BusinessMirror February 07, 2023

UK NURSES, AMBULANCE CREWS STRIKE, STRAINING HEALTH SYSTEM

Govt sets ₧125 red onions SRP; takes effect Feb. 8

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE national government has set a suggested retail price (SRP) for red onions at P125 per kilo, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

DA Undersecretary Kristine Evagelista told reporters on Monday that the SRP for onions has already been

approved. Evangelista said the SRP only covers red onions.

Evangelista said the department will coordinate with market masters and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to disseminate information on the SRP. The SRP may take effect starting Wednesday in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“[This] is our way of

guiding them also to be able to negotiate with their suppliers, and at the same time we have identified some suppliers who are willing to sell wholesale para sa ating mga retailers para sila ay makasunod sa SRP,” Evangelista said.

Evangelista said the computation of the SRP was based on the cost of importers as well as wholesalers.

S he explained that the

landed cost of imported onions reached P77 per kilo while wholesalers in places like Divisoria averaged P94 to P110 per kilo.

“ In-average na lang po natin ‘yan, kinompute po natin ang gastos ng ating retailers, yung pwesto, bayad sa tindera [We just took the average. We computed the retailer’s cost, for the stalls, the seller’s wage].

CONSUMER HOURS LOST TO BROWNOUTS UP 10%

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

NETIZENS IN UPROAR OVER ENHYPEN FRISKING, FILMING

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

Govt, biz craft food security strategies amid rising prices

W hile DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth

I n “Electricity Supply Interruptions in the Philippines: Characteristics, Trends, Causes,” author and PIDS Research Fellow Kris Francisco said this was a 10-percent increase from 97.2 million consumer-hours in 2015.

C onsumer-hours, PIDS explained, was computed by multiplying the duration of power outages (in hours) by the number of affected customers.

“ Electricity supply interruptions hurt households, businesses, and the economy. Power outages increase households’ and businesses’ expenses to keep them running and disrupt ‘critical infrastructure’ such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and production, which can lead to huge economic losses,” the PIDS said.

T he study highlighted that cus -

tomers of electric cooperatives experienced, on average, 5.7 power interruptions or 8.8 hours of no power in 2021, an improvement from 2015’s 11 hours.

M ore frequent power interruptions occurred in Luzon, while longer power outages happened in provinces located in the Visayas. Francisco said power outages were caused by supply, technical, environmental or “interruptions due to natural events” like storms as well as other issues that cover “prescribed” or unspecified problems in the monthly interruption reports.

E xtended power outages were caused by storms and other environment-related factors and are “more concentrated in Luzon than in Visayas and Mindanao.”

AUNIT of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will investigate personnel involved in the filming and unpermitted frisking of members of the Korean pop group Enhypen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). The seven-man boy band held a three-day concert in Manila over the weekend as part of its “Manifesto” World Tour.

I n a statement on its Facebook page, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said, “The management is currently investigating the matter to determine the extent of violation committed based on existing rules and security screening protocols, if anything, and impose appropriate sanctions should it be necessary.”

T he statement was issued in response to “a video circulation on social media, showing that airport Security Screening Officers allegedly exhibited

unprofessional behavior and the unwarranted filming during the conduct of security screening procedures on a group of departing Korean artists at the [Naia].”

A video posted on TikTok and later shared on Twitter on Monday showed a ponytailed female Security Screening Officer frisking each member of the band after going through the metal detector frame.

izing strategies to improve food security in the country amid inflation woes, according to an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

B. Castelo cannot divulge all details on the Trade department’s initiatives to help enhance food security, she gave a hint that the government and private sector are mulling over setting limits for traders.

POWER outages caused by storms, earthquakes, and even lightning cost the country 107.5 million consumer-hours in 2021, according to a study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

THE MORNING AFTER Firefighters inspect the smoldering remains of a warehouse in Barangay San Antonio, Sucat, Parañaque, on Monday, February 6, 2023, after it was damaged by a fire that broke out on Sunday night. The blaze spread quickly in the commercial area, prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection to raise the alarm to Task Force Bravo, which meant a call for at least 19 fire trucks. No casualty was reported. NONIE REYES

ENHYPEN FRISKING

House OKs bill to expedite ROW process for NG works

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE

of Representatives

Monday endorsed for Senate approval a bill that would expedite the acquisition of rightof-way (ROW) for various national government infrastructure projects.

T his, after lawmakers voted 239 affirmative, 3 negative and 0 abstention, passing House Bill 5671 on third and final reading.  Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the proposal aims to avoid delays in the implementation of public works projects like highways, expressways, railways, ports, and other mass transportation systems.

The timely implementation of these infrastructures will benefit our people, as it will definitely

Red onions...

S o with that, we came up with a price of 125 at ito naman po ay sinang ayunan ng ating mga retailers [and the retailers agreed

speed up mobility and interconnectivity, which in turn will result in lower transportation costs,” Romualdez said.

H e noted that acquisition of right of way in private properties has often hampered and delayed the building of roads, bridges, expressways, railways, airports, and similar public facilities. “ Let us put an end to this gridlock. Private ownership should give way to public interest and welfare,” Romualdez said.

Continued from A1

with this],” she said. L ast year, the DA informed lawmakers that the Philippines is projected to

T he bill is entitled, “An act providing additional guidelines in the acquisition of right-of-way, site, or location for national government infrastructure projects, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 10752, otherwise known as ‘The Right-of-Way Act.” It mandates implementing agencies to explore all available modes of resolving ROW issues.

T he measure allows these agencies to offer the owners of land affected by right-of-way acquisition the current market value or zonal value as determined by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, whichever is higher.

I mplementers could shoulder the cost of replacing structures and improvements on the land, including machinery, and provide appropriate compensation such as for income loss.

Upon execution of the deed of sale, the implementing agency shall pay the landowner 100 percent of the agreed price, provided that the title to the property is clean.

suffer this year a shortage of key ingredients in making Filipino dishes, such as white onion and garlic, as total supplies, even with imports, are insufficient to meet overall demand for the commodities.

D A presented its outlook on

I f the affected land is untitled, its possessor must show proof of continuous and exclusive possession, including a real estate tax certificate.

I n case the area to be acquired is squatted on, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) shall, in coordination with local government units and implementing agencies concerned, establish and develop resettlement sites for informal settlers and provide basic services and community facilities.

A n interagency committee composed of the secretaries of DPWH, DHSUD, and the departments of transportation, energy, information and communications technology, environment and natural resources, agriculture, interior and local government, finance, justice, and budget, and the National Economic and Development Authority director general, shall issue implementing rules and regulations.

the country’s onion and garlic supply and demand situation for this year. This showed the Philippines would suffer a 16day shortage of garlic by the end of the year as total supply, including imports, is projected to have a shortfall of about 63,850 metric tons (MT).

T he DA projected that total supply of garlic this year would be at nearly 83,000 MT, compared to the total estimated demand of at least 146,850 MT.

T he country’s garlic selfsufficiency ratio (SSR) in 2020 plunged to a record low of 7.1 percent. The SSR refers to the amount of total demand of a commodity that is supplied by local production.

Continued from A14

T he study also showed the top 3 markets for upstanders are China, Thailand, and India. Upstanders speak or act in support of an individual or cause, particularly if it means intervening on behalf of a victim.

T he top 3 markets for observers were Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. Observers are people who observe the situation but don’t get involved.

“ We saw each market have a unique distribution of DE&I personas. The majority of people in the region define themselves as bystanders or observers, but we see a significant population of upstanders and allies, especially in markets like China and India,” Michaela Wang, Deputy General Manager, Shanghai, China.

In China, in particular, netizen culture has resulted in a large portion of the population that will stand up when they sense injustice,” she added.

T he research was conducted by True Global Intelligence, FleishmanHillard’s in-house research and analytics practice, with survey fielding occurring from September 16-27, 2022.

T he report is based on a survey of 5,106 people across the APAC region, including population weighted samples for Australia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R., India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

It revealed the unique needs of each market, along with compelling data regarding emerging trends in the region, information about where people consume information about DE&I and how economic equity influences action.

T he screening officer was seen giggling and looking back at her colleagues, appearing to enjoy the frisking of each male member. Some netizens also angrily pointed out that one of the boy band’s members was a minor, and yet was frisked as well.

W hile Enhypen’s members were going through the security checks, other OTS officers used their mobile phones to film them, with one even egging the same Security Screening Officer to tell the boy to remove his mask, ostensibly to check his identification, although the officer did not have his passport in hand.

A mong the guidelines of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), also an attached agency of the DOTr, is a reminder that “no-contact security checks” are conducted at passenger terminals. “Security protocols shall be done via ‘nocontact means,’ but not limited to the use of walk-through xrays, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors. Patdowns and frisking will be conducted

W hile all island groups continue to have prolonged blackouts due to technical and supply issues, the study noted that the Visayas is more affected by insufficient electricity supply.

“ This is quite concerning given that the Philippines experiences numerous typhoons a year. Concurrently, this begs the need to improve and climate-proof our power and electricity-related infrastructure to protect them from damages and shorten the duration of weatherrelated downtime,” Francisco said.

However, the study noted that the country’s access to electricity has improved. World Bank data show that the gap between rural and urban electrification was slashed from 30 percent in 2000 to less than 10 percent in 2015.

Under NEA’s supervision, electric cooperatives are crucial in providing electricity in rural areas. They are the “core provider of electricity services for households” outside of Metro Manila, especially

“Of course the DTI needs to help as our contribution to food security. These are agricultural products, but Secretary [Alfredo] Pascual has proposed initiatives to President Bongbong Marcos, which the President approved. However, we cannot disclose the details except that traders will be limited,” Castelo said in a televised interview on Monday.

“ We are coordinating with the private sector to reduce the steps in the supply chain, particularly between the farmer and the retailer. So this is what we’re finalizing now but the Secretary will make the announcement once we’ve ironed out all the details necessary,” the Trade undersecretary said, partly in Filipino.

T he National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), chaired by Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual convened a special meeting two weeks ago to discuss measures to mitigate the effects of the rising prices of onion towards consumers and improve its supply.

C astelo revealed on Monday that DTI witnessed through its price monitoring operations the huge mark-up between the farmgate price or landed cost of onions and the retail price.

Data from Bureau of Customs ( BOC ), she noted, shows that the landed cost of imported onion is only P14.

C astelo added that based on DTI’s price monitoring operations, retail prices of local red onions in Metro Manila markets are ranging from P180 to as much as P350 per kilo. Prices of the commodity

only under exceptional cases.”

M eanwhile, the OTS said, “While we understand the excitement brought about by the presence of these Korean artists, we remind not only our personnel, but all airport users, that unauthorized filming at our security screening checkpoints is not allowed as a matter of policy. Rest assured that the OTS shall never tolerate any unprofessional behavior towards the riding public.”

T he Department of Tourism has been trying to attract more international travelers to the Philippines and urging its fellow government agencies to implement more tourist-friendly procedures. Last year, the country attracted 2.65 million foreign tourists, although this was still far from the historic 8.26 million who arrived in prepandemic  2019.

M IAA was among the top trending hashtags in the Philippines on Twitter on Monday, as angry netizens and Enhypen fans tagged the agency in the video, although airport security screeners are under the OTS.

in Visayas, providing 51 percent of the country’s household electricity in 2011, overshadowing private utilities at 34 percent and other providers at 15 percent.

T hough access to electricity has improved, Francisco found that the country’s power supply remained insufficient.

Policies give little attention to improving the reliability of electricity supply. The fast-growing electricity demand is causing stress during peak-power demand months, resulting in widespread blackouts and electricity supply interruptions,” Francisco said.

T he study recommended prioritizing the climate-proofing of power and electricity-related infrastructure and crafting policies that expand electric cooperatives’ access to more power supply and generation capacity.

T he research also called for improving the electricity sector’s reporting and data management to aid policymaking.

are expected to subside since local farmers have started harvesting, according to her.  I n the NPCC’s January 25 meeting chaired by Pascual as DTI head and attended by representatives of national government agencies including the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), the council members forged “interagency” initiatives to address the rising prices of onions.

Urging members of the council, Pascual had said then, “Given this crucial situation, we are to deliver immediate results to temper the prices of goods and ensure the availability of affordable basic necessities and prime commodities for consumers. We must tap other agencies who can be our allies in this endeavor.”

T he DTI, as one of the implementing agencies of the Price Act, has been helping DA monitor prices of some agricultural products.

A ccording to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s headline inflation increased to 8.1 percent in December 2022 from 8 percent in November 2022.

PSA said the higher inflation in December 2022 compared to  November 2022 was “primarily” brought about by the faster year-on-year growth rate in the index of food and non-alcoholic beverages of 10.2 percent from 10 percent in November 2022.

Food inflation at the national level rose further to 10.6 percent in December 2022 from 10.3 percent in November 2022.

House

on

Reso seeks

The Nation

BuCor chief files plunder raps vs Bantag, 6 others, for ‘anomalous’ prison projects

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz  @joveemarie

ALAWMAKER on Monday called for an urgent review and assessment of bilateral labor agreements (BLAs) entered into by the Philippines with countries of destination.

O FW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino filed House Resolution 743 in light of the reported highprofile incidents of maltreatment and the recent horrible murders of Filipino migrant domestic workers in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

There is a growing clamor for a review of all labor agreements entered by the Philippines with countries of destination to determine specific guidelines and mechanisms needed for the protection of their human rights, on legal remedies available to them and their families to secure justice and diplomatic actions and strategies the country has to pursue to ensure their incorporation in the BLAs and enhance their enforceability,” she said.

T he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported there are 25 bilateral labor agreements in force between the Philippines and other countries of destination, including Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Italy, among others.

But Magsino said the Philippines has no binding BLAs with other important and emerging countries of destination such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei and Oman.

Magsino said the review and assessment of BLAs aim to ensure the protection of rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW), particularly in cases of abuse, maltreatment, and deprivation of life, and to secure the availability of legal remedies to their favor to assure justice.

It is alarming that most of our BLAs are lacking explicit provisions relating to social security, equality of treatment, repatriation, and most importantly, on protocols governing the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses committed against OFWs, and on legal remedies available to them and their families for redress of grievance and to secure justice. With the recent atrocities against our OFWs, it is high time for us to review and assess the substance and effectiveness of our BLAs,” said Magsino.

Republic Act No. 10022, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act also underscored the importance of the country entering into BLAs, which provides that the State shall allow the deployment of OFWs only in countries where the Philippines has concluded a bilateral agreement or arrangement with the government of the receiving country on the protection of the rights of OFW.

Our bilateral labor agreements envelop the policy support for our OFWs while they are abroad. It must have decisiveness and grit to make sure there is no space for abuses against our OFWs. If there are some abuses, the agreements should provide for serious consequences that would deter foreign employers from committing a similar transgression,” said the lawmaker.

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has successfully printed a combined total of 50,262,059 PhilIDs and ePhilIDs. Out of the 50-million figure, a total of 30,558,332 are PhilIDs—of which, 23,256,884 are delivered as of January 31, 2023, while 19,703,727 ePhilIDs are issued to registered persons as of February 2, 2023.

The PSA, together with its field offices and partner agencies, implemented strategies to provide more Filipinos with the national ID to en-

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

PLUNDER charges were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and six others on Monday for alleged misappropriation of P1 billion in public funds intended for the construction of three prison facilities.

Aside from Bantag, also named as his co-respondents were BuCor officers identified as Technical Superintendent Arnold Jacinto Guzman, Technical Inspector Ric Rocacurba, Technical Inspector Solomon Areniego, Techni-

cal Officer 1 Jor-El de Jesus, Technical Officer 2 Angelo Castillo and Technical Officer Alexis Catindig.  BuCor Acting Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., along with BuCor legal counsel Atty. Al Ferreras, personally filed the case against the respondents before the DOJ.  Ferreras said the respondents were also charged with 11 counts of malversation of public funds through falsification of official documents, 12 counts of graft and 12 counts of violation of the Code of Ethical Standard For Public Officials and Employees.

The complaint accused Bantag and the respondents of conspiring to “sys-

Sen. Tulfo renews push for deployment ban after abuse of another OFW in Kuwait

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

STRESSING the need for prompt government response, Senator Raffy Tulfo sought to impose an immediate deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in countries with record on abusive employers abroad.

Tulfo reiterated the need to impose a deployment ban of Filipino workers in Kuwait following reports from ABS-CBN and other media outlets published over the weekend about a Pinay domestic helper who has been paralyzed following her escape from her abusive employer there.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said he has kept close coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to check on the condition and ensure the safety of OFW Myla Balbag after the said incident.

He learned from the report of OWWA that Balbag was brought to the Emergency Department of Al Jaber Hospital on January 21 after falling from the third floor of her employer’s house in Hateen while trying to escape.

Balbag reportedly narrated that on said date, her female employer got furious after catching her using the social media application TikTok in her room. Said employer seized her phone and headset and later hurt her physically.

Out of fear, Balbag said she packed her belongings and tried to escape through the window on the third floor of her employer’s house, which led to her fall.

Reports about the incident involving Balbag came out roughly two weeks after the murder of domestic helper Jullebee Ranara, who was found at a desert in Salmi, AlJahra Governorate.

Before the news about the abuse of Balbag broke out, Tulfo was already coordinating with OWWA to monitor her condition and he continues to keep a close eye on her case.

The senator from Isabela and Davao maintained that his proposed

able immediate utilization of PhilSys benefits. This landmark milestone is a testament that our initiatives are effective,” said PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General.

For the issuance of PhilIDs, the PSA continues to work with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for fast-tracked printing and production, and the Philippine Postal Corporation for swift delivery.

A s part of the proactive efforts of the PSA to allow registered

tematically orchestrate the diversion, misappropriation and/or consenting or permitting other persons, to take public funds” of the BuCor.

T he case was filed in connection with the P1billion project involving the construction of three prison facilities, namely, Davao Prison and Penal Farm  (Lot 1), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Lot 2) and Leyte Regional Prison (Lot 3) with an estimated cost of P300 million each.

T he projects were bidded out in a public bidding on September 17, 2020.

Ferreras said the anomaly started when Bantag created a separate Bids

and Awards Committee and assigned non-BuCor permanent officials as members.

Such action, according to the complaint, is a clear violation of Section 65 of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and its implementing rules.

Bantag and his co-respondents were also accused of manipulating the outcome of the bidding when all the three projects were awarded to the Joint Venture of Garay Philweb Builders and Rakki Corporation (Lot 1 and Lot 2) and the Joint venture of Garay Philweb Builders and Eric Van Sesbraño Construction (Lot 3).

T he complaint said Bantag

and his co-respondents falsified all the different accomplishment reports that served as basis for the release of funds as payment of the works completed.

T he accomplishments report on Davao Prison and Penal Farm  (Lot 1) showed a 95 percent completion but in reality only 59 percent was completed.

For Iwahig Prison (Lot 2), it was declared 93 percent complete where in fact only 57 percent was completed.

T he accomplishment report for the Leyte Regional Prison (Lot 3) project showed an 80 percent completion but Ferreras said it was only 47 percent completed.

deployment ban to Kuwait could be used as leverage when the Philippine government sits down with Kuwait for bilateral talks.

On possible bilateral talks, Tulfo suggested that the Kuwait government should adhere to several terms and conditions set by the Philippines, including an issuance of a public apology to the Filipinos.

Tulfo, likewise, stressed the need to impose a pre-engagement orientation for foreign employers before letting them hire OFWs. The orientation, he said, should brief them about the importance of respecting Philippine culture and tradition.

H e reminded that Filipinos are generally happy people who have the right to use TikTok for fun or as means to reconnect with their loved ones after a long day’s work as they do not disrespect Kuwaiti traditions.

Tulfo also underscored the need for relevant agencies to establish a tighter screening process on foreign employers to avoid abuse and maltreatment of OFWs. These include requiring them to submit a police record and pass a neuropsychiatric exam to ensure that they are mentally stable.

Furthermore, Tulfo proposed the creation of associations not only of OFWs, but also of their employers that should meet on regular basis to address recurring issues faced by both parties and prevent further abuses from happening. This is beneficial for both parties, he said.

Tulfo added a regular Filipino festival should be organized in Kuwait that showcases Filipino talents in music and the arts, among others, and highlight the country’s rich culture and tradition, which could gain the respect of the people of Kuwait.

A s part of his effort to improve the plight of OFWs in Kuwait, Tulfo recently filed Senate Resolution No. 448 seeking to revisit, reexamine and review the existing bilateral agreement and standard employment contract governing OFWs in Kuwait.

persons to immediately enjoy the benefits of being PhilSys-registered, the agency introduced the ePhilID, which can be claimed at PhilSys registration centers, or issued through plaza-type and house-to-house distribution.

