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n Friday, January 3, 2020 Vol. 15 No. 85

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Duterte to sign 2020 budget Jan. 6 ₧4.1 trillion T By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Office of the President (OP) have already finished the review of the P4.1trillion 2020 General Appropriations Bill in time for President Duterte’s signing on January 6.

Acting Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado confirmed that the scheduled ceremonial signing of the budget in the Palace will push through. “That’s what I know,” Avisado said in a text message to the BusinessMirror. According to a separate advisory sent to lawmakers, the presidential signing ceremony of the 2020 budget will take place at 4 p.m. at Rizal Hall, Malacañang. Asked whether the President ve-

vador S. Panelo also said on Thursday that the President has not yet mentioned anything about provisions he vetoed in the money measure.

The national budget for 2020 as passed by Congress

toed any provisions under the 2020 GAB, Avisado did not confirm nor deny this, but he said the budget review was already done last week. Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sal-

‘Roughly on track’: Less than 50% infra spending met so far By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Duterte administration, through the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board, has approved less than half of the projects comprising its intended infrastructure spending in the medium term. Data on Neda Board approvals between 2016 and 2019, including those approved in the last Neda Board meeting in November 29, reached only P2.679 trillion. This is less than half the P7.74 trillion the administration intended to spend for infrastructure between 2016 and 2022 under the Public Investment Program (PIP) for 2017 to 2022. “We’ll rally during these last 2.5 years to achieve targets. We’re roughly on track,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told BusinessMirror via SMS on Thursday. Spending over P7 trillion for infrastructure in the medium term will not only help address the country’s infrastructure constraints but will usher in a “Golden Age of Infrastructure,” officials have said. Based on the Neda Board approvals data, the largest project approved in the first three years of the administration is the P735.63-billion Unsolicited Proposal for the Bulacan International Airport Project. The project consists of airport development (including passenger terminal building, airside and land-

side facilities), and an 8.4-kilometer tollway to serve as airport access connecting to North Luzon Expressway at Marilao, Bulacan. Another major project approved during the period is the P356.97 billion Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1, the first of its kind in the Philippines. The project is a 25.3-kilometer subway, to run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to FTI in Taguig then to NAIA. Based on the PIP, around 5,636 projects and programs (PAPs) are going to be undertaken by the Duterte administration. Of the total, around 4,490 are dedicated to accelerate the country’s infrastructure development. “A target’s bullseye is never so easy to hit,” Pernia said. In 2016, the Duterte administration’s push to usher the country into its hyped “golden age of infrastructure” will see a funding of around P8 trillion, or an annual average infrastructure spending of roughly P1.33 trillion beginning next year. And to ensure the money will be allocated on a timely manner, the Neda will no longer wait for concerned agencies to submit their proposals. With this, the Neda’s Infrastructure Committee and the Investment Coordination Committee will all propose infrastructure projects needed to meet the goals. The projects will be contained in the PIP, the country’s medium-term investment blueprint.

@alyasjah

HE World Trade Organization (WTO) may have reduced average tariffs by nearly half and streamlined world trade in its 25-year

PESO exchange rates n

Meanwhile, Budget Undersecretary Laura B. Pascua shrugged off the possible impact of the failure to enact a new budget by year-end. She noted that there would be no new budget only for two days See “Budget,” A2

NEW ORDERS BOOST PHL MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER–THINK TANK

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

he Philippine manufacturing sector ended 2019 on a high note as it registered a slight improvement in December, according to a report released by global think tank IHS Markit on Thursday. IHS Markit said the the Purchasing Managers Index of the Philippines rose to 51.7 in December, from 51.4 in November— a modest improvement in manufacturing conditions, which is in line with the average seen for 2019. The PMI is a composite index that serves as gauge of the health of the country’s manufacturing sector. It is calculated as a weighted average of five individual sub-components. Readings above the 50 threshold signal a growth in the manufacturing sector while readings below 50 show deterioration in the industry. IHS Markit said the improvement was partly driven by a solid rise in new orders received by Filipino manufacturers, with the rate of growth strengthening slightly from November. Alongside a broad-based increase in sales, firms noted a slight upturn in new work from foreign clients, marking only the Continued on A8

DOF sees investor appetite still strong

T PHL’s Grandest NYE Celebration Fireworks illumine the sky as revelers look on at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Eastwood City, Quezon City. The annual New Year’s Eve revelry remains one of the biggest and most attended in the Philippines for more than a decade, drawing over 50,000 people from all over Metro Manila. It features the Dazzling Star Drop, the country’s very own version of the world-famous Ball Drop in New York’s Time Square. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Rising protectionism clouding tariff-cut gains in 25 yrs by WTO, warns its chief By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

No impact

history, but the multilateral trading body is faced with the challenge of rising protectionism across the globe, the WTO chief has said. In a recent statement, WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said since the establishment of the

multilateral trading body in 1995, average tariffs were cut by almost half to 6.4 percent, from 10.5 percent. He argued those who acceded to the WTO were involved in “far-reaching reforms and market opening commitments” that have been boosted

their incomes. “The predictable market conditions fostered by the WTO have combined with improved communications to enable the rise of global value chains [GVCs],” Azevedo said. See “WTO,” A8

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has expressed optimism that investor appetite towards the Philippines will continue to be strong in 2020 as evidenced by the positive momentum in the previous year. In a statement on Thursday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said economic managers plan to bring pending reforms to implementation this year in an effort to build on the momentum of investor sentiment seen in 2019. In 2019, the local currency strengthened from an average of P52.468 to a dollar in January to P50.767 to a dollar by the end of the year. Inflation was also back to target from accelerating above-expected range in 2018. The DOF also pointed that in 2019, the Philippines continued to secure tight spreads as low as 32 basis points over benchmarks for its bond issuances relative to other countries such as Indonesia, Mexico and Colombia across currencies. Standard & Poor’s also announced last April its upgrade of the Philippines’s long- term credit rating from “BBB” to “BBB+”, which is just a notch away from the coveted “A” rating. Dominguez said S&P’s upgrade “summarizes all our efforts to maintain fiscal discipline, contain inflation, build a business-friendly market, and achieve the highest international reserves ever,” which stood at a record $86.39 billion See “DOF,” A8

US 50.8020 n japan 0.4673 n UK 67.3126 n HK 6.5217 n CHINA 7.2958 n singapore 37.7851 n australia 35.6274 n EU 56.9795 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.5443

Source: BSP (2 January 2020)

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A2 Friday, January 3, 2020

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NG’s Jan-Nov borrowings at ₧7.7T, breach full-yr 2018 66.4% T By Cai U. Ordinario

HE national government’s 11-month borrowings in 2019 has already exceeded its 2018 level, according to data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

Share of domestic debt in the country’s total debt stock, per BTr data

Data showed that the country’s outstanding debt as of November 2019 had reached P7.71 trillion, which is already 5.7 percent higher, or P417.145 billion more than the P7.29 trillion posted at the end of 2018. Of the total debt stock, the BTr said 33.6 percent comprises external debt while 66.4 percent are domestic debts. The national government’s domestic debt amounted to P5.115 trillion which is P189.16 billion,

or 3.6 percent, lower than the endOctober 2019 level. The BTr said the peso appreciated against the US dollar to P50.758 as of end-November 2019 from P50.769 as of end-October 2019. Since the beginning of the year, data showed domestic debt increased by P338.76 billion or 7.1 percent, while year-on-year growth is P407.63 billion or 8.7 percent. “For November, domestic debt decreased mainly due to the net re-

demption of government securities amounting to P189.15 billion and P0.01-billion effect of peso appreciation on onshore dollar bonds,” BTr said. Mea nwh i le, e x ter n a l debt reached P2.594 trillion, and was P7.28 billion or 0.3 percent lower from the previous month. The BTr traced the decline in external debt in November to the combined effect of local and third-currency foreignexchange adjustments. At the same time, net repay-

ments of external loans amounted to P0.53 billion. External debt has increased by P78.39 billion or 3.1 percent from its end-December 2018 level, and by P107 billion or 4.3 percent on a year-on-year basis. Meanwhile, total national government-guaranteed obligations decreased by P2.66 billion or 0.6 percent month-over-month to P475 billion in November. “The lower level of guarantees was due to foreign-exchange movements which reduced the value of external guarantees by P1.61 billion,” the BTr said. Further, net repayment of domestic and external guarantees was trimmed by P0.33 billion and P0.72 billion, respectively. From the end-December 2018 level, total NG-guaranteed debt has decreased by P12.6 billion or 2.6 percent.

tions Act [GAA] for the preceding year shall be deemed reenacted, and shall remain in force and in effect until the GAB is passed by Congress.” In a related development, the DBM has also released a circular on the release of funds for January pending the approval of 2020 GAA. By signing the Circular 2020-1 dated January 2, Avisado authorized agencies of the national government receiving allotment, or notice of cash allocation directly from DBM to obligate the amount

corresponding to their actual requirements under the regular budget for the month of January but not to exceed the specified percentages. However, some items will not be covered by this obligational authority, and shall be issued a Special Allotment Release Order based on the agency’s Special Budget Request. These include specific items classified under charges against p e n s ion a nd g r at u it y f u nd , cent ra l ly m a naged items, a s well as charges against Special

Purpose Funds, items that are chargeable against automatic appropriations such as special accounts in the general fund of agencies and internal revenue allotment. Avisado earlier said the President will not be able to sign the 2020 national budget before end2019, given the time constraints as it has to undergo the required review of OP and DBM. He also denied that the pushback in schedule of the signing of the 2020 budget had something to do with the alleged last-minute

Budget. . .

Continued from A1

excluding holidays. “The use and recording of funds for these two days will just be part of the budget release documents,” Pascua said in a text message to the BusinessMirror. Section 5 (7), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution reads: “If by the end of any fiscal year, Congress failed to pass the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for the ensuing year, the General Appropria-

@caiordinario

Modern Davao Intl Airport completed in ’28, per DOTr sked By Lorenz S. Marasigan

HE new and moder n Davao International Airport should be completed by 2028, an indicative time line from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) showed, as the unsolicited proposal was recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Investment Coordination Committee (ICC). Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp.’s P48.9-billion operateadd-transfer unsolicited proposal for the Davao Airport involves the modernization of the air hub down south to boost its passenger traffic to 15.1 million passengers annually. The unsolicited proposal covers reconfiguration and expansion of

the terminal building, construction of parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, installation of modern airport IT systems and all activities needed to improve airport services. The proposal carries a 30-year concession period. Should it pass muster with other approvals and processes, including that of the Neda Board, and win the Swiss Challenge, Chelsea is calendared to start the project within the year. Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the project is noteworthy, as it will help spur economic growth in Mindanao through trade and tourism. “ The modernization of the Davao International Airport will greatly boost both trade and tourism activities across Mindanao,” he said.

insertions as claimed earlier by Sen. Panfilo Lacson. However, the Palace has since said the President is ready to veto any budget items he will find unconstitutional. Lacson earlier skipped the signing of the bicameral report on the money measure because of his concerns on the alleged last-minute insertions. The senator claimed that there are still “lump sums” and “vaguely described” projects in the bicameral report. The senator’s office report-

edly received a USB flash drive containing a list of 1,253 budget items worth P83.219 billion that was allegedly used as the congressmen’s “source” of their “list” of 742 projects worth P16.345 billion that were inserted in the bicameral report. Last year, the government was forced to operate on a reenacted budget for months since the passage of the 2019 national budget got delayed due to a number of issues, including alleged last-minute insertions and realignments by lawmakers.

@lorenzmarasigan

Kuwait. . .

Continued from A8

Similar circumstances

Bello said the ban will take effect once it is approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board, which he chairs. He said they are targeting to complete this by next week. “We will only lift if justice is given to Jeanelyn,” Bello said. POEA issued its last deployment ban to Kuwait in 2018 upon the orders of President Duterte in response to the death of HSW Joanna Demafelis, who was allegedly also murdered by her employer. It was only lifted after the PhilippineKuwait memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the protection of Filipino HSWs was signed in the same year.

Ongoing negotiation

The death of Villavende, however, led to many groups to question the effectivity of the MOA, which was supposed to prevent further abuses of HSWs in Kuwait. The salient features of the MOA include making it mandatory for employers to allow their OFWs to keep their passports and cell phones, setting their meal and rest time, and banning their relocation in Kuwait without authorization from the Philippine posts. However, more than a year since it was signed, the MOA, labor officials said, has yet to be fully implemented since the employers of Filipino HSWs in Kuwait are still not made to sign the employment contract containing its provisions. Bello said he is now meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador in an attempt to address this.

Local probe

The labor chief said they are now also investigating the possible liability of the local recruitment agency who deployed Villavende to Kuwait, after it allegedly failed to act on her complaints against her employers. “We will also ask Villavende’s recruitment agenc y to explain their inaction. As early as September, she already complained about maltreatment and underpayment of salary. She also re-

peatedly requested the agency for repatriation, but they did not do anything,” Bello said. Bello said the recruiter faces suspension or cancellation of its license to recruit if it is proven to have been negligent in handling Villavende’s case. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans J. Cacdac said Villavende’s family was last able to talk to her in October. He said her family tried to call her again on December 13, but it was her female employer who answered the call. Based on the initial report of Mustafa, Villavende was already beaten to death, when brought to a hospital in Kuwait last month.

Family aid

Cacdac said he met with the family of Villavende in Norala, South Cotabato to condole with them and extend aid to them—death and burial benefits, as well as livelihood assistance and educational scholarship. The Owwa head, however, said the family is mainly concerned with the developments in Villavende’s case and the repatriation of her remains. Bello said it may take a while before Villavende’s remains are repatriated. An autopsy and forensic investigation is awaited to determine the official cause of her death, and who should be held liable for it. Cacdac said Owwa will coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to facilitate the repatriation of the her remains once Kuwaiti authorities allow it.

MOA violation?

The chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment on Thursday said the lower chamber will look immediately into possible violations of the MOA between the Philippines and Kuwait. Rep. Enrico A. Pineda of 1-Pacman Party-list called for a House investigation before resumption of session in Congress on January 20. “I call upon all our government agencies to shed light on the matter so that Congress may act upon these issues and consider necessary legislation and policy direction,” he said. “If the Kuwaiti Government is actually concerned about our workers, it should ensure that they are well protected. Because we will not allow our vulnerable Filipinos to be deployed to work in foreign lands without the assurance that the foreign state will give them the protection they need,” he added. According to Pineda, the agreement requires the two countries to uphold ethical recruitment policies, systems, and procedures for the recruitment and employment of domestic workers subject to their laws and regulations. He said it requires employers to provide food, housing and clothing to their workers,\ and for the countries to take legal action against erring employers. With Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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Gamboa reminds PNP men of ban on use of recovered and impounded vehicles

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa reiterated on Thursday the strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of recovered motor vehicles and motorcycles by policemen following reports that some law enforcers are illegally using recovered vehicles supposed to be used as evidence in court cases. Gamboa’s reiteration of the socalled Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 7 was made following the directive of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who had temporarily taken the helm of the PNP as ordered by President Duterte. “Under SOP 7, no PNP personnel shall use a recovered-stolen or impounded motor vehicle or cause the use thereof by any person prior to the lifting of the ‘alarm’ issued thereon and the subsequent release of said motor vehicle to its lawful owner,” Gamboa said. “The removal of any part or accessory of the recovered, stolen/ impounded motor vehicle is also punishable under this measure,” he added. The PNP officer in charge said administrative charges would be slapped against any policeman using recovered vehicles, while his immediate superior would also be included in the investigation under the doctrine of “command responsibility.” Gamboa said there are at least 700 vehicles and motorcycles that have been recovered by policemen and police units around the country. He said unit commanders have been asked to execute an affidavit, or

“The removal of any part or accessory of the recovered, stolen/ impounded motor vehicle is also punishable under this measure.” —Gamboa

undertaking, affirming that nobody is going to use or would be using recovered vehicles, saying those who certified the affidavits are equally responsible for violations. The PNP’s Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) had been tasked to monitor the strict adherence to the standard operating procedure. Policemen are also not allowed to use private vehicles “without plate number or conduction sticker number,” Gamboa added. Meanwhile, the PNP said that a fewer number of individuals have been arrested for firing their guns in celebration of the New Year this year compared to last year. Based on the data provided by PNP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, the PNP recorded only three cases of stray bullets and 21 arrests involving illegal discharge of firearms wherein seven people were reported injured. The data covered December 16, 2019, up to January 1. For the same period last year, Banac said they recorded 16 cases of stray bullets wherein 12 people were injured, 36 arrests for illegal discharge of firearms and 14 injuries and one death “for a total of 15 casualties.” Rene Acosta

Cops nab IS ‘point man’ in QC

By Rene Acosta

review,” Bainto told reporters. He said the close monitoring of the status of petitions being resolved started after the implementation of petition for review information system in 2016, he said. On the other hand, Justice Undersecretary and Spokesman Markk Perete attributed the increase in the number of resolved petitions for review to the decongestion project launched this year by the department. Prior to the change of leadership in 2016, there were around 13,000 to

Datu Omar Palty Jr., alias Allan Palte, was nabbed by members of the counter terrorism division of the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group and Quezon City Police along Adrian corner Banning streets, Barangay North Fairview, Quezon City. Palty is a member of the BIFF

PRC volunteers distribute Media Noche packages to affected families in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, last December 31, 2019.

UST in time for New Year’s Eve, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensified its relief operations in areas devastated by Typhoon Ursula in the Visayas and Mimaropa. PRC staff and volunteers distributed Media Noche packages to typhoon-hit communities in Basey, Western Samar, Buruanga, Aklan and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. “We want to make sure that no one is left behind. Let us start 2020

by sharing our blessings and be the image of hope for the people,” PRC Chairman and Sen. Richard J. Gordon said. PRC provided Media Noche packages to 1,886 families in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro (300 families), San Jose, Rizal and Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro (883 families), Buruanga, Aklan (473 families) and Basey, Western Samar (230 families). The package includes spaghetti pasta with sauce, cheese, two cans

faction led by Commander Esmael Abubakar, alias Bungos, but the faction switched its allegiance to the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah in 2018 led by Esmael Adbulmalik, alias Abu Turaife, said PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa. The Turaife group is among

the two factions of the BIFF that have pledged their allegiance to the Islamic State, known for the attack and occupation of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in 2017, wherein Isnilon Hapilon, IS leader in Southeast Asia, was killed during the operations to retake the city. The government collectively call all groups in Mindanao allied with the IS as Daulah Islamiyah, or DI. Gamboa said that Palty was appointed by Turaife as the point man, or contact person, of his group in Metro Manila to coordinate with Daulah Islamiyah operatives from Sulu and Basilan. “In June 2019, Palty has established communication or contact and arranged the travel to Manila of Arnel Cabintoy and Feliciano Sulayo, both members of Daulah Islamiyah and both Balik Islam,” Gamboa said. “Consequently, the duo were ar-

rested on June 15, 2019, in Quezon City, a day after their arrival in Metro Manila,” he added. Aside from being a member of the IS, Palty was also involved in the attack of an Army Camp in Midsayap, North Cotabato, in 2009 that resulted in the death of two soldiers and in the attack of a military detachment in Aleosan, Cotabato, in 2014. He had also been involved in the killing of a couple and a security guard in San Simon, Pampanga, in 2015 wherein he acted as the triggerman together with a Moro companion aboard a motorcycle, Gamboa said. Seized from his possession were a fragmentation grenade and a Llama .45 caliber pistol. Despite the arrest of Palty and two of his colleagues, Gamboa said they have not monitored any plans by the IS, or the Daulah Islamiyah, to mount attacks in Metro Manila.

Duterte appoints Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos as next AFP chief By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

RESIDENT Duterte has appointed Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. as next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In a letter addressed to Defense Secretar y Delfin N. Lorenzana dated January 2, President Duterte said he had approved Santos’s appointment effective January 5, 2020. Santos will replace outgoing AFP

14,000 unsolved petitions for review, according to Perete. Of the resolved petitions in 2019, 300 came from the decongestion project, he said. He said more petitions for review are expected to be resolved in 2020, as the department intensifies its decongestion program. “But again, the decongestion project was launched sometime late this year so we would see probably an increase of the number cases resolved, cases filed prior 2016 which will be resolved by this leadership,” he assured. Joel R. San Juan

PRC brings New Year cheer to Visayas, Mimaropa typhoon victims

@reneacostaBM

FORMER member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) allegedly serving as contact person in Metro Manila of local members of the Islamic State from Mindanao was arrested by a combined team of policemen in Quezon City on New Year’s Day.

