt of abandoning her own family. “It’s been some time since I worked with Koji Hayashi, the scriptwriter; and Kyouji Otsuka, the director. I’m very happy and I look forward to it very much. I hope I can fully convey the charm behind Hayashi’s script and Otsuka’s directing to everyone,” Amami said in an interview. Also on GEM is Us Forever, a beautiful love story between an emotionally torn man and a young girl burdened by familial obligations. Airing on GEM the same week as Japan, it features the tandem of singer-actor Taisuke Fujigaya, a member of Johnny & Associates’ boy band Kis-My-Ft2; and former model-turned-actress Nao, who is a recipient of the Best Supporting Actress award from Television Drama Academy Award. “I had hoped to work with Misumi Kubo after reading Yoru No Fukurami, so I’m very fortunate to be able to participate in a drama based on her work,” Nao explains. “My character, Sakurako Motohashi, comes across as a woman facing struggles which she cannot overcome on her own. This is a love story between two people working toward recovery, and I hope viewers may find a ripple of hope spreading in their hearts as they watch the drama.” Us Forever airs every Wednesday at 9 pm. GEM, your destination for the best of Japanese entertainment, is available on SKYcable channel 116 in Metro Manila; SKYcable channel 222 in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo and Baguio; GSAT channel 57; and various provincial cable operators nationwide.

TOP KNIFE

Envoys&Expats

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Thursday, February 6, 2020 E1

CDA ON POLAND-PHILIPPINE PARTNERSHIP:

A symmetry of shared, mutual interests

By Recto Mercene

@rectomercene

OST members of the local diplomatic community will talk about a natural disaster in the Philippines after it has struck, being miles away from the proverbial “ground zero.” The Republic of Poland’s Chargé d’affaires (CDA) Jarosław Roman Szczepankiewicz, however, is a rare exception, as he can very well say that he had been where “the action is:” in the middle of a maelstrom that raged across the country’s typhoon belt—while at the heart of the Yuletide holidays. At the onset of our interview, Szczepankiewicz revealed his close encounter with a local calamity when Typhoon Ursula (international code name Phanfone) struck during his visit to the town

of Marabut, Samar—on December 25, to be exact. “It was the first time I experienced a typhoon while having Christmas dinner,” he told Envoys&Expats. After the evening meal, he thought the worst was over. But after a few minutes, the wind came back with renewed strength from the opposite direction. “Water came from the ocean. It was then I realized we were in the eye.” “In Poland, we have the wind blowing in one direction; not two,”

the CDA shared. “But I really appreciate the courage of Filipinos returning to their normal way of life, rebuilding houses and cleaning roads.” He said it happened at Christmas time, when everybody should have been thinking about family celebrations. “There was no electricity, [but] everybody worked [to restore a sense of normalcy].” Aware that local typhoons are named alphabetically, the Polish embassy official knew Ursula came before year-end, when 21 have already roared through the Philippines. He remembered Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan), the strongest in history, which in 2013 easily was double the strength of Ursula. Upon seeing a Filipina praying at the inn where he was staying, it was just then that he felt safe inside the hotel that shielded everyone from the elements. Speaking of prayers, it seems that Poland contributed a dose of divine intervention, as its first nationals were men of the frock. Those who first arrived in the

Philippines in the 15th century were two remarkable Jesuit missionaries: The first died in Japan after leaving Manila; the other left for China, and not for long returned to Manila, where he spent the rest of his days. Records reveal that one of them was Wojciech Męciński, a Jesuit from Kraków, who participated in missionary activities in Japan, China and Vietnam. In 1642, Męciński arrived from Vietnam along with a large group of fellow Jesuits. He stayed in Manila for a few months before being deployed to his second journey to Japan, where he was martyred in Nagasaki on March 23, 1642. The second Pole to arrive in the Philippines was another Jesuit missionary: Jan Chryzostom Bąkowski from Częstochowa. Bąkowski initially participated in missionary activities in China, particularly in Jiangsu. However, he was arrested and sent to Canton, released and deported for Manila in 1730 where he evangelized the Chinese-Filipino community in Parian until his death in 1732. He was buried in the Manila Cathedral. Aside from Bąkowski, several

Polish Catholic clergies have also stayed in the archipelago during the Spanish period, including Władysław Michał Zaleski, who had served as papal delegate to the East Indies from 1886 to 1916. Another important missionary was Cantius J. Kobak, a Franciscan. His works on history, culture, the arts and language of Eastern Visayas left an unforgettable impact in hearts of people during his stay in Samar from 1959 to 1989 as foreigner, Pole, missionary, writer and researcher. He was given the highly respected title, “Historian of Samar” in 2009.