T he PSA also piloted the implementation of the downloadable ePhilID, which allows registered persons to download a PDF copy of their ePhilID on their mobile devices. As of February 2, 2023, 440,784 ePhilIDs were downloaded.

COTABATO CITY—Peace building efforts in the Bangsamoro received a major boost after a leading US-based peace institute committed to help strengthen and promote the culture of peace in the region.

During a visit to the city on February 3 and 4, officials of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) vowed to work closely with the national and Bangsamoro governments in carrying out peace building interventions in the region.

T he USIP is known worldwide for its outstanding work, which includes linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.

‘Renewed mindset’

IN a meeting at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Public Works, Minister Eduard Uy Guerra emphasized the importance of having a “renewed mindset” in sustaining the gains of peace in the region.

According to Guerra, the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is one of the most “highly coveted” milestones of the Bangsamoro peace process.

For USIP Visiting Expert Dr. Haroro Ingram, the establishment of the Bangsamoro government is

the result of a long and winding journey to peace, the learnings of which should be highlighted through peace education.

I ngram said the USIP is very “much willing to help [in implementing] trailblazing peace programs” in partnership with local learning institutions such as the Mindanao State University Institute of Peace and Development.

He also stressed the need for higher learning institutions to be more actively involved in peace education as they have the capacity to undertake research as well as conduct various extension programs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Andrew Wielder, USIP vice president, stressed that it is crucial for stakeholders to implement practical and preventive approaches that seek to break the cycle of violence, such as peace education and other long-term peace building initiatives.

W ielder also emphasized that quality public education should encompass economic, political, social, cultural, moral and ethical issues, as he pointed out that this will be the key in transforming peoples’ mindsets when dealing with situations of conflict.

Kambolayoka: Strengthening camaraderie between govt, MILF

AMONG the various activities that were attended by the USIP delegation was “Kambolayoka,” which means “any ball friendship game.” The sporting event was held at

Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte, which is under the leadership of Abdullah Macapaar, a member of parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The event, organized by the USIP, in collaboration with Strategic Communications and Capacity Building, aimed to strengthen ties between the national government’s security forces and MILF members.

U SIP Visiting Expert Ingram shared that the game was conceptualized right after a conversation between Col. Billy Dela Rosa of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and MP Macapaar.

“Peace is a full-time commitment that is [built] block by block, street by street, [and] person by person,” Ingram stressed. The USIP official said he looks also forward to working closely with Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs), which are composed of members of the MILF-Islamic Armed Forces, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. T he JPST is primarily tasked to ensure peace and security in areas mutually agreed upon by the national government and MILF.

Sustaining the dividends of peace

THE USIP delegation also visited the JPST Operation Center on Friday to oversee the peace building efforts being carried out by the peacekeeping team in the area.

Vittorio V. Vitug

PBBM sees lower power rates in Mindanao with WESM launch in March

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ance to investors,” Marcos said.  WESM is the centralized “trading floor” for electricity, which can be accessed by large-scale buyers and sellers.

W ESM started its operation in the Luzon grid in 2006 and in Visayas in 2010. The connection of the Mindanao grid was delayed for more than five years pending the completion of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP).

T he MVIP is expected to be finally completed by the end of March.

Last Monday, the President led the launch of the upcoming linking of the Mindanao power grid to the nationwide WESM “to establish a competitive, efficient, transparent and reliable market for electricity” in the region.

“In the long run, WESM will help in sustaining power generation investments to meet the ever-growing electricity demand,” Marcos said during the launch.

T he availability of cheaper power in Mindanao, the President said, will help spur economic activity in the

region, particularly in its manufacturing industry, thus creating more employment opportunities.

Likewise, he said, it would also allow power producers in Mindanao to sell their 2,000 megawatts of uncontracted capacities in other parts of the country through the WESM.

“Indeed, the presence of WESM in Mindanao and an interconnected and interdependent grid in the country will not only ensure a level playing field in the competitive energy market but will also provide assur-

Marketing strategies to take seriously

sive growth in influencer marketing explains the new demand by brands —and their respect for influencer marketing firms.

Last year, brands spent a whopping $164 billion on influencer marketing, a big step up from $13.8 billion in 2021.

Until recently, companies would hire general marketing agencies, and those agencies would hire influencer marketing agencies for individual projects. Now, however, brands are offering influencer marketing firms their own long-term contracts on an annual basis.

in 2023

see the return of sandwich-board salesmen, but for now, influencer marketers are in a good spot!

Despite Mindanao having a registered power capacity of 4,321 megawatts of registered capacity, and a peak demand of only around 2,167 megawatts, electricity rates in the region remain high.

L ast year, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri raised concern over the increasing power rates in Mindanao, citing power rates in Cagayan de Oro increasing from P10.62 in January 2022 to P14.90 last July.

T he lawmaker called for the review and amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to address the matter.

NEA allots P1.6B for sitio electrification, reminds ECs of ‘timely submission’ of liquidation reports

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

LOCAL pump prices are going down this week.

Oil firms announced Monday a hefty price cut in gasoline, diesel and kerosene starting Tuesday.

Gasoline prices will be slashed by P2.1 per liter and diesel by P3 per liter. Kerosene prices will also go down by P2.3 per liter.

S eaoil, PTT, Phoenix, Caltex, Total, Shell, Petron will implement the price rollback at 6 a.m. today, Tuesday. Cleanfuel, meanwhile, will adjust its prices at 12:01 a.m.

L ast week, gasoline prices increased by P1.3 per liter, diesel by P1 per liter and kerosene by P1.35 per liter. These resulted to a total net increase this year to stand at P7.20/liter for gasoline, P3.05/liter for diesel, and P4.45/liter for kerosene. Lenie Lectura

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has set aside P1.627 billion to energize 1,085 sitios this year.

Under its Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), NEA targets to energize 350 sitios in Luzon, 336 sitios in Visayas and 399 sitios in Mindanao this year.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda appealed to the electric cooperatives (ECs) to fast track the liquidation of their previously funded projects in order for them to get another round of the SEP budget. “Liquidation should be timely, transparent and accounted for,” he said.

From 2017 to 2022, the NEA and the ECs were able to energize 6,888 sitios. The remaining 10,212 sitios, excluding off-grid areas, could be energized until 2028.

“ The estimated project cost for the energization of 10,212 sitios is P20.794 billion. For off-grid areas,

there are about 23,000 households that need to be electrified so in total we will be needing P29.5 billion,” NEA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, NEA said it intends to purchase at least one satellite phone per EC. “With these natural disasters present, not only the electric cooperatives’ distribution lines and facilities, but also telecommunication towers and equipment are vulnerable to damages and destruction that can hinder the immediate reporting of vital information about the status of damages and restoration efforts in the ECs’ franchise areas,” the agency wrote in its advisory signed by NEA Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Engr. Ernesto O. Silvano Jr.

It said that the procurement of satellite phones must strictly adhere to the provision of RA 10531 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, particularly on the Revised Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives.

By Henry J. Schumacher

THE marketing success of President Marcos during the election campaign in 2022 has an influence on marketing strategies today.

Influencer marketing firms get a seat at the table

IN the past 18 months we have seen a major increase in ad spending by using influencer marketing. Companies are increasingly using influencer marketing agencies. The shift suggests that influencer marketing has become essential to brands—and might even overtake traditional marketing.

Chin up

ACCORDING to Digiday, the explo -

Why the shift? Brands may be looking to cut costs by paying marketing firms directly rather than through other agencies. More ad spent usually means more scrutiny from management.

Individual influencers are also seeing—and getting—more of these long-term contracts with brands.

Streak or cycle?

SOME expect this trend to continue for a long time, with influencer marketing firms gaining more power in the marketing world. Others see this as merely a stage in a constant cycle of change, citing how brand ambassadors’ long-term relationships gave way to short-term creator/influencer relationships before the current long-term contract era.

W ho knows, one day we might

A nother revolution happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Artificial Intelligence (AI) software has taken over the monotonous and manual activities from humans— and finally the jobs of the so-called knowledge workers. Programs like ChatGPT may not yet be able to completely take over countless tasks from knowledge workers, but they can at least imitate them in a deceptively similar way. ChatGPT debuted in November last year and gained wide popularity among millions of users. But let me add that ChatGPT has raised concerns about copyright and plagiarism.

No doubt, so-called generative AI is the next big thing; many companies intend to roll out generative AI across the company’s product range.

M any workers do not know whether AI will do them harm or benefit them. Employers should take up this uncertainty, address existential fears and look together at the importance of AI for their work and for competitiveness of their company.

There is no doubt in my mind that we must take these developments seriously. I would appreciate your feedback—please contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

CDC launches revenue share tracking system for locators

CLARK FREEPORT—As part of the business initiatives of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to promote the ease of doing business in this free port, the CDC through its Information Technology Department (ITD), launched a Revenue Share Monitoring System for locators recently.

T he homegrown system automates the submission of sales reports wherein Clark locators can easily upload their respective daily sales report instead of filing and submitting the usual hard copies.

“Our objective is for our stakeholders to experience streamline processes in CDC with less time to process and less cost,” said CDC Officer-in-Charge for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group (BDBEG) Atty. Noelle Mina D. Meneses during the official launch. Information Technology Officer III Paul Dexter Bacani, Head of Application and System Support Section of ITD, is the software engineer who

designed and developed the said system. Meneses further added that the development and utilization of the system is a “game changer” in the way Clark locators and investors submit their reports to CDC. The program can be accessed from any computer and the submission can be accomplished within minutes.

According to Meneses, the revenue share monitoring system is just one of the many initiatives of CDC. Other projects of the CDC-ITD, which are related to the automation of business processes inside the Clark Freeport Zone are the eVISA, RESIDE and other systems, which will be available in securing Sanitary, Building and Environmental permits online.

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera expressed her elation during the simple turnover ceremony attended by Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) Chairperson Christopher Magdangal, CILA President Dr. Francisco Villanueva, Jr., other CILA officers,

and CDC Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents.

“We are celebrating our 30th year and we owe that much to you so we hope that we will be able to improve our services as we go on, thank you. This is a homegrown technology and I’m really proud of it. This may not be a perfect system yet but this is something that’s good enough to start with,” she said.

Devanadera also commended the ITD headed by its Assistant Vice President Dionisio T. Dychioco and BDBEG for coming up with this initiative to embrace digital technology and move towards the digitalization of the state-owned firm’s services and processes.

The ITD also prepared a video tutorial to present and demonstrate the system during a simple program held at the Clark Visitor’s Center. Pursuant to the memorandum circular, the locators will start submitting their daily sales reports by February 9, 2023.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos

Jr. is anticipating the reduction of power rates and the creation of more jobs in Mindanao once it connects to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) next month.

Oil companies slash fuel pump prices this week

Altai defends legality of Sibuyan, Romblon mining operations

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ALTAI Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) on Monday belied allegations that its operation on Sibuyan Island in Romblon province is unlawful, saying the company has secured all necessary permits and licenses to lawfully and peacefully conduct business in the area.

In a statement, APMC said its operation began many years before it even set up camp on-site by undertaking comprehensive environmental and socioeconomic studies and outcome analyses.

The mining company said it has also consulted with government regulators and agencies, and engaged the surrounding communities to ensure that operations will be safe, legitimate, and with minimal environmental effects.

“Given this, we categorically deny all allegations questioning the legality of our Sibuyan operations. Our company has secured all the necessary permits and licenses to lawfully

and peacefully conduct our business in the area,” APMC said. According to APMC, the company’s right to operate is “as inviolable as the right to peaceful protest and assembly.”

To recall, a series of protests in San Antonio, Romblon led by a group called Sibuyanon Against Mining has reportedly resulted in the violent dispersal of protesters last week, injuring two people.

Subsequently, following the protests, the DENR issued a Notice of Violations (NOV) to the company, followed by the call for the government to issue a cease-and-desist order to stop the company’s operation on the island.

APMC said it is deeply saddened by the recent hostilities that happened near the vicinity of the company’s mining exploration operations.

“Based on reports, there were a few incidents involving our employees, law enforcement personnel, and protesters who were purportedly hurt when tensions got out of hand at the site. Our company has exhausted all means to help those

who may have been hurt, and to do whatever we can to de-escalate the situation,” the mining company said.

However, the company said it is distressed by the fact that the ideology of the protesters may not be as different from our company’s core values as it would seem.

“While the full and outright refusal of all mining operations is simply not realistic [nor economically sustainable], Altai Philippines Mining Corporation is equally opposed to all forms of illegal, reckless, and irresponsible mining,” the company said.

It is for that reason that the APMC said it has repeatedly reached out to the protesters to establish dialogue, and hopefully find common ground.

“We hoped that we could assure them that our activities are lawful and compliant to government requirements, and fully aligned with global best practices. Unfortunately, these efforts did not bear fruit,” the company said.

According to APMC, conflict resolution begins when the affected parties stay within the clear guide -

lines set by the law.

“We would like to assure the public that APMC will continue to strictly and uncompromisingly adhere to all laws pertinent to our activities, for the current exploration and future development, operation, and rehabilitation plans. We pray that those who may have grievances against this will observe the same,” the company said.

The company said it remains committed to ensure that its mining operations involve and respect all stakeholders, minimize environmental impact, and prioritize a fair division of socioeconomic benefits.

The Social Action Network and Caritas Philippines, for its part expressed “serious concern over the recent events in Romblon and stand in solidarity with its people who are taking the boldest stance to protect their only home—the beautiful, ecologically rich, and peaceful Sibuyan Island.”

In a statement, the group said: We strongly support the Diocese of Romblon’s efforts to protect the environment by opposing the

2 of 4 Japanese wanted for robbery ready for deportation

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crisp -

in Remulla on Monday said two of the four Japanese nationals wanted in Japan due to their involvement in several robberies and other crimes will be deported today, Tuesday.

However, Remulla said he is still hoping to deport all the four Japanese fugitives also on Tuesday.

Hopefully tomorrow, everybody. The worst case scenario is only two tomorrow, but we are working for everybody to be deported tomorrow,” Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview.

T he Department of Justice (DOJ) is working double time to dismiss the pending criminal cases against the two Japanese nationals by the courts so they can be deported before the scheduled state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Japan from February 8 to February 12.

“We are still hoping for the full deportation already, so we will change our plans if things do not push through as we expect, but we’re really working for a full deportation,” he added.

R emulla identified the two Japanese nationals who could be deported today as Toshiya Fujita and Kiyoto Imamura.

“Yes, we can, we will. We will,” Remulla said when asked if the deportation of the four fugitives is still possible before President Marcos’ state visit.

Remulla said Japanese law enforcement agents who will escort the deportees had also arrived in the country on Monday.

I think they are here already, or they should be arriving today. So, if they are not yet here, they are arriving today at the latest,” he added.

Remulla also said a coordination meeting with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other government agencies on the matter took place at 4 p.m. Monday though he did not provide further details.

If not on Tuesday, Remulla said Yuki Watanabe and another Japanese, Tomonobu Saito may be deported on Wednesday. “ The two of them may leave on Wednesday. We expect them to be cleared for deportation on Wednesday,” Remulla said.

Both are accused of being involved in fraud and robbery cases in Japan. They are also facing cases for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children’s Act (VAWC) filed by their former partners before the same court.

He noted that their cases are already submitted for resolution and the judges handling them are expected to rule on the prosecution’s motions to dismiss the cases.

So, it really depends upon the court…how the judge wishes to resolve the cases. But I believe that there is judicial notice already of the scheme of lawyers to delay deportation by filing cases that will delay the wheels of justice. And I think

the courts are aware of this already,” Remulla explained.

“ This was never done before. It is due to the courts. The courts probably for many of these judges, this is the first time they have experienced this kind of setup where a defense lawyer doesn’t want his client to be acquitted,” he added.

T he Japanese police have sought the deportation of Watanabe who is believed to be alias “Luffy,” the alleged mastermind of robberies in several prefectures in Japan, and three others after obtaining warrants of arrests from the courts there.

Remulla said Watanabe has a summary deportation order dated May 28, 2021 for being an illegal entrant and a fugitive from justice in connection with the use of counterfeit documents and theft charges in Japan.

T he suspects are allegedly using an encrypted messaging app inside detention to communicate with their cohorts in their country for their robbery operations.

mining project in Sibuyan.

We are committed to advancing the principles of Laudato Si and be bearers of hope in the face of an ecological crisis, following our Lord Jesus, our Redeemer. As such, we commit to “integrate the care of creation as our common home in our teaching and practice of Christian discipleship” through concrete ecological actions in caring for our

Common Home.

We feel a moral duty to safeguard and uphold the well-being of our shared environment. Therefore, we believe that the project would not serve the overall interests of the province and would pose a threat, particularly to the lives and lands of the communities on the island, and the rich biodiversity in the area.

WITH an overwhelming 240 votes, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill protecting workers and/or independent contractors in the film, television and radio entertainment industry.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said House Bill 1270 or the “Eddie Garcia Act,” would cover thousands of people working in the entertainment sector.

“It would ensure that they continue to have gainful employment and protect them against abuse, harassment, dangerous working environment and exploitation,” he said.

T he proposed law was titled after the popular actor who died in June 2019 following a mishap while filming a teleserye for a television station.

Manong Eddie was a hugely popular actor well-loved by many Filipinos. It was unfortunate that he died in such circumstances. But the accident served as a wake-up call for the industry and for us policymakers in Congress,” Romualdez said.

HB No. 1270 is a consolidation of six related measures, including one authored by Garcia’s congressmanstepson, Mikee Romero of Party-list group 1-Pacman.

Romero said his stepfather, one of the country’s most awarded actors, “tripped on loose cables” on the film set and “suffered cervical cracks and fractures” that led to his death.

For his part, Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia, one of the principal authors of the bill, said the progress made on the bill now is good timing because it will add momentum to the recovery of the film, television, and radio industries as the national economy loosens up from the many restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic state of calamity.

Our hope is that the Eddie Garcia bill makes it to the desk of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his signature within this year 2023, so that full implementation ensures in January 2024,” said de Venecia.

T he bill defines an industry worker or independent contractor as “any person engaged or hired by the employer or principal to render services involving the production, distribution, and exhibition of film, television, and radio entertainment content.”

T he bill provides that an industry worker or independent contractor “shall be governed by the provisions of the Civil Code on contracts and other applicable laws, but not lower than the standards provided under Presidential Decree No. 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.”

T he worker/contractor shall execute an agreement or employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties before he/ she is asked to render service. Jovee Marie N.

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

AMEASURE seeking to mandate all enterprises employing 10 or more workers to establish a productivity incentive program for their employees has been approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives.

House Bill 6683 or the Enterprise Productivity Act effectively repealed Republic Act (RA) No. 6971 or the Productivity Incentives Act of 1990, and was passed by members of the chamber with an overwhelming vote of 242.

T he bill also establishes a system of tax incentives for enterprises, small or large, that will successfully establish and implement a productivity incentives program for their employees.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the bill was passed to recognize both the Filipino workers’ hard work and the enterprises’ willingness to reward the productivity of labor.

Together, they make up a strong pillar of our economy, and this measure pays tribute to their immeasurable contribution to nation-building,” said the Speaker.

Provisions of the measure apply to all business enterprises “with or without existing and duly recognized collective bargaining agreements. It shall cover all employees and workers regardless of their position, designation, or status, and the manner by which their wages are paid.”

It mandates the establishment of a Productivity Incentives Committee made up of representatives from the management and from the employees, whether or not a labor organization or employees’ association exists in the enterprise.

T he bill said the committee shall develop the productivity incentives program. Whenever gains or savings are realized from the implementation of the productivity improvement program, the management shall initiate the discussion on the sharing thereof.

“Productivity incentives program as provided in this Act shall be based on the implemented productivity improvement program, and without prejudice to any company policy, program, contract, or collective bargaining agreement providing for higher productivity incentives,” the bill said.

As for tax deductions, private establishments are entitled to deduct 50 percent of the total productivity incentives granted to their employees and 50 percent of the total grants for training and special studies given to employees pursuant to the productivity incentives program prepared by the committee from their gross income.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall establish a system for availing of tax deductions. It shall maintain and furnish the National Wages and Productivity Commission [NWPC] with an annual record of business enterprises that avail of tax deductions under this Act for program monitoring,” HB 6683 said.

first time fix resolution for known issues, identify target resolver group and route tickets, do remote trouble shooting, install/uninstall applications for incidents raised by customers.