DOJ resolves 2,350 petitions for review in 2019

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has resolved more than 2,000 petitions for review in 2019, or more than four times higher compared to the petitions resolved in 2018. Justice Assistant Secretary Neal Vincent M. Bainto told reporters that as of December 2019, the department has resolved 2,350 petitions for review. The number is higher compared to the 1,727 petitions for review resolved in 2017 and 556 in 2018. “For this year-to-date, the department has resolved 2,350 petition for

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, January 3, 2020 A3

of corned beef, fruit cocktail, condensed milk and all-purpose cream. Red Cross chapters also distributed food packs to 1,134 families in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro (630 families), Magsaysay and Rizal, Occidental Mindoro (504 families). Red Cross chapters also set up seven Welfare Desks in Cebu, Ormoc, Surigao del Norte, Masbate and Romblon, while eight First Aid Stations were established in evacuation centers and ports in Ormoc, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Surigao del Sur and Romblon to assist stranded passengers. As part of an emergency response to meet the nutritional needs of people affected by disasters, PRC staff and volunteers distributed ready to eat meal/hotmeals to 3,465 individuals in Cebu, Iloilo, Masbate, Passi, Romblon, Batangas, Capiz and Leyte. Since December 24, 2019, PRC activated 294 personnel including staff and volunteers to respond, assess and report damages to houses and other infrastructure, as well as flooded areas, such as in the town of Paranas in Western Samar, Roxas City and Municipality of President Roxas in Capiz. PRC-National Headquarters Office and its chapters in Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Southern Luzon are monitoring the situation on the ground and response for Typhoon Ursula.

chief Gen. Noel Clement after three months in office. “I wish to inform you that per your letter-endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of the chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and chairman, AFP Board of Generals, pursuant to Republic Act 8196, as amended, the designation of Lieutenant General Felimon T. Santos Junior O-9540 Armed Forces of the Philippines as Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines vice General Noel S. Clement 0-9265 AFP is hereby approved effective January 5, 2020,”

read the letter signed by the President, a copy of which was shared to reporters on Thursday. Prior to his appointment, Santos assumed as the new commander of AFP Eastmincom on January 21, 2019. Santos has been involved in a wide range of peace and security programs in Mindanao. He was also assigned to strategic military offices dealing with operations, intelligence and civil-military operations. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy of 1986, he also spent

most of his years with the 39th Infantry Battalion, a unit deployed in various provinces in Mindanao. He also led the 11th Intelligence Service Unit based in Davao City. He also previously held the positions of chief of operations of Central Command in Visayas; 703rd Infantr y Brigade Commander in Central Luzon; Battalion Commander of 63rd Infantry Battalion in Samar province; and Assistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Awang Maguindanao.

A4 Friday, January 3, 2020 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

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Duterte orders immediate completion, operation of mothballed M’lang airport in Central Mindanao

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

RESIDENT Duterte is pushing for the completion and operation of the mothballed M’lang airport, which, he said, could boost the economic growth of Central Mindanao. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Thursday that the President asked his close aide now Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to

source funds for the completion of the construction of the airport. The President issued the instruction after he was briefed on the actual status of the airport whose construction started in 2004. “While the runway and the termi-

nal building have been constructed, the airport has not operated because the provincial government of Cotabato has not turned over the 62-hectare property where it was built to the Department of Transportation,” Piñol said in a Facebook post on Thursday. The failure to turn over the airport project to DOTr for final completion and commissioning was blamed on the lack of documentary requirements, according to the previous leadership of the province. The M’lang airport project was mothballed during the nine-yearterm of then-governor, now-Vice Gov. Emmylou Mendoza. In 2003, the provincial government acquired 62 hectares from the

Moratorium on payment of farmers’ loans pressed

LAWMAKER on Thursday called for a moratorium on payments of loans, or debts, incurred by farmers affected by Typhoon Ursula (international code name Phanfone). House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Isagani Zarate issued the statement as the reported damage to agriculture in areas battered by Typhoon Ursula has ballooned to P1.35 billion. “We strongly urge government financial institutions in particular, such as the LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines [DBP], to lead in the implementation of a moratorium on loan payments, penalties and charges for at least a year, as aid to the typhoon victims...it is but right to call for a moratorium on loan payments of farmers hit by the typhoon,” said Zarate. “They were already hit by disaster with most of their homes and crops destroyed; the least, creditors both public and private, can do is delay collection from the loans of farmers. In fact, if they are really kind hearted they can also waive the collection of penalties and surcharges, or, even write off the debts of the

farmers altogether,” he added. According to Department of Agriculture-Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Operation Center, 29,056 hectares of agricultural land were damaged and 79,752 farmers were affected in Mimaropa, Bicol and Western, Central and Eastern Visayas. Production losses were placed at 36,389 metric tons as of December 31. Also, it said the fisheries sector was hardest hit, accounting for 44 percent of the damage valued at P589.06 million. At least 43,813 fisherfolk were affected. Earlier, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said concerned DA-Regional Field Offices are crafting their respective rehabilitation and recovery plans for typhoonaffected areas, which will be consolidated and finalized this month. Dar also ordered the immediate distribution of planting materials, poultry and livestock, fingerlings, fiberglass fishing boats and fishing paraphernalia to affected farmers and fisherfolk. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

heirs of the late Don Tomas Buenaflor in Tawantawan, M’lang. The 1.8 kilometer runway and terminal building were completed in 2010 under then Cotabato Gov. Jesus Sacdalan. Nonetheless, Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, who is serving her first term, assured Duterte that the provincial government will complete all the needed documents for the official turnover of the property to the DOTr. For his part, Go said the operation of the airport is very critical as it located with in a strategic area. He also said he will make sure that the M’lang airport will be opened and operational before 2022. “I will talk to Transportation

Secretary Art Tugade and I will help look for additional funding for the completion of the airport,” Go was quoted as saying in Piñol’s Facebook post. Piñol added the operation of the airport is vital for the economic growth of Central Mindanao, noting this is where many agricultural products, including highly perishable fruits come from. Aside from Go, Catamco and Piñol, those who were present during the simple lunch at M’lang National High School Principal’s Office shortly after the President’s visit to earthquake-affected areas on December 30 were Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Social Welfare Secretary Joselito Bautista and M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado.

FOI champ PPA steps up transparency program through easy-access kiosks By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

FTER being recognized as the champion for the Freedom of Information (FOI) by the Palace, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is stepping up its transparency thrust through new infrastructures. “This year, we are planning to put-up easyaccess kiosks in our entire operational areas as the authority is committed to integrate the public to its day-to-day operations,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said. The Presidential Communications Operations Office recognized the PPA as the “FOI Champion” during the 2019 Freedom of Information Awards for governmentowned and -controlled corporations last month. “The PPA’s interactive and centralized FOI portal gives the public uninterrupted access to the agency, thus enhancing the authority’s integrity, transparency and accountability,” Santiago said.

Filling positions

SANTIAGO also reported the agency’s feat in filling up at 600 positions in the agency, which is 42 percent of the 1,404 open positions at the start of 2019. This brought the “total number of employees working in the state-owned agency to 2,347 and significantly reduced the number of outsourced personnel.” “We are really accelerating the hiring of new personnel particularly in the Port Management Offices [PMOs] as they are really undermanned,” Santiago explained. “With the additional 600 newly hired personnel, we were able to double the existing work force of PMOs to be deployed in some unmanned ports.” Today, the port regulator has a total of 3,151 plantilla positions. Santiago said his group aims to fill up all vacant positions in the next two years. “Hopefully, in the next two years, we will complete the filling up of all the vacant positions in the Authority and help reduce the unemployment rate in the country,” Santiago said.

House urged to prioritize passage of food-waste reduction bill

O save more people from hunger this new year, the chairman of the House Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday urged the leadership of the 18th Congress to immediately pass the House Bill 3370, or the proposed Food Waste Reduction Act when session resumes on January 20. Rep. Sharon Garin of AAMBISOWA Party-list said the proposal aims to reduce the country’s food waste through donations and waste recycling. Citing figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Garin said a Filipino household wastes 1.676 kilograms of rice annually. This amount of food waste represents a total of 38.507 million kg valued at P1.617 billion.

“There is a need to address our country’s lack of system when it comes to addressing food waste. For instance, food items continue to end up in dump sites instead of being repurposed as livestock feed which can help our farmers,” Garin said. The Special Food Committee on Food Security held its first meeting on bills related to Food Waste Reduction last December 2019. “We remain optimistic that provisions that can help bolster economic growth can still be added to this bill,” she added. Last Congress, the lower chamber already approved on third and final reading the proposed Food Waste Reduction Act, seeking to reduce food waste through food donations and food waste recycling.

Moreover, Garin, also citing 2019 State of Food and Agriculture Report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), noted how food-waste reduction can spur economic growth and improve agricultural production. However, she said the report also admits that it will come with a cost. Globally, FAO said around 14 percent of the world’s food is lost after harvesting and before reaching the retail level. With this, FAO encouraged countries to step up efforts to tackle the root and causes of food loss and waste at all stages, and provide guidance on policy and interventions to reduce food loss and waste.

PPP

FOR this to be realized, Garin said

the pivotal role of public-private partnership investments are needed. “The role of Congress now is to create an environment for private actors that will encourage them to invest in the effective implementation of food-waste management and reduction,” he said. House Bill 3370 calls for the mandatory donation of edible food surplus for charitable purposes and the creation of food banks. Upon its enactment, owners of covered establishments, such as restaurants, cafés, diners, fast-food chains, or hotels; supermarkets with at least 500 square meters of selling space; and culinary schools will be required to segregate their edible and inedible food surplus. The bill said the food surplus

shall then undergo inspection of the LGU based on the standards to be set by the National Nutrition Council and Food and Drug Administration. Only upon the certification of edible food surplus can it be donated to accredited food banks and distributed among food-insecure Filipinos. In addition to these, the bill also seeks to create a system that will effectively address the problem of food wastage in the country through a proposed education-informationcommunication campaign, with a comprehensive, multisectoral approach. The bill is in line with No. 2 and 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to eliminate hunger and foster responsible consumption and production, respectively. Jovee Marie N. Dela

Panasia proposes to build 1,700 MW cycle-gas plant in Ilijan, Batangas By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

ANASIA Energy Inc. (PEI), a subsidiary of Millennium Energy Inc., has proposed to put up a 1,700 megawatt (MW) combined cycle gas plant in Batangas worth P63 billion. “Upon expected commercial operations in 2024, the proposed project’s capacity of 1,700 MW and its annual associated energy of 6,307,200 MW hours shall be made available and provided to the Luzon grid,” the company stated in a filing submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. PEI said the project is the answer to the country’s growing demand for power, which is seen to outpace supply in the coming years. “The proposed project will help augment the demand for reliable and affordable baseload power supply. The proposed project will not only supply enough electricity to Filipino households and businesses but will also contribute to national development,” it said. Based on the Philippines demandsupply power outlook 2016 to 2040, the power supply from existing power plants is not enough to meet the continually increasing demand in Luzon grid at an average annual growth rate of 4 percent to 5 percent. “With this projection, an additional capacity is needed on top of the already committed power projects. In order to address the gap, PEI has proposed to install its project at Barangays de la Paz Proper and Ilijan, Batangas City,” said PEI. The power firm intends to carry out the project in two phases, each is targeted for completion in 30 months. Based on the project description, the thermal power plant will be an LNG (liquefied natural gas)-fired facility. “The proposed project will utilize a combined cycle gas turbine technology for…higher efficiency, lower emission [HELE] levels,” it said. HELE can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the efficiency of the power plant by producing more amount of energy with less coal. “The use of LNG as fuel will have an emission that is more of environment-friendly compared to other fossil fuel-fired thermal power plant,” it added. The power facility will be composed of four gas turbines, four compressors, two steam turbines, four generators for the gas turbines, two generators for the steam turbines, four heat recovery steam generators, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, electro-chlorination plant, switchyard facility and an optional LNG terminal facility. “Also, one of the considerations in the site selection is the proximity to the existing LNG pipeline of Shell Malampaya,” it added.

DENR exec: Help us address PSABE says AIPO accreditation to attract more Filipino youth into farming, fisheries Boracay Island garbage woes By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

N official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has appealed to Boracay Island stakeholders for their support and cooperation in helping address the garbage problem gripping the country’s top tourism destination. “The DENR cannot do it alone. The problem here is the lack of discipline of the people in Boracay,” Benny D. Antiporda, Environment undersecretary for solid waste management and local government units (LGUs) said during a

news conference in Quezon City on New Year’s Day. The official was reacting to reports that Boracay, previously the subject of massive rehabilitation by an interagency task force led by the DENR, is stinking with garbage after days of heavy rains and winds brought about by Typhoon Ursula. He said the cur rent focus of the Boracay Inter-Agenc y Task Force composed of the DENR , Depar t ments of t he Inter ior a nd L o c a l G o v e r n m e nt a n d Tour ism is to clear the beachfront of stink ing garbage and resume waste collection as soon as possible.

@joveemarie

HE Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) on Thursday said its accreditation to the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) would help attract more Filipino youth into farming and fisheries sector. PSABE President Dennis I. Tactac issued the statement following the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) has accreditation of PSABE in AIPO for the country’s agricultural and biosystems engineers (ABEs). The document on the accreditation was signed by PRC Chairman Teofilo S. Pilando Jr., and Com-

missioners Yolanda D. Reyes and Jose Y. Cueto Jr. It was promulgated on December 3, 2019. With PSABE’s accreditation, Tactac said farming and fisheries professions will become more known among young Filipinos. “Also, more ABEs would become aware of the developments in their profession, as PSABE regularly holds conferences, meetings and consultations among its ranks. The PRC’s move will result in all licensed ABEs automatically becoming members of PSABE,” he said. Also, Tactac said, the PRC’s accreditation of PSABE as the AIPO for agricultural and biosystems engineers in the Philippines is timely as the country’s agricul-

ture sector is facing great challenges from climate change and globalization. He said ABEs play a vital role in preserving the environment by addressing issued related to land and soil degradation through technology. “The role of agricultural and biosystems engineers is getting more significant as farming and fisheries will require using present and emerging technologies to become viable and profitable, in the face of challenges from extreme weather events and increased global competitions,” Tactac said. B e s id e s or g a n i z i n g A BE s through its national and regional chapters, he said PSABE has a pro-

gram to assist its members to attain Asean Certification, making them on a par in terms of expertise and competence with their Southeast Asian counterparts and practice their profession in other countries in the region. Tactac, however, said all of PSABE’s members and officers who have attained Asean Certification prefer to practice their profession in the Philippines and make major contributions to the country’s agriculture sector. He said PSABE also has a Young Engineers Section and has chapters in several state colleges and universities that would also help introduce and encourage more young people into the agriculture sector.

The World BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Friday, January 3, 2020

crash kills Taiwan’s Asia’s manufacturing industry Copter top military officer, 7 others end 2019 with brighter outlook T

sia’s manufacturing industry finished 2019 with a modestly brighter outlook, with fewer economies signaling contraction at factories. Purchasing manager indexes (PMIs) for South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan all moved above 50 in December, data from IHS Markit showed on Thursday. Malaysia improved right to the dividing line between expansion and contraction of 50, while Indonesia stayed slightly below it. “PMIs seem to have improved across the board in December and sentiment is likely to improve further, following the positive developments on the trade front,” said Priyanka Kishore of

Oxford Economics in Singapore. The regional readings come as China’s manufacturing sector continued to expand output in December, bolstering views that the world’s second-largest economy is stabilizing. China’s official manufacturing PMI remained at 50.2 and a subindex of new orders for export rose into expansion for the first time since May 2018. The Caixin Media and IHS Markit PMI showed China’s manufacturing index edged down to 51.5 in December from 51.8 in November.

“Twenty-nineteen was so bad, we are going to have a cyclical recovery,” Xia Le, Hong Kong-based chief Asia economist at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA told Bloomberg Television. “We can expect a cyclical recovery led by the exports sector and the manufacturing sector in the region.” South Korea’s manufacturers—often viewed as a key barometer of global demand—enjoyed the strongest performance since April, with both output and new orders pushing into positive territory for the first time since October 2018. India’s manufacturing PMI rose to 52.7 from 51.2 a month ago, backing a view that a nascent recovery in the economy was gathering steam. The pickup in activity was boosted by new orders, which grew at the fastest pace since July. Global manufacturing has recovered, somehow, from a mid-

2019 slump as the impact of higher tariffs impact waned and as signs of a nascent rebound in the electronics sector emerged, which is especially critical to Asia’s export engines. US President Donald J. Trump said he will sign the first phase of a trade deal with China on January 15, sealing an agreement that sees the Asian nation raising purchases of American farm goods in exchange for lower tariffs on some of its products. “Su r vey d at a showed t hat businesses anticipate 2020 to be more positive, as signaled by higher input purchasing and stockpiling,” Joe Hayes, an economist at IHS Markit said in a release. “Key to the reversal of the negative trend seen through most of 2019 seems to be new product launches, particularly in the automotive and electronic sectors.” Bloomberg News

Police, protesters clash in New Year’s Day rally in Hong Kong

ONG KONG—Hundreds of thousands of people packed Hong Kong streets for an annual New Year’s Day protest march as the monthslong pro-democracy movement extended into 2020 with further violence between police and demonstrators. Police said they arrested some 400 people for unlawful assembly and carrying offensive weapons as hard-line, black-clad youths broke off from the main group of marchers and attacked banks and ATMs with spray paint, hammers and Motolov cocktails. They smashed crossing lights, ripped bricks from sidewalks and barricaded roads in the downtown financial district. Banks and businesses identified with mainland China have been frequent targets of hardcore protesters. Police used pepper spray, tear gas and a water cannon to drive off the demonstrators, although a government statement said officers were “deploying the minimum necessary force.” Senior Superintendent Ng Lok-chun told reporters that “rioters” hijacked the protest march and, at one point, endangered police officers by surrounding and throwing objects at them, which led to police ordering the rally to be called off at 6:15 p.m. Thousands, however, remained in the area and many had yet to set off from the starting point at Victoria Park. The massive rally followed overnight clashes between police and protesters on New Year’s Eve in a densely populated shopping district. Police also used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons to break up groups of demonstrators who blocked traffic and lit fires in the street in the working class district of Mong Kok. Hong Kong toned down its New Year’s celebrations amid the protests that began in June and which have dealt severe blows to the city’s retail, tourism and nightlife sectors. Eric Lai, the vice convener of the march organizer, the Civil Human Rights Front, said he hoped to avoid a recurrence of the previous night’s violence.

A man waves Hong Kong’s colonial flag as people participate in their annual pro-democracy march on New Year’s Day to insist their five demands be matched by the government in Hong Kong on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. The five demands include democratic elections for Hong Kong’s leader, and legislature and a demand for a probe of police behavior during the six months of continuous protests. AP Photo/Vincent Yu

“We hope that the police can facilitate us, rather than provoking us, and to fire tear gas and water cannon at us,” he said. Such marches have often devolved at their conclusion into violence. Both sides have been accused of provoking clashes, and nearly 6,500 protesters as young as 12 have been arrested in scores of incidents on streets, in shopping malls and on college campuses. Recent protests have drawn participants from across Hong Kong society, sometimes numbering more than 1 million and packing the downtown area from Victoria Park to the government office complex a short distance away. Many of those joining in are concerned about an erosion of the former British colony’s civil liberties it was promised after being handed over to Chinese rule in 1997, along with a shortage of well-paying jobs, and a yawning

divide between the city’s ruling class and those merely getting by amid soaring housing costs. This year’s event appeared to be significantly larger than in past years, although estimates of the numbers of participants often vary widely between organizers and police. The protests began in June over proposed legislation that could have allowed residents to be extradited to China where they could face possible torture and unfair trials. The legislation was withdrawn, but not before the protests expanded to wider calls for reforms in the semiautonomous Chinese territory. Protesters Tuesday also gathered at the Prince Edward subway station, where police four months ago had rushed in, beating and tear gassing demonstrators who had no way to flee. That incident is among many cited by demonstrators as cases of police abuse

for which no one has been held accountable. The protests show no sign of ending despite an overwhelming victory by antiestablishment candidates in recent elections for district representatives, although their frequency and the level of violence has dropped off, somehow. In her New Year’s address, Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam said the months of protests had brought “sadness, anxiety, disappointment and even rage,” and she vowed to tackle underlying social and economic problems in the coming year. Lam said she would “listen humbly” to help bring an end to the protests, but also reinforced the importance of the “one country, two systems” framework under which China rules Hong Kong, and which brooks no challenge to the ruling Communist Party’s ultimate authority. AP

Some flee, others restock before Australian wildfires worsen

ERTH, Australia — Thousands of tourists fled Australia’s wildfire-ravaged eastern coast on Thursday ahead of worsening conditions as the military started to evacuate people trapped on the shore further south. Cooler weather since Tuesday has aided firefighting, and allowed people to replenish supplies. Vehicles formed long lines at gas stations and supermarkets, and traffic was gridlocked as highways reopened. But fire conditions were expected to deteriorate on Saturday as high temperatures and strong winds return. “There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw [on Tuesday],” New South Wales Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said. Authorities said 381 homes had been destroyed on the New South Wales southern coast this week and at least eight people have died this week in the state and neighboring Victoria, Australia’s two most populous states, where more than 200 fires are currently burning. New South Wales authorities in the morn-

In this image released on Thursday, January 2, 2020, from the DELWP Gippland, shows massive smoke rising from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria. Thousands of tourists are fleeing Australia’s wildfireravaged eastern coast ahead of worsening conditions as the military started to evacuate people trapped on the shore further south. Cooler weather has aided firefighting and allowed people to replenish supplies. DELWP Gippland via AP

ing ordered tourists to leave a 250-kilometer (155-mile) zone along the picturesque south coast. State Transport Minister Andrew Constance said it is the “largest mass relocation of people out of the region that we’ve ever seen.”