Bells in bulk

MANY might not be aware of it, but Poles actually excel in bell-foundry, having created the world’s largest swinging kind that weighs as much as 10 African elephants, and is as tall as a giraffe. Jan Felczyński Church Bell Manufactory (known locally as R&F Church Service Philippines), created the humongous bell. It is made from bronze, weighs 55 tons, is over

4 meters high and has a diameter of 4.5 meters. To make it swing, four linear motors are needed, which also the largest one of its kind in the world made so far. Until now, R&F has been the bulk supplier of bells for Philippine churches, “especially now that [the Philippines is approaching its 500th year of the Christianization,” Szczepankiewicz noted. “How else do you celebrate [such a highly significant] occasion, but with the sound of bells?” he exclaimed. “We will see and hear R&F audio system installation in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Manila Cathedral soon. “When Cardinal [Luis Antonio G.] Tagle visits the cathedral in the future, he’ll have an excellent sound system, whose contract he himself approved.” R&F opened its office in Manila in June 2019. Recently, the finest bells from the Polish firm have been installed in the Remedios Parish Church in Cebu City. Continued on E2

Envoys& BusinessMirror

E2 Thursday, February 6, 2020

Curtains open for EUROPelikula at the Cultural Center of the PHL

HE Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines is starting its cultural program with its latest feature, EUROPelikula, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

As a new initiative, EUROPelikula will form part of special film screenings at the CCP all-year round, with films that, according to the EU Embassy, would surely increase moviegoers’ appetites for films that are not predictable or too cliché. European films—mostly multi-awarded and many coproduced by several countries of the continent—have been curat-

ed by the CCP and will offer a variety of genres. The lineup varies from comedy to historical, and is developed by European filmmakers. “EUROPelikula hopes to create another platform for cineastes from Metro Manila [for them to have] a deeper understanding and appreciation of not only the films, but rather the diverse culture from Europe, the

EU Embassy’s Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Thomas Wiersing said. We are also very excited to partner with the CCP [as] it celebrates its 50th anniversary.” EUROPelikula formally opened on January 31 led by members of the EU delegation and CCP President Arsenio J. Lizaso. Ambassador of Belgium Michel Goffin, as the special guest of honor, delivered his remarks. Film screenings are open to the public at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited seating. The opening film, King of the Belgians, is a comedy of absurdity about a fictional “King of the Belgians.” The comic part of the story comes as King Nicolas III is in Turkey for a state visit and at the same

time, tries to revamp his image with the help of a British filmmaker. Following a solar storm, the king and his entourage begin their undercover odyssey across the Balkans—a journey loaded with lively detours, moving encounters and moments of grace. Filmmakers Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth said: “An Icelandic volcano erupted, and an idea was born: Let’s drop a Belgian King in Istanbul, stir up a natural disaster, spark a political crisis, and then launch him on a homeward overland journey that features trip ups, showdowns and revelations.” They explained: “Displacement [is] the essence of comedy, in other words. The challenge was how to actually tell this tale. Find out and be amused!”