SOFI LENDING INC.

- Php 499,999

Unit E-1405 East Tower Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

BONDARS, NIKITA Country Manager

Brief Job Description:

175.

To define and draft the strategy, mission, and goals of the company operations within the dynamic economic environment for the benefit of the company interest, To analyse and to assess the local and international economic environment, the market development trends and perspectives, the competition situation, and eventual activities of competitors, To define the goals and the core directions of the company operation in compliance with the company interests, To plan and to forecast the efficient operation of the company within the dynamic economic environment in compliance with the set goals, the economic environment, and the market situation, To define the indices of the economic operation of the company.

Basic Qualification: Higher education in the field of economics, finance, or management, Minimum 3 years’ experience in a management position, The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, Understanding of the regularities and principles of the current economic development, Understanding of the processes in the environment of the national economy and the ability to adopt decisions in compliance with the change of the situation.

Salary

Powerful quake rocks Turkey and Syria, killing more than 600

By Suzan Fraser The Associated Press

ANKARA,

7.8

On both sides of the border, residents jolted out of sleep by the pre-dawn quake rushed outside on a cold, rainy and snowy winter night, as buildings were flattened and strong aftershocks continued.

Rescue workers and residents in multiple cities searched for survivors, working through tangles of metal and giant piles of concrete.

In the Turkish city of Adana, one resident said three buildings near his home collapsed. “I don’t have the strength anymore,” one survivor could be heard calling out from beneath the rubble as rescue workers tried to reach him, said the resident, journalism student Muhammet Fatih Yavus. Farther east in Diyarbakir, cranes and rescue teams rushed people on stretchers out of a mountain of pancaked concrete floors that was once an apartment building.

The quake, felt as far away as Cairo, was centered north of Gaziantep, a Turkish provincial capital.

It struck a region that has been shaped on both sides of the border by more than a decade of civil war in Syria. On the Syrian side, the swath affected is divided between government-held territory and the country’s last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from that conflict.

The opposition-held regions in Syria are packed with some 4 million people displaced from other parts of the country by the fighting. Many of them live in buildings that are already wrecked from past bombardments. Hundreds of families remained trapped in rubble, the

American consumers would suffer if US defaulted, IMF head warns

By Tony Czuczka

AUS debt default would cause a spike in borrowing costs that squeezes American consumers as well as significant harm to the world economy, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said.

The IMF head’s comments add to warnings about the risks of a market meltdown if Congress in Washington fails to resolve a standoff between Republicans and President Joe Biden over increasing the debt ceiling.

Global shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have “taught us to be more openminded, that the unthinkable can happen,” Georgieva said in an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday. “And this is why it is very important for everybody concerned to take this conversation very seriously.”

sia to Germany offered to send help, whether medical supplies, search teams or money.

opposition emergency organization, called the White Helmets, said in a statement. Strained health facilities and hospitals were quickly filled with wounded, rescue workers said.

“We fear that the deaths are in the hundreds,” Muheeb Qaddour, a doctor, said by phone from the town of Atmeh.

Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. The US Geological Survey measured Monday’s quake at 7.8. At least 20 aftershocks followed, some hours later during daylight, the strongest measuring 6.6, Turkish authorities said.

Buildings were reported collapsed in a wide area extending from Syria’s cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkey’s Diyarbakir, more than 330 kilometers (200 miles) to the northeast. Nearly 900 buildings were destroyed in Turkey’s Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras provinces, said Vice President Fuat Oktay. A hospital collapsed in the Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, but casualties were not immediately known, he said.

“Unfortunately, at the same time, we are also struggling with extremely severe weather conditions,” Oktay told reporters. Nearly 2,800 search and rescue teams have been deployed in the disaster-stricken areas, he said.

“We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrote on Twitter.

Countries from Taiwan to Rus -

In Turkey, people trying to leave the quake-stricken regions caused traffic jams, hampering efforts of emergency teams trying to reach the affected areas. Authorities urged residents not to take to the roads. Mosques around the region were being opened up as a shelter for people unable to return to damaged homes amid temperatures that hovered around freezing.

The quake heavily damaged Gaziantep’s most famed landmark, its historic castle perched atop a hill in the center of the city. Parts of the fortresses’ walls and watchtowers were leveled and other parts heavily damaged, images from the city showed.

In Diyarbakir, hundreds of rescue workers and civilians formed lines across a mountain of wreckage, passing down broken concrete pieces, household belongings and other debris as they searched for trapped survivors while excavators dug through the rubble below. Survivors were strapped to stretchers and carefully handed down to a street where they were put in an ambulance.

In northwest Syria, the quake added new woes to the opposition-held enclave centered on the province of Idlib, which has been under siege for years, with frequent Russian and government airstrikes. The territory depends on a flow of aid from nearby Turkey for everything from food to medical supplies.

The opposition’s Syrian Civil Defense described the situation there as “disastrous,” adding that entire buildings have collapsed and people are trapped under the rubble.

In the small Syrian rebel-held

town of Azmarin in the mountains by the Turkish border, the bodies of several dead children, wrapped in blankets, were brought to a hospital.

The USGS said the quake was centered about 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Gaziantep. It was 18 kilometers (11 miles) deep.

At least 284 people were killed in 10 Turkish provinces, with more than 2,000 injured, according to Turkey’s vice president. The death toll in governmentheld areas of Syria climbed to 239 people, with some 600 injured, according to state media.

In rebel-held areas, at least 147 people were killed, according to the White Helmets, though another group, medical organization SAMS, put the toll at 106; both said hundreds were hurt.

In Damascus, buildings shook and many people went down to the streets in fear. The quake jolted residents in Lebanon from beds, shaking buildings for about 40 seconds. Many residents of Beirut left their homes and took to the streets or drove in their cars away from buildings, terrorized by memories of the 2020 port explosion that wrecked a large portion of the city.

Huseyin Yayman, a legislator from Turkey’s Hatay province, said several of his family members were trapped under the rubble of their collapsed homes.

“There are so many other people who are also trapped,” he told HaberTurk television by telephone. “There are so many buildings that have been damaged. People are on the streets. It’s raining, it’s winter.”

T he Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report

Oil steadies after slump as IEA points to rising China demand

OIL steadied after sinking to the lowest close in about a month as traders took stock of the outlook for demand in China and the latest sanctions on Russian energy flows came into effect.

West Texas Intermediate held above $73 a barrel after tumbling more than 3 percent on Friday as a bumper US jobs report bolstered the case for more rate increases from the Federal Reserve. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said at the weekend that China’s economy could be poised for a strongerthan-anticipated rebound that’ll boost demand for crude.

A European ban on seaborne imports of Russian oil products

in response to the war in Ukraine came into effect on Sunday. The measure is coupled with a price cap similar to one in effect for crude, and designed to curb Moscow’s revenues while enabling products to flow to third countries.

Oil has endured a bumpy start to 2023 even as China’s ditching of Covid Zero fanned a wave of speculation that the world’s largest crude importer will ramp up imports. At the same time, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have opted to maintain supply cuts, with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister, saying at the weekend that the kingdom will remain cautious

about raising supply.

“Oil is finding support,” said Zhou Mi, an analyst at the Chaos Research Institute in Shanghai, citing China’s postCovid recovery. “However, headwinds remain as Russian supply is withstanding sanctions—on both the crude and products front—so far.

We think the market will trade sideways short term.”

The ever-more-complex web of sanctions on Russia’s crude has recast the global oil market as Moscow seeks alternative outlets. Countries such as India have benefited, both by gorging on cheap Russian oil for local use, and refining a record amount of the nation’s crude into fuels for export to the West.

She expressed hope that it won’t come to that, evoking previous battles over the debt ceiling and “if you look at history, usually after a lot of back and forth, a solution is being found.”

With Republicans seeking to extract promises of federal budget cuts in exchange for lifting the debt limit, Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy held an initial meeting at the White House last week without resolving the dispute.

Georgieva said last year’s fourdecade highs in US inflation would pale in comparison to the pain that a default would cause.

“It will be very damaging for US consumers if the US defaults, that would push interest rates up,” she said. “And if people don’t like inflation today, they’re not going to like at all what may happen tomorrow.”

By law, the federal government’s debt can’t exceed $31.4 trillion, a cap that was reached on January 19. The Treasury has said it can hold out at least through early June by using special accounting maneuvers.

Georgieva warned that 60 percent of low-income countries are at or near a debt crisis, and reiterated her call for China, the biggest creditor to emerging countries, to cooperate with multiparty debt restructuring talks.

“China has to change its policies because low income countries cannot pay,” she said. “This is when debt restructuring becomes a top priority.”

A roundtable of creditors, from traditional lenders to new participants like China and India, will meet in India this month, Georgieva said. China will be represented by the finance minister and central bank governor, she said.

Georgieva also said the IMF has a role to play amid rising concern that the global economy is becoming more fragmented.

“I do consider making the case for an integrated economy our main priority today,” she said, while noting that part of that effort is to make the impacts of globalization more fair. With assistance from Eric Martin/Bloomberg

Despite crude’s tumble on Friday, Brent’s prompt spread— the difference between its two nearest contracts—remains in backwardation, a bullish pattern. The gap was 21 cents a barrel in backwardation, compared with 18 cents in the opposite contango structure a month ago.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc., meanwhile, reiterated a forecast that oil prices are set to top $100 a barrel this year. With sanctions likely to cause Russian oil exports to drop and Chinese demand expected to recover, crude will climb, analyst Jeff Currie said in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. With assistance from Serene Cheong/Bloomberg

FARMERS plant rice using rice seedling transplanter at Chongsan Cooperative Farm in Kangso District, Nampho, North Korea, on May 9, 2022. North Korea has scheduled a major political conference February 2023, to discuss the “urgent task” of improving its agricultural sector, a possible sign that the country’s food insecurity is getting worse as its economic isolation deepens amid a defiant nuclear weapons push. AP/CHA SONG HO

North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue

By Kim Tong-Hyung

The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea has scheduled a major political conference to discuss the “urgent task” of improving its agricultural sector, a possible sign of worsening food insecurity as the country’s economic isolation deepens amid a defiant nuclear weapons push.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that members of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Politburo met on Saturday and agreed to hold a larger plenary meeting of the party’s Central Committee in late February to review strategies on agriculture and set new goals. It said the Politburo members acknowledged a “a turning point is needed to dynamically promote the radical change in agricultural development.”

“It is a very important and urgent task to establish the correct strategy for the development of agriculture and take relevant measures for the immediate farming...to promote the overall development of socialist construction,” the KCNA said.

The Politburo meeting came amid indications that the country was preparing to stage a massive military parade in Pyongyang, possibly this week, to glorify the rule of leader Kim Jong Un and his growing collection of nuclear-capable weapons, which he has aggressively pushed to expand despite limited resources and economic decay.

Although not unprecedented, it’s uncommon for North Korea to hold two different party plenaries in a span of two months. It’s also rare for North Korea to call a plenary meeting over a single agenda, this time agriculture, South Korean Unification Ministry spokesperson Koo Byoungsam said in a briefing.

“The government will closely watch North Korea’s food situation and internal trends,” said Koo. He said South Korea estimates that North Korean food production fell by about 4 percent in 2022 to 4.5 million tons.

Following the collapse of nuclear negotiations with the United States in 2019, Kim declared to strengthen his nuclear weapons and missile program against “gangster-like” US sanctions and pressure and urged his nation to stay resilient in the struggle for economic self-reliance.

But the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic unleashed further shock on North Korea’s already broken economy, by forcing the nation to shield its poor healthcare system with strict border controls that choked off trade with China, its main ally and economic lifeline. The country was also hit with devastating typhoons and floods in 2020 that decimated crops. In a study published on the North Koreafocused 38 North website last month, analyst Lucas Rengifo-Keller said food insecurity in North Korea is likely at its worst since the country’s 1990s famine that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Turkey—A powerful

magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Turkey and northern Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 600 people. Hundreds were still believed to be trapped under rubble, and the toll was expected to rise as rescue workers searched mounds of wreckage in cities and towns across the area.

RESCUE workers and medical teams try to reach trapped residents in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, early Monday, February 6, 2023. A powerful earthquake has caused significant damage in southeast Turkey and Syria and many casualties are feared. Damage was reported across several Turkish provinces, and rescue teams were being sent from around the country. AP/MAHMUT BOZARSAN

The World

UK nurses, ambulance crews strike, straining health system

By Jill Lawless The Associated

27, 2023.

A

Europe bans Russian diesel, other oil products over Ukraine

By David Mchugh AP Business Writer

FRANKFURT, Germany—Europe imposed

a ban Sunday on Russian diesel fuel and other refined oil products, slashing energy dependency on Moscow and seeking to further crimp the Kremlin’s fossil fuel earnings as punishment for invading Ukraine.

The ban comes along with a price cap agreed by the Group of Seven allied democracies. The goal is allowing Russian diesel to keep flowing to countries like China and India and avoiding a sudden price rise that would hurt consumers worldwide, while reducing the profits funding Moscow’s budget and war.

Diesel is key for the economy because it is used to power cars, trucks carrying goods, farm equipment and factory machinery. Diesel prices have been elevated due to recovering demand after the Covid-19 pandemic and limits on refining capacity, contributing to inflation for other goods worldwide.

The new sanctions create uncertainty about prices as the 27-nation European Union finds new supplies of diesel from the US, Middle East and India to replace those from Russia, which at one point delivered 10 percent of Europe’s total diesel needs. Those are longer journeys than from Russia’s ports, stretching available tankers.

Prices also could be driven up by reviving demand from China as the economy rebounds after the end of draconian Covid-19 restrictions.

The price cap of $100 per barrel for diesel, jet fuel and gasoline is to be enforced by barring insurance and shipping services from handling diesel priced over the limit. Most of those companies are located in Western countries.

It follows a $60-per-barrel cap on Russian crude that took effect in December and is supposed to work the same way. Both the diesel and oil caps could be tightened later.

“Once we have these price caps set, we can squeeze the Russian price and deny them, deny (President Vladimir) Putin money for his war without a price spike that’s going to hurt Western economies and developing economies,” said Thomas O’Donnell, a global fellow with the Washington-based Wilson Center.

The diesel price cap will not bite immediately because it was set at about what Russian diesel trades for. Russia’s chief problem now will be finding new customers, not evading the price ceiling. However, the cap aims to prevent Russian gains from any sudden price spikes in refined oil products.

Analysts say there might be a price bump initially as markets sort out the changes. But they say the embargo should not cause a price spike if the cap works as intended and Russian diesel keeps flowing to other countries.

Diesel fuel at the pump has been flat since the start of December, costing 1.80 euros per liter ($7.37 per gallon) as of Jan. 30, according to the weekly oil market report issued by the European Union’s executive commission. Pump prices in Germany, the EU’s largest economy, fell 2.6 cents to 1.83 euros per liter ($7.48 per gallon) as of January 31.

The ban provides for a 55-day grace period for diesel loaded on tankers before Sunday, a step aimed at avoiding ruffling markets. European Union officials say importers have had time to adjust since the ban was announced in June.

Russia earned more than $2 billion from diesel sales to Europe in December alone as importers appear to have stocked up with added purchases ahead of the ban.

Europe has already banned Russian coal and most crude oil, while Moscow has cut off most shipments of natural gas.

The Associated Press writer Jeffrey Schaeffer contributed from Paris

The walkout is the latest in a wave of strikes that has disrupted Britons’ lives for months, as workers—especially in the public sector—demand pay raises to keep pace with double-digit inflation. Teachers, train drivers, airport baggage handlers, border staff, driving instructors, bus drivers and postal workers also have all walked off their jobs in recent months to demand higher pay.

Teachers, health workers and many others say their wages have fallen in real terms over the last decade, and a cost-of-living crisis fueled by sharply rising food and energy prices has left many struggling to pay their bills.

Britain’s annual inflation rate was 10.5 percent in December, a 41-year high. The Conservative government argues that giving public sector staff pay increases of 10 percent or more would drive inflation even higher.

The strike piles more pressure on the state-funded National Health Service, already staggering under demand from winter viruses, staff shortages and backlogs built up during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nursing unions say emergency care and cancer treatment will continue during their 48-hour walkout, but thousands of appointments and procedures are likely to be postponed.

The ambulance service says it will respond to the most urgent calls during a daylong strike. But Business Secretary Grant Shapps said the strike could put lives at risk, leaving people with “a postcode lottery when it comes to having a heart attack or a stroke.”

Pope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders denounce anti-gay laws

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE—Pope

Francis, the head of the Anglican Communion and top Presbyterian minister together denounced the criminalization of homosexuality and said gay people should be welcomed by their churches.

The three Christian leaders spoke on LGBTQ rights during an unprecedented joint airborne news conference Sunday while returning home from South Sudan, where they took part in a three-day ecumenical pilgrimage to try to nudge forward the young country’s peace process.

They were asked about Francis’ recent comments to The Associated Press, in which he declared that laws that criminalize gay people were “unjust” and that “being homosexual is not a crime.”

South Sudan is one of 67 countries that criminalize homosexuality, 11 of them with the death penalty. LGBTQ advocates say even where such laws are not applied, they contribute to a climate of harassment, discrimination and violence.

“If he [Pope Francis] is coming here and he tells us that marriage of the same sex, homosexuality, is legal, we will say

no,” Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, said after the pope’s AP interview and ahead of his visit.

On Sunday, Francis referred to his January 24 comments to the AP and repeated that such laws are “unjust.” He also repeated previous comments that parents should never throw their gay children out of the house.

“To condemn someone like this is a sin,” he said. “Criminalizing people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice.”

“People with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them,” he added.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recalled that LGBTQ rights were very much on the agenda of the Church of England, and said he would quote the pope’s own words when the issue is discussed at the church’s upcoming General Synod.

“I wish I had spoken as eloquently and clearly as the pope. I entirely agree with every word he said,” Welby said.

Recently, the Church of England decided to allow blessings for same-sex civil marriages but said same-sex couples could not marry in its churches. The Vatican forbids both gay marriage and blessings for same-sex unions.

Welby told reporters that the issue of criminalization had been taken up at two previous Lambeth Conferences of the broader Anglican Communion, which includes churches in Africa and the Middle East where such anti-gay laws are most common and often enjoy support by conservative bishops.

The broader Lambeth Conference has come out twice opposing criminalization, “But it has not really changed many people’s minds,” Welby said.

The Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields, the Presbyterian moderator of the Church of Scotland who also participated in the pilgrimage and news conference, offered an observation.

“There is nowhere in my reading of the four Gospels where I see Jesus turning anyone away,” he said. “There is nowhere in the four Gospels where I see anything other than Jesus expressing love to whomever he meets.”

“And as Christians, that is the only expression that we can possibly give to any human being, in any circumstance.”

The Church of Scotland allows samesex marriages. Catholic teaching holds that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect, but that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.”

Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union representing some ambulance staff, said Sunday there were “no talks at any level whatsoever with the government” about pay. She urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to “come to the table and negotiate—roll your sleeves up and negotiate on the pay in the NHS—that is what’s required.”

Pat Cullen, head of the Royal College of Nursing union, also said a “meaningful” pay offer from the government could bring the strike “to a swift close.”

The unions are seeking a pay

raise for the current year, but the government says it will only talk about the year ahead. Health Secretary Steve Barclay urged unions to call off the strikes, “look forward and engage in a constructive dialogue” about pay for 2023-2024.

Monday’s nursing strike affects England. In Scotland and Wales—which have semiautonomous governments in charge of

health policy—unions have suspended walkouts while negotiations continue.

Sunak’s government also has angered unions by introducing a bill that will make it harder for key workers to strike by setting “minimum safety levels” for firefighters, ambulance services and railways that must be maintained during a walkout.

Press

LONDON—Tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance staff walked off the job in the UK on Monday in what unions called the biggest strike in the history of the country’s public health system.

NURSES of the nearby St. Thomas’ Hospital stand on the picket line, in London on Monday, February 6, 2023. Tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance staff walked off the job in the UK Monday in what unions called the biggest strike in the history of Britain’s public health system. AP/FRANK AUGSTEIN

FUEL truck drives along a highway in Frankfurt, Germany, on January

European Union governments tentatively agreed Friday, February 3, 2023, to set a $100-per-barrel price cap on sales of Russian diesel to coincide with an EU embargo on the fuel—steps aimed at ending the bloc’s energy dependence on Russia and limiting the money Moscow makes to fund its war in Ukraine. AP/MICHAEL PROBST

editorial

A ‘historic’ move that benefits the economy

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) last week approved a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) resolution seeking to implement the single ticketing system (STS) that “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”

Describing the MMC approval of the STS as “a historic moment,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said the single ticketing system would give convenience to apprehended motorists, allowing them options to pay for their traffic-related violations. “This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than 20 years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will benefit our motorists,” Artes said (Read, “MMC approves ‘historic’ single ticketing system,” in the BusinessMirror , February 2, 2023).