In Victoria, where 68 homes have burned this week, the military was helping thousands of people who fled to the shore as a wildfire threatened their homes Tuesday in the coastal town of Mallacoota. Food, water, fuel and

medical expertise were being delivered, and about 500 people were going to be evacuated from the town by a naval ship. “We think around 3,000 tourists and 1,000 locals are there. Not all of those will want to leave, not all can get on the vessel at one time,” Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The early and devastating start to Australia’s summer wildfires has led authorities to rate this season the worst on record. About 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land have burned, with at least 17 people dead and more than 1,300 homes destroyed. Prime Minster Scott Morrison said the crisis was likely to last for months. “It [fires] will continue to go on until we can get some decent rain that can deal with some of the fires that have been burning for many, many months,” Morrison told reporters on Thursday. Smoke from the wildfires made the air quality in the national capital, Canberra, the world’s worst in a ranking index Thursday and was blowing into New Zealand. AP

AIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan’s top military official was killed in an air force helicopter crash on Thursday morning that killed seven other people, the defense ministry said. Five people survived the crash in mountains outside the capital. As chief of the general staff, Gen. Shen Yi-ming was responsible for overseeing the island’s defense against China, which threatens to use military force to annex what it considers it own territory. The helicopter was flying from Taipei to the northeastern city of Ilan for a new year’s activity when it crashed. AP

In this March 7, 2019, file photo, Taiwanese top military official Shen Yi-ming salutes as he is introduced to journalists during a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan. The defense ministry confirmed that Shen and a number of others were killed in a helicopter crash in a mountainous area in New Taipei City early Thursday morning. AP Photo/Johnson Lai

Militiamen withdraw from US Embassy but Iraq tensions linger

AGHDAD—Iran-backed militiamen withdrew from the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on Wednesday after two days of clashes with American security forces, but US-Iran tensions remain high and could spill over into further violence. The withdrawal followed calls from the government and senior militia leaders. It ended a two-day crisis marked by the breach of the largest and one of the most heavily fortified US diplomatic missions in the world. The attack and its volatile aftermath prompted the Pentagon to send hundreds of additional troops to the Middle East and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to delay a European and Central Asian trip. In an orchestrated assault, hundreds of militiamen and their supporters broke into the embassy compound, destroying a reception area, smashing windows and spraying graffiti on walls to protest US air strikes against an Iran-backed militia over the weekend that killed 25 fighters. The United States blamed the militia for a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in the northern city of Kirkuk last week that killed a US contractor. The protesters set up a tent camp overnight, and on Wednesday set fire to the reception area and hurled stones at US Marines guarding the compound, who responded with tear gas. There were no injuries on either side and no American staff were evacuated from the compound. The Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group of state-allied militias—many backed by Iran—called on its supporters to withdraw in response to an appeal by the Iraqi government, saying “your message has been received.” By late afternoon, the tents had been taken down and the protesters relocated to the opposite side of the Tigris River, outside the so-called Green Zone—housing government offices and foreign embassies. US Apache helicopters circled overhead. “After achieving the intended aim, we pulled out from this place triumphantly,” said Fadhil al-Gezzi, a militia supporter. “We rubbed America’s nose in the dirt.” Trump has vowed to exact a “big price” for an attack he blamed squarely on Iran. Kataeb Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia targeted by the US air strikes, initially refused to leave but later bowed to demands to disperse. The militia is separate from the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, though both are backed by Iran. “We don’t care about these planes that are flying over the heads of the picketers. Neither do we care about the news that America will bring Marines,” said Mohammed Mohy,

a spokesman for Kataeb Hezbollah. “On the contrary, this shows a psychological defeat and a big mental breakdown that the American administration is suffering from,” he said, before withdrawing from the area. The violence came as Iran, and its allies, across the region have faced unprecedented mass protests in recent months and heavy US sanctions have cratered Iran’s economy. Iraq has been gripped by anti-government protests since October fueled by anger at widespread corruption and economic mismanagement, as well as Iran’s heavy influence over the country’s affairs. Those protesters were not involved in the embassy attack. The Pentagon sent an infantry battalion of about 750 soldiers to the Middle East. A US official familiar with the decision said they would go to Kuwait. Pompeo postponed a trip that was scheduled to start in Ukraine late Thursday so that he can monitor developments in Iraq and “ensure the safety and security of Americans in the Middle East,” said State Department Spokesman Morgan Ortagus. Iran denied involvement in the attack on the embassy. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted by media as saying that “if the Islamic Republic makes a decision to confront any country, it will do it directly.” Iran later summoned the Swiss charge d’affaires, who represents American interests in Tehran, to protest what it said was warmongering by US officials. Public consular operations at the embassy were suspended and future appointments cancelled, it said in a statement. Tensions have steadily risen since Trump withdrew the US from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, and embarked on a campaign of maximum pressure through economic sanctions. Iran has responded by abandoning some of its commitments under the deal. US officials have blamed Iran for the sabotage of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, and a drone attack on Saudi oil facilities in September that caused a spike in world oil prices. But the Trump administration has not responded with direct military action, apparently fearing a wider conflict. The US has sent more than 14,000 additional troops to the Gulf region since May, in response to concerns about Iranian aggression. At the time of the attack, the US had about 5,200 troops in Iraq, mainly to train Iraqi forces and help them combat Islamic State extremists. The US and Iran have vied for influence over Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Iran has close ties to Iraq’s Shiite majority and major political factions, and its influence has steadily grown since then. AP

Pro-Iranian militiamen and their supporters load trucks with items that were used in a sit-in at the US Embassy, in Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. US troops fired tear gas on Wednesday to disperse pro-Iran protesters who were gathered outside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad for a second day. AP Photo/Nasser Nasser

Friday, January 3, 2020 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Trust the courts

he past few days, certain US lawmakers have sounded as if they have the right to judge our judges by their own supposed standards of fairness and due process; as if the Philippine judicial system is an adjunct of the United States’s; or as if our lawyers and lawmakers are under their tutelage. At issue is whether or not US senators can use their country’s sovereign power to allow or deny entry to foreigners into their territory, in order to advance their jaundiced view of another country’s judicial system or its politics. No one disputes the US’s sovereign right to determine who to allow entry into America. But to use this power in order to assert their grossly mistaken view that they can dictate whether or not another sovereign power’s judicial system is flawed or not is something we cannot abide, simply because, one: it is a gross insult to our Constitution and our sovereignty as a nation; two: because Philippine courts, for all their faults—as American faults have theirs, aplenty —have acted as independent beacons for democracy when it mattered most. The de Lima case cannot be used as the litmus test of the Philippine courts’ independence. It would be grossly unfair, to say the least, to paint our courts as subservient to the incumbent Executive, on the basis of just one case. It is to ignore how a feisty judge from Quezon City’s Regional Trial Court, fighting the odds and ignoring numerous threats, continued and finished the trial of the Maguindanao massacre, rendering a widely hailed verdict. It is to ignore the many cases when judges during martial law, such as a QC magistrate named Miriam Defensor-Santiago, defied the Marcos dictatorship to render independent rulings on cases against activists and critics. In the early ’80s, when the dictator Ferdinand Marcos held sway over the so-called crony media, his minions filed case after case against Mosquito Press trailblazer Joe Burgos Jr. and his paper, obviously to wear them down. This, even as the inciting to sedition case filed against Burgos et al were still being heard in QC courtrooms after the infamous 1982 WE Forum raid. The cases against the Burgos papers came so frequently that there was one month when there were a dozen hearings for libel, filed by Marcos minions all over the country, from Ilocos up north, to Bacolod and Abuyog, Leyte, down south. WE Forum and, later, its sister paper Malaya, luckily had a battery of pro bono lawyers—Joker Arroyo, Bobby Tañada, Rene Saguisag and Jojo Binay, who handled the WE Forum case, and UP professor Perfecto V. Fernandez and Dean Antonio Coronel handling mostly the libel cases in courtrooms across the land. Two years after the WE Forum case, the Supreme Court en banc decided, in December 1984, that the raid was illegal, and that all evidence seized from such illegal raid was “fruit of the poisoned tree” and, therefore, could not be used in court, effectively striking down the sedition cases in the RTC. After the 1984 SC ruling, the libel cases were also mostly dismissed, after just a couple of hearings—attributable not just to the legal prowess of Coronel and Fernandez et al, but also the independence of certain prosecutors and judges. What did this teach us? One takeaway from the Mosquito Press experience is this: Never lose your faith in the justice system, because at the end of the day, dictatorship or not, they remain the only bulwark of a truly free society. Do judges and courts react to pressure? Of course, that’s a fair presumption. But to consciously allow a foreign power, and foreign lawmakers, to apply pressure on Philippine courts, in order to get them to produce a result that suits these foreigners’ views of what is fair and democratic, and to suit their so-called international standards for fair play, is wrong. A lot that President Duterte has done indeed deserves criticism, but we cannot let that disapproval of him to get in the way of a more fundamental principle—to respect and have faith in our judicial system, as a pillar of our democracy. Sovereignty is indivisible, so said Locsin, and the courts are part of that sovereignty. To allow foreign meddlers to treat it as subject to their standards is the height of folly. And from experience, the courts, even in the remotest parts of the country, delivered in the dark days of martial law. It’s time to put the Americans in their place, and remind them that, “hey, there’s so much you have to fix in your own courts and your own laws.” We are friends, and friends treat each other with respect. Sen. Leahy, please stop saying there are two ways your “ban” can be lifted, i.e., by releasing Sen. de Lima or giving her a trial that you consider fair. And Sen. Durbin, to compel the Duterte government to give a credible guarantee of a fair trial is akin to saying he can control the courts any which way. Wrong premise again. If the senator doesn’t get a fair trial, leave that to us Filipinos to redress. But until the courts are done with their task, it’s not fair to prejudge them.

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TELLTALES

E just kissed 2019 goodbye, and embraced the New Year with great hopes that 2020 will give us the perfect vision to chart our course ahead. May we have the clarity of vision, and the courage and fortitude to pursue our goals.

True to its name as the Year of the Pig, 2019 had afflicted our terrain with porcine malefaction, like the African swine fever and the ignoble pork barrel, which debased our annual budget preparation and disrupted our economic planning. The delayed enactment of the 2019 General Appropriations Act was blamed for our failure to achieve our economic targets last year, but 2020 promises to be different. The Year of the Rat will be awashed with funds. The 2020 budget bill, as of this writing, is just waiting for President Duterte’s signature in Malacañang, and is expected to be approved before January 6. Complementing the 2020 budget was Congress’s approval of Republic Act 11464, which would allow the government to spend the unutilized portion of the 2019 budget

until the end of this year. This will assure enormous funds to support the costs of social programs and the “Build, Build, Build” projects to catch up with our growth and development goals. Economically, 2020 may, yet, be the best year of Duterte’s presidency. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. The rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese calendar. It is not, exactly, an adorable animal, but it is smart, cautious and adaptable, and can survive under the most hazardous and decrepit conditions. These are the qualities that our hapless countrymen living in the disaster-prone areas need. Our New Year’s wish is to see an end to the destructive earthquakes, which have hit Mindanao severely with such intensity and frequency unseen, and unheard of, before. And to our beleaguered

Hope for peace

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

May the Year of the Rat lead us to greater success and prosperity

Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual

SERVANT LEADER

rothers and sisters, a blessed New Year! As 2020 arrives, and as we welcome the World Day of Peace, we are invited by the words from the book of Jacob 3:18, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” Long-term peace is still elusive in our current time. War continues across countries, like Yemen and Syria. It is said that 9 out of 10 people slain in the war are innocent civilians hit by bullets and bombs. Millions are forced to evacuate their homes to escape the danger and chaos, and those who aren’t blessed to leave the so called conflict areas are left to bear with suffering, hunger and disease. In our country, the five decades of war between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines still continues.

Peace talks have been held between the two camps countless of times, including the current administration. Before Christmas, the government stated their willingness and openness to attempt to resolve the disputes. They also declared a cease-fire during this season, which was soiled by armed attacks by the New People’s Army in Camarines Sur and Iloilo. Another threat to peace is the rampant killings brought by the government’s war against illegal drugs. Human-rights groups have reportedly recorded almost 30,000 victims

The rat is the first Zodiac sign in the Chinese calendar. It is not exactly an adorable animal but it is smart, cautious and adaptable and can survive under the most hazardous and decrepit conditions. These are the qualities that our hapless countrymen living in the disasterprone areas need. nation, may the alertness, cunning and vitality of the rat lead us to greater success and prosperity. nnn

I doubt if anyone remembers the name Raymond Poulidor, a French cyclist who had been a fixture in the Tour de France which he took part in for 18 successive years in the 1960s and 1970s. He never won the world’s premier biking event, but he climbed the podium eight times winding up either as the runner-up three times and third placer five times at the end of his glorious career. He raced against the best—the incomparable Belgian Eddy Merckx, and his daredevil compatriot, Jacques Anquetil. He lost to both, but only after memorable contests that he fought grittily pedal to pedal. He was, however, victorious in other races and, in fact, chalked up a total of 189 victories in his storied professional cycling

to date. Just last Christmas, Diocese of Kalookan Bishop Ambo David asked for prayers for the souls and families of victims in the war against drugs, where the latest victim was a construction worker from Navotas who was shot and killed right in front of his wife on Christmas Eve. It was said that the victim was involved with drugs. Aside from the wars mentioned, we must also concentrate on the loss of peace related to our fellowmen and the environment. The overbearing abuse we cause on the riches of the world by destroying and wasting them. We do not recognize the innate dignity of our fellow creations of God because we continue to use unclean energy, the irresponsible disposing of trash, using poisonous chemicals and others that cause pollution in the water, air and environment. If peace is what we truly long for, why should there be civilians caught in wars? Why should peace talks fail multiple times? Why should families be orphaned amid the war on drugs? Why should the water, air and environment be poisoned? The social teaching of our Church

career. One unforgettable encounter was the famous Milan-San Remo race, where he was sent the wrong way by a police marshall while he was leading the race, but he recovered in time, regained the pole position and captured the championship. But never the Tour de France. Despite his failure to win the biggest race of his life, the cycling world adored him. His countrymen was able to relate to him totally. They took his failures as their own, as these people similarly tried and failed repeatedly in their own endeavors. Poulidor died at age of 83 on November 13 last year. His obituary reads: “He did not get up each morning with the thought of winning. He did not think of winning, at all. His manager complained that he was always in a daydream, and it was true. Everything that was happening to him was marvelous enough. His memoir was called ‘La gloire sans maillot jaune’ glory without the jersey, which, in the end, he did not need. Eight times he had got within touching distance, and lost them all. But he could still say, as he often did, “Look how close I came.” Let’s face the New Year with the same positive attitude. Let us not be disillusioned by setbacks, but rather be inspired by what we have achieved. Let’s just run our own race, undistracted by what others are See “Dooc,” A7

emphasizes that “peace is a result of justice.” And justice is based on our proper relations with our fellow people and creations, and our responsibility in bestowing what is rightfully theirs. Therefore, threats from achieving peace not only comes from causing harm toward others, but from being silent in the midst of abuse. Brothers and sisters, in celebration of the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis is inviting us to strive for peace. As his holiness said, “Peace will not be obtained unless it is hoped for.” Wars, killings and destruction of our homes would never end, if we will not plant in our hearts and minds the hope for peace. This means that, first of all, we must believe that peace is possible. In this way, we will become people who love peace, and become true bringers of peace to our fellow man and all creation. Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 Ang Radyo ng Simbahan in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph, and follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts @veritasph and YouTube at veritas846.ph. For your comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.

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The 2010s wrecked the Epiphany in the Nationalist Church of Sts. Philip and James planet: Don’t despair yet Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

David Fickling

BLOOMBERG

he past decade hasn’t done much to inspire optimism about the future of the planet. Emissions from burning fossil fuels and land-use changes since the start of 2010 have been equivalent to about 407 billion tons of carbon dioxide. About one-sixth of all carbon emissions in human history happened in the past decade alone. Depending on the estimates used, emissions can continue at such a pace for 10 or at best 20 more years before all hope of avoiding more than 2 degrees Celsius of global warming is gone. The path that keeps the world closer to 1.5°C is already almost impossibly narrow—and the trend is still going in the wrong direction. “Energy-related emissions hit another historic high in 2018,” the International Energy Agency (IEA) wrote in the latest edition of its annual energy outlook. There’s a persistent gap between “expectations of fast, renewables-driven energy transitions and the reality of today’s energy systems in which reliance on fossil fuels remains stubbornly high.” Yet, while that’s true, there’s a surprising amount of evidence that the needed transformation has started to play out—especially in power generation, which accounts for the largest slice of emissions. To see why, compare current activities with the scenarios of future emissions the IEA first put out just over a decade ago, in 2009. These modeled two different futures: A “reference scenario” that assumed no new policies to limit carbon; and a “450 scenario” that assumed efforts would be rapidly stepped up to restrict the Earth to 2 degrees of warming. It’s hard to argue we’re in a 450 world. That model imagined all rich countries joining an international carbon market by 2013, with binding emission-reduction targets for 2020. All other major economies would join a similar market by 2021, while separate international agreements would limit emissions from the transport and industrial sectors. In the wake of the failure of last month’s Madrid climate conference, such a degree of global cooperation looks fanciful. Only in Europe have we seen anything of the sort. Yet, despite all that, power generation appears to be tracking closer to the 450 than the reference scenario. Electricity generators pumped about 13.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 2017, according to the IEA’s latest report on global emissions. Even if pollution continues to grow at 10-year average rates this year and next, that should leave the world about 842 million tons short of the reference scenario, and only 258 million tons above the 450 scenario. That’s impressive. Apart from the lack of policy action, unsubsidized renewables weren’t able to compete

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doing. Many times, we don’t have to win the race; all we need is to reach the finish line. nnn

Everyone on this planet knows Jeff Bezos. He is the world’s wealthiest person when his net worth reached $150 billion in July 2018. He founded the largest online retailer, Amazon.com Inc., in 1994 in his garage, which he envisioned while driving cross country from New York to Seattle. When he was young, he spent summers with his grandparents. Even at a young age, he loved numbers and tried to demonstrate it when he had the opportunity. One thing he hated was smoking, especially when someone did it while

on price with fossil-fired power until the middle of the 2010s. Nowadays, they’re starting to undercut even existing thermal plants. On top of that, the past decade saw a nuclear shutdown after 2011’s Fukushima accident that added about 2.4 billion tons of carbon emissions over six years. Had Fukushima not happened, grid emissions could now be tracking more or less in line with the IEA’s rosiest 2009-vintage expectations. The improving economics of renewables and the deteriorating outlook for coal-fired power suggest the dynamic could move in an even more positive direction during the 2020s. So much for the good news. The bad news is that while the power sector is shifting in the right direction, it accounts for less than half of global fossil-fuel emissions—and things look worse, not better, elsewhere. While the pace of growth in industrial and transport emissions has slowed, they’ve not only failed to bend toward the IEA’s 450 scenario —they’re actually emitting more carbon than the dirtier reference projection. Total emissions of 33.1 billion tons in 2018 look likely to end up closer to the 34.5 billion ton reference scenario for 2020 than the 30.7 billion ton 450 version. On top of that, the 2009 estimates have been invalidated by pollution pumped since then. We’re already overdrawn on our carbon budget. We’ll need to work even harder over the coming decade just to get back to balance. Still, what’s happened in the power sector offers encouragement. A decade or so ago, the idea of economically competitive low-carbon power looked like science fiction. “Most unit energy costs seem likely to remain higher than fossil fuels,” Nicholas Stern wrote in his influential 2006 review of the economics of climate change, “and policies over the next 25 years should be based on this assumption.” That forecast ultimately proved too pessimistic. As with previous global action to tackle sulfur and ozone emissions, reducing carbon emissions from power generation appears to be a surprisingly tractable problem. If the world can start a similar transformation in transport and industry throughout the 2020s and advance on the progress with electricity over the past 10 years, it may still be possible to rein in humanity’s carbon addiction before it’s too late. inside the car on a long distance trip that his grandma loved. One such occasion while the three of them were inside the car with his grandpa at the wheels, Jeff said that a smoker loses two minutes of his life per puff of cigarette, and at 20 puffs per cigarette at the rate of one pack a day for 30 years, he concluded: “Grandma, you’ve taken 16 years of your life from smoking,” and explained the math. Suddenly, the old woman burst into tears. Watching all this, his grandpa stopped the car and asked Jeff to follow him behind the car. Jeff sensed he was in deep trouble and prayed for a less severe consequence. His grandpa gently held his shoulders and softly said to him: “You’ll learn one day that it’s much harder to be kind than to be clever.” Have a great New Year to everyone.