Cda on Poland-Philippine partnership: A symmetry of shared, mutual interests Continued from E1

Poles in PHL

IT is believed that the first nonreligious Pole to arrive in the Philippines was Maksymilian Teofil Gumplowicz. Between 1883 and 1886, he served as a doctor for the navy of the Dutch East Indies (what is now modern-day Indonesia). During his tour of duty with the Dutch navy, Gumplowicz visited not only islands throughout the Dutch East Indies, but also the Philippines, British Malaya and New Guinea, Wikipedia said. When the United States colonized the Philippines in the early part of the 20th Century, Szczepankiewicz shared that his countrymen who came to Manila at that time were mainly of PolishAmerican descent. The CDA volunteered that as of the last decade, Polish citizenship represents the third-largest Central European community in the country, after Hungarians and Albanians. Probably the most famous of them is legendary cager and former Sen. Robert Jaworski. It is the same for actor Zaldy Zshornack, a co-star actor of former President Joseph Estrada, as well as a few others. Historical sources have it that the colonial period in the early 1900s saw the rapid growth in the local Polish circles, although most share American ancestry. Prominent Poles who visited the Philippines during that time included pianists—Aleksander Tansman, who played concerts in 1933 on his triumphant world tour; and Artur Rubenstein, who played a concert in Manila, in 1935.

Relations with Russia

AFTER decades have passed, Poland has reestablished its embassy in Manila, in 2018. Szczepankiewicz said he had just presided over the opening of the Polish Embassy in Manila last year, and made operational “all consular functions.” The Polish diplomat explained that the Philippines cut off diplomatic ties after the Central European country was overrun by the former Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Poland and Russia have a “complicated relationship.” Recently, President Vladimir Putin attempted to conceal the historical facts that the Nazi invasion of Poland came just a week after Hitler’s Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov had signed a nonaggression pact on August 23, 1939. A secret clause in the pact carved up Central Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres of influence,

THE Polish CDA at a concert in Bataan’s Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.

POLAND’S Charges d’Affaires Jarosław Roman Szczepankiewicz (left) presents to the author a book on an important Pole who came to the Philippines in the 1900s.

allowing the two dictators—one fascist, the other communist—to occupy and dismantle Poland. World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Poland was invaded first by Nazi Germany, then by the Soviet Russia two weeks later. Some 6 million Polish citizens were killed in the war. According to Szczepankiewicz, Putin’s accusation of Poland starting the war is Russia’s way of covering its internal problems. The Polish envoy relayed that Russia is encountering economic difficulties at the moment because of the sanctions imposed by the US that “made problematic selling to Europe its gasoline via unfinished Nord Stream II Pipeline, a major sources of the Eurasian country’s income.” “America is weakening Europe’s energy dependence from Russia, [while] we want to develop Poland’s multiple sources of energy and not to rely on one supplier,” the CDA told this writer. “That’s what the Russians are trying to do. They want to make us and [the rest of] Europe rely on them only as a supplier.”

Economic symmetry

“HOW is the Polish economy doing?” this writer asked. “It’s booming and growing,” was Szczepankiewicz’s straightforward answer. The CDA added that Poland’s

economic strength is derived from its “mixed economy.” “An economy based on only one [sector is weak and is] exposed to major fluctuations. So generally, European economies are diversified. If a sector is losing, another should take the lead. That’s the advantage of variety.” He enumerated products Poland exports to the Philippines, aside from bells, like machines, turbines, and others hinged on high-end technology. On the other hand, his country imports from Manila electronic components, computer hardware and the like—“the same [ones] that you export to the US.” “Poland also exports food— mainly dairy products, as well as Sikorsky helicopters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” “I [just learned that the] Philippine Air Force is heading for eventually a new order of an additional six Sikorsky choppers, but with more advanced configuration,” Szczepankiewicz shared. “It was the Department of National Defense that made the purchase.” “This is the kind of symmetry that’s mainly built on economic interest,” he averred, remarking that the Philippines is now ranked the third-best place for investment, as far as Poland is concerned. “The country is full of opportunities. Its economic boom has attracted Polish companies to in-

vest,” he continued. “[They have arrived anew] in the Philippines, and there are also Filipino companies in Poland.” The International Container Terminal Services Inc., or ICTSI, has invested $50 million in Poland’s Baltic Container Port. Another is ISOC Group, a Philippine investment-management service company, who invested in Poland €248,000,000 for “purchasing office complexes to rent to foreign companies.” T he CDA named Pietrucha Manufacturing Philippines, located in Mariveles, Bataan, as a producer of eco-friendly vinyl sheets. Its products were recently used to protect Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Another is Polish startup NextBank, which offers rural banks a cloud platform to run like a modern bank. There are between 2,000 and 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in his country, and their numbers are continually growing. He said Poland is big in greenhouse farming, producing fruits and vegetables—thanks to OFWs employed in that particular industry. “Filipinos fit very well working in greenhouses because of their resistance to high temperatures,” Szczepankiewicz noted.