The Metro Manila mayors adopted the STS through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) of 2023, which provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties. The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office and local councils for adoption.

The MMTC of 2023, which will serve as the ground rule for the system, listed the most common traffic violation and penalties, which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila LGUs, as follows: Disregarding traffic signs; illegal parking (attended and unattended); number coding UVVRP-truck ban; light truck ban; reckless driving-unregistered motor vehicle; driving without license; tricycle ban; obstruction; dress code violation for motorcycle; overloading; defective motorcycle accessories; unauthorized modification; arrogance/ discourteous conduct of driver; loading and unloading in prohibited zones; illegal counter flow and overspeeding.

Also included are violations of special laws: Seat Belts Use Act of 1999; Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act; Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act; Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act; Anti-Distracted Driving Act; and AntiDrunk and Drugged Driving Act.

The STS will help address different procedures of apprehension, payment of fines, redemption of licenses and plates, as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws.

“The single ticketing system will help avoid confusion among our driving public, and includes an option to pay electronically for violations. Driver’s license will not be confiscated during apprehension,” Artes said, adding that apprehended motorists will be able to settle their penalties at common payment centers, like Bayad Centers, within 10 working days anywhere, instead of paying at the town or city where the erring driver was apprehended.

MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora thanked the council for passing the resolution. He said that the single ticketing system would hopefully be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.“The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adopting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” Zamora said.

Artes said MMDA will shoulder the information and communications technology expenses of each LGU involved in the integration of the single ticketing system. The MMDA, he added, has sufficient funds to cover the procurement of equipment and other IT requirements needed for the seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGUs’ integration with LTO’s Land Transportation Management System.

Kudos to the MMDA and the MMC for adopting the single ticketing system. The move to harmonize existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement by allowing interconnectivity among government agencies involved in traffic management in the metropolis will ultimately benefit all public utility drivers and motorists in Metro Manila.

Drivers who used to spend a whole day to reclaim their confiscated license and pay the fines do not only mean lost individual income, but also a loss to the Philippine economy.

Philippine economy: Much work has to be done

post-harvest facilities in the Philip-

Manny B. Villar

THE EnTrEprEnEur

PreSIDenT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is one chief executive who does not sit back and rest on his laurels. The Philippine economy may have grown by 7.6 percent in 2022, the fastest in nearly four decades, but with the still high inflation rate across the nation, President Marcos knows too well that not everybody is enjoying the benefits of the economic recovery.

Just like his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, President Marcos is aware of the gut issues of the day. Every political leader must be sensitive to the plight of the hard working common man. The high inflation rate is one factor that hits the pocket of every consumer. High prices erode their purchasing power. A confluence of global and local supply shocks has driven food prices higher. Rising petroleum prices also led to significant increases in fertilizer and farming costs. Local newspaper headlines and radio and television news programs, meanwhile, have screamed about the sharp spike in onion prices for weeks. And for good reason. Onion is one of the basic vegetables used in cooking

Filipino dishes. It is also commercially grown in the country and one wonders why onion prices shot up.

President Marcos wisely ordered onion imports to either fill in a supply gap or offset the anomaly in the trading of the vegetable item to stop a spike in prices. Fortunately, the imports lowered onion prices from a high of over P700 a kilo to about P180 or less last week.

It is President Marcos’ job to stabilize agricultural prices. I am sure our chief executive was already briefed about the intricacies of local onion trading and ways to stabilize its prices to about P170 a kilo, or even to as low as P80 a kilo in certain months or during the harvest season.

The onion shortage and its high prices are a reflection of the lack of

You’re ignorant? Your fault

John Mangun

OuTSIDE THE BOX

‘We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” The fact that you can find this attributed to American writer and diplomat Benjamin Franklin all over the Internet and especially on social media proves that whoever first said it was a genius.

We are all born as a blank piece of paper with little information about the world. Yet we now have at our disposal the greatest repository of human knowledge since the libraries of the ancient world in the Middle East and China.

At the start of 2023, some 5.16 billion people are using the Internet, equivalent to 64.4 percent of the total population. Global social media users now total 4.76 billion, equal to 59.4 percent of all the people on Earth. SocMed users are currently growing at a rate of 4.3 new users every single second. Pretty good information, isn’t it? All from the Internet.

We are told that one of the greatest problems facing the world is all manner of ‘Fake News’ that changes the will of the people to elect the wrong leaders, to deny “consensus science” (as opposed to proven science), and makes people behave in a manner detrimental to the greater good, like not wanting to eat insects as a protein source.

Perhaps, though, the greatest problem is any combination of lethargic minds, feeding on distorted information and/or flawed analysis, fueled by a wholly self-serving agenda.

Back in October, Representative Sandro Marcos stated that the

pines. Our farmers are often left at the mercy of traders due to the absence of these facilities, where they can temporarily store their crops for a longer time. Not enough agricultural products actually reach the market also due to the lack of postharvest facilities. As result, farmers incur post-harvest losses that tend to drive up prices of vegetables and other agricultural crops.

The high cost of food, vegetable and meat, along with unpredictable crude oil prices in the world market following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is one of the challenges faced by the Philippine economy this year. President Marcos, to his credit, is very honest about the inflation menace. He admitted that he had been “losing sleep” over the high inflation rate. His worries hopefully should dissipate early this year. His economic team assured him that the inflation rate would go down to 4 percent by the third or fourth quarter of 2023, after hitting a high of 8.1 percent in December last year.

President Marcos, though, was not all glum on the Philippine economy. In fact, he was high-spirited after learning about the gross domestic product results. Says President Marcos: “We are happy to receive the news that our growth rate for the year 2022 exceeded all expectations even

“peso is not weak because the peso is weak; the peso is weak because the (United States) dollar is strong.” The comments that referenced Marcos’s statement were unfortunately not from “parody” accounts. Example: “If the dollar is outpacing the peso, that does not only mean the dollar is strong. It means the peso is weak since it’s not able to keep up with the dollar” and “kayo talaga hindi niyo na naman na gets.”

On October 11, the peso/dollar exchange rate closed at 58.81 in the international market. The US Dollar Index closed at 113.22. As of the end of business last Friday, the peso closed at 53.65 having appreciated against the USD by 8.77 percent since October 11. The USDX closed last Friday at 113.22 having depreciated against the basket of global currencies by 9.01 percent since October 1.

It has nothing to do with the fact that Rep. Marcos’s analysis of how foreign exchange rate functions is correct, particularly with a relatively insignificant currency (trading 0.1 percent of total daily global volume, less than the Hungarian forint). It is that mass quantities of people speak without knowing even the slightest idea of what they are talking about. Even more distressing than these

by the estimates of the international financing institutions and we are holding at 7.6 percent.”

His decision to resume face-tocase classes and lift more Covid-19 restrictions revitalized the economy further and resulted in more revenge spending on malls, restaurants and travel. It allowed the economy to generate more jobs and restored the confidence of consumers.

The Philippines’s growth story is a perfect attraction for foreign investors. We need more foreign investments to sustain economic growth. President Marcos’s investment pitch in his recent foreign sorties is timely given the impressive growth we registered last year.

As I’ve written in my previous column, the 7.6-percent expansion will draw the attention of foreign investors. President Marcos actively promoted the Philippines as a promising investment destination in his meetings abroad. In his own words, the Philippines must maintain the growth rate through foreign investments.

Much work has to be done, however. The Philippines faced several challenges during the pandemic years. Yet, we survived and persevered with determination.

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

people babbling their plant-based quality ignorance is that probably 0.01 percent ever bothered to learn how exchange rates work.

If part of our future will be in the hands of these people, we’re doomed.

We accept ideas that are just plain wrong. Pre-Covid, the stock market gurus—who apparently closed down like the massage parlors—preached for years that everyone should invest in the stock market. No, everyone should not invest in the stock market. That requires knowledge that requires time and effort to gain.

If you want to invest easily and safely without any effort, buy into a mutual fund, which in a good year performs better than a bank deposit and in a bad year might perform better than buying Lotto tickets.

It is each individual’s responsibility to not be ignorant, unless of course you prefer to be the bait when the zombie economic apocalypse comes. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me

@mangunonmarkets.

US moves to recover Chinese balloon while weighing retaliation

By Daniel Flatley, Jenny Leonard & Iain Marlow Bloomberg Opinion

The US sent divers to salvage what they believe is spy equipment from the Chinese balloon shot down off South Carolina, as pressure mounted on President Joe Biden to hit back at Beijing with new export controls on sensitive technology.

The government anticipates finding equipment capable of taking detailed photographs, along with other sensors, one person familiar with the matter said. US lawmakers are already demanding to know if the balloon’s payload contains technology from the US or its allies, another person said. Both asked not to be identified because the administration doesn’t want to reveal exactly what it suspects the balloon was carrying.

The balloon, said to be the size of at least two school buses, and its sensors are lying in 50 feet (15 meters) of water and scattered over a sevenmile (11-kilometer) area off Myrtle Beach. Divers and cranes operating from the surface were expected to haul it up in the coming days, potentially giving intelligence analysts crucial insight into Chinese spying capabilities.

While China says the device was a climate-research “airship” that strayed off course, the US argues it was part of a broader spying program by Beijing. With that in mind, Biden administration was calibrating how severely and swiftly to retaliate, people familiar with the matter said.

In a sign of more tension to come, the Chinese Foreign Ministry sharpened its tone Sunday after an American F-22 fighter jet popped the balloon with a Sidewinder missile and sent its payload crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. Beijing called the decision a “clear overreaction” and said it reserved the right to respond.

“China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company concerned, and reserves the right to make further responses if necessary,” Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng said, according to a Foreign Ministry statement released Monday. Xie lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the US Embassy in Beijing, the ministry said.

Chinese stocks extended losses as the episode stoked fears of economic retaliation Monday, a day when investors had been expecting a relatively positive visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Both sides will likely impose more export bans on technology in different industries,” Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING Groep NV, wrote in a note.

While the balloon may be out of the sky, the bizarre saga that surrounded it is far from over. Biden will almost certainly make reference to the episode in his State of the Union speech Tuesday, another person familiar with the matter said.

Blinken’s trip

ONE option would be to send Blinken to China with a much tougher message than the one he had planned to bring this week, before he postponed the trip. People familiar with the matter said he didn’t want to risk the public-relations disaster of landing in Beijing while the balloon was still in the air over US territory.

Now, the administration believes

Blinken should reschedule his trip soon. They argue for a much tougher approach both on the balloon and evidence the US has that officials say shows Chinese companies have been quietly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

The episode is already ratcheting up pressure on the administration to push even harder with its existing strategy of trying to hobble China’s ability to access an array of high-tech semiconductors used in sophisticated military applications, as well as the valuable equipment used to manufacture such chips.

And even if it doesn’t spur specific new measures, the embarrassingly public act of alleged espionage has made it more difficult for the US and China to stabilize diplomatic ties over thorny issues such as Taiwan, particularly with the Biden administration facing growing pressure from critics and a Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said senators will get a full classified briefing on Feb. 15, which will give the administration time to collect and sort through the evidence to back up its claim. “The bottom line here is that shooting down the balloon over water wasn’t just the safest option, but it was the one that maximized our intel gain,” Schumer said in a statement.

Balloons like the one blown apart Saturday are not uncommon, but this time the Chinese made a mistake by flying it low enough to be spotted by commercial pilots and people on the ground, according to one person familiar with the matter. Typically balloons like the one shot down fly above 80,000 feet and as high as 100,000 feet.

The administration has already faced fierce Republican criticism in recent days for being weak on China and not shooting down the balloon sooner. US officials argued that it simply wasn’t safe to bring the floating orb down over land when it was carrying a large and heavy payload.

The administration may not feel the need to level any other immediate consequences on Beijing for the episode given that US officials are comfortable with their broader position in terms of competition with China. The person familiar with the administration’s thinking on the matter cited work already underway on further export controls and tightened investment restrictions on strategic sectors in China.

Starting in October, the Biden administration rolled out tough export controls against China that have curtailed Beijing’s ability to access high-end semiconductors, and the US has only closed the vice more tightly since—including signing up nations to the effort such as the Netherlands and Japan, whose firms manufacture some of those chips. With assistance from Peter Martin, Victoria Cavaliere, Zibang Xiao and April Ma / Bloomberg

Local business tax assessment and renewal of business permit

atty. Mabel L. Buted

Tax Law for Business

The month of January is one of the busiest months, in so far as taxes are concerned. It is the month when businesses need to process and renew business permits with the local government units where they are doing business. Part of that is the payment of the local business taxes due for the year. This will allow them to continue operating within the jurisdiction of the LGU where permit is granted.

By this time, many businesses may have already secured their business permits for this year. But there are some persons/entities whose business permits are being held hostage because of pending assessments for alleged local business taxes due for previous years.

The question is—is the settlement of local business taxes allegedly due for the prior years a requisite for the issuance of business permit for the present year? Can an LGU withhold the issuance of business permit pending the resolution of assessments pertaining to previous years?

There are experiences in the past wherein the LGUs would refuse to issue business permits simply on the ground that the concerned taxpayers have alleged taxes due for previous years as a result of an investigation conducted by the LGU—even if the

same is being contested by the taxpayer. In other words, the payment of an assessment is imposed as a requirement for the issuance of a business permit. And this happens even if the assessment is still being disputed in accordance with the required procedures for contesting local tax assessments.

This practice finds no support in our existing system. It has no basis in law. LGUs are allowed to conduct investigation for possible unpaid taxes for prior years. But when there is a deficiency tax assessment, the taxpayer is entitled to dispute the same, such as through the filing of a protest. Protest can be done without prior payment of the alleged tax due.

The law is clear that the assessment is not required to be paid first before the same may be protested. This rule is backed up by court pro-

nouncements. Yet, certain LGUs still impose the “payment under protest” scheme. In fact, some local tax ordinances carry this requirement. And worse, this is invoked during the renewal of business permits—where permit is denied if assessment is not paid first.

Oftentimes, the affected taxpayer would reluctantly pay for fear of losing business simply because of the non-issuance of a permit.

If this happens, is there a remedy for the taxpayer, especially if he believes that the payment made is not legitimately due? Certainly! Payment made can be recovered by filing a claim for refund. Where payment is made on a protested or disputed assessment, the taxpayer may maintain an action in court and question the validity and correctness of the assessment, and at the same time, seek a refund of the taxes. The judicial claim for refund must be filed within 30 days from the denial of or inaction on the letter-protest or claim (GR 196681, June 27, 2018)

This is one remedy that is available when the taxpayers are compelled to pay—pay the tax and thereafter seek for a refund. The other recourse is still with the courts. The taxpayer can file an independent action with the court and request and compel the LGU concerned to issue a business permit. This is the remedy pursued by a taxpayer when a city treasurer refused to issue a business permit in its favor, after it was as-

sessed with deficiency taxes covering the prior years (GR 244602, July 14, 2021). In this case, while the protest against the assessment was pending resolution by the LGU, the taxpayer questioned in court the legal basis of such assessment that has already been ruled and decided upon by the court in a previous case that has attained finality, which involved the same issues. At the same time, the said taxpayer sought a preliminary mandatory injunction for the city treasurer to issue a business permit. The taxpayer succeeded and the LGU was ordered to issue a temporary permit in favor of the taxpayer. These are the legal actions available to taxpayers when their local business permits are unjustly and unreasonably withheld. The current law and the present rules accord protection for the taxpayers. But perhaps, the authorities should device a mechanism whereby these abuses are avoided and allow businesses to proceed without being subjected to fear and unwarranted costs.

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

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 160.

Adani’s crisis points to big risk in India’s net zero plan

By Stephen Stapczynski, Rajesh Kumar Singh & Rakesh Sharma Bloomberg Opinion

The crisis facing billionaire Gautam Adani has revealed a potential pitfall in India’s ambitious plan to reduce emissions: its reliance on the country’s most affluent and powerful private citizens.

Led by Adani’s $70 billion pledged investment in green energy infrastructure, India’s tycoons have so far committed to spend far more than the government on the energy transition. Reliance Industries Ltd.’s Mukesh Ambani and JSW Group’s Sajjan Jindal, along with energy giants like Tata Group, have also rushed to champion the shift to a cleaner future.

But Hindenburg Research’s allegations about companies linked to Adani Group have raised doubt on the firm’s future, including its massive green energy investment. It’s also created problems for Adani Green, the group’s renewable energy arm. The storm engulfing Asia’s now second-richest man also threatens to spread to the other conglomerates; Hindenburg Research has raised questions about the country’s corporate governance.

Because Adani group is a dominant player in India’s clean energy industries, the pace of investment might slow, said Ashiwni Swain, fellow at New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research. “We cannot bank on two or three companies to reach our goals. We need a populated sector,” he said. “There are other players and many more will join to take the journey forward.”

India’s national climate blueprint sets 2070 as a goal for net zero emissions, 10 years after China and two

decades behind Europe. India will continue to expand its coal power fleet to alleviate energy shortages, prompting the government last month to defend its use of fossil fuels while in the same breath vowing to remain committed to decarbonization.

To meet its goal, India requires investment of $160 billion annually through 2030, roughly triple today’s levels, according to the International Energy Agency. Foreign direct investment, while growing, remains a fraction of current commitments. Adani’s rapid downfall may undermine investor confidence in India more broadly, threatening to curb capital flows into the nation for green financing.

The gap highlights the government’s dependence on its private sector to hit its green goals. While private capital will be needed to fight climate change all over the world, the sheer size of India’s challenges makes it more reliant on its richest citizens and most sprawling companies.

Executives have so far been happy to oblige, as the prize is a top-spot in the lucrative industries of tomorrow. Adani and Reliance’s Ambani are vying to become the single biggest investor in India’s green sector, with the billionaires constantly one-upping each other with fresh announcement of giant manufacturing plants and some of the world’s

largest projects.

Adani has often aligned his businesses with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development goals and is characterizing Hindenburg Research’s charges of fraud as an attack against his home country. At the same time, Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday that there are more than a dozen large firms that can push India’s agenda forward.

And while Modi has yet to comment publicly on the saga, policy makers and regulators stepped in over the weekend to ease concerns the turmoil surrounding Adani’s conglomerate would spill over into the local economy and affect global investor sentiment toward the country.

Adani, who made his billions on the back of his coal empire, positioned himself as one of the leading advocate for new and experimental green technology. He is planning enormous solar and wind manufacturing centers across the country, and developing a supply chain for the world’s cheapest green hydrogen aimed at positioning India as an exporter of the clean fuel.

But some environmental advocates point out that Adani and his company were never that green to begin with. Adani doubled down on coal production last year as Modi promised to bring reliable electricity to more Indians amid a global fuel supply crunch. The group’s mining operations account for at least 3 percent of global CO2 emissions from coal, according to SumOfUs, an activist group that runs campaigns intended to apply pressure to powerful corporations.

“India is lot more than Adani.

Indonesia’s fastest expansion in nine years faces new risks

By Grace Sihombing & Claire Jiao

Bloomberg Opinion

JUST as the pace of Indonesia’s economic growth returned to pre-pandemic levels, a slowing global economy has emerged as the biggest threat to sustaining that performance.

Data on Monday showed gross domestic product growth accelerated 5.31 percent last year, bringing

Southeast Asia’s largest economy back to its pre-pandemic trajectory of about 5 percent annual growth.

That was also the fastest pace since 2013 and was in line with the 5.3 percent median estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

The “impressive” pace of growth in 2022 was largely supported by domestic consumption, as Indonesia saw a rebound in mobility and tourism, Margo Yuwono, who heads

the nation’s statistics agency, said in a briefing on Monday. This was further bolstered by exports, as the global commodity rally lifted prices of the key shipments like coal, palm oil, iron and steel, he said.

Although the official forecast is for growth to come in between 4.5 percent and 5.3 percent this year, mounting global risks mean the actual performance may be toward the midpoint, if not lower. Economists in

a Bloomberg survey see 2023 growth slowing below the psychological 5 percent level to 4.9 percent.

Slowdown in some advanced economies is a key risk. Although the International Monetary Fund last month raised its forecast for the global economy for the first time in a year, growth in advanced nations is expected to remain weak, damping trade in emerging markets, especially Asia.