istory is never always the better judge. This was the lesson inside the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). It was the day before Christmas: a friend, Kristian Sendon Cordero, poet and filmmaker, and I were in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. He asked me to come along for his first cursory research on the life of Fr. Vicente Ramirez. Cordero’s dream is a film; mine was faith. It was the turn of the century. Isabelo de los Reyes, intellectual and translator, came back to the country. He is said to have encouraged Gregorio Aglipay, who had served as military chaplain for the Revolutionary government, to form a Filipino Church. In the book, Nation’s Historical Sense and Ecclessiality for Life, the author, Junes Almodiel, articulates the debate about the formation of the Philippine Independent Church. Almodiel points out succinctly how the Romanists, the name given to those who sided with the Colonial Church as opposed the Filipinists, continued to call the Nationalist Church as Aglipayan. There was a reason behind this and that was to make the PIC a personal crusade of Aglipay. The label came with the disparaging remarks about how Aglipay was merely pursuing his own ambition and that he just wanted to head his own Church and get married. If these rumors were meant to disparage Aglipay and the Nationalist Church, it succeeded. As a little boy in Ticao, we lived in a house on the hill. It fronted the Aglipay Church. We used to sneak into the Church because the older boys told us there was a skull displayed inside. We never saw the skull. It was part of the narrative used to scare us. Father Ramirez, often described as fiery, was the first ordained bishop of the Church that is also known as the Philippine Independent Church. In the compound of the independent Church is the white, humble bust of Ramirez. It is propped on a low pedestal at the left side of the Church, and remains a quiet witness to a congregation that has fought the persistent and cruel colonization. If you think colonization is merely an annexation of territories, think again. Colonization is the sustainability of a mind that reflects blindly

and with such obsequious dumbness and arrogance the ideologies of the conqueror whose presence is embedded in this shadowy notion of civilization. Ramirez ceded the old Lagonoy Church to the new Church movement of the Filipinistas. Confront this question: who owns the land and the Churches and convent? But we know the story, another priest, a Bicolano by the name of Jorge Barlin defended the Roman Catholic Church in the court case that is considered to have made an impact on Philippine jurisprudence. Barlin won. On November 24, 1904, the American-backed Supreme Court ordered the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to return all the Church properties to the Roman Catholic Church. To many of us, Barlin is the hero. As a result we have a Catholic Church that has no link to the history of battle for independence. As a result, we have a Church that has backed the Regalian notion of ownership, supporting a structured inequality and the poverty constant with it. That Catholic Church which was victorious in court is now the institution grappling with its own contradictions. The Church which was on the side of the Revolutionaries became marginalized, mocked and, today, even questioned in terms of its theology. History has made one Church named after the two saints, Philip and James, smaller. But the same history that has relegated this church to the dim background is the same history from which we can ask the liberating questions. What happened to history? This is the first question. The question of independence has always been a fuzzy concept for us because we really do not understand the idea of faith and nation. We separate the two as we separate

spirituality from cultural identities. We are gross products of this odd bifurcation. There is a Church and it remains a Church of the elite. It is an extension of a Church in a place called Vatican. It is a city that is not ours. It is a city steeped in its own myth. It is ruled by a head, a Pope, whose origin may have been about a disciple but whose directions in histories straddled the vicious murder of other civilizations. In the Papal vaults can still be found the mighty tiara that made this Pope an emperor before he started dispensing infallible soup for the sick soul. It is a Church with a sordid past. I was looking at this humble Church and a convent even humbler. I entered the Church and saw icons that were also in my Catholic Church. But to say that there is not much difference between this Church and the wealthier Roman Catholic Church is a grave disservice to what happened in history. Again, in the book of Junes Almodiel, it is stated how the Iglesia Filipina Independiente was born in the period when resistance was continuing. The proof to this were the many laws passed by the American colonizers punishing acts or intentions that they assumed tended to subvert their occupations. There was the 1901 Sedition Law, which forbade any advocacy for independence. There were also the laws banning the display of the Philippine flag and the singing of the “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” which we presently call “Lupang Hinirang.” Stories handed to us and now validated in many studies, including that of Almodiel, present to us an independent church that became ideologically different from the Roman Catholic strand. Its priests allowed the flag to be used as vestment during the Mass. When the Blessed

Sacrament was elevated, songs about love for God and country were sung. Gripping and moving was the image of the Host being raised to the music of the national anthem. What is, however, significant about the IFI is not so much its similarity to the old Roman Catholic rituals but how it decided to retain all the rituals and the sacraments. With the old, original rites not banished, the new independent Church was saying the God and the Teachings brought over by the colonizers were not wrong; rather, the complex of beliefs, contrary to what the friars and colonial officials hammered in our minds, could be administered by local priests and teachers. As with the wheel, there was no need to reinvent the Divine. That is independence! With all the celebrations around the introduction of Christianity, we ignore this artefact of incendiary protest. I doubt if the IFI is even mentioned by Catholic historians as a crucial element in the narrative of this nation. We’d rather focus on a sailor and his factotum who first circumnavigated the world than look intently at this schism, this separation from a Church that continues to suppress our freedom to know freedom. In that humble Church in Lagonoy, I saw the light of Christmas. It was not from the Star that guided Men with Gifts; it was from a Church that continued to tell the magnificent tale of God made Man located locally and conscious of the native desire for true independence. This is a Church that can make us understand what seems to be an exotic and quixotic quest for a Promised Land, right here in our own natal East.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s centripetal force

By Andreas Kluth | Bloomberg Opinion

entrifugal or centripetal, which force will prevail in the European Union in 2020? A lot suggests it’ll be the former, with the EU drifting apart. Its third-biggest memberstate is preparing to exit. Populists are railing against Brussels and want their “sovereignty” back. Conservatives in the north balk at deeper integration of the euro area.

One woman who wants to nudge the EU in the opposite direction is Ursula von der Leyen, the new president of the European Commission. The EU needs “a centripetal force, coming again and again as the uniter,” she once told me, when she was still defense minister of Germany. She stretched that point into an extended metaphor. A mother of seven, she has almost superhumanly balanced her career and her sprawling, often unruly family. The EU is like such a family, she told me. It’s not a nation and, therefore, won’t ever have one “leader.” But it shares a common destiny, even if it’s always at risk of being pulled apart. That’s why it needs a uniter. A mom, basically. Von der Leyen, who is considered a feminist in her party, the Christian Democratic Union, wears the mom label proudly. In that as in other respects, she seems to have taken a page out of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s book. For years, von der Leyen was rumored to be interested in succeeding Merkel. More plausibly, she was simply taking notes: Merkel, dur-

ing much of her 14-year reign, was known to Germans as “Mutti.” The similarity is one of style, not substance. Merkel, though capable at managing international crises, has never expressed a bold policy vision. Von der Leyen, by contrast, has already outlined several big goals for the EU. She wants to lead a “geopolitical commission” that can stand up to the US and China. She’s determined to give Europe a digital upgrade and migration reform. Above all, she promises a “European Green Deal” to make the whole union carbon neutral by 2050. She can only announce such visions, however, not execute them. That’s because she has a surprisingly fluid role, one that’s badly understood outside of Brussels. The commission is often called the EU’s executive. But it’s less like a government and more like a civil service that also participates in ambassadorial rites. Running it is hard enough, because it consists of a “college” of 26 other commissioners who view their portfolios as personal fiefs. Fitting

it into the EU’s overall institutional architecture is even harder. First, there’s the European Parliament, which von der Leyen got off to a bad start with because of the way she got her job. She was chosen by EU leaders in several rounds of backroom horse trading, after French President Emmanuel Macron dropped her name. Parliament was so miffed at being sidelined, it confirmed von der Leyen only by a nail-biting nine votes, then rejected three candidates for her commission, delaying its inauguration by a month. Then there’s the Council of the European Union, in which ministers of member-states co-legislate with the commission. And there’s the European Council, in which national leaders gather, club-like, to set overall policy direction and hammer out compromises. (To make the confusion sublime, there’s also a Council of Europe, which has nothing to do with the EU at all.) The European Council is in effect a collective EU presidency. Besides the 28 (soon 27) leaders, it also includes von der Leyen and the body’s own president, currently Charles Michel, a former Belgian prime minister. One problem in recent years was that von der Leyen’s predecessor, Jean-Claude Juncker, and Michel’s, Donald Tusk, didn’t get along. That impeded cooperation between their institutions. Underneath such rivalries hums a constant din of general bicker-

ing—within the parliament, among national leaders, and between the institutions. The cast ranges from bone-dry Eurocrats to wanton gadflies and flamboyant prima donnas. The relationship currently being watched is that between the “Jupiterian” Macron and the matter-of-fact pastor’s daughter Merkel. Brussels really is like an unruly family. One European leader who has excelled in this environment is in fact Merkel. Over the years, she perfected the art of taking steam out of the blustering of other leaders. She doesn’t rise to provocations and sits out tantrums before gently allowing even unreasonable interlocutors to climb down from their trees. She has been a stabilizing presence. Von der Leyen has served in three of Merkel’s cabinets (as minister of families, labor and defense). Both women grasp intuitively that female leaders have no need to arm-wrestle with the alpha males, either metaphorically or literally, as Macron did with US President Donald J. Trump. As any mom knows, what matters is that everybody eventually sits properly at the table. If anybody can hold the EU together, then, it may well be von der Leyen. Born in Brussels as daughter of a German politician who was then helping to negotiate the Treaty of Rome, the foundation of what is today the EU, she’s fluent in French and English, and has the “ever closer union” in her blood.

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DOLE imposing partial ban on deployment to Kuwait

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) started the New Year by announcing it will soon stop the deployment of newly hired household service workers (HSWs) bound for Kuwait, as Philippine officials press for the full prosecution of the employers behind the fatal beating of a Filipino maid.

“This should serve as a clear message to Kuwaiti authorities. The partial ban may ripen into total deployment ban if justice for Jeanelyn Villavende is not met.”—Bello

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said the partial deployment ban will not cover HSWs with existing contracts, as well as skilled and vacationing workers. He disclosed the ban, which was recommended by the Philippine

Labor Attache for Kuwait Nasser Mustafa, aims to compel the Kuwaiti government to “give immediate justice” to Jeanelyn Villavende, who was allegedly killed by her employer last month. “This should serve as a clear message to Kuwaiti authorities. The partial ban may ripen into total deployment ban if justice for Jeanelyn Villavende is not met,” Bello said in a statement. He said they are ready to repatriate the estimated 260,000 OFWs based in Kuwait, the majority of whom are HSWs, if the total deployment ban becomes effective for the Arab country. See “Kuwait,” A2

ABS-CBN case ‘not a press freedom issue’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE grant of a legislative franchise is a “privilege” given at the discretion of the State, and the constitutional right to press freedom “does not apply” in the case of ABS-CBN, the chairman of House Committee on Legislative Franchises asserted

on Thursday. In a statement, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez strongly reminded ABS-CBN that this congressional franchise allowing the network to continue its operations beyond March 30, 2020, is “a privilege, and not a right,” under the law, as critics in recent d ays e x pressed concer n t hat the shutdown of the Lopez-led

TAIL END OF A COLD FRONT AFFECTING SOUTHERN LUZON INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE AFFECTING SOUTHERN MINDANAO as of 4:00 pm - January 2, 2020

media empire represented political vendetta by the Duterte administration. “Constitutional right to press freedom is a separate concern that does not apply in this case [of ABSCBN],” he added. Alvarez insisted—despite President Duterte’s repeated remarks about his determination to shutter the network and his advice to the

Lopezes to “just sell” it—that there is no attempt to muzzle or control the media, “so do not try to make this a press freedom issue when it is not.” ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate is set to expire on March 30, 2020. Under Republic Act 3846, radio and television broadcast stations are required to seek a franchise from Congress before being allowed to operate. Alvarez noted that the Supreme Court in the case of Radio Communications Philippines Inc. v. National Telecommunications Commission had stated that the grant of a franchise is “merely a privilege emanating from the sovereign power of the state and owing its existence to a grant, is subject to regulation by the state itself by virtue of its police power through its administrative agencies.” Nonetheless Alvarez vowed that his panel will thoroughly study and hear all sides regarding ABSCBN’s application for its franchise renewal. “This is why we have to hear all sides, and find out if ABS-CBN violated the provisions of its franchise.” According to Alvarez, the House of Representatives has assured ABS-CBN that it would be fair and objective in reviewing its application for the renewal of its franchise. “The advice of [House] Speaker Alan [Peter Cayetano] to us was to make sure that we would be always fair and impartial in reviewing the application of ABS-CBN, or the application of any other public utility, for that matter. At the same time, it is Congress’s duty to accept complaints and hear issues brought up in any case or objections,”Alvarez said. “Does the President and many others who have made statements against ABS-CBN’s election coverage and election ad placement system, have a legitimate grievance against ABS-CBN? Did ABS-CBN violate the provisions of its franchise? Can ABS-CBN credibly defend its privilege of being granted a renewal of its franchise? These are just some of the questions that our committee will seek to answer when we conduct hearings on the matter once Congress resumes session three weeks from now,” Alvarez said. For his part, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said he would file a resolution on January 6, urging the Committee on Legislative Franchises to report out without further delay for plenary action a consolidation of nine pending bills proposing the renewal of the media giant’s franchise. “The freedom of the press is enshrined in the Bill of Rights and franchises as private bills exclusively emanate from the House of Representatives,” he said.

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second monthly expansion in seven months. The Philippines ranked second in the region in terms of PMI during the month. At the country level, Myanmar continued to top the rankings, recording the highest headline figure of the seven monitored countries. Vietnam ranked in third after the Philippines followed by Thailand and then Malaysia. The PMI of Indonesia and Singapore continued to slip below the 50-mark in December, which indicates that their manufacturing sector is in the contraction phase. For the Philippines, manufacturers increased production only marginally, with the pace of growth weakening to a 27-month low. While stronger sales helped businesses to expand output overall, some firms mentioned that delays

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as of end-November 2019. “This strong position has helped keep the local currency,” he said. S&P said it may raise its ratings further over the next two years “if the government makes significant further achievements in its fiscal reform program, or if the country’s external position improves such that its status as a net external creditor becomes more secure over the long term.” Another factor is a determination of a marked improvement in the Philippines’s “institutional settings.” Dominguez said this means that the prompt approva l of the remaining packages of the comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) plus other pending economic reforms, such as the amendments to the Public Services Act (PSA), Retail Trade Act (RTA) and the Foreign Investments Act (FIA), will secure for the Philippines an “A” credit rating in two years’ time.

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“Confident in their ability to move components and associated services across multiple locations, businesses have been able to disaggregate manufacturing production across countries and regions. Trade within these value chains today accounts for almost 70 percent of total merchandise trade,” he added. Azevedo also connected the decline in global extreme poverty rate to 10 percent to the rise of GVCs, as developing nations are able to catch up with developed economies in terms of increased purchasing power and consumer choice. “In recent years, WTO members have agreed to streamline border procedures through a landmark agreement on trade facilitation projected to lift trade by over $1 trillion per year. They have also liberalized trade in information-technology products, and abolished harmful farm export subsidies,” Azevedo said in the statement. However, the WTO chief did not deny the challenges faced by the organization today, most especially the introduction of trade restrictions by several governments over the past two years, affecting $747 billion in global imports last year. “Despite these considerable achievements, it is no exaggeration to say that the WTO faces challenges today that are unmatched in our relatively short history. Over the past two years, governments have introduced trade restrictions covering a substantial amount of international

in input deliveries and difficulties in sourcing raw materials curtailed production. Traffic issues were still a key factor influencing supplier delivery times, although panelists noted that typhoons and congestion at Manila port also contributed to the slowdown. “Most notably for manufacturers though are clear supply-side issues that are restricting output. Growing road and port congestion, particularly in Manila, remain a key feature of businesses’ concerns,” said David Owen, economist at IHS Markit. “ T he gover nment has a nnounced its ‘Build, Build, Build’ program to address the problem which some firms are hopeful will reduce supply chain blockages. Nevertheless, for the moment, production is being limited, and may remain so until these issues have been addressed,” he added. He said the government is stepping up the implementation of these reforms in 2020 and keeping a low debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio as part of its “Road to A” initiative aimed at securing the coveted “A” rating, which is accorded only to the world’s most stable economies. “We have to take certain action to do this. Among them is our tax reform program. In order to increase our tax revenue as a percentage of GDP, that’s very important. Also to make sure that our GDP is growing faster than our loans so that we don’t reach a 42 percent debt-toGDP ratio,” he said. Dominguez said the Department of Finance, Bureau of the Treasur y, Nationa l Economic and Development Authority and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas are spearheading the efforts to secure an “A” rating, which is crucial in offsetting the impact of the preferential interest rates that the Philippines will lose once it ascends to upper middle-income country status by 2020. Bianca Cuaresma

trade—affecting $747 billion in global imports in the past year alone,” Azevedo argued. “The rising uncertainty about market conditions is causing businesses to postpone investment, weighing on growth and the future potential of our economies. How WTO member governments face up to these challenges will shape the course of the global economy for decades to come,” he added. As such, Azevedo advised governments to focus on the preservation and strengthening of multilateral trading rules upheld in the WTO, including negotiations aimed at slashing the most harmful fishing subsidies that are causing the depletion of oceans. “Members know that we must have an agreement by June at our 12th Ministerial Conference in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, or we will have to collectively shoulder the blame for missing a critical target for the Sustainable Development Goals. Agriculture negotiations have been reenergized with members taking pragmatic steps to identify where agreement on vitally important issues may be reached,” Azevedo said. According to the WTO head, the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference in Kazakhstan is expected to deliver new agreements, and frameworks, that will contribute to the stability of the multilateral trading body and its rules. “If the last 25 years have taught us anything about the WTO, it is that this organization is resilient and resourceful. We have served our members well over this past quarter of a century and we will continue to do so in the future,” Azevedo concluded.

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If you have any information / objection to the above mentioned application/s, please communicate with the Regional Director thru Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare (EPWW) Division with Telephone No. 400-6011.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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SEC okays PSE rules on SBL, short selling By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the guidelines for securities borrowing and lending (SBL) and short selling that will be implemented by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) as one of its new products. “With the implementing guidelines on short selling in place, we look forward to more robust activity in the stock market. The Commission,

however, notes that it shall not balk at exercising its authority to suspend or prohibit short selling in an exchange when necessary for the protection of

investors,” SEC Chairman Emilio B. Aquino said. The SEC approved the implementing guidelines during its meeting last December 17, subject to the adoption of certain amendments outlined by the SEC’s Markets and Securities Regulation Department. In short selling, an investor borrows the security from another person and sells it, as he views it as as being overpriced and anticipates that its price will go down. When the price goes down, the investor buys it back and delivers it to the lender, and pockets the difference. The investor profits from the price difference, while the lender benefits from the transaction by receiving

ADB to conduct study on sale of govt hydro power assets–PSALM By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to conduct a study on the sale of two hydro power assets of the government, according to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM). “Yes, ADB will study [sale of] CBK [Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan] and Casecnan,” PSALM President Irene Joy Garcia said via SMS. ADB’s target is to craft the “best privatization scheme” for the CBK Hydroelectric Power Plant (CBKHPP) and Casecnan multipurpose hydropower plant. “They’re completing the members of their team that will conduct the study. I am expecting an update on that by middle of January,” added Garcia. The CBK hydro facility consists of the 22.6-MW Caliraya in Lumban, 20.8-MW Botocan in Majayjay, and the 684.6-MW Kalayaan 1 and 2 in Kalayaan, Laguna. J-Power and Sumitomo Corp. of Japan operate the CBK power plants. The 140-MW Casecnan project, meanwhile, was built following the signing of a

build-operate-transfer contract between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and California Energy (CE) Casecnan Water and Energy Co. Inc. in 1994. CE Casecnan’s contract with the government will lapse on April 5, 2022, while that of J-Power will end on February 7, 2026. The Casecnan asset is 60 percent owned by the National Power Corporation (NPC) and 40 percent by the NIA. Under Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) of 2001, Garcia said the NPC will transfer to PSALM the 60-percent stake. “By virtue of Epira, we step into the shoes of NPC and were supposed to get the 60 percent. That’s precisely why there is a need to study. We need to see how we can best structure the privatization. Obviously, we need to carve out that 60 percent, so how do you carve it out? How do you divide the assets? Is it going to be an identification of what are the irrigation assets and what are the power assets? If you look at the agreements, there are really no implementing provisions on exactly how to sort of divide the 60 to 40, so that’s what we need to work on,” said Garcia.