Cultural ties

POLAND’S former ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti said he would like to see closer cultural exchanges between our two countries. He pointed out that his motherland has participated in the European Film Festival, while Polish authors have translated several books into

Filipino. While on his three-year tour of duty, Szczepankiewicz, who is from Gdansk, said he would try to help educate Filipinos in knowing more about his country, and also for Polish citizens to know more about the Philippines. A music buff and a violinist, Szczepankiewicz shared that many Filipinos know the moves of the mazurka, but have yet to recognize that is of Polish beginnings. Originally from the cultural region of Mazovia, one of Poland’s national folk dances is usually set at a lively tempo. On the other hand, he said Poland had given Filipinos “Papaya,” a disco-funk hit from the 1970s by Polish jazz vocalist Urszula Dudziak. It later turned into a global dance fad. (And who would forget ’80s/’90s pop-jazz diva Basia?) This year, Szczepankiewicz said he would bring over to Manila an excellent musician to mark the 250th birthday anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin, a great Polish pianist and composer.

Tourist draw

WE asked, “How many tourists visit Poland yearly?” Szc zepan k iew ic z sur mised about the millions from around the world who drop by to see attractions of the country. For one, the Wieliczka Salt Mine had attracted about 1.86 million tourist visitors in 2019. Krakow, the old Polish capital, has preponderant old churches, museums and the Royal Castle. There are also pilgrimages to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Josef Wojtyla, who later would be known as Saint (Pope) John Paul II.

On the other hand, the CDA stated that the number of Polish tourists who set foot to the Philippines amounted 16,000 according to last year’s numbers, and is growing by about 6 percent yearly. “They go to ‘classic’ destinations such as Bohol, Palawan and Negros,” but singled out Cebu as being “more attractive, because it has an international airport” which can accommodate global carriers. Located in the heart of Europe, Poland, the diplomat volunteered, could be reached from the Philippines via Singapore; Doha, Qatar; the United Arab Emirates and Istanbul. From these places, their own carrier, PLL LOT, will fly passengers to the capital of Warsaw. “We need to project Poland to the Philippines, because [both are] far apart. Many Filipinos do not know where Poland is, thinking we are a communist country.” The Polish emissary noted the same about his countrymen’s unfamiliarity of the Philippines. He hopes that OFWs would help spread knowledge about Poland, many of them making mutual visits to Manila and Warsaw and also strengthening people-to-people relations. Speaking of family, Szczepankiewicz spends his free time by scuba diving in various local spots with his only son. He said he would like to dig more into the history of Polish-Filipino relations, and noted, “there are a lot of interesting places in Manila. Only, the main problem is its traffic.” If Szczepankiewicz can weather the wrath of Philippine storms, we dare say, the city’s perennial gridlock will be for him but a breeze to endure.

&Expats

envoys.expats.bm@gmail.com |Thursday, February 6, 2020 E3

DISASTER RELIEF AND RESPONSE

EU extends support for Taal survivors

HE European Union will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those most affected by the Taal Volcano eruption with the amount of €750,000, or roughly P42 million.