Looming risks I N DONESIA the world’s largest exporter of palm oil, saw exports growth tapering in the final months of 2022. That suggests the economy is unlikely to see a repeat of 2022’s commodity windfall, which helped lift full-year exports to a record.

“Globally, high prices of Indonesia’s main export commodities supported trade performance last year,”

Their role in India’s energy transition is disputable,” said Assaad Razzouk, chief executive officer of Singapore-based renewable firm Gurin Energy. “It is very dangerous to confuse the energy transition in India with one group’s perspective or market power.”

India plans to decrease the share of fossil fuels in the nation’s electricity mix to 50 percent by 2030, down from more than 57 percent today.

India still relies heavily on coal for power generation, with demand for the dirtiest fossil fuel expected to inch higher through 2025, and critics say the government needs to do more to limit global warming.

The most immediate near-term consequence of the current Adani rout is that it will be more difficult for the billionaire to raise money to fuel its green expansion. There’s also an open question about the debt at Adani Green Energy Ltd., the unit that is developing renewable projects. The debt-to-capital ratio for the firm soared to 95.3 percent in the previous fiscal year ended March, according to Bloomberg calculations. It has since declined to 88.5 percent but remains higher than its peers.

Adani Green has the highest funding risk of the group companies due to its weak balance sheet, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts, adding that the firm has $1.25 billion worth of bonds due next year. “Adani Green Energy’s cash as of September cannot cover short-term debt maturities,” the analysts said.

“Will this damage Adani? Categorically. It should have already,” said Tim Buckley, the director of the Sydney-based Climate Energy Finance think tank and a long-time observer of the billionaire.

Yuwono said. “However, global commodity prices are already in downward trend, hence will impact growth going forward.”

That’s in line with the Finance Ministry’s outlook that weakening global economic activity and higher interest rates may weigh down Indonesia this year. With assistance from Tomoko Sato, Yudith Ho, Norman Harsono and Soraya Permatasari / Bloomberg

BE A CATALYST FOR UHC, MARCOS EXHORTS NKTI

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. called on the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) to become a “catalyst” of Universal Health Care (UHC) by helping reduce kidney disease-related fatalities nationwide.

I n a speech at the 40th Founding Anniversary of NKTI on Monday, Marcos said the health facility should become a model for other health facilities in making its quality service accessible to more people through “innovative solutions.”

The ultimate goal is to lower the deaths and disabilities associated with kidney disease and kidney failure, especially for those who are not able to access dialysis treatment due to the high cost,” Marcos said.

That’s why I am very happy to see that your institution has always adhered to the highest standards of quality patient care by providing affordable and timely diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to your patients,” he added.

A mong the new projects of NKTI is its New Hospital Integrated Management System (NHIMS), which will “automate

the hospital’s services and enable the institute to reach out to more patients.”

M arcos lauded the contribution of NKTI since it was established during the administration of his late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., as a 2-ward 50-bed facility.

N KTI is now a 5-building complex with 383 beds, and provides state-of-the-art medical care.

“ Since its inception in 1983, almost 400,000 patients have been given quality renal care, including transplants, dialysis, and treatment sessions— thanks to the men and women of NKTI,” Marcos said.

T he facility, he pointed out, also became one of the first few government hospitals, which handled Covid-19 cases, during the onset of the pandemic.

T hus, he noted, its personnel should be lauded for their contribution in the country’s Covid-response.  NKTI served a central—as a central focus for our pandemic response and the sacrifices that were made by the men and women of NKTI have not gone unnoticed by a grateful nation,” Marcos said. Samuel P. Medenilla

Defense chief, senators back ROTC restoration

DEFENSE Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and several senators affirmed support for passage of an enabling bill reinstituting the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at the tertiary level, even as senators also heard of the huge administrative and mobilization challenge such a program would entail.

T his, as Secretary Galvez said the Department of National Defense (DND) strongly supports the reinstitution of the ROTC program as a mandatory component in all public and private tertiary education institutions and in technicalvocational institutions.

A t the public hearing of the Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Subcommittee on several bills requiring higher education students to undergo ROTC, Galvez said reviving the mandatory ROTC program will further “motivate, train, organize and mobilize” the students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations.

We (in the DND) will give the ROTC program premium officers who will ensure that the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will put the best among the qualified and we will professionalize the handling of the ROTC,” he added.

E arlier, concern was raised over the possible manpower crunch arising from pulling out AFP officers from regular duties to help schools conduct the ROTC.

S enator Ronald M. Dela Rosa, presiding at the hearing, allayed fears that the renewed ROTC program would focus only on militarism ideology. “The ROTC program is not wholly dedicated to militaristic policies. There will also be disaster preparedness and response, moral values, personal discipline, adherence to the Constitution and respect for human rights, among others. All of these will be included in the ROTC program, not only militarism,” Dela Rosa said.

S en. Francis Tolentino agreed with the suggestion that the country’s basic education system needs some rectifications, but stressed that it should not affect proposals to reinstate the mandatory ROTC.

House clears freelance workers protection bill

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

Voting 250 affirmative, 0 negative and 0 abstention, members of the chamber passed House Bill 6718, providing protection and relief to over 1.5 million Filipino freelance workers who may fall prey to abusive employers due to a lack of a grievance system in the digital economy.

T he bill, which will now be transmitted to the Senate, mandates the institutionalization of benefits such as night differential and hazard pay for freelance workers whenever they are applicable. Freelance workers in the Philippines account for over 1.5 million people working in the gig economy.

As the digital economy expands, the number of Filipino freelance workers also increases. And if no laws are in place to protect our gig economy freelancers or to estab -

A ccording to Tolentino, having a good education is not a requirement for military training, but it can go hand in hand. “It (basic education) is not a requirement to love your country. It is not required that you have a high grade in algebra or even in basic English. To love your country should be inherent as a Filipino,” said the senator.

S enators heard from higher education authorities what an ROTC restoration entails. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero De Vera presented to them findings of the commission’s analysis on the proposed reinstatement of the mandatory ROTC.

D e Vera raised the issue of administrative requirements of expanding the mandatory ROTC to thousands of 1st year and 2nd year tertiary students in the 2,424 higher education institutions in the Philippines.  He also cited the need for a “better curriculum” to better implement the program and maximize the country’s existing resources.

For his part, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian allayed student groups’ apprehensions that the education crisis in the Philippines will affect the ROTC program, saying these programs are mutually exclusive.

G atchalian clarified that the ROTC program is “not meant”, to train students to become full-time soldiers. “What we envisioned here is to provide basic training to college students, meaning these students have already progressed from basic education to higher education. So they will have the mental wherewithal to be trained with basic ROTC training.”

S enator Robin Padilla said military training ensures the country’s preparedness for any threat or eventuality, recalling that the Philippines has been in war many times, noting that “thus, it is vital to prepare the youth to make sure the Philippines is not conquered.”

“My suggestion is, let our youth be prepared for anything that may come because historically we have not quite rested from war. We may have had years of peace, but the threat is still there,” Padilla said in Filipino. Butch Fernandez

lish a formal grievance system to enforce their rights, they will be susceptible to all kinds of abuse,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

HB 6718 defines a freelance worker as any natural person or entity composed of no more than one natural person, whether incorporated under the Securities and Exchange Commission, registered as a sole proprietorship under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or registered as self-employed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

T his person must be “hired or retained to provide services, in exchange for compensation, as an independent contractor to do work according to one’s own methods and without being subjected to the control of the hiring party, except

only as to the results of the work.”

T he measure mandates that a written contract be executed by any hiring party with the freelance worker that contains the extent of the services retained or obtained and important details such as the amount of compensation and the schedule of payment.

“ No modification of the terms of the contract shall be enforceable unless signed by both the hiring party and the freelance worker,” the bill said.

A lso, the measure listed down unlawful practices such as engaging a freelance worker without a contract or payment of compensation later than 15 days after the date stipulated by both parties.

T hese unlawful practices carry a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P500,000.

“Any person or such person’s authorized representative aggrieved by a violation of this Act may file a complaint with the DOLE, through the Undersecretary for Workers with Special Concerns, without prejudice to the filing of civil action in appropriate cases,” HB 6718 read.

The DOLE may, at any time after the filing of a complaint, at -

tempt to resolve the complaint by any method of dispute resolution, including mediation and conciliation. If a conciliation agreement is entered into, the DOLE shall embody such agreement in an order and serve a copy thereof upon all parties to the conciliation agreement,” it added.

A lso, the bill mandates that freelancers shall be entitled to tax relief “within the threshold provided under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, and Republic Act No. 9178, otherwise known as the “Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002.”

T he BIR is also mandated to designate a special lane or assistance desk to assist freelancers on their inquiries and in complying with the processing of documents, including the registration requirement under the bill.

A n education and information campaign is also decreed under HB 6718 to be spearheaded by DoLE in coordination with DTI, BIR and LGUs to educate freelancers about their rights and obligations under the measure, the proper procedure for registration as a taxpayer, and the modes of legal redress afforded to them.

Bias, inequities in criminal justice, education, housing spark concern

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

EFFORTS to address discrimination and inequities in criminal justice, education, and housing must be addressed to make the Philippines more inclusive, according to a study conducted by True Global Intelligence.

True Global, FleishmanHillard’s Research and Analytics practice, found that 68 percent of respondents are familiar with diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DE&I).

T he data also showed 85 percent of respondents associated DE&I with gender and national origin/ market of origin.

“As highlighted in the 2022 presidential elections, gender is an important topic to the majority of Filipinos. Similarly, as seen in the election, social media is evolving to be the go-to discussion forum for all DE&I issues, evident in the comfort that exists in talking about personal, social and cultural identities,” the study stated.

T he data showed 35 percent of Filipinos said discrimination in

general as well as inequality in the country’s criminal justice system are the top areas to address in the Philippines.

A nother 27 percent said inequities in education should be addressed, while 23 percent said housing inequities and racism and casteism in general should also be addressed.

Meanwhile, study also measured how people act on DE&I. The study classified people as allies, upstanders, bystanders, and observers.

T he data showed the Philippines is one of the top 3 markets for by -

standers in the Asian and the Pacific region.

Bystanders are not directly involved in the topic or issue, but have the choice to intervene, speak up or do something about it.

B ased on the data, 34 percent of respondents in the Philippines, India, and Singapore are considered bystanders.

T he top 3 markets for allies, who are active or have a personal commitment to fighting for DE&I causes, are Australia, India, and Thailand.

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed Freelance Workers Protection Act.

SENATORS AT CAAP HUB Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate Committee on Public Services chairman Senator Grace Poe, Senator JV Ejercito, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Raffy Tulfo, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Captain Antonio Manuel Tamayo lead the ocular inspection of the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management facilities of CAAP as part of the Senate investigation into the New Year's Day air traffic mess at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday. The lawmakers toured the ATMC facility and the equipment involved in the power failure that caused a temporary halt in airspace movement. NONIE REYES

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Globe, Skytowers sign deal for lease of towers in Luzon

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

promoting economic growth and development.”

a s this developed, Globe and Skytowers are now “exploring the possibility of expanding the latter’s tower lease in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.”

Ernest L. Cu, the president of Globe Group, said the deal he signed with Skytowers CE o t heerachai Leenabanchong involves the lease of “several towers,” an initiative that is in line with the telco’s strategy of monetizing passive assets.

t his partnership represents an important step in improving digital infrastructure in the Philippines, and we are excited to work with Skytowers to bring sustainable solutions

to the market. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with t hailand in this venture and other areas of collaboration.”

Skytowers is currently reducing its carbon footprint by using renewable energy to lessen fossil fuel consumption.

Cu noted that the partnership is a “testament to the strong relationship between the Philippines and t hailand and their commitment to

Skytowers is affiliated with t hai firm Electric Power and telecommunication infrastructure (StoW Er), which has extensive experience in engineering, design and manufacturing of infrastructure build. it offers telecom services and t3 te chnology for broadband/Fiber optic solutions in markets such as t h ailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and indonesia. Former a mbassador of t hailand to the Philippines t hanip Upatising is the firm’s Chairman of the Board.

Globe reported that it booked a net income of P26.5 billion in January to September 2022, a 48-percent

rise from P18 billion the year prior. t his was driven mainly by a 3-percent increase in revenues to P118 billion as well as the P8.4 billion onetime net gain from the sale of its data center business and the P1.4 billion sale-and-leaseback transaction of its tower assets. its core net income—which strips off the impact of non-recurring charges, and foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges—stood at P16 billion for the period. Globe’s mobile data business continued to take the lion’s share of the revenue pie, reaching a record P62.5 billion from P57.9 billion, as Filipino consumers used 3,365 petabytes of data from January to September.

it s home broadband business, meanwhile, slipped further to P20.5 billion from P22.4 billion, despite the continued migration of copper customers into fiber.

ISI secures financing for E-Beam

By VG Cabuag @villygc

Irradiation Solutions i n c.

( i S i ), a unit of listed a Brown Co. i n c., on Monday said it has secured P400 million in funding for the construction of the Philippines’s first commercial Electron Beam (E-Beam) facility for contract irradiation services.

Project financing has been provided by China Banking Corp., the company said.

Proceeds of the project financing facility will partially finance the construction of the facility and the procurement of the Electron Beam accelerator and auxiliary system from r a dtech Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Located in ta nay, r i zal, the facility will be primarily designed to cater to food products and medical devices.

i t will use modern technology including digitalized inventory management software systems. t h e initial phase is designed to accommodate as much as 20,000 tons every year.

t h e E-Beam facility will also be able to provide services for the sterilization of medical masks, dressings, syringes and surgical staplers and other applications

for single-use medical devices.

“a s ide from medical use, the ta nay E-Beam and Cold Storage Facility will provide contract irradiation services to improve the quality of agricultural and fishery products. t h is will enable local products, fruits, and seafood to be of export quality and gain wider access to international markets,” i S i President Paul B. Juat said.

t h is same technology is used in more than 60 countries and is considered the most economical option for commercial sterilization methods. i S i s E-Beam and Cold Storage Facility will not only improve the safety and quality of food products in the Philippines, but it will also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.”

t h e Board of i n vestments has recently approved the “pioneering” status of the project under r e public a c t 11534 or the Corporate r e covery and ta x i n centives for Enterprises (C r E a t E ) a c t. t h e ta nay E-Beam and Cold Storage Facility commenced construction in a p ril 2022. t h e company said construction progress is on schedule and commercial operations of the facility are targeted to start by the third quarter.

a s the facility opens, products for irradiation treatment are expected to slowly scale up as customers get accustomed to the availabil-

ity of the service, the company said. i S i is expected to contribute to a Brown’s net income starting next year.

B1

Maynilad to spend ₧3.2B for modular treatment plants

WES t Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services i n c. (Maynilad) will spend around P3.2 billion for the construction of four modular treatment plants (Modt P ), which will primarily serve its customers in Cavite.

t h e four Mod t P s—located in the cities of Bacoor and i m us in Cavite province—will have a combined water output of 47 million liters per day (ML d ) t h is volume is enough to supply the daily needs of some 200,000 customers in the area.

Maynilad said its investment will also cover the cost of pipelines that will distribute the treated water to nearby areas.

ta rgeted for completion between 2023 and 2024, these new facilities will use Ultrafiltration and r e verse o s mosis technology to treat raw water from nearby dams and rivers. t h e Bacoor City Mod t P s will be drawing water from the Molino and Ligas d a ms that are fed by the Zapote r i ver. Meanwhile, the Mod t P s in i m us City will source water from the nearby Julian and i m us rivers.

“Cavite is the farthest point of our concession area, so there are

portions that do not yet receive 24-hour water supply. t h e new Mod t P s will draw water from adjacent dams, and serve as a dedicated supply source that can lengthen supply availability for these underserved areas,” Maynilad C o o r a ndolph t Estrellado in a statement.

Mod t P s are among the smallscale treatment plants that form part of Maynilad’s service enhancement program, which aims to address water security challenges.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. i t is the concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for the West Zone of the Greater Manila a r ea, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, n a votas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and i m us, and the towns of Kawit, n o veleta and r o sario, all in Cavite Province.

CEBU Pacific and r o binsons

Hotels and r e sorts are of-

fering exclusive discounted hotel rates to its passengers this February.

From February 6 to 28, CEB passengers can avail of discounted rates at Go Hotels in Lanangd a vao (P1,488 per night), d u maguete (P1,188 per night), i l oilo (P1,188 per night), and ta cloban (P1,188 per night), as well as at Summit Galleria Cebu (P2,588).

CEB passengers can stay in these hotels from February 6 to 28. Each passenger can book up to three rooms for a maximum of seven nights, exclusive of breakfast.

to avail of the discounted hotel rates, CEB passengers must present their valid boarding pass

and a government-issued i d upon booking and checking in.

So, whether you’re planning to satisfy your sweet tooth in d a vao, the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines; or even spend Valentine’s d a y with your loved ones in Cebu, the vibrant Queen City of the South, CEB and r o binsons Hotels have the perfect destination and accommodation for you.

CEB is set to restore 100 percent of its pre-Covid network and capacity in March 2023. i t now flies to 34 domestic destinations and will resume all its 25 international destinations in the first quarter of the year.

r o binsons Hotels and r e sorts is the hospitality arm of r o binsons Land Corp.

CEB, Robinsons Hotels offer discounted hotel rates to fliers

Globe Telecom Inc. said on Monday it has signed an agreement with Skytowers Infra Inc. for the lease of towers in Southern luzon.

Govt successfully borrows ₧15B via T-bills

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE national government fully awarded bids and raised P15 billion from its Treasury Bills (T-Bills) auction on Monday, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

fools want to become millionaires; so don’t be one

dO you want to become a millionaire? If you do, then you’re a fool. Why? Because having a million in your bank account won’t make you happy. do you know what will make you happy? Spending that million. Am I right?

If you had a million to spend today, what would you buy? What would you do? Would you go on vacation with your family? Or sell your old car and buy a new one? Or maybe quit your job and start your own business?

It doesn’t matter what you want and there’s no right or wrong answer here. So go ahead and imagine how you would spend all that money. Then pause, take a piece of paper and write it down.

d o ne? Good. Now here’s the thing…

No, you don’t really want to become a millionaire. What you actually want is to have what you’ve written down—to travel, to buy a new car, to start a business, to buy or do whatever’s on that paper.

This is the reason why I say that you’re a fool if you want to become a millionaire…if you simply want to become a millionaire. Because having the money is not and should not be your goal. Instead, your goal is to achieve your dreams—to have and to do what it is that you truly want.

So shift your focus away from the money and towards what you’ve written down on that paper—because that’s your finish line. Simple, right? Well, not really…and here’s why.

I want you to meet Richard, a guy who wants to put up his own business someday. So he works hard and tries to save as much of his salary as he can every month. He’s also been investing regularly, so he can grow his money faster.

“When I have a million pesos, I will quit my job and start my own business.”

Finally, after eight years, his savings and investments grew past a million. He has become a millionaire. “I can now quit and start my own business! But…what business should I go into?” Slowly, he realizes that he’s back to square one.

And then there’s John, another

The Treasury noted that Monday’s auction was 2.5 times oversubscribed with total bids reaching P37.8 billion.

“[There was a] good outcome with rates lower than BVAL [Bloomberg Valuation Service],” National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon told reporters after Monday’s auction.

Based on data from the BTr, the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day T-bills fetched average rates of 4.186 percent, 4.867 percent and

5.292 percent, respectively. These were all lower than secondary market rates.

The 91-day T-Bills received P6.756 billion in bids and rejected P1.756 in bids. The highest interest rate for the tenor reached 4.245 percent and a low of 4.12 percent. The 182-day T-Bills fetched P10.15 billion and the auction committee rejected P5.15 billion. The highest interest rates for the tenor reached 4.923 percent while the low-

est was at 4.82 percent.

For the 364-day T-Bills, the auction committee received P20.88 billion bids and rejected P15.88 billion.

The highest interest rate for the tenor was 5.317 percent while the lowest was at 5.27 percent.

The government seeks to borrow P200 billion in February from the domestic market through the auction of T-bills and Treasury bonds (T-bonds).

(Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/01/25/gov-

ernment-eyes-to-borrow-p200bvia-debt-mart/)

The Treasury has been off to a good start this year in terms of raising funds for the national government through local auctions of T-bills and T-bonds.

The Treasury has been able to achieve near full-award and fullaward of government securities as investors’ asking interest rates ease within or even below secondary market benchmark levels.

Davao City expects higher amusement-tax collection

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau

Chief

dAVAO CITY—The City Treasurer’s Office projected more amusement tax collections this year as the lifting of mobility restrictions is expected to encourage more amusement and entertainment activities.

personal

guy who also wants to put up his own business someday. Like Richard, he’s also hard-working, lives frugally and invests regularly. But unlike Richard, he doesn’t want to become a millionaire: he wants to become an entrepreneur.