PSEi falls on first trading day

Philippine Stocks Exchange President and CEO Ramon Monzon (from left), PSE COO Roel Refran and PSE Chairman Jose Pardo lead the opening of trading on Thursday, after the long holiday at the PSE Building in Bonifacio Global City. Photo by NONIE REYES

hare prices fell during the first trading day of the year on Thursday as investors flocked to China after its central bank cut its required reserve ratio by 50 basis points. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell close to 1 percent or 72.73 points to close at 7,742.53 points. The said cut of the Chinese central bank will be implemented on Monday but analysts said investors flocked to China and Hong Kong as the move will free up some 800 billion yuan or about $114 billion in long-term liquidity to the banking sector. “Given the sudden announcement

both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets traded higher, while regional counterparts, including the Philippines, ended the first trading day of the year lower,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp. Here in the Philippines, the board of directors and management of the PSE and its subsidiaries ushered in 2020 by ringing the opening bell on the first trading day of the year. The first trading day festivities also included a champagne toast and the traditional coin and candy shower. Continued on B2

fees similar to loan fees and charges. The SEC earlier approved PSE’s guidelines on short-selling transactions in an en banc meeting on June 5, 2018. Pursuant to the memorandum of agreement entered into by PSE and Capital Markets Integrity Corp. on January 26, 2012, the former shall remain responsible for and retain full jurisdiction over the implementation and enforcement of trading rules on short selling. CMIC is a unit of PSE. The implementing guidelines of CMIC address concerns over the effect of SBL and short-selling transactions on trading participants’ books and records, error transactions, and

the possible impact on trading participants’ risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA) ratio. Among others, the guidelines reiterates that short sale transactions shall be limited to eligible securities, which shall refer to securities of companies comprising the PSE index and to exchange traded funds. Trading participants have the responsibility to ascertain that the parties have entered into the necessary borrowing arrangements prior to entering a short sale transaction. Trading participants lending securities of one client to another must be registered with the SEC, and must have a Securities Lending

Authorization Agreement in place. Meanwhile, those lending and borrowing shares with the counterparties should have a Master Securities Lending Agreement. The guidelines prohibits naked short selling, requiring customers to execute a notarized undertaking prior to entering a short sale. The undertaking must specify, among others, that the customer understands the relevant securities laws, rules and guidelines. It will require the submission of biannual summary reports of outstanding and liquidated SBL transactions and stock returns, and a certification of submission of said reports to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, January 3, 2020

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

January 2, 2020

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

8100 254829721 68422713.5 16850560 849 3660504 181875777.5 325580 3574365 154067 120440 71587600 133385 1112650 48000 20020 2760 237920 1150 10950 195270 2460 180028 658800

-91231293 3219745 -2614 -116084792 -876155.0003 -47906812 577 7200 -33960 -0 -91500

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 2.28 2.29 2.23 2.39 2.21 2.29 4748000 10878250 ALSONS CONS 1.21 1.28 1.21 1.28 1.21 1.21 446000 539780 33.9 34.4 33.5 34.8 33.5 33.9 730500 24940675 ABOITIZ POWER 0.238 0.243 0.232 0.243 0.232 0.243 70000 16850 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 23 23.45 23.95 23.95 23 23 326700 7596630 FIRST PHIL HLDG 68 68.95 68.3 68.95 68 68 30800 2101505.5 311.2 316 302.8 316 301 316 114300 35386490 MERALCO 9.69 9.7 8.77 10 7.62 9.7 44062700 396208006 MANILA WATER PETRON 3.93 3.99 3.86 4 3.83 3.95 595000 2338780 PETROENERGY 3.94 4.1 3.8 4.1 3.8 4.1 11000 43780 11.7 12 11.94 12 11.6 12 70800 845908 PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL 32.9 33.1 32.9 33.2 32.6 32.9 41700 1373310 SPC POWER 8.35 8.4 8.45 8.48 8.2 8.4 100000 837058 AGRINURTURE 13.2 13.46 13.48 13.48 13.46 13.46 201500 2712200 2.61 2.63 2.61 2.65 2.52 2.63 1916000 4,941,850( AXELUM 15.16 15.2 15.26 15.26 15.06 15.16 21300 322414 CENTURY FOOD DNL INDUS 9.5 9.51 9.55 9.6 9.46 9.5 523600 4975524 EMPERADOR 7.2 7.21 7.21 7.25 7.2 7.21 44600 321987 84.05 84.5 85 85 84 84.5 19770 1665885.5 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.5 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.49 0.51 240000 120690 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.22 1.22 1.12 1.2 22614000 26414670 GINEBRA 38 38.25 38 38 37.6 38 12600 477540 213 213.2 216 216.6 210.4 213 377920 80506314 JOLLIBEE 5.85 6.22 6.19 6.19 6.19 6.19 11100 68709 MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP 11.98 12 12.4 12.4 11.8 12 51300 621936 MG HLDG 0.154 0.18 0.153 0.153 0.153 0.153 4000000 612000 PEPSI COLA 1.91 1.92 1.91 1.92 1.91 1.91 23669000 45210180 9.86 9.9 10.1 10.1 9.9 9.9 35500 352328 SHAKEYS PIZZA 2.22 2.23 2.2 2.22 2.19 2.22 918000 2031630 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 1000 5300 SWIFT FOODS 0.114 0.116 0.116 0.116 0.116 0.116 800000 92800 141.1 141.9 143.1 143.5 137 141.1 1323560 186176661 UNIV ROBINA 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.23 1.18 1.21 2813000 3374400 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.48 2.57 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2000 5200 CONCRETE A 64.1 69.6 64.4 64.4 64.3 64.3 620 39888 2.02 2.03 2.01 2.04 1.98 2.03 2146000 4311680 CEMEX HLDG 5 5.46 5 5 5 5 300 1500 DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT 14.7 14.78 14.88 14.88 14.7 14.78 155200 2296140 EEI CORP 9.56 9.6 9.8 9.8 9.47 9.55 22100 212008 13.4 13.56 13.5 13.56 13.4 13.56 149600 2010468 HOLCIM 16.08 16.1 16.32 16.32 15.98 16.08 448200 7,219,776( MEGAWIDE PHINMA 9.86 10 10.08 10.08 9.86 10 7300 72394 TKC METALS 0.99 1.01 1.01 1.02 1.01 1.01 59000 59750 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.87 0.85 0.85 1261000 1077400 VULCAN INDL 163.3 173.8 174 174 163.3 163.3 870 149989 CHEMPHIL CROWN ASIA 2.13 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.09 2.15 159000 337420 EUROMED 1.6 1.73 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 21000 33600 4.8 4.87 4.6 4.8 4.5 4.8 52000 236400 LMG CHEMICALS CONCEPCION 28.3 29.8 30 30 27.1 29.8 1200 34585 GREENERGY 1.85 1.87 1.86 1.87 1.81 1.87 3961000 7327550 INTEGRATED MICR 7.72 7.9 7.92 7.92 7.72 7.9 11600 91730 IONICS 1.23 1.3 1.29 1.29 1.25 1.25 41000 51850 4.72 5 5.43 5.43 5 5 17200 90300 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.84 0.78 0.84 168000 134030 CIRTEK HLDG 3.75 3.78 4.15 4.15 3.74 3.75 4403000 16589430

-941500 3630 -6403570 -4358040 -1627143 -6000502 -25479314 -515620 -378435 5927 -6720 1,208,699.9997) -15442 40184 -20178 -2325 -147600 95415 1578462 -25320 -42825470 -170390 28860 -90464640 691200 -627360 1500 1429372 -103240 -488668 2,716,032.0001) -10080 8500 -68800 -33600 82050 22960 4000 8100

HOLDING & FRIMS

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

53.05 152.8 86.95 24.95 6.21 11.78 64.95 20.5 35.6 57.45 23.45 186.6 57.1 1.01 1.85 18 0.55 3.82 1.16 0.36 825 0.8 175 1830

0.89 9.95 765 51.3 11.3 2.93 6.46 0.66 0.92 0.89 6.7 6.7 13.1 0.206 844 5.2 77.7 6.17 0.485 3.7 11.98 0.56 3.36 4.32 1.17 2.73 1.23 190 1031 162 0.75 206.6 0.201 0.19

54 154 88 25 8.49 11.8 65 20.8 35.7 57.5 23.5 188 58 1.06 1.99 18.42 0.68 3.83 1.21 0.38 850 0.83 177.5 1835

0.9 10.08 770 52.25 11.36 2.94 6.59 0.68 0.93 0.96 6.75 6.74 13.2 0.227 854.5 5.4 78 6.59 0.5 3.72 12 0.59 3.37 4.64 1.2 2.99 1.29 199 1039 164 0.81 214 0.217 0.2

54 153.8 86.1 25.1 8.49 12.04 65.85 20.45 35 57.5 23.9 193 57.7 1 1.85 18.42 0.7 3.84 1.15 0.365 849 0.83 177.8 1830

0.86 10.44 790 51.45 11.54 2.98 6.59 0.68 0.93 0.95 6.71 6.5 13.48 0.204 849 5.2 79.05 6.18 0.485 3.71 11.98 0.55 3.37 4.69 1.18 2.95 1.26 191 1015 163.8 0.75 214 0.202 0.2

54 154 88 25.1 8.49 12.04 66.1 20.45 36 57.5 23.9 194.9 58.3 1.01 1.85 18.42 0.7 3.84 1.15 0.365 849 0.83 177.8 1830

0.92 10.44 790 52.25 11.54 3 6.59 0.69 0.93 0.96 6.82 6.76 13.48 0.206 856 5.2 80.5 6.65 0.5 3.72 12 0.59 3.38 4.69 1.2 2.99 1.29 204 1058 164 0.81 214 0.202 0.2

54 152.1 85.95 24.95 8.49 11.74 64.9 20.3 34.5 57.45 23.5 186.2 57.7 0.85 1.83 18 0.68 3.82 1.15 0.365 849 0.8 175 1830

0.85 9.94 759 51.25 11.3 2.92 6.59 0.66 0.91 0.95 6.63 6.16 13 0.203 843 5.2 75.9 6.18 0.485 3.7 11.52 0.54 3.2 4.22 1.18 2.95 1.26 189 1011 160 0.75 214 0.201 0.19

54 154 88 25 8.49 11.78 65 20.3 35.7 57.5 23.5 186.6 58 1.01 1.85 18.42 0.68 3.82 1.15 0.365 849 0.83 175 1830

0.9 10.06 770 52.25 11.3 2.94 6.59 0.68 0.93 0.96 6.75 6.7 13.2 0.206 854.5 5.2 78 6.64 0.5 3.7 12 0.59 3.36 4.3 1.2 2.99 1.29 204 1039 164 0.81 214 0.201 0.191

150 1663060 781910 672800 100 308800 2795490 16000 101200 2680 5100 381240 2300 1113000 26000 1100 4000 62000 1000 30000 230 3000 1020 360

19081000 32800 312530 749930 5195600 976000 1300 36000 426000 202000 995100 13376600 79500 1080000 26480 8500 1200040 8100 2000 717000 530600 212000 23307000 91000 1070000 20000 52000 470 356730 59860 11000 20 17000000 380000

17062570 330243 240749680 39031131.5 59072076 2867980 8567 24250 395390 191920 6704275 87230348 1038324 222120 22504300 44200 93654455 50585 985 2654680 6357368 116530 77920260 396520 1263400 59440 65700 90090 367713300 9770070 8310 4280 3433300 72640

-298500 -31828245 -145079.5 -32800558 -237960 190000 -279987 28428245 -12606275 -45879046.5 -445240 -1684000 27944130 -22610 -8940 -100001535 -4038143 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.8 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.79 0.8 505000 403220 AYALA LAND 44.65 44.9 45.2 45.3 43.5 44.9 8624300 382323420 -117203280 1.32 1.35 1.31 1.35 1.26 1.35 237000 305270 3960 ARANETA PROP 1.98 2 1.98 1.99 1.98 1.98 30000 59510 BELLE CORP A BROWN 0.7 0.72 0.71 0.71 0.7 0.7 44000 30860 CITYLAND DEVT 0.82 0.85 0.81 0.85 0.81 0.82 34000 27670 6.4 6.5 6.8 6.8 6.5 6.5 38400 250635 CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS 4.74 4.8 4.83 4.83 4.74 4.74 601000 2896570 992540 CENTURY PROP 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.53 0.54 1231000 653660 -530000 CYBER BAY 0.385 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 50000 20000 18.86 19.04 18.88 19.04 18.86 18.86 75800 1435026 306524 DOUBLEDRAGON 9.8 9.89 9.55 9.9 9.55 9.8 51000 495818 -2251 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.42 0.435 0.42 0.435 0.42 0.435 30000 12750 FILINVEST LAND 1.5 1.51 1.52 1.52 1.49 1.5 5883000 8824910 -1246260 1.16 1.19 1.15 1.19 1.15 1.19 13000 15070 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 14.72 14.76 14.74 14.76 14.74 14.74 254900 3757234 -229944 PHIL INFRADEV 1.22 1.26 1.25 1.26 1.2 1.26 833000 1009450 -33880 CITY AND LAND 0.66 0.77 0.72 0.77 0.72 0.77 8000 5960 3.92 3.97 4.03 4.08 3.92 3.92 21722000 86339840 2774800 MEGAWORLD 0.187 0.188 0.191 0.191 0.185 0.187 9450000 1764030 20460 MRC ALLIED PRIMEX CORP 2.09 2.1 2.08 2.11 2.04 2.09 249000 517200 ROBINSONS LAND 28.65 29 27.3 29 27.2 29 1514400 43109710 -12527670 2.1 2.13 2.1 2.18 2.1 2.1 209000 449110 -259420 ROCKWELL 3.14 3.21 3.21 3.21 3.12 3.12 10000 31920 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.4 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.4 2.48 116000 286460 SM PRIME HLDG 42.2 42.25 42 42.25 41 42.25 8397900 350068670 -100645245 VISTAMALLS 5.56 5.66 5.66 5.7 5.55 5.66 42900 242219 1.17 1.18 1.23 1.25 1.14 1.18 4388000 5184660 SUNTRUST HOME PTFC REDEV CORP 44.9 49.9 44.9 44.9 44.9 44.9 500 22450 VISTA LAND 7.52 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.54 7.6 2652400 20144476 -16805905 SERVICES ABS CBN 15.7 15.76 15.4 15.7 14.8 15.7 152500 2335472 GMA NETWORK 5.34 5.35 5.32 5.39 5.32 5.35 372000 1990507 0.385 0.405 0.36 0.39 0.36 0.385 190000 73400 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 2034 2048 2000 2048 1990 2048 18055 36484995 1309220 PLDT 993.5 994 996 998 988 994 107530 106930635 27617260 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.041 0.042 0.042 0.042 0.042 0.042 6800000 285600 4.8 4.88 4.88 4.88 4.88 4.88 10000 48800 DFNN INC IMPERIAL 1.66 1.81 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66 10000 16600 ISLAND INFO 0.099 0.103 0.1 0.103 0.099 0.103 8460000 838080 -1030 ISM COMM 3.88 3.89 3.52 4.01 3.52 3.88 12931000 49670570 -743880 2.5 2.51 2.52 2.62 2.41 2.5 1691000 4231640 -302610 NOW CORP 0.275 0.28 0.27 0.28 0.265 0.28 2560000 698950 TRANSPACIFIC BR PHILWEB 2.5 2.52 2.56 2.6 2.49 2.52 150000 375330 -20020 2GO GROUP 9.9 10.1 10.4 10.4 9.8 10.1 303600 2976060 18 18.5 18 18.5 18 18.5 190400 3427400 3420000 ASIAN TERMINALS 5.7 5.74 5.49 5.74 5.48 5.7 1875900 10579272 -192150 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 88 88.35 89.5 90.45 88 88 67470 6020149.5 -3266139.5 INTL CONTAINER 130 130.3 128 131.9 128 130 1975660 256390042 -13245193 12.74 13.98 12.74 12.74 12.74 12.74 200 2548 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.85 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.86 0.86 125000 107750 MACROASIA 16.56 16.86 16.96 16.96 16.6 16.9 4100 68846 -20414 METROALLIANCE A 0.95 0.99 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.95 313000 297200 1 1.14 1 1 1 1 43000 43000 METROALLIANCE B PAL HLDG 7.17 7.79 7.85 7.85 7.11 7.79 2200 16361 -2145 HARBOR STAR 1.05 1.06 1.09 1.09 1.02 1.05 1070000 1117660 53410 ACESITE HOTEL 1.39 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.39 1.39 36000 50390 WATERFRONT 0.6 0.61 0.58 0.6 0.58 0.6 220000 131730 6.91 7.08 7.08 7.08 7.08 7.08 100 708 CENTRO ESCOLAR FAR EASTERN U 890.5 893.5 890 890 890 890 2580 2296200 STI HLDG 0.6 0.61 0.6 0.6 0.59 0.6 814000 485900 BERJAYA 4.32 4.35 5 5 4.01 4.35 1623900 7212514 108250 10.82 10.84 11.32 11.32 10.74 10.84 2791000 30297882 -11669116 BLOOMBERRY 2.38 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 10000 25000 -2500 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 2.4 2.45 2.42 2.42 2.37 2.4 148000 355030 14220 MANILA JOCKEY 3.33 3.35 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 30000 99900 4.42 5 5 5 4.8 5 506500 2531320 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.57 0.58 0.59 0.59 0.56 0.57 1677000 950370 -285120 ALLHOME 11.56 11.64 11.64 11.64 11.52 11.64 855200 9924298 -1747234 METRO RETAIL 2.11 2.12 2.12 2.12 2.09 2.11 114000 239640 39.55 40.05 39.75 40.45 39.4 40.05 2080500 83265710 162005 PUREGOLD 79 79.95 79.8 79.95 77.9 79.95 54990 4391808 -1075754.5 ROBINSONS RTL SSI GROUP 2.7 2.72 2.78 2.78 2.69 2.72 315000 854680 WILCON DEPOT 17.94 17.96 18 18 17.9 17.94 868300 15586742 1359538 0.385 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.385 0.385 530000 205300 APC GROUP EASYCALL 8.8 9 7.79 9.4 7.76 9 432300 3824856 -18687 GOLDEN BRIA 425 438.4 438.4 438.8 438.4 438.4 570 249932 135908 IPM HLDG 6.9 7 7 7.05 7 7 2900 20385 0.335 0.34 0.34 0.345 0.325 0.34 2810000 931500 33100 PRMIERE HORIZON 8.71 9.24 9.26 9.26 9.26 9.26 2000 18520 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 10.02 10.88 10.96 10.96 10.6 10.88 75800 803972 APEX MINING 1.02 1.03 0.99 1.03 0.99 1.03 1150000 1159820 -20960 0.0014 0.0016 0.0015 0.0015 0.0012 0.0014 414000000 582800 ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING 2.41 2.52 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1000 2500 BENGUET A 1 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 4000 4520 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.27 0.28 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 120000 32400 2.88 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.86 2.89 603000 1738300 CENTURY PEAK FERRONICKEL 1.78 1.79 1.81 1.86 1.76 1.79 1671000 2999450 162360 GEOGRACE 0.196 0.201 0.201 0.201 0.196 0.201 60000 11920 LEPANTO A 0.091 0.094 0.094 0.094 0.094 0.094 130000 12220 0.0074 0.0077 0.0075 0.0075 0.0074 0.0074 5000000 37100 MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES 0.98 0.99 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.98 48000 47120 NIHAO 0.98 1.02 1.02 1.02 0.98 1.02 4000 4030 NICKEL ASIA 3.24 3.25 3.46 3.48 3.16 3.25 5586000 18605340 -136850 0.74 0.76 0.74 0.74 0.72 0.74 25000 18310 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 2.82 2.85 2.84 2.85 2.81 2.85 568000 1606310 -57000 SEMIRARA MINING 21.7 22 22.1 22.25 21.45 22 254000 5540415 -163380 UNITED PARAGON 0.0052 0.0059 0.0052 0.0052 0.0052 0.0052 67000000 348400 9.8 9.88 7.33 10.1 7.33 9.88 2754200 25047300 -601405 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 22000000 242000 ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 4600000 50600 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 62000000 635100 8.5 8.58 8.64 8.64 8.41 8.5 229700 1950603 -488146 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 97.75 99.75 97.6 99.75 97.6 99.75 360 35480 AC PREF B1 499 507 510 510 510 510 10 5100 505 507 507 507 507 507 10 5070 AC PREF B2R DD PREF 100.2 101 100.1 100.2 100.1 100.1 3710 371407 SMC FB PREF 2 997 998.5 997 997 997 997 700 697900 FGEN PREF G 108.1 111.9 111 111 111 111 100 11100 500 508 500 500 500 500 10 5000 GLO PREF P MWIDE PREF 100.4 101 100.2 100.2 100.2 100.2 20 2004 PNX PREF 3A 100.9 102.1 100.6 102.1 100.6 102.1 240 24297 PNX PREF 4 1024 1030 1022 1034 1022 1034 55 56810 1025 1049 1031 1031 1026 1026 1350 1386335 PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B 1050 1065 1050 1050 1050 1050 200 210000 SMC PREF 2C 76.7 77.4 77.4 77.4 76.7 76.7 7750 598940 SMC PREF 2F 76.1 76.95 76 76.1 76 76.1 1920 145940 15219.9999 75 75.05 75.05 75.05 75.05 75.05 5000 375250 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 75 76 75.2 75.2 75.2 75.2 13100 985120 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR

15.4

14.96

3300

49372

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.1

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ITALPINAS 3.61 KEPWEALTH 9.7 XURPAS 0.78

1.35

3.68 9.71 0.79

3.79 9.8 0.76

3.79 9.8 0.78

3.6 9.43 0.76

3.61 9.7 0.78

228000 124500 771000

828910 1188903 595830

12402 -

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

116.1

116.6

117.2

115.1

116.1

11930

1383777

4055

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘More PHL companies rolled out productivity programs’

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

he government is on track to achieving its target number of companies that will implement productivity improvement programs after receiving training from state agencies. National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy told the BusinessMirror that all concerned government agencies were able to exceed the outcome indicator set by the Department of Budget and Management for productivity programs for 2017 and 2018. “Our target indicator is for 50 percent of the firms that we trained should be able to implement their productiv it y programs. We were able to exceed this,” Sy said. She cited the latest Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, which indicated that 54.4 percent of the total 32,288 establishments employing 20, or more, workers in 2017 implemented various productivity improve-

ment programs (PIPs).