“This contribution will support the local government of Batangas and our humanitarian partners on the ground in providing crucial support to those who have lost their shelter, belongings and sources of livelihood in the wake of the eruption of Taal Volcano,” said Janez Lenarčič, the EU commissioner for crisis management. “The EU stands ready to support the people of the Philippines, ensuring affected people get protection, have enough means to survive

RESPONSE THROUGH RELIEF ASSISTANCE

Japanese Chargé d’affaires Yamamoto Yasushi (left) signed on January 29 the Deed of Donation for in-kind relief assistance in response to the damage caused by the Taal Volcano eruption. Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista (center) received the contribution at the Department of Social Welfare and Development headquarters, witnessed by Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative Wada Yoshi. The in-kind relief assistance consists of 10,000 N95 Masks, 5,500 5-gallon potable water containers, 5,000 portable jerry cans, and five sets of generators and cord reels coursed through Jica.

through this difficult time and get back to their feet at the earliest possible,” Lenarčič added. Part of the EU’s Acute Large Emergency Response Tool, or ALERT, the funding via the Spanish Red Cross aims to deliver immediate assistance through the provision of emergency shelter and essential household items, such as mats and blankets, hygiene kits and access to clean water. Psychosocial support services will also be provided, as well as childprotection activities.

Israeli Embassy sends aid to Sta. Ana fire victims

HE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines and the Jewish community donated goods to the residents of Barangay 776 in Santa Ana, Manila, after a fire recently devastated the area. “Today, we are here because we love Filipinos. We have joined forces with the Jewish Community of the Philippines to give you some assistance. We want you to know that we care about you,” Ambassador Rafael Harpaz told survivors of the mishap in the area. “We were here in November 2019 for an outreach event in Santa Ana Elementary School, and to personally meet Angela. I was shocked when I heard about the fire.” the Israeli envoy explained. “As I roam around your barangay today to see the aftermath, I felt so much hope and inspiration.” Angela Briana Alforque is a kindergarten pupil in the said school. She went viral on social media for

dressing up as Miss Israel during the United Nations Day celebration in Manila. The embassy donated construction materials to the Alforque family to help rebuild their house that was gutted by fire. “After knowing that Angela’s family was one of the victims of the recent fire in our barangay, they reached out immediately to visit us.” Barangay Chairman Jaime Co Jr. said. “It’s very overwhelming that our small barangay is being loved by Israel,” the barangay chairman added. The Jewish community, represented by Executive Director Lee Blumenthal, also donated clothes and toys to the residents. “We thought that you needed storage boxes para ilagay ang mga damit at laruan ninyo [so you will have containers for your clothes and toys]. We are hoping that our little assistance will be very useful,” Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov told the local’s children.

China donates surgical masks to counteract 2019-nCoV

AMBASSADOR Rafael Harpaz (from left), Deputy Chief of Mission Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, Shulamit Harpaz and Executive Director of the Jewish Community of the Philippines Lee Blumenthal give Angela Brianna Alforque (child) a bag of school supplies.

HE Chinese government has donated a total of 200,000 surgical masks, amid a local shortage and of two reported cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections in the country, Malacañang said. Presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo bared that China also offered to share medical information and findings on the nCoV. “We wish to acknowledge with great appreciation the donation of the Chinese government,” Panelo said in a statement. “Such [act of] sharing will go a long way in better understanding and containing the spread of nCoV.” Earlier, the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. pledged to donate 600,000 face masks to the country.

Congressional delegates explore PHL pursues talks on displacement issues from disasters ways to boost PHL’s DRR role G

OK YO —A n 18 -member House of Representatives delegation to Japan, led by Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, conducted a visit from January 23 to 26 to gain a better understanding of the Asian country’s experience on disaster prevention, preparation, response and rehabilitation as Congress prepares to sharpen its budgetary and Legislative initiatives. The Philippine lawmakers are also considering the best model for disaster resilience through, for instance, the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DRR), as instructed by President Duterte. The delegation met with Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V who, hailing from Batangas himself, commended their efforts to improve their knowledge on disaster-risk reduction, and shared his experience in dealing with the aftermath of a Taal Volcano eruption when he was Batangas governor. The solons also visited the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, which

THE 18-member House of Representatives delegation to Japan at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience TOKYO PE

conducts research on science and technology for integrated disasterrisk reduction, from basic research to society implementation. They were briefed on NIED research on volcanic activities and its partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Japanese volcanologists working with Phivolcs observed that Taal Volcano is one of the most active and complicated volcanoes in

the world. They commented that the Philippine agency has been doing a “very, very good job” in its monitoring and research efforts. Heartened with the praises of NIED for Phivolcs, Romualdez was encouraged by the strong collaboration between the latter and Japanese institutions. He said the briefing would benefit Congress on ways it can best support disaster-risk reduction in the Philippines. DFA