“I want to put up a restaurant someday, so I can quit my job.”

Every weekend, he spends his time developing his business plan and trying to find ways to achieve that goal. Finally, after two years, his savings and investments grew—not past a million, but just enough to put up a food cart business. His food cart didn’t earn enough income for him to quit his job—but he didn’t mind because he’s learning a lot. He learned about marketing, inventory management, franchising and many others.

Fast forward another two years and you’ll see John finally quitting his old job. His food cart business is now a food franchise corporation. He’s already a millionaire, but he didn’t really care because what he really wanted was a restaurant. And now that he’s working full time in his business, that dream will soon become a reality.

do you want to become a millionaire? If you do, then you’re a fool. Instead, know what you really want and focus on that goal. don’t be like Richard; instead, be more like John.

Because when you exactly know where you want to be, it’s always easier to get there. Opportunities can come, options can become available and shortcuts can be discovered.

So stop working for the money and start working for your dreams.

Fitz Villafuerte is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personalfinancial planning, attend the 100th RFP program this March 2023. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

Acting City Treasurer Lawrence d Bantiding said the opening of amusement places “is expected to bring more revenues to the city’s coffer.”

“The amusement establishments are expected to open. At the height of the pandemic, there are restrictions and amusement places are not allowed. We are hoping that this year the [number] will increase,” he said. The city’s amusement-tax collection as of November 2022 hit P15 million after failing to reach P200,000 in 2020. Bantiding said they hope that total collection of amusement tax would hit P30 million this year.

With the “Ironman 70.3” and the Mice (meetings, incentives, confer-

ences and exhibitions) Convention as incoming big events in the city this year, a domino effect on revenue and tax collection is expected.

“These events have a domino effect when it comes to our establishments. With those events you have mentioned the hotels, restaurants, their income will also increase and the gross sales that they will declare will also increase,” Bantiding said.

He said more tourists mean more income for accommodation establishments.

Bantiding said the taxes from these establishments form part of the collection for local sources. Last year, more than 40 percent of the local sources came from business taxes. The city would find ways to collect from every source “as this year there is a reduction of almost 1.2 billion in the city’s National Tax Allocation [NTA], previously known as Internal Revenue Allotment [IRA].”

“We have to [move] double time so that it will be covered by our local collections,” Bantiding said.

Solon moves to resolve VAT issues in indirect exports

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means vowed to resolve valueadded tax (VAT) issues among indirect exporters through a resolution and amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code.

In a statement issued last Monday, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said he directed the committee secretariat of the House tax panel to prepare “a committee report on this resolution.”

Salceda also ordered the filing of a bill to amend Section 311 (“Investments Prior to the Effectivity of This Act”) of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, or “CR EATE ” law and other relevant sections of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, to resolve

issues regarding the VAT treatment of indirect exporters and local suppliers of direct exporters.

The implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 11534 restricted VAT zero-rating to items directly and exclusively used for exports and to registered exporters. However, Salceda pointed out that “the law did not make the latter distinction.”

The solon said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reports there are 4,136 registered export enterprises.

“However, this is a small portion of the universe of those affected by the change in VAT treatment. The entire downward linkages of the export sector, especially small businesses with few resources for VAT refund applications, are bearing the costs,” Salceda said.

“And of course, if they are unable to refund their costs, our export pric-

es go up, costing us our competitiveness. This is why for two years now the Committee has sought relief from the FIRB [Fiscal Incentives Review Board] on this matter,” he added.

Clarify ambiguities WITH this, Salceda said that the committee will file a resolution expressing the legislative intent of the Create Law (RA 11534), as well as a bill clarifying ambiguities in both RA 11534 and RA 10963 (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, or TR AIN Law) for indirect exporters and local suppliers.

The lawmaker earlier said that the veto of the TR AIN law’s provision on VAT perks for some local suppliers and enterprises does not amend the law, or supersede the more recent CR EATE law.

“The President’s veto cannot amend the law. And in this case, the law did not make a distinction

about who is VAT zero-rated and who is not. Neither should the implementing rules, or the implementor,” he added.

According to Salceda, “a more logical fix is for the FIRB not to tie its own hands, since that benefit may be useful in attracting a desirable investment in the future.”

“Instead, as is intended, the FIRB can grant the VAT zero-rating incentive on an applicant-to-applicant basis, rather than close down the entire incentive for local suppliers,” he added.

According to Salceda, people from Albay are either suppliers of exporters or exporters themselves.

“We have a big footprint in the handicrafts export business. And their size of businesses are the ones being hurt by this interpretation,” he said. “In the interest of export competitiveness, let’s settle or correct this issue once and for all.”

Unionbank’s stock rights offering raises ₧12 billion

ABOITIZ-LEd Unionbank of the Philippines (PSE: UBP) raised P12 billion from its Stock Rights Offering (SRO) made available to existing shareholders. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the bank concluded its offer of 210.97 million common shares priced at P56.88 per share.

The shares were offered to eligible shareholders as of the record date of 12 January 2023 at a ratio of 1 rights share for every 10.1536 existing common shares.

“The strong participation of our existing shareholders on our Stock Rights Offering, reflects their trust in the value that will be created by executing our strategies,” UBP President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista was quoted in a statement as saying. Proceeds from the SRO will be used to solidify the Bank’s capital adequacy and financial strength and to execute its strategic growth initiatives by expanding its balance sheet to meet growing demand from UBP’s target markets.

GSIS non-life insurance premiums reach ₧6.8B

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reported a recordbreaking P6.8-billion gross premiums written (GPW) in its non-life insurance business for 2022, the highest ever recorded by GSIS in its history.

GSIS’s 2022 GPW is up by 15 percent from last year’s P5.9 billion. It also recorded a 33-percent, or P1-billion, increase in its net premium written on the same year, from P3 billion in 2021 to P4 billion in 2022. With a net worth of P41 billion in 2022, GSIS is now the biggest non-life insurer in the country.

GSIS President and General Manager

Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted in a statement as saying that the agency’s general insurance teams embarked on a nationwide campaign and tripled GSIS’s efforts in marketing its non-life insurance products.

In particular, the pension fund chief has been going around the country to meet as many local government officials as possible to convince them to insure their properties with GSIS. At the same time, Veloso rallied his insurance teams and motivated them to go out to market their non-life insurance products. He awarded top performers who generated new insurance businesses during the weekly flag-raising ceremony.

The GSIS chief said the pension fund also intensified the conduct of online and face-to-face insurance marketing caravans nationwide, with nearly 2,500 property officers in attendance. This is coupled by the regular training and capacity-building workshops of property officers from other government agencies to ensure that all government assets are adequately and comprehensively covered.

As a result of these initiatives, GSIS generated the bulk of big ticket accounts

(with premium of above five million) in the second half of 2022. These included Philippine Statistics Authority, Philippine Reclamation Authority/CAVITEX Infrastructure Corp, Hann Philippines, Inc., Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center-Tacloban, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical CenterCebu, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services, Philippine Coast Guard Marine Hull Fleet, PPA - Global Port and additional assets of the Quezon City government. Under Republic Act 656 (Property Insurance Law), the GSIS is mandated to insure all properties, assets and interests of the government against any insurable risk.

The GSIS offers insurance coverage such as fire, engineering, marine hull, marine cargo, aviation, bonds, motor car, personal accident, contractor’s all risks and comprehensive general liability insurance.

Specifically, UBP will deploy additional capital to Uniondigital Bank Inc. and support loan availments by customers of both retail loans and corporate and commercial loans.

Bautista claims that as the lender completed its SRO, the lender aims “to pursue our long-term objective to become a leader in retail banking in the Philippines.”

The newly-issued shares were listed on the local bourse last February 6 and resulted to total outstanding shares amounting to over 2.35 billion.

The SRO garnered strong participation from UBP’s shareholders, led by principals Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Social Security System and Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd., recording an oversubscription.

Unionbank said its offering was almost fully subscribed even at the first round of the offer, with the second round also heavily oversubscribed.

CLSA Exchange Capital Inc. and Unicapital Inc. acted as joint global coordinators and joint domestic underwriters for the SRO. Cai U. Ordinario

Sun Life Grepa ups number of affiliates in expansion bid

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

SUN Life Grepa Financial Inc. (SLGF) said the number of its affiliated partner hospitals and clinics have risen to more than 1,300 nationwide as the firm seeks to expand coverage in rural areas of the country.

The company claims in a statement it is also gaining ground in the digital landscape with its teleconsult platform being able to service at least 2,000 customers last year.

Launched last year, the company’s digital health consultation allowed its medical members to consult doctors non-physically.

“The company is expected to continue growing its current base of healthcare provider partners even further in the coming year to better service its clients,” the firm’s

statement read.

“Apart from its growing list of affiliated medical providers, [the firm] also intends to make its products and services more accessible in the digital landscape,” SLGF’s statement read.

The firm will implement enhancements to its digital assets by rolling-out its “medical provider locator” application, the statement read. The app, according to the firm, “provides real-time information on the HIP [health insurance partner] hospitals, clinics and doctors nearest to the company’s members.”

digital transformation is one of our priorities as the market continues to pivot to digital. We need to be where the clients are so we can communicate with them and address their needs,” SLGF President Richard S. Lim was quoted in the statement as saying.

Only

finanCe

fitz Gerard Villafuerte

Art BusinessMirror

NCCA launches projects celebrating National Arts Month 2023

THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) lays out its plans and programs nationwide in celebration of the 33rd edition of National Arts Month this February.

With the theme Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing this year’s festivities hope to capture new audiences through a combination of in-person and online activities. The theme relates as well to the bountiful artistic harvest the Commission aims to showcase, as the arts community continues to recover from the past couple of pandemic-ridden years.

“Art is an important inspiration for values formation, nationalism, critical thinking and problem-solving, and I believe in its important role in harnessing creativity to further the greater good,” NCCA chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo said during last week’s press conference at the Manila Metropolitan Theater. “Tunay nga po na buhay ang sining sa ating lahi.”

Promulgated by then President Corazon Aquino in 1991, Presidential Proclamation 683 declared February as National Arts Month to celebrate the artistic excellence and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture. Bannering this year’s festivities are flagship projects for each of the seven art forms, headed by the Subcommission on the Arts, and listed as follows:

■ Architecture and Allied Arts: “Saan Ka Lulugar (SKL) 2023: Resiliency in the Built and Designed Environment” serves as the flagship project of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts (NCAAA) and the United Architects of the Philippines. SKL 2023 will be composed of hybrid webinars, an exhibition, and walking tours that highlight the history and significance of selected sites in the context of its community and how they have stood the test of time. The hybrid-webinar series will be held on February 27 at the Metropolitan Theater and March 3 in Cebu City.

■ Cinema: The 15th edition of Cinema Rehiyon, the flagship project of the NCCA-National Committee on Cinema, aims to promote films that tell stories rooted in the culture of the regions. The project will provide an opportunity for all levels of regional filmmakers to exhibit their works to a wider audience, and to provide an opportunity for regional filmmakers to build networks. Cinema Rehiyon 15 will be held in various venues in Baguio City in March through different onsite and online activities, including film talks with online component, screenings, roundtable discussions and more.

■ Dance: Sayaw Pinoy, founded by its artistic director, Dr. Shirley Halili-Cruz, is a touring dance concert and the longest-running flagship project

TODAY’S

HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Ashton Kutcher, 45; Chris Rock, 58; Garth Brooks, 61; James Spader, 63.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Planning pays off this year. A regimented routine will help deter others from messing up your schedule or interfering with your goals. High energy, precision and paying attention to detail will help you mark your place and position yourself for success. Let those you love do as they please, and you’ll receive the same privilege. Practice peace and love. Your numbers are 9, 14, 18, 26, 34, 42, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A financial opportunity is within reach. Refuse to let someone bump you out of position and reap the rewards that belong to you. Truth and honesty are the cornerstones for growth, stability and reaching your destination with pride and honor. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Success is dependent on following through with a wellthought-out plan. Nothing will change in your favor unless you make an effort. Stop waiting and start doing, and you’ll see the possibilities. Do whatever will benefit you most, and don’t look back. ★★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stay focused on what you are responsible for, and do your best to get ahead. Refuse to let anyone waste your time or ask for favors. Don’t lend or borrow when working and saving are necessary. ★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Share ideas, set up a meeting with someone heading in a similar direction and do your best to make a good impression. The help you receive will bring your plans to fruition. An interview or presentation will go your way. ★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Talks will turn into something tangible. Listen and add your perspective, and an opportunity will sprout. Don’t take anyone’s word as gospel; check facts and figures, do the work yourself and take a leadership role to ensure things go according to plan. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Listen, but verify what you hear before passing the information along. If you protect against loss and lies, you will save money, dignity and self-esteem. Overlook loved ones’ defects; offer positive input and help turn an emotional dilemma into a good time. ★★★

for NAM of the National Committee on Dance. This year, the project was held from February 2 to 4 in Zamboanga, and will run on February 19 at the Rizal Park, February 23 to 24 in Kalibo, Aklan, February 27 in San Fernando and Mabalacat, Pampanga, and March 29 to 30 in Bacolod.

■ Dramatic Arts: 17th Tanghal is a gathering of theater artists and cultural workers in celebration of the National Arts Month 2023. It will consist of two components: the regional live theater performances that will conduct their in-person festival in each island cluster, and the national online festival, wherein the performances at the regional festival will be edited, uploaded, and disseminated through online platforms.

■ Literary Arts: The National Committee on Literary Arts (NCLA) will conduct “Panitikan ng Panumduman,” an on-site conference that will delve into the Literature of Memory within and along the strands of Klima (Climate), Kuwerpo (Body), and Kronika (Chronicle). The two-day public plenary event will feature select resource persons, scholars and practitioners. National Artists Resil Mojares and Jimmy Abad will be the keynote speakers. There will be a tribute to the literary stalwarts of Pangasinan such as the late National Artist F. Sionil Jose, Carlos Bulosan, and Maria Magsano. There will be a grand launch of four literary publications by the NCLA, as well.

■ Music: “Musikapuluan: Mga Bagong Tugtugin Natin” is the project of the National Committee on Music. The project aims to provide a venue for different music forms and genre from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the National Capital Region to showcase their works. This year, to provide more space for artistic expressions, newly created works and music will be showcased through a four-weekend program.

■ Visual Arts: For visual arts, the project titled “Bagong Biswal” is designed to celebrate Filipino art and highlight the relentless tenacity and evolving creativity of the Filipino visual artist community. It also hopes to promote new outstanding creations and community engagements in the visual arts in the present new normal. “Bagong Biswal” is composed of three programs: “Sineng Sining,” which features videos from artists/groups from the Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR regions; “Sining Sinag,” a physical art exhibition of selected participants to be mounted in spaces set by the NCVA and conduit organization; and “Sining Biswal,” an introduction of artists and their works, with discussion on current challenges such as copyright, production and praxis, return to the native, ageless artmaking, street art now, new media, and exploration of possible solutions.

Kicking off the celebrations for National Arts Month 2023 is the opening ceremony slated on Sunday, February 12, at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium. To be showcased are walking tours and workshops for the seven art forms at 2 pm. These will be followed by performances from 6 pm, featuring Joey Ayala, Kalinga Music and more.

Also present at the press conference was NCCA Arts Ambassador Catriona Gray. It is the third year that the 2018 Miss Universe celebrates the National Arts Month with the NCCA, after being named as its art ambassador in 2020.

“[As we observe National Arts Month every February, also known as love month], celebrating Philippine arts and culture is like a love letter to our own country,” she said. “The love affair with Philippine arts and culture is something that we should really fan the flames of throughout the years and for all the years to come.”

More information about the National Arts Month 2023 projects is available at www.ncca.gov.ph. ■

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take precautions, ensure everything is safe and put your mind at ease. A day trip or meeting with someone can quickly run amok if expectations are too high or you take on too much. A self-improvement project will lift your spirits. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get organized. Demands will bring you down, but following your heart will pick you up. Clear the path by taking care of business fast and efficiently and move on to something you find enjoyable. Romance will enhance your life and bring you hope. ★★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Balance and integrity will help you get ahead. Set high standards and goals that will make you proud and give you hope for a brighter future. Eliminate drama and people who leave you feeling down in the dumps; replace them with positive reinforcements. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your thinking cap on and you’ll find a way to help others and get something in return. Let your experience guide you to a brighter future, and don’t be afraid to challenge anyone who stands in your way. Push forward. ★★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Explore the possibilities. Reaching out to people who offer a different perspective or way of doing things will give you the push you need to finish what you start. Stand behind your word and you’ll gain respect and support. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t hide the past or live a lie. Face the truth and navigate your way to a better life and connections that won’t disappoint you. Your insight will clarify what you want, what’s possible and how best to get your way.

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are confident, persuasive and adaptable. You are worldly and intent.

‘all the rights’ BY WAYNE HARRIS

The Universal Crossword/Edited by Anna Gundlach

‘Tunay nga na buhay ang sining sa ating lahi’

M journalist Mel Tiangco, was recognized as Best Drama Anthology

GMA do

s BROADCAST giant

given out—including the awarding ceremonies held on January 28.

From entertainment to news and public affairs, various GMA shows and personalities were chosen by the members of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC)—the awardgiving body behind the Star Awards for Television.

Winning Best Daytime Drama Series was Prima Donnas while the Best Drama Miniseries was awarded to Agimat ng Agila. Meanwhile, Magpakailanman, hosted by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Mel Tiangco, was recognized as Best Drama Anthology.

Jennylyn Mercado took home the Best Single Performance by an Actress award for her role in “Sa Kamay ng Fake Healer” episode of Magpakailanman. Seasoned actor John Estrada was named as Best Drama Supporting Actor for his role in the GMA drama Babawiin Ko ang Lahat.

Top-rating family sitcom Pepito Manaloto won as Best Comedy Show and one of its lead stars, Manilyn Reynes, was named Best Comedy Actress. Paolo Contis was hailed as Best Comedy Actor for Bubble Gang.

The recognition for Best Horror/Fantasy Program was given to Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko, while All-Out Sundays was awarded as Best Variety Show. On the other hand, Paolo Ballesteros was recognized as Best Male TV Host for Eat Bulaga.

The award for Best Lifestyle Show went to Taste Buddies, which was hosted by Solenn Heussaff and Gil Cuerva. Meanwhile, The Clash was once again awarded as Best Talent Search Program and its so-called Clash Masters, Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, won as Best Talent Search Program Hosts.

Sparkle artists Mikee Quintos and Kelvin Miranda were also given the German Moreno Power Tandem of the Year award. The two artists bannered the hit Public Affairsproduced series The Lost Recipe.

GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs also continue to prove its excellence and credibility with the latest recognitions at the 35th Star Awards for Television.

The network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras clinched the Best News Program award with one of its anchors Vicky Morales winning Best Female Newscaster.

Unang Hirit won the Best Morning Show award, while its hosts Arnold Clavio, Connie Sison, Susan Enriquez, Nathaniel Cruz, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Suzie Entrata-Abrera, Ivan Mayrina, Lhar Santiago and Mariz Umali were named Best Morning Show Hosts.

Highly acclaimed newsmagazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho was hailed as Best Magazine Show. On the other hand, Susan Enriquez and Mark Salazar were chosen as Best Magazine Show Hosts for GTV’s iJuander

I-Witness took home the award for Best Documentary Program, while Atom Araullo was recognized as Best Documentary Program Host for The Atom Araullo Specials

Adding to the long list of GMA’s awards was Wish Ko Lang, which took home the Best Public Service Program award. Meanwhile, the recognition for Best Education Program was given to Born to be Wild, hosted by Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato. Kara David, on the other hand, was named as Best Educational Program Host for Pinas Sarap.

Show BusinessMirror

BY now, everyone has accepted that Maria Clara at Ibarra is a rousing success and it is perhaps the most talked-about TV series of GMA in the last five years. Its lead actors have rocketed in terms of popularity, and the show has helped many of its cast members get the attention they have longed for.

No one can argue that Barbie Forteza’s star shines brightest among all the actors in the cast, and she has even gotten a handful of recognitions, as well. Generally, the casting of the major characters is alright except for a few miscast actors. But the success of a series is a always a group effort, and there are a few good men in the supporting cast that we feel should also be praised and singled out.