Info drive

Sy attributed this to the intensified information drive conducted by the government, which increased the awareness of companies about the state’s productivity enhancement programs. NWPC Deputy Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo said the usual misconception of trainees is that PIPs will lead to the displacement of employees and agencies were able to address this in their information drive. However, Damo said productivity programs allow companies to expand their operations due to lower cost and better production. This, in turn, she said, will lead to more employment opportunities. Damo said government agencies usually dispel misconcep-

Ongpin-led PhilWeb elects new president

ngpin-led PhilWeb Corp. on Thursday said Brian K. Ng was elected as president of the company, and will assume the position on February 1. Ng, who is currently senior vice president for gaming since January 2011, replaces Dennis O. Valdes, who is moving to Alphaland Corp. Ng was formerly connected with Affinity Express Philippines Inc., RR Donnelley Global Outsourcing Spi and the Print Town Group of Cos. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the Ateneo de Manila University, and an MBA from the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business. “We are very pleased with the election of Brian to the post of president. He is capable handling of our gaming

operations over the past years gives us great confidence that he will bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to the task of propelling PhilWeb to new heights, especially as we continue our dual push in e-casino and e-bingo,” Valdes said. PhilWeb is an accredited service provider of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., for its network of electronic gaming outlets. Its wholly owned subsidiaries include BigGame Inc. and Easy E-Bingo Inc., which operate e-games and e-bingo outlets, respectively. As of the end of 2019, PhilWeb had 89 electronic gaming outlets, either directly owned or under management control, composed of 66 e-games outlets and 23 e-bingo outlets. VG Cabuag

PSEi falls on first trading day Continued from B1

During the program, PSE Chairman Jose T. Pardo expressed his confidence that products pending approval will be given the go signal by regulators this year. He also shared the optimism of some analysts that the PSEi will soar to new highs, given the favorable economic backdrop. “There’s a lot to look forward to and accomplish this 2020. This will only be possible if we all work together, and collaborate on initiatives that will help make PSE more competitive in the region. I know that we can continue counting on all of you, our stakeholders, to support our capital market development initiatives,” Pardo said. At the PSE, almost all of the subindices ended on the red with the exception of the Services index that gained 3.20 points to

close at 1,534.30 points. The broader All Shares index shed 30.92 to 4,618.75, the Financials index fell 31.64 to 1,832.01, the Industrial index declined 147.60 to 9,487.47, the Holding Firms index was down 74.54 to 7,517.53, the Mining and Oil index lost 82.02 to 8,009.96, and the Property index dropped 9.40 to 4,145.12. Losers led gainers 111 to 60 and 66 shares were unchanged. Foreign investors were net sellers at P852.24 million. Manila Water Co. was the day’s most actively traded company but it fell more than 6 percent, or P0.66, to close at P9.70, Ayala Land Inc. was down P0.60 to P44.90, SM Investments Corp. declined P4 to P1,039, SM Prime Holdings Inc. rose P0.15 to P42.25 and International Container Terminal Services Inc. rose P1.40 to P130. VG Cabuag

tions by stressing that the PIPs will translate to a better bottom line for companies. “It is usually when we mention the impact of productivity programs on their profit and performance that companies show interest in our program,” she said. Of the said companies with PIPs in the latest ISLE, 20.8 percent, or 6,715, were given technical aid by the NWPC and its regional wage boards. The Department of Trade and Industry accounted for 2.6 percent of the firms with PIPs, while the Department of Science and Technology accounted for 1.7 percent. The Development Academy of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries only accounted for 0.3 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. The top PIPs implemented by firms were the 5S of Good Housekeeping (62.3 percent), Continuous Process Improvement (41.9 percent), Client Satisfaction Measurement (41.2 percent), Total Quality Management (38.4 percent) and Suggestion/Feedback Scheme (30.2 percent).

mutual funds

T hese prog ra ms benef ited almost 2.2 million workers by boosting their production, reducing complaints from customers or work-related accidents and illnesses, and minimizing waste.

Challenge

While Sy lauded the large number of micro, small and medium enterprises with PIPs, she expressed concerned over their sustainability, as many of them do not have the corresponding incentive schemes for it. Only 8,313 of the 17,564 companies with PIPs have gain-sharing schemes, which are usually in the form of cash, but may also be in kind, like gift certificates, grocery items, subsidized leisure trips, electronic gadgets and home appliances. W it hout suc h “mot ivat ion strategy,” she said there is a high chance PIPs will not last very long. “So if they already have a good awareness in implementing productivity programs, we hope they will also have the same interest for incentive scheme to make the programs sustainable for the program,” Sy said.

January 2, 2020

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 251.89 -0.13% 1.61% -0.73% -0.45% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3823 -4.08% 1.54% -3.63% 0.28% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6791 -5.75% -1.51% -3.54% -0.45% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.8975 0.8% n.a. n.a. -0.6% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.8495 3.5% n.a. n.a. -0.42% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 5.3296 1.09% 2.8% -0.89% -0.29% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,6 0.8539 2.56% -1.3% n.a. -0.33% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 103.47 -11.28% n.a. n.a. 0.06% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 51.2915 4.2% 4.17% n.a. -0.36% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 532.9 3.5% 2.82% -0.29% -0.39% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,8 1.0301 n.a. n.a. n.a. 0.37% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.2869 2.62% 3.45% 0.47% -0.39% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 37.8971 3.45% 4.37% 0.38% -0.4% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.0181 n.a. n.a. n.a. -0.36% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 5.2235 4.8% 1.64% -0.36% 5.34% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 872.08 5.27% 4.77% 1.58% -0.35% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.8517 -1.13% 1.65% n.a. -0.36% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.2102 3.71% 3.98% 0.59% -0.46% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 1.0009 4.87% 4.56% n.a. -0.35% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.654 4.36% 5.69% 2.36% -0.46% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 116.9625 5.61% 5.5% 2.55% -0.33% ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.0259 11% 7.04% 0.78% 0.23% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.372 24.13% 9.82% n.a. 0.07% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5631 -5.36% -2.1% -4.16% -0.24% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1813 -1.27% -0.54% -1.47% -0.24% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.632 3.46% 2.85% -1.23% -0.17% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,5 0.2285 n.a. n.a. n.a. -0.78% Grepalife Balanced Fund Corporation -a 1.3294 1.92% n.a. n.a. 0% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.7895 7.21% 2.58% 0.3% -0.23% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.962 6.61% 2.5% 0.21% -0.23% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.1258 2.58% 2.2% 0.89% -0.43% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.864 5.81% 3.44% 0.54% -0.27% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d,2 1.0158 n.a. n.a. n.a. -0.23% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9965 n.a. n.a. n.a. -0.22% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9933 n.a. n.a. n.a. -0.24% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.975 5.77% 2.85% -0.5% -0.38% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03823 8.48% 3.08% 2.02% 0.16% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -a $1.0331 11.33% 5.4% 0.65% 0.05% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.8944 17.69% 7.78% 3.96% 0% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,7 $1.125 11.93% 4.6% n.a. 0.02% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 357.8 4.2% 2.75% 2.31% -0.01% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9017 2.3% -0.32% -0.74% 0.02% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.1144 4.83% 5.09% 5.17% 0.01% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.225 4.44% 2.27% 1.97% 0.06% 2.26% 1.51% 0% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.3589 6.79% Grepalife Fixed Income Fund Corp. -a P 1.6065 2.72% 0.67% -0.19% 0% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.3722 11.54% 2.62% 1.68% 0% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.7882 7.71% 2.95% 1.48% 0.3% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 0.9642 8.03% 1.51% n.a. 0.03% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.075 11.2% 4.59% 2.63% 0% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7008 10.47% 4.12% 2.1% -0.02% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $468.22 4.45% 2.7% 2.78% 0.04% Є219.73 3.33% 1.59% 1.29% 0.01% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2057 7.14% 3.2% 2.56% -0.05% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0258 3.61% 1.46% 1.29% 0% Grepalife Dollar Bond Fund Corp. -a $1.7091 1.11% -0.06% 0.12% 0% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -a $1.094 5.7% 1.42% -0.65% 0.09% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4034 10.71% 3.67% 2.98% 0.06% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0603144 5.85% 2.26% 2.01% -0.06% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1751 10.56% 3.07% 2.46% 0.11% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities 125.78 4.09% 2.85% 2.17% 0.01% ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a,3 1.03 n.a. n.a. n.a. 0.01% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.2563 6.35% 3.06% 1.71% 0% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2643 3.74% 2.88% 2.36% 0.02% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0371 2.11% n.a. n.a. 0% Feeder Fund Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,4 $0.99 n.a. n.a. n.a. 0% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is January 3, 2019. 2 - Launch date is January 28, 2019. 3 - Launch date is February 1, 2019. 4 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 5 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 6 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 7 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019.8 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. "While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

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Banking&Finance

QC gives tax credit to residents for help in socialized housing

OR helping realize 35 housing programs for the underprivileged and homeless citizens, tax credit awaits Quezon City real property owners who have dutifully paid their socialized housing and real property taxes for the past five years. “The tax credit is our way of thanking our real property taxpayers who have become our partners in building homes for our less fortunate citizens,” a statement from the Office of Mayor Joy Belmonte quoted the mayor as saying. “Through this, we hope to encourage more real property owners to regularly pay their taxes so they can also contribute to our housing programs for the poor,” she added. As mandated by City Ordinance SP-2095 S-2011, or the Socialized Housing Tax (SHT) of Quezon City, the local government has imposed additional one-half percent (0.5 percent) tax on properties (land) with an assessed value amounting to more than P100,000. The fees collected were then used to purchase and develop land, and to build and improve socialized housing facilities.

City Assessor Sherry R. Gonzalvo clarified that tax credit will be extended to registered property owners who have dutifully paid their taxes for five years, upon the effectivity of the SHT. The tax credit shall be enjoyed by the taxpayer over the said period in five equal yearly installments in an amount equivalent to 20 percent of the total SHT paid. Gonzalvo also clarified that all delinquent SHT collectibles must or should be complete and paid in order to qualify for the tax credit. Moreover, in line with the city’s compliance to the Ease of Doing Business Act, qualified taxpayers will enjoy the tax credit without the unnecessary documentary requirements and processes. Gonzalvo said the QC Information Technology Development Office will work on a service program that automatically computes the tax payments and deducts the tax credit from the total amount due. Real property tax can also be paid in Quezon City Business Centers located in several malls.

Developing a culture of foresight

MY Hissrich, vice president for web site strategies and communications at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), in her keynote presentation at PCAAE’s recent Associations Summit 7 (AS7), laid out a framework for associations on developing a culture of foresight. Based on ASAE Foundation’s project, “ASAE ForesightWorks,” the framework aims to help association professionals think about leading their organizations into the future. It is grounded in the concept of foresight: a systematic, multistepped process for discerning, analyzing and acting on potential futures. Actually, many association professionals already practice foresight, frequently in connection to one of these four goals: to support strategic planning and strategy development, to inform members on anticipatory learning, to conduct risk analysis, and to inspire innovation and business development. However, in most cases, these actions are not integrated and insufficient. Amy first stated the purposes of having a culture of foresight: (a) make future-informed decisions in the present, (b) identify emerging issues that matter to members, (c) identify new opportunities for member value, (d) plan investments in new technologies and (e) increase the association’s relevance. She outlined a systematic process for foresight that can be easily integrated into other strategic planning processes, from defining the key questions to taking action: 1. Framing—This ensures a manageable project scope and purposeful outcomes. What information is needed, who needs to know, why is it important, and what needs to be done with the information collected? 2. Scanning—This involves a systematic search for the patterns of change across a variety of data sources and resources. Scanning also includes identifying the context for and relationships between potential changes to organize the scan results into meaningful information. 3. Forecasting—This

Association World Octavio Peralta involves thinking through potential futures. How might this pattern of change affect how work is conducted? What are positive, negative, and ideal possible futures connected to this change, and what are the implications of each? 4. Visioning—This sets the future direction. Associations need visioning at critical turning points in their industry or profession. Without clear vision, it can be easy to lose sight of what needs to be accomplished. Who do we want to be, how we can better serve society and what will be our highest contribution to the future? 5. Planning—This requires leaders to identify actionable steps to make their vision a reality. Scanning and forecasting the future out as far as 10 years is an important exercise in making more strategic decisions in the near term. Planning for that 10year horizon puts the association in a position to work toward the preferred future and meet potential challenges. 6. Acting—This turns the theoretical preferred vision of the future into the association’s reality. The vision and the plans must be effectively communicated to all stakeholders, champions must be recruited, and actors in the process must buy in to their roles. As foresight becomes a regular part of an association’s strategic planning process, acting on the results will become a more ingrained part of the organizational culture. The contributor, Octavio Peralta, is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives and president of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations. The purpose of PCAAE—the “association of associations”—is to advance the association management profession and to make associations well-governed and sustainable. PCAAE enjoys the support of Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine International Convention Center. E-mail: obp@adfiap.org

BusinessMirror

Friday, January 3, 2020 B3

Baht’s sudden drop in the new year shows drawn battle lines

HE battle over the Thai baht intensified in the new year, with the currency suddenly dropping even before domestic markets opened.

The baht plunged as much as 1.8 percent last Thursday, the biggest decline since 2007, to 30.226 against the dollar in early Asia trading. That wiped out the gains made earlier this week when it had surged to a 2013 high. “It’s likely to be central bank intervention given that the central bank has mentioned that they’ll be fighting against baht strength,” said Mingze Wu, a foreign-exchange trader at INTL FCStone in Singapore. It may also have been due to dollarbaht bears overextending their positions, he said. Thailand’s currency appreciated almost 9 percent in 2019, the best performer in Asia, as its large current-account surplus lured investors seeking haven assets during an intensifying US-China trade war.

Authorities have battled markets to keep gains in check, taking measures, including rate cuts and easing rules on outflows. Liquidity in the currency market is normalizing even as the baht remains volatile, Bank of Thailand Assistant Governor Vachira Arromdee said on Thursday. There still remains high fluctuations in the baht as the market is still adjusting to the buying and selling of dollars, she said. The central bank remains concerned about the baht’s appreciation and is ready to consider additional measures, according to minutes of its December 18 rate meeting released on Thursday.

Past 30

THE baht had jumped as much as

Portraits of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn are displayed on 1,000 (from left), 500, 150 and 20 baht notes in an arranged photograph in Bangkok, Thailand. Bloomberg

0.9 percent to surpass 30 per dollar on Monday, prompting a statement from the central bank playing down the surge. It said an imbalance in demand and low market liquidity during the holidays had impacted the currency. Thailand’s reserves and its current-account surplus are key factors luring investors to the baht. The central bank’s foreign-cash pile stands at $222 billion, while the current-

account surplus was $3.38 billion in November. Policy-makers need to encourage overseas investments by local investors to trim the current-account surplus, said Stephen Innes, chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader in Bangkok. Domestic investors’ risk bias is to stay at home and the barrier to change that behavior is “massive,” he said. Bloomberg News

IC approves Malayan’s Return to Value insurance

alayan Insurance Co. Inc. said its Return to Value (R2V) insurance product has received the green light from the Insurance Commission. In a statement, the nonlife insurance company said it will be launching a comprehensive auto insurance rider that covers not only the motorcar but even the depreciation value of a totally destroyed vehicle. The subsidiary of the Yuchengco Group of Cos. explained its R2V is a

rider to Malayan’s original comprehensive automotive insurance it calls “Automaster.” With R2V, the insured gets the full value of the motorcar in the event of total vehicle loss, the company said. “Originally, motorcar insurance only covers the amount of the vehicle based on its actual cash value when the incident occurs,” the insurance firm said. “But with R2V, the policy owner can also secure the gap between the

original purchase price and its actual cash value at the time of loss.” This means that the vehicle owner will get two valid claims if an insured vehicle gets involved in a car collision and acquired damages beyond repair. For example, a newly acquired vehicle is worth P1 million. After a year, its actual value has depreciated by P100,000 for example. Then, it is involved in an accident resulting in total damage to the one-year-old vehicle.

Hong Kong SAR’s iconic HSBC lion statues caught in protests’ crosshairs

XPERTS in Hong Kong could be facing a dilemma unseen in more than six months of protests: How to clean a pair of iconic bronze lion statues that have stood guard over HSBC Holdings Plc.’s main offices for decades as one of the city’s foremost symbols of colonial-era largess. Demonstrators defaced the lions, nicknamed “Stephen” and “Stitt,” last Wednesday during a mass march intended to show Beijing they would continue to fight its grip into the new year. They splashed the statues with red and black spray paint that depicted bleeding from the eyes, and a phrase in Chinese saying HSBC had been dyed the red of China. At least one statue was set ablaze. Workers struggled to scrub them clean last Thursday morning. The lions’ visages adorn local bank notes issued by HSBC and are a remaining symbol of colonial rule and cultural heritage in the former British outpost. “This is terrible! Worse than even a foreign invasion,” one woman said as she passed by. Another woman cried.

Stephen and Stitt

HSBC first brought the two lions—animals the Chinese believe bring good fortune and prosperity to those they guard—to watch over its Shanghai office on the Bund in 1923. They were replicated in 1935 and shipped to Hong Kong, where one was named “Stephen”—after A.G. Stephen, who commissioned the sculptures and served as the

The value of the vehicle has dropped to P900,000, which is the expected insurance payout to be given under Automaster. The policy owner is also entitled to the depreciated amount—in this case, worth P100,000—to get the full value of the vehicle as stated on its original price. The motorcar owner will have the capacity to buy a replacement without shelling out additional cash for the unexpected loss, the firm said.

Muntinlupa sweetens biz permit renewal processes

Pedestrians walk past a vandalized lion statue outside the HSBC headquarters on January 2. Bloomberg

bank’s chief manager from 1920 to 1924—and the other “Stitt,” after G.H. Stitt, its then-manager in Shanghai. This isn’t the first time the venerated statues have seen trouble: The lions were confiscated by the Japanese during World War II and shipped to Japan to be melted down. They were rescued in 1945 from an Osaka dockyard and restored to their former positions the following year, with shrapnel and bullet marks on Stephen. The bank has become a target of protesters’ ire since closing an account linked to the city’s pro-democracy movement in November. In a statement late

Wednesday, it condemned the acts of vandalism—which included the lighting of a fire at one branch—and called them “unjustified.”

Mysterious bags

POLICE last month arrested four people for suspected money laundering linked to the pro-democracy protests and froze HK$70 million ($9 million) in funds related to the Spark Alliance, a group that helps protesters pay legal fees. HSBC defended its decision to close the account, saying the move was unrelated to the December arrests and followed a “direct instruction” from the customer. Bloomberg News

HE local government of the city of Muntinlupa said it is offering incentives and grocery packages to business owners renewing their permits. Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi feted last Thursday the following businesses that renewed their permits: Mama Nene Store; Lito and Lani Food House; E.J.D. Mini Store; FDA Dejan Construction Services; Mercy Salon; Mila and Noli Scrap Woods; Beth Sari-Sari Store; MPLG Begona Trading; Cynthia’s SariSari Store and Mini-Mini Store. The local chief executive expressed gratitude to the business owners for their punctuality in paying their dues and renewing their businesses in the city. He also encouraged other locators to avoid penalties and skip “rush days” of registration nearing the deadline. At present, there are 15,708 registered business in the city. The Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office recorded a significant growth of more than 187 percent in business tax collection over the past seven years. A one-stop shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been put up in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers. Requirements from barangay halls and regulatory offices can be acquired in the location of the renewal as representatives of said agencies will be rendering service simultaneously. Taxpayers can pay using debit cards in the renewal event, the local government unit of Muntinlupa said.