ENEVA—The Philippines earlier expressed its willingness to continue to promote and support the discourse on displacement issues caused by disasters as a member of the Steering Group of the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD). “In light of the country’s international leadership in disasterrisk reduction, human mobility and climate-change agenda, the Philippines will continue to engage in the PDD and promote the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, which advances principles on cross-border displacement of people, including overseas Filipino workers and migrants, due to natural disasters and climate change,” said Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia. “This demonstrates that we are committed to work with the international community in tackling gaps and challenges in disaster displacement,” the diplomat declared. Garcia, likewise, congratulated France for taking over the chairmanship this year of the PDD, a state-led process working toward better protection for

PHILIPPINE Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia (center), with Ambassador and Permanent Observer Head of the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to the UN and other IOs in Geneva Walter Stevens (left), as well as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the UN and other IOs in Geneva François Rivasseau, new chairman of the Platform on Disaster Displacement. PHILIPPINE PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UN/DFA

people displaced across borders in the context of disasters and climate change. The Philippines remained an active founding steering group member of the PDD. In 2018, the PDD has provided full support, as partner of the Philippine government, in organizing the Regional Workshop on Disaster-Risk Reduction, Preparedness and Disaster Displacement held in June

2018 in Bohol. The workshop brought together government representatives from Pacific countries who exchanged ideas and best practices with Philippine government representatives on three interrelated themes: Community resilience as a goal; science and technology as knowledge and tools; and disaster displacement as an issue to prevent, address and prepare for. DFA

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

E4 Thursday, February 6, 2020

DIPLOMATS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Ambassador to Poland presents credentials to Latvian leader

AMBASSADOR Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz presents her Letters of Credence to President Egils Levits of Latvia at the Ceremonial Hall of the Riga Castle on January 7. WARSAW PE

ATVIA—Ambassador to Poland Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz presented her credentials as nonresident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Latvia before President Egils Levits at his residence in Riga Castle on January 7. Ruiz was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul

General to Warsaw Mardomel Celo D. Melicor.

During the private audience with the Latvian president, which was also attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser Solveiga Silkalna, Ruiz conveyed the warm greetings, felicitations and best wishes of Philippine President Duterte as her own deep appreciation for the warm welcome and excellent arrangements for her visit. During the private audience following the ceremony, both sides agreed to further strengthen the legal framework for political, economic and cultural cooperation and promote more people-to-people contacts through

parliamentary visits, businessto-business meetings, tourism, academic and cultural exchanges. Prior to the ceremony, the Filipino ambassador met with the following Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials: Deputy Head of State Protocol Inese Liepiņa, Secretary of State Andris Pelšs, as well as Head of Asia and Oceania Division Counselor Ligita Davidova. Afterward, she talked with Deputy Speaker of Parliament (Saeima) Dagmāra Beitnere-Le Galla, who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Presidium of the Saeima Andrejs Kovalovs. The foreign ministry also arranged a briefing tour of the two most important museums in Riga: Occupation Museum of Latvia and the art gallery Riga Bourse, which provided a valuable insight into the history, as well as the arts and culture of Latvia. Ruiz expressed appreciation to the officials of her host country for her inclusion in the first accreditation schedule of the year in Latvia during the midwinter season. She is the fifth resident Philippine ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Poland, and has concurrent jurisdiction over Philippine relations with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. Previously, the diplomat was the first woman Philippine ambassador to Lebanon from 2011 to 2016. DFA

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Israel envoy hails Legazpi City’s disaster-management efforts

AMBASSADOR Rafael Harpaz (center), with Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal (left) and Shulamit Harpaz PNA/CONNIE CALIPAY

EGAZPI CITY—Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz hailed the efforts of the city government in implementing its disaster risk-reduction management program, as well as the local people’s resilience on disaster preparedness that have both resulted in zero casualties during calamities. After a courtesy call on Mayor Noel Rosal, Harpaz told the local media that Legazpi is one of the cities not only in the Philippines but in the entire world with a very effective program to save lives and properties in times of weather disturbances. “Even long before, Legazpi City was already in the bucket list of Israel,” the envoy said, as its embassy would like to strengthen the tourism industry and agricultural sector involving the Holy Land and Albay’s capital city. Harpaz added that the main reason for his visit is to establish a strong relationship between his country and this city. “Mayor Noel Rosal is always welcome to visit Israel in order for him to learn other best practices that can be implemented here,” the Israeli diplomat noted.