After 10 years waiting on the sidelines, Juancho Triviño finally bagged the role that will increase his premium as an actor. Even if his character is that of a

at the Cabin’ knocks off ‘Avatar’ at the box office

some of Shyamalan’s recent releases. His last film, 2021’s Old, about a beach that rapidly ages those who visit it, launched with $16.9 million and ultimately collected $90.1 million worldwide. His 2019 film Glass, the third installment in the director’s Unbreakable trilogy, opened with $40.3 million on its way to grossing $247 million globally. Every other film directed by Shyamalan has opened higher than Knock at the Cabin.

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK—For the first time in almost two months, the box office doesn’t belong to blue people.

After seven weeks as the top film in theaters, Avatar: The Way of Water was finally knocked out of the No. 1 spot by the M. Night Shyamalan thriller Knock at the Cabin and the octogenarian comedy 80 for Brady.

Knock at the Cabin, a home invasion horror film with an apocalyptic riff, dethroned James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi epic with $14.2 million in ticket sales at US and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates on Sunday. The Universal Pictures release stars Dave Bautista as one of four strangers who approach a family vacationing in a rural cabin.

The opening for Knock at the Cabin came up shy of

ruthless man, Triviño has made his mark on the TV public with his on-point and consistent performance as Padre Salvi, a scheming and cunning friar who has an insatiable desire for the character of Maria Clara.

We remember being introduced to a young Triviño by our longtime friend and kumare Maristel Fernandez more than 10 years ago. Fernandez was managing Triviño, who was still pursuing his university degree at the De La Salle University while trying his luck to break into show business. At the time, he had just received the good news that he was cast as the son of the now semi-retired Bobby Andrews in a teenoriented show for GMA.

“I am just fortunate to have landed the role of Padre Salvi, and I have learned to seize every moment playing him. This breakthrough role came at a point when I was truly ready for it, now that I am a family man and a father,” he shared. Turning 30 soon, Triviño is married to actress Joyce Pring, and the couple is expecting their second child in a few months.

We are also happy to see veteran thespian Juan Rodrigo, one of the kindest actors that we have met in the industry, enjoying his role as Kapitan Tiago. We have followed Rodrigo’s career since his brave portrayal of a closet husband in Marilou Abaya’s now classic film Moral, where Rodrigo won a best supporting actor award.

Rodrigo is aware that he was not the first choice to play Tiago, but these things do not matter for a competent actor like him. “I have always believed that

But Knock at the Cabin still marks Shyamalan’s seventh film as director to open No. 1. With a modest budget of $20 million, Knock at the Cabin should easily turn a profit. The film, which drew mostly positive reviews from critics (68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), added another $7 million internationally. Taking second place was 80 for Brady, a comedy about four friends (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field) who take a trip to the 2017 Super Bowl. It opened with an estimated $12.5 million. Shortly after announcing his retirement from football (again), Tom Brady attended the film’s premiere. Paramount Pictures employed a unique strategy in releasing 80 for Brady. While many films have sought to capitalize on higher ticket prices through largeformat or 3D screenings or surge pricing, which films, like The Batman have tried, Paramount went the other direction on 80 for Brady

The studio partnered with exhibitors, including the largest chains, to play 80 for Brady at matinee prices to help lure its largely older audience. (Half of ticket buyers were over the age of 55.) It seemed to work. At a time when comedies have struggled

if it’s meant to be, it will be. With so many actors vying for a role on film or TV, there are many factors that will lead a role to land on one’s lap, and I’m thankful that Tiago landed on mine. I enjoy going to the set and giving life to a fictional character in a historical milieu. And I’m more thankful that the show is a big hit and is widely followed not only in the Philippines but overseas.”

Another veteran that we have admired through the years is Lou Veloso, who breathes life to the role of Professor Jose Torres, the reason behind the protagonist’s time travel experience.

“The series has a wonderful premise and the narrative progresses so interestingly. I am both part of the present and the past and it is something new for someone old like me!” he told us.

Now that the series is about to end in a few weeks, Veloso will focus on his yearly tradition of overseeing the production of the passion play Martir sa Golgota in his Santa Ana, Manila community.

A new character was introduced in the series, with Khalil Ramos playing the teenage Basilio, the long lost son of the popular character Sisa.

The former Pilipinas Got Talent runner-up made his big move to GMA more than two years ago and has was given a lead role in Love You Stranger, but sadly the show fared below expectations when it aired last year. Perhaps his exposure in Maria Clara at Ibarra will open bigger doors in the future for a talented chap like Khalil Ramos.

mightily in theaters, 80 for Brady (with a production budget of $28 million) had one of the best openings for a live-action comedy in years. Discount pricing is to continue for the rest of the film’s run.

Avatar: The Way of Water slide to third with $10.8 million domestically in its eighth weekend. The film’s No. 1 streak matched the run of 2009’s Avatar. In the last four decades, only those two by Cameron and his Titanic (1997) have had such sustained reigns atop the box office.

The Way of Water continues to perform especially strongly overseas, where its $27.9 million this weekend pushed its overall total to $2.17 billion worldwide. That puts it at fourth highest gross of alltime; Cameron—with two Avatar films and Titanic now accounts for three of the top four.

BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas took in $5.1 million to land in fifth place. The BTS concert film is drawn from their October 2022 performance in Busan, South Korea—a send-off show before the group began a twoyear hiatus. It opened in 1,111 locations.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore.

1. Knock at the Cabin, $14.2 million

2. 80 for Brady, $12.5 million

3. Avatar: The Way of Water, $10.8 million

4. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, $8 million

5. BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas, $5.1 million

6. A Man Called Otto, $4.2 million

7. M3gan, $3.8 million

8. Missing, $3.7 million

9. The Chosen Season 3 Finale, $3.6 million

10. Pathaan, $2.8 million. n

‘Knock

The other men of ‘Maria Clara and Ibarra’

: Juan Rodrigo, Lou Veloso, Khalil Ramos and Juancho Triviño

Allianze PNB Life is the new Platinum sponsor of Creamline Cool Smash

ALLIANZ PNB Life continues to show its support for sports in the country as the official Platinum sponsor for the Creamline Cool Smashers, one of the Premier Volleyball League’s top teams, this 2023 season. A ceremony titled “Good Vibes Bring Confidence In Tomorrow” commemorating the sponsorship was held on January 30, 2023.

Present at the event were Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz, Creamline Cool Smashers team owner and Vice Chair of the Rebisco Group of Food Companies Jonathan Ng, Team Manager and Rebisco Head of Sales Field Operations Alan Acero, Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola, Allianz PNB Life Digital Brand Management Head Kenneth Yu, and the Creamline Cool Smashers themselves, including Team Captain Alyssa Valdez.

“We are delighted to be working with the Creamline Cool Smashers as the team’s Platinum sponsor. Creamline’s goal as a brand is to encourage positivity and optimism, which ties in together with our own goals at Allianz PNB Life to secure the future of Filipinos and bring Confidence

In Tomorrow,” said Riola. “By working hand-in-hand, we can surely achieve great things, because good vibes bring confidence in tomorrow.”

“We believe this is the start of a good collaboration between Allianz PNB Life and the Creamline Cool Smashers,” said Acero. “The Creamline team is very grateful and excited to be working with Allianz PNB Life, who stands for so many of the same

things we do, like sharing good vibes and spreading optimism for the future.”

Allianz PNB Life has always been a champion of sports and athletics. In fact, Allianz is the current insurance partner for the Olympics and Paralympics.

Allianz PNB Life has also partnered with numerous sports organizations, such as the United City Football Club and the Moran Foundation and has spearheaded many sports-related initiatives for the youth, like Kickoff, a virtual challenge for young Filipino football and futsal players.

EJ Obiena, the country’s award-winning Olympic pole vaulter, also represents Allianz PNB Life as a brand ambassador.

Aside from sports, Allianz PNB Life’s advocacy goes one step further into encouraging sustainability and

Viral phone HONOR X9a 5G stocks up due to the high traction of sales, demand from customers

AFTER the huge buzz from the public and social media on the new HONOR X9a 5G, the leading global provider of smart devices, topped-up its stock for the ultra-tough HONOR smartphone due to the high traction of sales and demand from customers.

The HONOR X9a 5G is the first-ever smartphone that was launched this year and successfully gained an overwhelming response from the public, especially the media, celebrity guests, and HONOR fans.

“We are overjoyed to the response from the public talking about our newly launched HONOR X9a 5G. Since we launched the phone last January 19, we are receiving an immensely positive response from our buyers highlighting the durability and premium design of the phone. We will be true to our mission that we will go beyond this year as we introduce more best-in-class products for our customers,” says Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines VP for Marketing.

For HONOR fans who want to experience the wide array of HONOR products, the leading smart device provider is holding a week-long exhibit in SM Megamall and SM North EDSA from February 2 to 8, 2023.

And on February 4, the much-awaited HONOR X9a 5G will officially hit the stores and during the pocket events that will be

empowerment through physical and mental wellness. The company partnered with Saddle Row, a boutique fitness studio that develops tailor-fit indoor workouts for clients, just last year. Its cycling initiative, Ride Safe, has also been recognized in local and international awards for its impact on sustainable mobility in the Philippines.

“This brand-new partnership with the Creamline Cool Smashers means a lot to us at Allianz PNB Life because of the value we place on sports and its ability to inspire positivity, optimism, and sustainability through physical and mental wellness,” said Grenz. “Just as we have confidence in you and our partnership, I hope you will also have confidence in tomorrow.”

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort delivers stronger, more reliable connections with PLDT Enterprise

GMA artist and HONOR star Max Collins and other guests tried the toughness of the new HONOR X9a 5G in an experiential event held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City. held during the day, interested shoppers can get to experience the viral phone and get FREE Premium HONOR Speaker if you buy from HONOR kiosks and dealer stores until February 5.

Catch HONOR’s exhibit at SM Megamall Upper Ground Floor, Building A and SM North EDSA 4/F The Annex, and get a chance to meet HONOR celebrities plus win exciting prizes. For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/ HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram. com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok. com/@honorphilippines).

Sunshine Place to host American Line Dancing Progressive Series Workshop starting Feb. 9

The special dance class will be handled by V. Allen Isidro, a visiting dance instructor from California, who has been teaching his progressive series in the City of Millbrae Recreation Department.

Isidro is part of a group who founded American Line Dancing (LDVALI) in 2009 in Napa, California. Since then, he has developed the low-impact exercise program into multiple progressive series and classes.

SUNSHINE Place takes Line Dancing a notch higher as it introduces the American Line Dancing (LDVALI) workshop that will be conducted in person at the 4th floor of the Sunshine Place building in Makati City. The four-session workshop will be held from 3:30 pm to 5 pm on February 9, 14, 16 and 21, 2023. The dance class is open for beginners, dance enthusiasts, or anyone who just wants to have fun.

Line Dancing is for everyone who enjoys dancing and exercising. It can be done with or without a partner. LDVALI uses a unique program and methodology that helps students of various skill levels learn while having fun exercising via the low-impact approach. In this special course, students will learn at least 12 dances, covering the basics of American line dancing, developing it, and applying it to various progressions of Latin dances such as Rumba and Foxtrot.

In 2014, he headed the pilot program for seniors & adults on wheelchairs with or without dementia, which was introduced in select private retirement facilities. By 2017, the program is named MUSIC & MOTION and has now evolved & reached the public senior centers in the US. He currently teaches the LDVALI progressive series as an inhouse program through the City of Millbrae Recreation Department.

For inquiries and enrolment, please contact M. (0917) 801-6440 or email hello@ sunshineplaceph.com.

Follow Sunshine Place online: Website: http://www.sunshineplaceph. com/; Facebook @SunshinePlace56Jupiter; Instagram @sunshineplaceph; YouTube: Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center; and Hashtags #sunshineplacephonline #sunshineneverstopshining #SunshineBelieveinYourself #SunshineDontGiveUp #SunshineIamFittoFight #SunshineHealthyAlltheWay.

Hearts Day is about to get sweeter with these irresistible and flavorful offers from Pizza Hut

WHEN you hear the word “sweetheart,” who is the first person that comes to your mind? Is it your significant other? Is it your workplace happy crush? Or is it that strong, independent fella you see in the mirror? Whoever you think of, Pizza Hut is helping you celebrate this Valentine’s Day (or Singles Awareness Day) with a number of flavorful offerings that you can enjoy!

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the largest fully integrated telco in the country, recently partnered with one of the premiere resorts in Cebu, the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, to deliver robust and reliable connections for their customers and their hotel experience.

“At PLDT and Smart, we are all about providing customer-focused digital innovations. That is why we are honored to provide world-class Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort with unparalleled connectivity that is at par with their mission of giving a luxurious experience to its guests,” says PLDT Customer Relationship Management Head, Kent De La Calzada.

“One of the highlights of the partnership is that the resort is now powered by PLDT’s Dedicated Internet Access service, or iGate–a service that provides businesses with guaranteed

bandwidth as well as reliable and managed connectivity to the Internet.” This will positively impact the resort’s operations in terms of easier and faster transactions and communication for staff, and better service and connectivity for guests, especially for business travelers.

Other connectivity solutions that are in place at Sheraton Cebu Mactan are the PLDT SIP Trunks, powered by fiber technology, which will provide quality and stable incoming and outgoing voice calls, and SMART Postpaid, powered by the latest Smart 5G network, for the mobile communication of the employees.

There is also Smart Broadband which will be provided for guests traveling from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. All these efforts align with Sheraton’s vision of being the best welcoming resort destination in the Philippines.

“We value the time our guests spend

with us at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, and indeed, part of that guest experience is connectivity,” says Dottie WurglerCronin, General Manager at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. “We want them to feel connected while staying with us–be it at the hotel and the world-class services we provide or simply to each other and their loved ones back at home.”

“With our partnership with PLDT, we are confident that we can bring that deep sense of togetherness and that unique Cebuano hospitality we are known for to all our guests,” adds Ray. G. Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Properties, Inc.

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is a 261room premium resort property at Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, a 30-minute drive from Mactan International Airport.

For more information, visit https:// pldtenterprise.com/.

First is the Pizza Hut Valentine’s Day Advanced Order promo. Get five pieces of WingStreet Garlic Parmesan (Luzon areas) or one Family Bacon Marinara Pasta (Visayas and Mindanao areas) for FREE when you order for pick-up and delivery worth P1,100 and up (excluding delivery charge), days ahead until 4 pm of February 14, 2023.

This offer can be availed exclusively via the 8911-1111 Hotline, via www.pizzahut.com. ph, or via the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android (https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.pizzahut.ph) and iOS (https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/pizza-hutphilippines/id1527383194) devices.

That’s not all! This Valentine’s Day, Pizza Hut is bringing back its Heart-shaped Pan Pizza—you know, the kind of heart you can rip apart guilt-free! This will be available in all Pizza Hut stores nationwide starting February 1, 2023.

It’s available in all of your favorite flavors, too! Choose from Veggie Lovers, Cheese Lovers, Pepperoni Lovers, or Spicy Pepperoni Lovers, each priced at P369. Meanwhile, Supreme, Bacon Margherita, Hawaiian

Supreme, Bacon Supreme, BBQ Chicken Supreme, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Cheese Supreme are priced at P399 each. And last but not least are Super Supreme, Meat Lovers, and Carbonara Supreme, available at P429 each.

Of course, Valentine’s Day with Pizza Hut won’t feel complete without the irresistible meal sets. With the Treats for your SweetHEART promo, you have three options, so you can celebrate any way you like! Whisper sweet nothings to your boo with the Twosome Treat! It comes with one Regular Bacon Margherita Heart Pan Pizza, one Regular Baked Ziti, one Regular Bolognese Pasta, and two servings of Strawberry Slush for dine-in, or two servings of Pepsi 16oz for takeout and delivery, for only P659.

AppleOne Mactan Inc. General Manager

Inside the 19-hour meltdown that junked Adani’s share sale

By P. R. Sanjai, Ben Bartenstein & Saikat Das

The 60-year-old tycoon had reason to be buoyant: last-minute bids had helped the flagship of his ports-to-power empire close a record $2.5 billion share sale despite a searing short seller attack that triggered a stock rout. As he headed home from Tel Aviv at 6:13 p.m. local time in his Bombardier Global 6500 private jet—a relatively new acquisition with superspeedy wireless connectivity—the industrialist spent a lot of time in the quietest part of the flight cabin on marathon calls.

But the brutal sell off in Adani Group stocks continued on Wednesday, February 1, wiping out market value of more than $80 billion in a week—despite the supposed successful conclusion to the share sale.

Anxious investors started calling Adani’s finance team to express concerns, according to people familiar with the events who did not want to be named, as the discussions were private.

Headwinds building

ONE of them was the Royal Group, the parent company of Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Co., which nudged the conglomerate to reconsider Adani Enterprises Ltd.’s share sale, one of the people said.

By Wednesday afternoon, a state-run financial institution— also one of the anchor investors in the follow-on offer—said it won’t support the group further. Earlier in the day, opposition parties had heckled the Narendra Modi government in parliament, chanting “Adani, Adani” during the union budget speech. The tycoon often tailors his corporate strategy to Modi’s nation-building priorities.

Sometime around 5 p.m. in India on Wednesday, Adani asked for an emergency board meeting to be convened in 30 minutes. The share sale was being scrapped. At 10:21 p.m. in India, the filing had hit local stock exchanges, marking a dramatic U-turn.

In barely 19 hours, India’s biggest

ever follow-on share sale had gone from being a done deal to a dud.

Representatives for Royal Group, IHC and Adani Group didn’t immediately respond to written requests for comment outside of office hours.

Protecting relationships

ADANI chose to forgo the shortterm victory of nailing the followon offer to protect his longer-term relationships with marquee investors who otherwise were staring at some embarrassing mark-tomarket losses on the sums they had committed.

And in that one fell swoop, the US-based short seller Hindenburg Research, which had published a scathing report on January 24, claimed its biggest casualty yet.

In its explosive broadside, Hindenburg had accused Adani’s conglomerate of “brazen” fraud and years of stock market manipulation, money laundering, as well as other alleged crimes that it labeled as “the largest con in cor -

porate history.”  Adani Group hit back saying the report was “bogus,” “maliciously mischievous” and threatened legal action.

In its 413-page Sunday rebuttal, it called Hindenburg’s report and its short bet a “calculated securities fraud” as well as an attack on India and its institutions.

Three days later, its share sale had unraveled amid the fracas.

Dejected attendees

ONE dejected attendee of Adani’s emergency Wednesday meeting said all it took was an attack from a small short seller to destroy years of hard work in just a week.

A veteran dealmaker aiding the share-sale process said he had never seen an equity offering canceled in this fashion over a nearly two-decade career.

But the sense of relief among major investors was palpable. State-run Life Insurance Corporation of India Ltd., which is a shareholder in five Adani

Turmoil risks financial stability Peru long took for granted

By Joshua Goodman The Associated Press

CUSCO, Peru—Marco Gonzales ventured to the Andean city of Cusco from his home in the Peruvian Amazon in 2007 with little more than $20, a smidgeon of English and a change of clothes poorly suited for the icy mountain air.

He started offering walking tours of the former Incan Empire capital in exchange for tips. Along the way he fell in love with a British backpacker, Nathalie Zulauf, and together the couple built a travel business and family.

But now it’s all at risk of collapsing along with so much of Peru’s once-enviable economic stability.

The couple’s company, Bloody Bueno Peru, which caters to mostly foreign tourists from Britain and elsewhere, hasn’t seen a customer since December, when protesters demanding the resignation of interim President Dina Boluarte all but cut off access to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Groups have canceled reservations months in advance, forcing the couple to dip into savings already depleted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re waiting until March to see if the situation improves,” said Gonzales, 38, staring at a calendar he no longer bothers to update. “If it doesn’t we’ll have to explore other options, like shutting down the business and emigrating. At least in England we have Nathalie’s family.”

Others in Cusco have far less to fall back on.

The city of 450,000, normally a polyglot mecca of foreign travelers, is a ghost town these days. The Plaza de Armas, where women dressed in colorful Andean textiles used

to pose for snapshots, now attracts demonstrators playing cat-and-mouse with heavily armored riot police.

Political turmoil is nothing new in Peru, which has seen six presidents in the last five years.

In 1969, with a military dictatorship in power, Nobel Prizewinning author Mario Vargas Llosa posed this now iconic question to start his novel “Conversations in the Cathedral”: “At what precise moment did Peru screw itself?”

For a long time, the dysfunction was held in check and didn’t interfere with sacred cornerstones of the free-market economy like the key mining industry.

Since 2000, Peru’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 4.4 percent—more than any country in South America—with low inflation and a stable currency.