B4 Friday, January 3, 2020

TOSOT launches new theme, presents cooler lifestyle

CROCS OUTLET STORE OPENS IN ACIENDA DESIGNERS OUTLET: In photo are (from Left) Mr. Arman Ilano, Acienda's Centre Director, Hon. Omil Poblete, former Mayor of Silang, Cavite, Jayden Lewis, Freeport Retail's Leasing Manager for Asia, Mr. Mark Chan, President of Athletes Pro Group Inc. and Mr. Christopher Balonan, Cathay Land Treasurer cutting the ribbon to officially open the Crocs Outlet Store in Acienda located at Km. 48, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite.

“Ma’am CER”: Most influential female miner

OSOT Philippines Corporation recently launched “Life is Cool” as its new theme, capturing the company’s offering of a cooler lifestyle through more technologically advanced, energy efficient and environment-friendly air-conditioning solutions and home appliances. TOSOT, a premium international brand that hails from Zhuhai, considered the largest air-conditioning manufacturing hub in the world. It features a wide array of inverter air-condition models (window type, split-type, floor mounted, VRF and centralized) including the flagship wallmounted U-Crown model - a powerful yet economizing cooling system that uses an eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant - and small domestic appliances that make life cool and convenient. At the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, dealers and partners were acknowledged and honored during a dealer

strategic meeting called “Stratmeet” in the afternoon, where a generous promo offer and a surprise incentive travel package were awarded to deserving dealers, followed by a “Chill Night” dealer appreciation affair where top performers and breakthrough partners were recognized. Representatives from various professional and business associations also graced the event to witness the transformation of TOSOT brand in the Philippines. VIPs included guest speaker Atty. Eugene Yap, President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) and keynote speaker Barry Paulino, Executive Director of Philippine Contractor Association (PCA) who shared the vision of the Philippine Construction Road Map 2020-2030. Kenny Geng, Overseas Assistant General Manager from Gree Electric Appliance of Zhuhai, remarked: “The future belongs

to the company that holds technology at its core. We will continue to support the Philippine market with high-tech & high quality products made available through all our TOSOT partners and friends. Together, we will be the game changer.” Philippines General Manager Tom Balete said “Now we are gearing towards broadening our horizon through the expansion of our retail channel and dealership network in both residential and commercial markets.” Vice General Manager Steven Yang adds: “TOSOT Philippines Corporation is here for the long haul and has slowly and steadily built our presence in the Philippines. In addition, TOSOT will also traverse a new channel to tap markets for commercial products with our new dealers, developers and establishments.” Visit their official website at www.tosot. com.ph or call landline No. 8833-0000.

NGINEER Cynthia E. Rosero of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. (RTN), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), was recently conferred the title of “the most empowered woman in mining." She considered the award more as a ‘memo’ directed to various audiences. “I cannot take the title all to myself because there are many empowered women in the industry, so please consider it as a message to all – that women in mining are rising to positions of influence and responsibility where they can ensure that responsible mining in the country is strictly executed,” says Eng. Rosero, who goes by the initials CER. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the agency of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in charge of the “administration and disposition” of mineral lands and mineral resources in the country, recognized Cynthia being the first-ever woman Resident Mine Manager in the Philippines, the highest position in an operating mine. “There is no shortage of women in the mine

sites; we even have a lady driver who won in a Volvo international truck driving competition a few years back and there was a lady skipper. We have many lady engineers, women environment activists, and lady economic and business leaders, holding critical roles in various mining operations at NAC, I just happen to represent all of them in this award,” CER shares. CER’s life is the stuff of stories a mother tells a daughter. She took up mining engineering because she thought it would be easier to find a job after she graduated with the degree. Never for a moment did she doubt that she would not become one, determined as she was determined to become an engineer. “Maam CER” is taking advantage of the fact that a woman is traditionally the symbol of responsible guardianship and of nurturing, which could be used to help improve further the image of mining in the Philippines. “People who have doubts about the existence and the viability of responsible mining are usually uninformed or misinformed and we should use the woman’s charm and our dedication and honesty to tell better stories and send out stronger messages about mining in the Philippines,” Rosero promises. She says: “Nickel Asia does not only provide me a job, the company reminds me every day that a society where gender equality (or equality in general) is taken seriously, is a just society, a responsible society”. “Whatever influence I have, I will maximize to help showcase the industry so that young girls out there who love math and the environment may know that there are great opportunities waiting for them at the mine sites.”

Honeywell Morley-IAS launches new range of fire alarm systems

ECENTLY launched in the Philippines is the Honeywell Morley-IAS STX and SMX Addressable Fire Alarm Systems. The new models are UL-listed and designed create cost savings and maximize productivity, especially for small- to medium-sized businesses. The Morley-IAS STX and SMX models fire alarm control panels include a range of one-, two-, and four-loop, and can support up to 159 detectors and 39 modules per loop (or up to 636 detectors and 156 modules with the fourloop panel). Complex configuration is made easy using the SmartConfig™ mobile and PC application through Bluetooth, which can help reduce commissioning time up to 75 percent. Users can configure the systems anytime, anywhere, remotely and sync via USB, to upload the data to the panel, thus eliminating the need to carry laptops and tools to the site. It is suitable for installers and end-users who are looking for a solution that is simple, smart, secure. The panels also come with an offline configuration feature. The compact, high-performance, feature-rich, fire alarm systems are designed to comply with the latest codes and industry safety standards in fire protection (UL 864 10th edition). “Reliability with simplicity is an important combination when it comes to keeping people and places safe,” said Jeffrey Estrella, President of Honeywell Philippines. “Morley-IAS STX and SMX models feature the right balance of value,

performance, quality, reliability, and easy maintenance for a wide range of applications, specifically for small to medium businesses. We worked to design systems that are easy to install and use with a lower cost of ownership that also require less dependence on technical installers without sacrificing safety." For more than 20 years, Morley-IAS has developed fire detection systems for a wide variety of applications, from simple non-addressable products to intelligent addressable systems suitable for a variety of sectors.

It’s a Mom’s day out at the launch of Mommy Dialogues by Cetaphil Baby

OMS were in for a day of fun and learning at the kick-off event of Mommy Dialogues by Cetaphil Baby. Mommy Dialogues is Cetaphil Baby’s newest platform where moms can discuss parenting with other moms and experts. Cetaphil Baby organized an afternoon of open discussions between moms, together with event speakers: Cetaphil Baby ambassador Andi ManzanoReyes, skin expert Dr. Ma. Cricelda Rescober, and lifestyle and parenting blogger Frances Ang. Mom-ttendees were able to gather new insights as they provide their children with the healthy start that they deserve. With the launch of Mommy Dialogues, Cetaphil Baby aims to build a close-knit community where moms can be more confident with their parenting. Future discussions will tackle topics including healthy play, healthy sleep, healthy food, and most importantly, healthy skin. To learn more about Cetaphil Baby’s newest program for moms, follow Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook and @ CetaphilBabyPH on Instagram.

EW YORK—David Stern had basketball as a passion and law as a profession, one he figured he could return to if a job at the National Basketball Association (NBA) didn’t work out. He never did. Instead he went to Europe, Asia and plenty of other places around the world, bringing with him a league that was previously an afterthought in the United States and turning it into a global powerhouse. Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA’s longest-serving commissioner and

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By Brian Mahoney

one of the best in sports history, died Wednesday. He was 77. “Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today,” Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said. “He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon, creating opportunities that few could have imagined before.” Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage on December 12, and underwent emergency surgery. The league said he died with his wife, Dianne, and their family at his bedside. “The entire basketball community is heartbroken,” the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) said. “David Stern earned and deserved inclusion in our land of giants.”

riday, January 3, 2020 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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Stern had been involved with the NBA for nearly two decades before he became its fourth commissioner on February 1, 1984. By the time he left his position in 2014—he wouldn’t say or let league staffers say “retire,” because he never stopped working—a league that fought for a foothold before him had grown to a more than $5 billion a year industry and made NBA basketball perhaps the world’s most popular sport after soccer. “Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand—making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time, but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation,” said Adam Silver, who followed Stern as commissioner. “Every

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providing countless opportunities to pursue careers playing basketball in the US that previously weren’t available. Not bad for a guy who once thought his job might be a temporary one. Stern had been the league’s outside counsel from 1966 to ‘78 and spent two years as the NBA’s general counsel, figuring he could always go back to his legal career if he found things weren’t working out after a couple of years. Instead, after serving as the NBA’s executive vice president of business and legal affairs from 1980 to 1984, he replaced Larry O’Brien as commissioner. Overlooked and ignored only a few years earlier, when it couldn’t even get its

member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration.” Thriving on good debate in the boardroom and good games in the arena, Stern would say one of his greatest achievements was guiding a league of mostly black players that was plagued by drug problems in the 1970s to popularity with mainstream America. He had a hand in nearly every initiative to do that, from the drug testing program, to the implementation of the salary cap, to the creation of a dress code. But for Stern, it was always about “the game,” and his morning often included reading about the previous night’s results in the newspaper—even after technological advances he embraced made reading NBA. com easier than ever. “The game is what brought us here. It’s always about the game and everything else we do is about making the stage or the presentation of the game even stronger, and the game itself is in the best shape that it’s ever been in,” he said on the eve of the 2009 to 2010 season, calling it “a new golden age for the NBA.” One that was largely created by Stern during a three-decade run that turned countless ballplayers into celebrities who were known around the globe by one name: Magic, Michael, Kobe, LeBron, just to name a few. Stern oversaw the birth of seven new franchises and the creation of the WNBA and NBA Development League, now the G League,

championship round on live network TV, the NBA saw its popularity quickly surge thanks to the rebirth of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry behind Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, followed by the entrance of Jordan just a few months after Stern became commissioner. “There are no words that can really describe the far-reaching impact of Commissioner Stern’s brilliance, vision, fairness and hard work over so many years,” Bird said. “When you think of all that he accomplished worldwide on behalf of thousands of players, so many fans, all of the jobs he created for team and arena employees, and all of the people that benefited from the many layers of growth in the sport and industry that David spearheaded and then passed on to others, there is no doubt Commissioner Stern lifted the NBA to new heights and he will be greatly missed by all of us.” Under Stern, the NBA would play nearly 150 international games and be televised in more than 200 countries and territories, and in more than 40 languages, and the NBA Finals and All-Star weekend would grow into international spectacles. The 2010 All-Star game drew more than 108,000 fans to Dallas Cowboys Stadium, a record to watch a basketball game. “It was David Stern being a marketing genius who turned the league around. That’s why our brand is so strong,” said Johnson, who announced he was retiring because of HIV in 1991 but returned the following year at the All-Star Game with Stern’s backing. “It was David Stern who took this league worldwide.” He was fiercely protective of his players and referees when he felt they were unfairly criticized, such as when members of the Indiana Pacers brawled with Detroit fans in 2004, or when an FBI investigation in 2007 found that Tim Donaghy had bet on games he officiated, throwing the entire referee operations department into turmoil. With his voice rising and spit flying, Stern would publicly rebuke media outlets, even individual writers, if he felt they had taken cheap shots. But he was also a relentless negotiator against those same employees in collective bargaining, and his loyalty to his owners and commitment to getting them favorable deals led to his greatest failures, lockouts in 1998 and 2011 that were the only times the NBA lost games to work stoppages. Though he had already passed off the heavy lifting to Silver by the latter one, it was Stern who faced the greatest criticism, as well as the damage to a legacy that had otherwise rarely been tarnished. “As tough an adversary as he was across the table, he never failed to recognize the value of our players, and had the vision and courage to make them the focus of our league’s marketing efforts—building the NBA DAVID STERN, the longest-serving commissioner of the National Basketball Association, is seen flanked by Akeem Olajuwon, the No. 1 pick overall by the Houston Rockets, and Sam Bowie the No. 2 pick overall by the Portland Trail Blazers at the June 1984 Draft in New York. Stern then awards the Finals Most Valuable Player trophy to the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan in June 1996, and the 2008 to 2009 season trophy to the then Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in May 2009. AP

into the empire it is today,” the NBPA said. David Joel Stern was born September 22, 1942, in New York, where he grew up a Knicks fan and worked in his fathers’ deli. A graduate of Rutgers University and Columbia Law School, he was dedicated to public service, launching the NBA Cares program in 2005 that donated more than $100 million to charity in five years. He would begin looking internationally soon after becoming commissioner and the globalization of the game got an enormous boost in 1992, when Jordan, Johnson and Bird played on the US Olympic Dream Team that would bring the sport a new burst of popularity while storming to the gold medal in Barcelona. Stern capitalized on that by sending NBA teams to play preseason games against other NBA or international clubs, and opened offices in other countries. The league staged regular-season games in Japan in 1991, and devoted significant resources to China, and Stern’s work there would pay off in 2008 when basketball was perhaps the most popular sport in the Beijing Olympics. Growth slowed near the end of his tenure. The worldwide economic downturn in the late 2000s all but wrecked his longtime hopes of expanding overseas and led to the second lockout, with owners wanting massive changes to the salary structure after losing hundreds of millions of dollars a year on their basketball teams, on top of losses in their personal businesses. He helped get them, and the league was thriving again by the time he left office. Stern said he felt the time was right, confident that he had groomed a worthy successor in Silver. Silver, who worked for Stern for 22 years, is praised for his achievements since becoming commissioner. National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman also worked under Stern at the NBA, former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue called him a great friend and ally on important issues, and many other executives in and out of sports have said they learned from the way Stern did business. “Best leader in sports history,”Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said. Stern stayed busy after leaving the league office, taking trips overseas on the NBA’s behalf, doing public speaking and consulting various companies. He was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. Stern and his wife had two sons, Andrew and Eric.

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Thomas: I’m disappointed I haven’t achieved more

APALUA, Hawaii—Justin Thomas is making his fifth straight start to a new year at Kapalua, a current streak matched only by Dustin Johnson and a reminder that he has made winning a habit on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour. Thomas, still only 26, already has won 11 times in five years. That includes a major at the PGA Championship, a World Golf Championship at Firestone, two FedEx Cup playoff events and four victories on the Asian swing. He has won a FedEx Cup and reached No. 1 in the world. And he doesn’t feel as though it’s enough. “I’m disappointed I haven’t achieved more, to be honest,” he said at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, which starts Thursday on the refined Plantation Course. “I shouldn’t say disappointed. I’m obviously pleased with my career thus far, but I feel like I could have and should won a lot more tournaments—and definitely should have contended and won some more majors. So that’s just my opinion.” It’s more of a typical outlook among the elite in golf. Nothing is ever enough. It just might be hard for others in the 34-man field to appreciate, especially those who, for the first time, are soaking up endless views of the Pacific, the surfers at Honolua Bay who can be seen beyond the 11th green, the occasional breech of a humpback whale

between Maui and Molokai. Xander Schauffele won last year and knew for 12 months he was assured of coming back. Johnson, a two-time winner at Kapalua, has won 11 of the 12 years he has been on the PGA Tour. He appreciates winning, but the scenery is nothing new. It’s different for the 15 players at Kapalua for the first time, the second-most in the history of this winners-only field. One of them is Lanto Griffin, who won the Houston Open and is still trying to digest all the places winning takes him. It starts at Kapalua. He played consistently enough in the fall that he might land in Mexico City, and that’s before he gets to the TPC Sawgrass and Augusta National. “This is the first week it’s really sunk in because the tournaments I played in after Houston, I would have been in regardless,” Griffin said. “Walking in, and Xander and Dustin Johnson saying hi and stuff like that, for a guy like me it’s a little different than the Korn Ferry Tour and all the other PGA Tour events I’ve played in. This is kind of the first week it’s kind of sunk in that I really did win and my life is a little different now.” Thomas is all about pushing ahead, and his recent form is worth taking notice. It’s easy to overlook that Thomas missed nearly two months last year letting a wrist injury heal, including a major at the PGA Championship.

He never worried about missing time, even as hard as it was to miss a major he had won. He thought about Brooks Koepka missing the early part of 2018, including the Masters, and ending the year with victories in the US Open and PGA Championship. Still, that time off slowed him for the strangest of reasons. He used the time off to perfect his putting stroke in a game where perfection is never found. He was tinkering with different golf balls and different putters. Thomas went to a different style Scotty Cameron mallet to start the year. He switched to a slightly softer ball for control around the green. He went to a blade-style putter at the US Open. “The injury really made my putting bad because I had so much time,” he said. “It’s bizarre. I had all this time to make my setup perfect, make my stroke perfect. I was never doing something consistently long enough to know what the problem was.” He had blunt talk with his short-game teacher, Matt Killen, who told him he had gotten away from everything he had done, and what he had done was good enough. Thomas went back to his previous golf ball and putter a week after the US Open, and since then he’s been on a roll. In 10 tournaments since then, he has finished out of the top 12 just once—a tie for 17th in Japan. He won the BMW Championship in August. He won in South Korea in October. And he’s ready to win more. “It’s all about giving myself a chance to win,” Thomas said. “I’m comfortable when I get there. I felt like I had a lot of chances, or close being right there with a chance.” So what’s a good number for an elite player? Thomas spends plenty of time with Tiger Woods, and he’s quick to concede that 82 victories is out of the question. He’s still aiming high, settling on 50 wins as what would constitute a great career for a great player. Outside of Woods, no one has reached that number in nearly 50 years. Even if that happens, odds are Thomas will wish he had won more. AP

INDONESIA PRESSES BID FOR 2032 GAMES T

HE Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) have discussed its bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games at a meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Lausanne. Bach received a delegation led by KOI President Raja Sapta Oktohari at Olympic House in the Swiss city. The country’s bid for the 2032 Games was up for discussion, with Indonesia formally entering the bidding race in February after successfully hosting the Asian Games in 2018. Indonesia’s Vice President Jusuf Kalla also talked about the topic with Bach during his visit to Lausanne in May. Australia, India, and North and South Korea are the other countries interested in hosting the 2032 event. Preparations for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo was another subject up for discussion. KOI believe around 31 of their athletes will qualify for Tokyo 2020, as reported

by The Jakarta Post. Indonesia earned one gold medal and two silvers at Rio 2016, sending a team of 28 athletes in seven sports. Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir were the gold medalists, winning in badminton mixed doubles. The performance was an improvement on the medal haul of two silvers and one bronze at London 2012, with the team featuring 22 Indonesian athletes. Oktohari was elected as KOI president in October, succeeding now IOC member Erick Thohir. KOI Secretary-General Teuku Arlan Prakasa has earlier revealed they are aiming to send more athletes to Tokyo than it did to the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro. To date, three Indonesian athletes have secured their place at Tokyo 2020—sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri, archer Riau Ega Agatha and shooter Vidya Rafika Rahmatan Toyyiba.