The ambassador, likewise, said that of the 30,000 overseas Filipino workers in Israel, many are from the Bicol region, “protected by Israel’s government, and receive good salaries.” Filipinos are welcome and can stay for 90 days without a visa requirement, he said. For his part, Rosal said Harpaz is willing to assist the city on water, agriculture and tourism. “It was a fruitful meeting with the Israel ambassador,” he confirmed. “We have established a good relationship.” Meanwhile, Harpaz expressed his feelings on the untimely demise of American basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, along with several others, in a helicopter crash on January 26. He said the renowned athlete’s death was a great loss for him. “In my youth, I was also a basketball player, I was a great fan of Kobe. I admired [his moves, the way] he played with the Lakers,” the diplomat recalled. Harpaz shared that during his tour in Washington, D.C., “my wife and I usually watch him play and [we were awed by his scoring spree even in tight games.]” Emmanuel Solis and Mar Serrano/PNA

Japan’s consul general assures support for BARMM

OTABATO CITY—A Japanese diplomatic official recently visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to officially inform the region’s officials of Japan’s strengthened and revitalized diplomatic office in Davao City, as well as their readiness to serve the Bangsamoro constituents. Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa visited Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Speaker Ali Pangalian M. Balindong in his office. The latter welcomed the visitor, the first head of Japan’s consulate general office in Davao City. Miwa told Balindong and the people of BARMM that the Japanese government has decided to upgrade it into a consulate general agency to improve its services. One being offered is the visa-processing operations, where Mindanaoans, including the Bangsamoro people and foreigners in Mindanao, no longer need to travel to Manila for Japanese visas. The office covers 27 provinces and 33 cities in Mindanao. “It’s an honor to serve Mindanao, most especially the [BARMM. That is why we have] upgraded our simple consular office to the consulate general.” Miwa explained to Balindong. “The name is almost the same but organization-wise, it’s totally different. Now, we are directly connected to our headquarters.” Balindong took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the Japanese

JAPAN’S Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa (left) visits the office of Bangsamoro parliament Speaker Ali Pangalian M. Balindong in Cotabato City on January 31. The diplomat said his government is willing to continue extending development aid to the region through a notable partnership. BTA SPEAKER BALINDONG/PNA

government for all the assistance they have extended to BARMM. “I have never doubted your capability. We will forever be thankful to the Japanese people,” the Speaker said. As a response, Miwa believes that Japan and BARMM should be “great partners.” “We are Asian countries, so we should be helping each other,” the diplomat declared. “Our intention is to strengthen our partnership with this region, since

you have now established the BTA. This is very vital for you to create a new, stable system,” he said. BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ibrahim was present during the opening of the Japanese consulate general in Davao City. Japan was one of the countries that backed the peace process in Mindanao and had been consistently supporting the sustainable economic development of the Philippines. Edwin Fernandez/PNA

Brazil-based diplomat meets Filipinos in Venezuela

ENEZUELA—Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu B. Mauro met with members of the Filipino community during her official trip to Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, at the start of the year. Concerns of the Filipinos and their well-

being, amid the current economic and political climate in the South American country, were at the top of the ambassador’s agenda. The Venezuela-based Filipinos assured her that they are safe, and that they are leading normal lives, contrary to news being circulated by foreign media

about the situation in the said nation. Mauro assured them that the Philippine government is ready to assist and offer voluntary repatriation for those who want to leave Venezuela. There are still an estimated 150 Filipinos living and working in the said country. DFA