Until the pandemic hit, poverty had fallen by half.

But the scale of violence following President Pedro Castillo’s December 7 impeachment and arrest for a clumsy effort to shutter Congress—unrest that has left 57 civilians dead and hundreds more injured—has revived class and racial divisions and has many Peruvians wondering whether the long period of uneasy stability has run its course.

“This dichotomy couldn’t last,” said Steven Levitsky, a Harvard University political scientist and co-author of the 2018 book, “ How Democracies Die.”

Signs of the economic fallout are everywhere.

In December—as the political crisis got underway—the number of foreigners arriving in Peru had already fallen to the lowest level since 2009, aside from the two years lost to Covid-19. Activity at three major copper and tin mines had been

suspended because highways were blocked or their facilities attacked by protesters.

Peru is the world’s largest exporter of grapes and the protests hit during the height of harvest. Shipments in one major growing area are barely 4 percent of a year ago, according to Darío Núñez, whose company, Uvica, has been unable to fulfill orders by US retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club.

“The credibility of Peru as a brand is starting to suffer,” said Núñez. “I don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Peru’s democratic dysfunction, years in the making, accelerated with Castillo’s surprise election in 2021. A rural schoolteacher, he rose from obscurity to fill a void left by a broken political system, widespread graft and deep-seated racism.

His journey from an adobe home in one of Peru’s poorest areas to the presidential palace was fueled by fury in the longneglected Andean highlands. But once in office, he shuffled his Cabinet almost weekly and was beset by corruption allegations that underscored his inexperience.

Elites in Congress, although even more discredited than Castillo, went on the offensive, using an obscure constitutional power to seek his impeachment for “moral incapacity.” This triggered Castillo’s move to shut down Congress, which backfired with his arrest on charges of rebellion—and vice president Boluarte’s ascension to power.

The current revolt has coalesced around an urgent demand: Boluarte’s departure. Congress could act by ordering early elections but has so far refused as lawmakers are reluctant to, in effect, fire themselves.

Group companies, deemed the decision a gesture of good corporate governance, according to people familiar.

That’s how Adani sold it, too.

Addressing investors in a video early Thursday to explain the abrupt volte-face, he said: “For me, the interest of my investors is paramount and everything is secondary.”

He added that he wanted to insulate them from losses. “Despite the volatility in the stock over the last week, your faith and belief in the company, its business and its management has been extremely reassuring and humbling, for all of us.”

The selloff, however, continued. By Friday, half of the value of the conglomerate, or more than $110 billion, had evaporated since the Hindenburg report’s release. Adani Enterprises shelved a plan to raise as much as 10 billion rupees via its first-ever public sale of bonds following a market rout, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The impact on India’s broader market was also huge. As of Thursday, the rupee had fallen against all its Asian peers over the period, while the spreads on an index of bonds in the nation expanded to the widest level in four weeks.

Distancing itself

THE ripple effects prompted Modi’s government—perceived to have close ties with Adani—to begin publicly addressing and distancing itself from the scandal-hit conglomerate. Although Adani’s interests from ports to energy are

inextricably intertwined with the nation’s growth plans, government officials talked down its impact on the wider economy.

“It is between one private company, and the regulator and the market; It doesn’t concern the macroeconomy,” T. V. Somanathan, the nation’s finance secretary, said in an interview Thursday. “The exposure of banks, LIC to Adani is not worrying at all. I don’t see any contagion risk on this.”

The arrangers of Adani enterprise’s scrapped equity offering have had to reconcile themselves to minuscule fees and are scrambling to recover what they can from what was supposed to be a mega followon share sale. The bulk of the $12 million that investment banks were set to earn was contingent on the success of the deal, people with knowledge of the matter said. They’re now expecting only minimal compensation for their work on the offering.

As the turbulent week drew to a close, the embattled tycoon entered talks with creditors to prepay some loans backed by pledged shares, as some banks stopped accepting the securities of the group as collateral.

“The dust is not yet settled,” Alok Churiwala, managing director of Mumbai-based Churiwala Securities Pvt., said on Thursday. “One has to be very watchful and investors would be well advised not to tinker with Adani stocks till there is clarity on the way forward.” With assistance from Ashutosh Joshi, Alisa Odenheimer, Baiju Kalesh, Archana Narayanan, Anto Antony, Ragini Saxena, Vidya Root and Subhadip Sircar/Bloomberg

Levitsky, the Harvard professor, said it’s too early to know how Peru’s crisis will unfold. One demand from protesters is that the constitution adopted during Alberto Fujimori’s 1990-2000 authoritarian rule and which strengthened free-market reforms be overhauled.

But whatever happens, Levitsky doesn’t see a return to the status quo.

“A state that doesn’t work is sooner or later going to fall into crisis,” he said. “They had 20 years to build a state and they failed miserably.”

Monuments to that failure are everywhere in Cusco: An unfinished highway that was supposed to bisect the city and the crumbling façade of the Hotel Cusco, a historic landmark owned by the city government.

But perhaps the biggest white elephant is the Hospital Antonio Lorena.

Rising above the city’s red tile roofs, the sleek glass-andsteel structure was supposed to be the most modern in southern Peru when construction began in 2012. But after three years, the Brazilian builder abandoned the project amid an investigation into cost overruns fueled by alleged bribes paid to Cusco’s governor and the wife of Peru’s then-president Ollanta Humala.

Today, the half-built skeleton is covered by graffiti amid peeling paint, exposed power cables and shattered glass. On December 7—the day Castillo was arrested—a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the start of a 730-day, $244 million rescue plan for the project by a new foreign consortium with technical assistance from France.

Jorge Zapata, the head of Peru’s construction lobby, blames

greedy politicians for the stand -

still. Nationwide, over 2,500 state-funded infrastructure projects worth $7 billion are paralyzed due to mismanagement, he said.

Meanwhile, instead of guiding tourists, Gonzales now spends his days scouring Cusco for a propane gas cannister to cook and bathe the couple’s 5-month-old daughter, Willow.

At an industrial depot, dozens of desperate residents were lined up this week in hopes demonstrators blocking the highways would halt their pickets long enough to let the trucks delivering the propane reach the besieged city.

“This is really scary,” said Zulauf, as she bounced her baby on her knees staring at the long line from her car. “In Cusco, people live day-to-day. If they can’t work, I don’t know how they’re surviving.”

Among those in line was Fredy Deza, who spent the night in a sleeping bag on the sidewalk.

Deza, 40, said the all-night vigil recalled another dark period in Peru’s history, when he would wait with his mother in long lines for bread, sugar and

other staples during the chaotic 1985-1990 presidency of Alan Garcia.

“It’s like we’re going back in time,” said Deza, who worked as a guide in Machu Picchu until he was let go in December.

Prices for propane and other scarce items in Cusco are soaring due to inflation that jumped to 8.7 percent in January, near the highest level in a quartercentury. A black market has emerged, with cannisters going for three times the listed price.

Adding to insult, the cooking gas many can no longer afford is pumped by a foreignowned consortium from the resource-rich department of Cusco and transported by a pipeline to the capital, Lima, where the bulk is then exported. A projected second pipeline, which would deliver it to Cusco and other cities in the south,

pipe dream.

“It’s sad,” said Deza, as he prepared for another cold night, “that as owners of our gas we have to be enduring this.”

ABEAMING Gautam Adani

stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, looking relaxed as hundreds of people gathered for the ceremonial signing at the Haifa Port, which the Indian billionaire is codeveloping.

GAUTAM ADANI and Benjamin Netanyahu in Haifa, Israel, on January 31. BLOOMBERG

remains a

AP writers Daniel Politi in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Franklin Briceno in Lima, Peru, and Frank Bajak in Boston contributed to this report

RESIDENTS protest as they wait outside a gas plant to buy propane for cooking in downtown Cusco, Peru, on Friday, February 3, 2023. Gas delivery trucks have been affected by anti-government demonstrators blocking highways across the country, amid political turmoil over the removal of former President Pedro Castillo who was later arrested for trying to dissolve Congress. AP/RODRIGO ABD

WILL BROWNLEE FIT IN FIBA PLAY?

By Josef Ramos

WITH Justin Brownlee’s naturalization done and over with, the next major task is how to fit the prolific Barangay Ginebra San Miguel import into the national men’s basketball system and, more importantly, in international play.

If there’s one important thing it is just to see how Justin Brownlee will play in the FIBA,” national team head coach Chot Reyes told BusinessMirror on Monday. ““We just have to see how Brownlee plays in international basketball. I think that’s what we have to see.”

Brownlee has already secured his Philippine passport and is now eligible to play as a naturalized player for the country in International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tournaments.

Brownlee has played professional basketball for some 15 years now, but never in a FIBA event. He was undrafted in 2011 but polished his game further in the National Basketball Association Developmental League until he joined the Lebanese and Italian leagues while not in an Ginebra uniform.

He also saw action in the Asean Basketball League, also a professional league, as well as in other invitational professional tournaments in Asia.

Despite his lack of FIBA action,

Zubiri, senators heap praises on PHL gymnastics pride Yulo

SENATE President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Robinhood

Padilla on Monday lauded two-time world champion gymnast and Tokyo Olympian Carlos “Caloy” Yulo for “being a great example of a true Filipino champion athlete.”

The Senators underscored their praises for Yulo through Senate Resolution No. 458.

Zubiri made a remarkable sponsorship speech honoring the country’s most-decorated gymnast drawing in the process the support also od Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Joel Villanueva, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Bong Revilla and Pia Cayetano.

Mister President [Zubiri] I am associating myself with the manifestation made by my colleagues,” Estrada said. “Yulo’s story is a success worthy of emulation by our struggling and hopeful young athletes. He is one of the Filipino athletes who provided a lot of glory and pride overseas.”

E strada added that Yulo is the epitome of the modern age ideal Filipino athlete by proving himself as a prodigy of gymnastic genius after winning multiple medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

6-foot-10 Ange Kouame of Ateneo.

Reyes’s 24-member pool is alsl composed of college standouts Jerom Lastimosa of Adamson University, Mason Amos of Ateneo and Schonny Winston of De La Salle,

Reyes stressed his trust on the 34-yearold and 6-foot-6 do-it-all Brownlee. “ We didn’t naturalize him if we don’t believe in him,” Reyes said.

R eyes has convened Gilas Pilipinas but only had two Mondaysonly sessions so far at the Meralco Gym along Ortigas Avenue.

The team is preparing for the sixth window of the FIBA Asia Qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup with Gilas taking on Lebanon on February 24 and Jordan on February 27 both at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Brownlee’s numbers of 28 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists principally helped steer Ginebra to last Commissioner’s Cup title. He is Gilas’s second naturalized player after

New coaches take spotlight in F2 vs PLDT match

MYLA PABLO can’t wait to get going as F2 Logistics

kicks off its campaign against an intact PLDT side Tuesday as Cignal and Chery Tiggo collide in another explosive schedule marking the second eliminations playdate of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. But more than the former Petro Gazz top hitter’s much-awaited debut for the Cargo Movers, it will be the coaches of the contending teams who

will take the spotlight as they try to steer their respective sides to the early swing of things in the seasonopening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

R ald Ricafort hopes to motivate and draw the best from mainstays Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Dell Palomata, Jovie Prado and Jules Samonte, among others with the High Speed Hitters toughening up by enlisting Ysa Jimenez, a rookie from University of Santo Tomas, and Michelle Morente, who last played for

‘Heroes Off the Pitch’ honored

SPAIN’S professional football league LaLiga and Spanish

Pork sector leader Interporc, joined hands to celebrate and honor

Filipino athletes and organizations and their invaluable contribution in the community at the recent Heroes

Off the Pitch Awards Gala Dinner at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

The Heroes off the Pitch Awards

Gala Dinner brought to life LaLiga and Spanish Pork’s commitment to highlight the positive impact of sports to individuals, families and communities

as they further encourage the growth of football in the Philippines.

Th is year, LaLiga and Spanish

Pork conferred the Best Community Project awards to three Filipino sports programs which clearly illustrated the positive impact of sports in the country.

R eceiving the Heroes Off the Pitch Best Community Project for Football was Gawad Kalinga and the US Embassy in Manila for their “Project

SPORTS LEAD: Climate Change

Awareness Through Soccer.”

Clark hosts motorcycle festival

THE Clark Freeport will host the upcoming “Clark Motorcycle Festival” at the Clark International Speedway this Friday and Saturday in Pampanga.

O rganized by the Club 200 Riders Association Inc., the two-day festival will feature various activities including a meet-and-greet event while taking in the scenic views of the Freeport.

R egistration starts at 3 p.m. on Friday.

Bike and riding gear scrutineering and drivers’ briefing will be conducted on Saturday starting at 6:30 a.m.

O ne of the highlights of the festival is the Endurance Relay Race set on the second day of the festivity.

The relay race will involve three riders sharing one transponder and ride duties over 50 laps of approximately 200 kilometers.

C lub 200 thanked Army Navy, BMW, Motorrad, Ducati, KTM, BGC, Pirelli, Angkas, Evo Helmets, APIRILIA, Juan Life, Hotel 101, Merry Mart, Wheeltek, Triumph, Harley Davidson of Manila and Motoworld for supporting the event.

Army-Black Mamba. But Pablo, who last played for Ricafort in the Angels’ title romp in the PVL Reinforced Conference last year, is out to make an impressive start for the Cargo Movers, now handled by the league’s lone female coach in Regine Diego, a former La Salle libero, who took over from Ramil de Jesus and top deputy Benson Bocboc.

“ I can say the girls are going to be 100 percent healthy but the peak form, nobody can say that. We’re

The recognition highlights a project that utilized football as a tool to educate and spread environmental awareness and relevant social issues in communities across the country.

More than 100 youth from Davao de Oro, Sultan Kudarat, Butuan, Palawan, Bohol and Manila gathered to discuss important topics such as climate change or gender equality.

The Pinay5 by Philippine Football Federation, Henry V. Moran Foundation, Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation were awarded the Heroes Off the Pitch Best Community Project for Women’s Football.

A star is Seaborn

WHEN I was 14 and in my freshman year in high school, I tried to fit in and get along with everyone.

At eighth grade, Trent Seaborn won the Thompson High School Warriors’ fourth straight state championship and because Trent was still that young, unfortunately for their rivals and opponents the state title he quarterbacked his team to may not be his and his school’s last.

Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto and Raymond Almazan.

R eyes also said that about half of the 24 players joined the two sessions.

All practices are light, we’re shooting at half court, and all of that, nothing to report at this time,” he said.

The Philippines is 5-3 won-lost in Group E of the qualifiers but is aleady qualified for one of the 32 slots in the World Cup as host.

Gilas is coming off an 85-81 loss to Lebanon last August 25 in Beirut but beat Jordan, 74-66, last November 10 in their previous qualifiers duels.

The FIBA World Cup is set August 25 to September 10.

trying our best to manage whatever it is we can manage for this conference and to prevent those injuries to recur again,” said Diego.

A side from the likes of Major Baron, Aby Marano, Kim Dy, Kim Fajardo, Iris Tolenado and Ivy Lacsina, F2 also welcomes the comebacking Cha CruzBehag into its fold. Game time is 4 p.m. We consider all teams as contenders. It’s a matter of who could sustain their performance from start until the end,” said High Speed Hitters assistant coach Arnold Laniog. “For us at PLDT, we will challenge every opponent and we will spring surprises.”

and being the first male Southeast Asian Gymnast to win in this premier gymnastics competition.   Yulo defied the odds—poverty, injuries, loneliness, and uncertainties—by training hard in Japan to win for the Philippines under the guidance of Japanese coach Munihero Kugiyama,” Estrada added. “He made us proud in his 15 years in the gymnastic side.”   Go, chairman of the Senate Committee for Sports, also praised the 22-year-old gymnast from Leveriza who bagged five gold medals at the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games last May, saying “his unwavering commitment to excellence has inspired us all.” His dedication, hard work and perseverance have surely made a lasting impact in the history of gymnastics,” Go said. “The numerous victories and record-breaking performances he has shown in various international sporting competitions are testament to his passion and talent.”

Yulo also won three gold medals in the Asian Championships in Doha last June, while settling for a silver medal in vault and bronze in parallel bars at the 2022 world cin Liverpool last November. Josef Ramos

Mad scramble for control looms among pros at TCC Invitational

AMAD scramble for early control looms as The Country Club (TCC) Invitational fires off Tuesday at the TCC in Sta. Rosa City in Laguna with four aces seeking strong starts to fuel their respective drive for a second crown and 26 others all primed for a stab at the most coveted championship on the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT).

Dan Cruz took the last spot in the elite cast after three-time champion Juvic Pagunsan failed to show up in Tuesday’s pro-am and withdrew from the P6 million championship, leaving the title chase wide open among defending champion Guido Van der Valk, 2004 winner Tony Lascuna and Frankie Miñoza and Micah Shin, who reigned here in 2013 and 2018, respectively.

But the depth of the competing field remains as power-packed as ever with Clyde Mondilla, who won the Solaire Philippine Open at TCC in 2019 but lost by one to Van der Valk three years ago, and last year’s PGT leg winners Michael Bibat and Zanieboy Gialon raring to get going along with multi-titled Jhonnel Ababa and Jay Bayron.

Van der Valk, Mondilla and Bibat get to test each other’s strength in the 8:20 a.m. flight on No. 1 with Lascuña, Miñoza and Ira Alido anchoring the 10 three-man grouping at 8:30 a.m. L loyd Go, on the other hand, spearheads the charge of the young guns with the 28-year-old shotmaker, who gained an Asian Tour card by finishing No. 6 in last year’s Asian Development Tour Order of Merit, due for a big finish after a near-breakthrough at PGT Eagle Ridge last year. The Cebuano ace drew Shin and Cruz in the 8:10 a.m. group behind the threesome of Gialon, Ababa and Sean Ramos.

Trent has received so far about 11 offers from high level NCAA Division I football programs—that’s 11 offers and counting.

W hen Trent and his father Jason were guests in my program “Sports For All,” what stood out for me was the faith of this young man. He wears his faith on his sleeve and as the conversation progressed, we saw his humility and gratitude for being thankful for the gift that’s been given to him.

Trent is the eldest of four kids of senior communications executive Jason and his mother Jowell Ortega-Seaborn, who is Filipino from Aklan. Jowell works as a physician assistant at a medical facility in Alabama.

The kid has a good head on his shoulders combined with a steady diet of American and Filipino values—any NCAA Division I school isn’t just getting a very good young quarterback, but also a good person.

Trent remains grounded and centered despite all the attention he’s been getting and the offers he’s been receiving. He doesn’t seems to be taking any of what’s coming to him for granted, hence, the gratitude.

He’s only 14 so you hear things like “sky’s the limit” and “he’s barely scratched the surface of what he can do.”

He’s still growing so we may see a quarterback with size and a high football IQ.

Trent likes eating Filipino food like sinigang, adobo and kaldereta and he follows the Los Angeles Rams. nnn

I’m very disappointed that my beloved San Francisco 49ers were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers lost both their starting quarterback Brock Purdy and back-up quarterback Josh Johnson.

P urdy injured the elbow in his throwing arm which will require surgery. He will be expected to make a full recovery after six months, while Johnson suffered a concussion after he was sacked by the Eagles’ defensive line.

I n the National Football League, especially in the postseason, as a coach, nothing prepares you for losing both your quarterbacks to injuries. Coach Kyle Shanahan tried using running back Christian McCaffrey as a “wildcat quarterback” but the Eagles were just too good and they wouldn’t be denied.

They were clicking on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. I see them beating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs by either a touchdown or a field goal. It’s going to be close but it’s the Eagles’ year.

THE gala dinner brings to life LaLiga and Spanish Pork’s commitment to highlight the positive impact of sports to individuals, families and communities as they encourage the growth of football in the Philippines.

JUSTIN BROWNLEE (93) and the other members of the pool listen to Head

Coach Chot Reyes during team training at the Meralco Gym.

Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Kiefer Ravena, Chris Newsome, Roger Pogoy, Jordan Heading, Ray Parks, Francis Lopez, Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Arvin Tolentino, Japeth Aguilar,

FRANKIE MIÑOZA is hoping to flash his veteran wits on an unpredictable course.

WORLD-CLASS gymnast Carlos “Caloy” Yulo (center) with (from left) Senators Robinhood Padilla, Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva, Koko Pimentel, Pia Cayetano, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Francis “Tol” Tolentino and Risa Hontiveros. Also in photo are Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia CarrionNorton and national gymnasts Justine Ace De Leon and Juancho Miguel Besana.

PHOTO FROM SENATE PRIB