STERN MADE NBA WHAT IT IS TODAY By Tim Reynolds

on NBA TV—which, without Stern, probably wouldn’t exist. Stern began building the bridge that connected the NBA and China, which has been a mutually beneficial relationship financially and likely will remain that way once the rift that was born this fall over political differences calms down. He took the league from 23 to 30 teams. He championed the birth of the WNBA. “For those of us who have made a life from this league, words don’t do justice to what he meant,” NBA Spokesman Tim Frank wrote on his personal Twitter account. “He was unique, brilliant, tough but maybe, most importantly, he stood by what he believed every time no matter the personal cost.” Stern never sought popularity. He seemed to embrace conflict. When a tough decision had to be made—vetoing the trade of Chris Paul, for example—he welcomed it and accepted the repercussions from whoever was going to complain. He also was the calm in the eye of storms, such as leading the support for Magic Johnson after the Los Angeles Lakers great retired in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV. “When he first took over, the league was not as popular as it is now,” Hall of Famer Grant Hill said. “There were challenges. There were problems. And I think him coming in...his vision, his leadership, he fought for the game of basketball. He fought for this league. He had a vision that this league could really transcend, that it could reach all people.” He was right, and his words carried enormous weight. Miami Coach Erik Spoelstra remembers when the Portland Trail Blazers—his father, Jon

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AVID STERN once predicted that the National Basketball Association (NBA) would have a division in Europe within 10 years. A few years later, he said it again. And a few years after that, he said it yet again. It never happened. That was a rarity in Stern’s life and career. Usually, when he wanted something, he got it. He wanted the league to grow under his watch, and it did. He wanted the game to grow internationally, and it did. He wanted players to dress more professionally, and the pregame show in locker rooms now is akin to a fashion show. He was a basketball tour de force, doing it in suits and wing-tips instead of jerseys and sneakers, and unquestionably, is why the league is so successful today. Stern died Wednesday, nearly three weeks after a brain hemorrhage made the end inevitable. He was the NBA’s commissioner for exactly 30 years—from February 1, 1984, through February 1, 2014—and turned a league that was having its biggest games shown on tape delay into the multibillion-dollar global juggernaut that it is today. “We all sit here and we have these jobs and we all owe a great deal and a great debt to him for making all of our lives better,” Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said. “He truly was, and is, the father of what the NBA is now.” Thomas said those words

Spoelstra, was a member of that team’s front office—drafted Arvydas Sabonis and Drazen Petrovic, international talents who might not have ever gotten to the NBA if not for Stern. Jon Spoelstra had a million of those stories for his son, telling him that Stern was “a brilliant visionary.” So when Erik Spoelstra became coach of the Heat in 2008, he found himself in a meeting with Stern and still acknowledges being intimidated. “But I went up to him and told him that, and just to let him know that there are a lot of people that really benefited from his vision and his leadership,” Spoelstra said. Stern also had the gift of being simultaneously gruff and gracious. He was acerbic and often acted like the smartest guy in the room,

usually because he was the smartest guy in

With chances of qualifying in badminton, sports climbing, swimming and weightlifting, Prakasa is hopeful the number of athletes at Rio 2016 can be eclipsed. He told Antara News the KOI had formed a team of analysts to study its athletes’ potential. “The team will start working in January 2020 to study the odds of us sending more athletes,” he said. “Then it will work on the medal potential, before going into the detail with regard to the gold-medal potential.” Oktohari said he would also work on the chef de mission team for the Indonesian contingent at Tokyo 2020. “At the moment, we are still in direct communications [with the respective federations],” Oktohari told The Jakarta Post. “However, once the chef de mission team is formed, it will act as the main hub for us to communicate with the federations as we will also supervise the [Olympic] qualifiers.” Insidethegames

Tokyo celebrates start of Olympic year

OKYO 2020 celebrated the start of the Olympic and Paralympic year in Japan. With Japan entering the New Year, Tokyo 2020 tweeted an animation of the two mascots, Miraitowa and Someity, flying from space to the host country of the next Olympics. “Tokyo 2020 is coming,” the post said. “This is our year...2020.” There were also fireworks displays marking the New Year across Japan, including in host city Tokyo, while people visited temples and shrines across the country. Japanese New Year takes on added significance with the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching. It is now 204 days until the Olympics begin, with the Games scheduled for July 24 to August 9. The Paralympics will then take place from August 25 to September 6. Organizers faced a number of challenges last year, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) controversially deciding to move the marathon and race walk events more than 800 kilometers to Sapporo due to concerns over rising heat. The swimming part of the Paratriathlon test event was also scrapped due to high E. coli levels in the water. Venues are on track to be completed on time, however, while the final budget for the Games of ¥1.35 trillion ($12.6 billion) remained in line with the last two annual updates. Japan’s flagship football match, the final of the Emperor’s Cup, meanwhile, officially

inaugurated the New National Stadium in Tokyo. Spanish superstars Andres Iniesta and David Villa helped Vissel Kobe to a 2-0 victory over Kashima Antlers before an enthusiastic crowd of 68,000 in the 99th staging of the match. The star-studded club, who also included Germany’s Lukas Podolski, took the lead off an own goal by Kashima defender Tomoya Inukai in the 18th minute, then doubled the advantage when the ball ricocheted into the net off striker Noriaki Fujimoto 20 minutes later. With the victory, Vissel booked their firstever ticket to the Asian Champions League, while providing a triumphant send-off for the retiring Villa. The New National Stadium, built for Tokyo 2020, was completed on November 20. An inauguration event took place earlier last month, with members of the public invited to test out the track at the Stadium. Jamaican eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt then participated in a combined relay event with Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The venue is set to host athletics competition during the Games, as well the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics. The new arena, constructed on the site of the National Stadium originally built in 1958 and which staged the 1964 Olympic Games, features a plant-covered façade designed to maintain harmony with the natural landscape of the neighboring Meiji Jingu Gaien area. Insidethegames

West-leading Lakers beat Suns for third consecutive triumph

THE Orlando Magic’s Markelle Fultz dives for the ball during the first half of his team’s game against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday in Washington. The Magic won, 122-101. AP

OS ANGELES—LeBron James had his eighth tripledouble of the season, Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers opened the new year with a 117-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. James finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in the Lakers’ third straight victory that appeared well in hand by the end of a dominant first quarter. He had double-figure points and assists by halftime. The Suns rallied in the fourth, getting within seven points after trailing by 36 earlier in the game. That forced the Lakers’ starters back in, and James steadied them with eight points to close out the win. The Lakers shot 70 percent in a ferocious opening quarter when they made their first 11 shots. Danny Green had their first miss on a three-point attempt, but the Lakers controlled the offensive rebound and JaVale McGee found Green for a dunk. It was that kind of sequence for the Lakers, who missed just eight attempts in the first. James airballed a shot, but they snagged the rebound and Avery Bradley scored to salvage the possession. The Lakers put together a 25-4 run, in which the Suns were limited to only free throws. Among the highlights, Davis dunked over Aron Baynes and let out a roar, and later Davis threw down a reverse dunk on James’s pass. Not to be outshone, James followed with a two-handed jam that ignited the crowd. Los Angeles led, 43-17, at the end of the quarter. Kyle Kuzma, sporting blond hair, had three 3-pointers in the second. Bradley scored on a smooth behind-the-back pass from James.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope beat the shot clock with a casual heave on a 3-pointer. Dwight Howard chipped in eight points and the Lakers shot 61 percent in taking a 74-41 lead into halftime. Kuzma added 19 points, and Bradley had 18. Devin Booker scored 32 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 for the Suns. Phoenix had won two in a row after losing eight straight. Knicks beat Trail Blazers, 117-93, spoil Carmelo’s return In New York, Mitchell Robinson made all 11 shots and had 22 points, Julius Randle added 22 points and 13 rebounds, and the New York Knicks spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Garden by beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 117-93, also on Wednesday night for their season-high third straight victory. Anthony scored 26 points, his most since returning to the National Basketball Association, and was cheered before and during the game at the arena where he played 6 1/2 seasons. But he was on the bench at the start of the Knicks’ 14-0 run early in the fourth quarter that broke open the game. Reggie Bullock made two 3-pointers during the spurt, and scored 11 points in his Knicks debut. He signed with the team during the summer but hadn’t played because of a herniated disk. Portland’s Damian Lillard was held to 11 points on five-for-20 shooting after scoring 30 or more in the previous three games. The All-Star guard did have 10 rebounds and eight assists, but he missed his first six 3-pointers before making his only one of the game as the final shot of the third quarter. AP

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Friday, January 3, 2020

NAMSSA Supercross final leg up in Bicutan moto track on Sunday

T WILL be coronation day for the Rider and Rookie of the Year—as well as national overall and class champions—when the Speedworld Circuit at the SM Bicutan Grounds hosts the final leg of the National Motorcycle Sports Safety Association (NAMSSA) Philippine National Supercross Championships on Sunday. Held under the auspices and sanctioned by the NAMSSA, the final stop of the series is expected to lure elite riders from regional affiliates of NAMSSA clubs from all over the country, including national campaigners led by past leg winners Bornok Mangusong, Motocross Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres, up-andcoming Moy-Moy Flores, Jethrick Marquez and Gabriel “Bilog” Macaso. “Everyone’s raring to give motocross fans another intense competition,” said Macky

Usually, when David Stern—shown here in a June 6, 2013, file photo, with then deputy commissioner Adam Silver—wants something, he gets it. AP

the room. He ruled with an iron fist. If you worked for the NBA, you worked for him and you were going to do things his way. That was his cover, anyway.

He tried to hide that he had an enormous heart. When an NBA employee’s family member was diagnosed with brain cancer, Stern got word of it and had that relative in front of experts at renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center within hours after making a couple of calls. When staffers would accompany Stern on business trips, he’d act like a flight attendant, completely ignoring the fact that the private plane actually had a flight attendant. He’d ask his travel companions if they wanted anything, over and over. He morphed from boss to host on those trips.

And when he got wind that another league employee desperately wanted to meet country singer Toby Keith, Stern found himself at an event with the recording star. He told Keith someone wanted to meet him, called the employee over and surely enjoyed how tongue-tied she was by the surprise encounter. There are tons of stories like those that will be told in the coming days. Most NBA players towered over him, of course, but Stern is unquestionably one of the league’s—and one of the game’s—absolute giants. “We owe him,” the National Basketball Players Association said. “And we will miss him.”

ustin Brownlee has his own mission, while Allen Durham targets redemption as the two of the league’s finest imports clash for the third time in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-ofseven Finals which starts next week. On equal footing in the race for the Best Import award, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Brownlee and Meralco’s Durham carry the same determination to gift their respective

LOOK, UP IN THE AIR...!

Norway’s Daniel Andre Tande soars through the air during the trial round of the second stage of the 68th four hills ski jumping tournament in GarmischPartenkirchen, Germany, on Wednesday. AP

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Justin Brownlee (right) and Meralco’s Allen Durham turn the Finals into a slugfest of their own.

Carapiet, the NAMSSA chief, who was also elected as Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia president. The motocross extravaganza is supported by Foilacar, Karcher, Monark Cat, Shell Advance, Shell V-Power, SM Bicutan, ICTSI, Maynilad, Asia Brewery, KYT, Alpinestars, Partas Bus, YSS, Shakey’s and 4 BROS Racing. The Speedworld circuit was designed and built under the supervision of NAMSSA, in accordance with the technical and safety standards of the FIM, the world governing body for motorcycle sports, of which the NAMSSA is the sole Philippine member. The race series is organized by the NAMSSA, the sole governing body for two- and three-wheel motorsports in the Philippines, duly affiliated with the Philippine Olympic

Gen Nagai braces for another tough challenge.

Southeast Asian Games bronze-medal team members Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus and Sean Ramos along with recent National Doubles winner Ryan Monsalve and Seton Hall U sophomore Peter Tyler Po, who also hails from talent-rich Cebu. Others tipped to contend in the 72-hole tournament sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and backed by Cignal, Metro Pacific Investments and Summit Ridge Hotel as official hotel are Leandro Bagtas, Aldo Barro, Paolo Barro, Elee Bisera, Dan Cruz, Weiwei Gao, Miguel Ilas, Gabby Macalaguim, Don Petil, Jacob Rolida and Paolo Wong. Spicing up the cast are Finland’s Sean Avellan; Koreans Heasick Cho, Hur Jun Ha,

Committee, FIM Asia and the FIM of Suisse. “We have to adhere to the high safety and rules’ standards set by the world federation and the Supercross track in Manila meets international homologation standards,” Carapiet said. The rise of the Philippines’s talents in Asia and the world is a product of the NAMSSA National Sports Development program. “A NAMSSA motocross event has always been a fan favorite and our final leg is no exception. And so we expect motocross fans to come out in droves to support their sporting heroes on two wheels,” said Carapiet. The annual General Assembly of NAMSSA, open exclusively to its members, will also be conducted to discuss future plans and the current state of moto racing and affairs in the country. For more information on the Supercross Championship and other NAMSSA organized/ sanctioned events, visit www.namssa.com or the NAMSSA Secretariat Facebook page or text the organizers at 0197-8479795. Trophies and cash prizes are up for grabs for the 14 national categories.

‘BEST AGAINST THE BEST’ teams the season-ending trophy which they turned into a slugfest of their own. The numbers don’t lie. The American reinforcements played huge from the eliminations to the backbreaking semifinals to lead their squads to another championship showdown. Brownlee averaged 29 points, 14.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists in four games against NorthPort, highlighting his stint in the semifinals with a 36-19-8 stat line in Game Four which they convincingly won, 120-107. During the elimination round, the 6-foot-4 Brownlee averaged 27.91 points, 13.36 rebounds, and eight assists as the Gin Kings finished fourth. It was a bit personal for Brownlee to set his goal of winning the team’s third Governors’ Cup with him as import. Last season, with a three-peat on the line, Barangay Ginebra was crushed in the semifinals by eventual champion Magnolia. “It feels good to be in the Finals, but we are far from satisfied. We want to feel the greatest feeling,” he said. “Last year we came up short. I’m super motivated right now.” Durham was as behemoth in the paint and the two-time Best plum showed no signs of slowing down. The all-around player from Michigan has eye-popping numbers of 34.4 points, 20.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists in their five-game semifinal classic against TNT. Durham was unstoppable, and not even prolific scorer KJ McDaniels of the TNT KaTropa could match the firepower and

Nagai eyes stroke play title repeat en Nagai braces for another tough challenge against a stellar international field but remains upbeat of scoring a repeat in the National Stroke Play Championship that gets under way on Tuesday at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite. Nagai outdueled Thai Youth Olympics gold medalist Vanchai Luangnitikul in sudden death to claim the men’s crown last year with the Cebu-based Japanese gearing up for another grueling duel of power and mental toughness at the exacting par-71 layout in pursuit of back-toback title feat in the country’s premier amateur championship. Heading the crack roster of challengers for the Seton Hall University graduate are the 30th

Jun Byung Cho, David Jung, Kim Tae Soo and Lee Sang Min; Arnold Lee Jr. from Hong Kong; Japanese Tomo Kagawa, Takuma Sato and Mayuto Shiozuka; and Marcus Lim from Malaysia. Nagai survived a second round 81 with 74 and a gutsy 71 in last two days then nipped the fancied Thai in a three-man sudden death that included Singapore’s Lucius Toh to snare the crown in the kickoff leg of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour. But the locals, headed by Chan, Corpus and Ramos, are going all out to foil Nagai’s repeat bid along with the rest of the early 61-player cast that includes some of the country’s young and rising players, led by Josh Jorge and Jed Dy.

court presence of the veteran Bolts import. If there’s one thing missing, it’s the trophy. “It’s going to be fun,” Durham said. “The best against the best.” Game One is set on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The league will travel to the Quezon Convention Center, in Lucena City, for the second match on January 10. Ramon Rafael Bonilla

Sports BusinessMirror

| Friday, January 3, 2020 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

REPLAY: BOON OR BANE? Luis Saez rides Maximum Security (second from right) during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville in May last year. AP

By Josh Dubow

The Associated Press

AKLAND, California—From the moment two officials failed to throw a flag for obvious pass interference on a play that helped decide the National Football Conference (NFC) championship—stunning the players, coaches and millions of fans—officiating and replay became a constant theme in 2019. No matter the sport, fans and competitors were frustrated by inconsistent standards and rules that prevent some obvious mistakes from being changed. But those same fans and competitors also complain about long delays to determine something as mundane as whose fingernail last touched a basketball before it went out of bounds, even in a regular-season blowout. “I don’t want any instant replay in my life personally, but if we are going to have it, let’s use it properly,” Oakland Raiders Coach Jon Gruden said after getting an apology for a blown call that led to a loss. “I don’t think it’s that hard.” But no one agrees on the proper way to implement video review. Some argue the technology takes away the human element and is too intrusive, and others counter that all wrong calls should be overturned. Some even want to let technology call balls and strikes in baseball. From that no-call at the Superdome that helped send the Rams to the Super Bowl instead of the Saints, to the Final Four where Virginia was helped to a title by some calls that couldn’t be reviewed to another that was, to the Kentucky Derby where for the first time ever the apparent winner was disqualified for interference on video review, to controversy from the Video Assistant Review system at the Women’s World Cup and across Europe’s biggest soccer leagues, replay has confounded nearly everyone. The only constant seems to be more of it. “I don’t think you can go backward anymore,” National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman said when his league expanded the use of replay following a series of mistakes in the playoffs that changed the outcome of some games. “I think that ship has sailed. Frankly, we

want to get it right.” Figuring out how to do that is the challenge. There was nearly unanimous agreement that there should have been pass interference called against the Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman on New Orleans’ Tommylee Lewis in the NFC title game. The no-call gave Los Angeles enough time to drive for a game-tying field goal before eventually winning in overtime to go to the Super Bowl. There has been no such unanimity when it comes to the solution. The National Football League (NFL) acceded to the wishes of the coaches led by New Orleans’ Sean Payton to allow challenges of pass interference calls, but that has only added more ambiguity, with no consistent standard of what warrants an overturn. Throw in weekly disputes on what constitutes roughing the passer, premature whistles that negate touchdowns, botched calls that aren’t reviewed because a team is out of challenges, and the complaints have only grown louder. “It seems like week in and week out, there are three or four games that have impact calls that continue to make the headlines,” said former NFL referee and ESPN officiating analyst John Parry. “They have to find a way to get off of the headlines. There will be a holding call missed here and there. But it’s the game changers, the two or three impact plays where quality officiating is needed. We’re just not there.” Parry blames inexperienced officiating crews and the lack of a lower league training program like NFL Europe. He’s now open to more radical changes, including putting an extra official upstairs to communicate obvious misses to the field officials and allowing challenges on more types of calls. But that won’t solve all the missed calls, which have become more evident thanks to new camera angles and high-definition TV. “I think slow-mo replay

is the biggest problem with replay,” Gruden said. “When you’re looking at ‘is it a catch or isn’t it a catch?’ at that speed it’s hard to tell. It really is hard to tell. So I think if you threw that slow-mo out, I think

you’d get back to common sense.” There are issues in almost every sport, from the pass interference debate in the NFL to balls and strikes in baseball to the block or charge in the NBA to the standard for penalties in the NHL to fans reporting infractions seen on TV in golf. Perhaps the only sport that has implemented replay in a nearly controversy-free method is tennis. The only major complaints are whether replay should be added to clay court tournaments like the French Open, where linesmen use the old-fashioned method of checking marks. Tournament Director Guy Forget said this past year that’s not about to change.

Chelsea denied by overhead kick; Arsenal beats Manchester United

ONDON—Having finally ended a goal drought, Alireza Jahanbakhsh is now celebrating the greatest strike of his career. With an acrobatic overhead kick, the Brighton forward stunned not just Chelsea but his own team, too. The south-coast club’s record signing had endured 18 months without a goal until scoring in Saturday’s victory over Bournemouth. Now the Iranian has two goals in two games, coming off the bench to deny Chelsea a victory by sealing the 1-1 Premier League draw. “When [Lewis Dunk] gave me that ball, I tried to hit it as hard as possible,” Jahanbakhsh said. “The only way to connect with it was just to bicycle kick it, and it went in the right direction. It’s a great feeling to be involved in such important games and I’ve been working hard to get my chance. “It’s been a very tough time for me, but I’m very glad to turn it around in a great game.” The 84th-minute bicycle kick lifted Brighton four points clear of the

relegation zone. It was a setback for an erratic Chelsea side, with Christian Pulisic wasting chances to extend the lead secured by captain Cesar Azpilicueta in the 10th minute. Chelsea still

strengthened its grip on fourth place to five points thanks to Manchester United losing 2-0 at Arsenal but it could have been a greater cushion. Tottenham’s top-4 chase also had a setback with a 1-0 loss at Southampton. Runaway leader Liverpool is not in action until Thursday against Sheffield United. Leicester is 10 points behind, having played two games more, after Ayoze Perez, James Maddison and Hamza Choudhury scored in a 3-0 win at Newcastle. Manchester City is a point further adrift after beating Everton 2-1 through Garbriel

THE Los Angeles Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints’ Tommylee Lewis during the second half of their National Football Conference championship game in New Orleans in January last year. AP

“Historically, we’ve been judging the course of a ball and where it lands on the court by the mark it leaves on the clay,” he said. “Would you like to have a court with no chair umpire, no linesmen, just electronic line-calling? Is that something we really want in the future? I think we’d miss something.” That’s exactly the debate going on in baseball,

where many replay advocates are pushing for balls and strikes to be called electronically. Those complaints reached a crescendo in Game Five of the World Series, when a couple of apparent bad calls hurt the Washington Nationals. Baseball has experimented with “robots” calling balls and strikes and communicating to

Jesus’s two goals. Completing the nine games on New Year’s Day, West Ham beat Bournemouth 4-0, Aston Villa won 2-1 at Burnley, Watford overcame Wolverhampton by the same score and Norwich held Crystal Palace, 1-1.

Australian-Kiwi cricketers turn attention to wildfires

ARTETA CELEBRATES

Mikel Arteta earned his first win as Arsenal manager at his third attempt through firsthalf goals from Nicolas Pépé and Sokratis Papastathopoulos. After collecting one point from his first two games since replacing Unai Emery, Arteta secured Arsenal’s first win at home in the league in three months to guide the north London club up to 10th place.

MOURINHO MOANS

Brighton’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal of the game. AP

an umpire in the Arizona Fall League and in the independent Atlantic League. That could come to the big leagues soon. Umpires agreed to cooperate with Major League Baseball in the development and testing of an automated ball-strike system as part of a five-year labor contract announced in December, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because those details of the deal, which is subject to ratification by both sides, had not been announced. “It would change the game for the good. It would continue the effort to eliminate human deficiency,” Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt wrote in a story for The Associated Press in October. “We have replay everywhere else in the game. Like it or not, replay gets the call right.” In soccer, the increased use of video assistant refereeing in 2019 collided with wider changes. Confusion was fueled as referees had to get used to a new way to interpret handballs and the movement of goalkeepers on their line when facing penalty kicks. The arrival of VAR in the Premier League sowed fresh confusion. Fans and players alike had gotten used to referees going over to assess replays for themselves on field-side screens in other competitions. In England, referees have been relying heavily on the VAR system feeding their verdicts through the radio. Fans have also grumbled about a new level of scrutiny, with VARs using forensic geometry to rule if a player is offside. At times, an attacker has been ruled offside because of the position of his armpit in relation to a defender. The NBA also added a challenge system this season, but that didn’t help correct one glaring mistake when Houston’s James Harden had what appeared to be a clear dunk wrongly disallowed in a double-overtime loss to San Antonio. The Rockets protested but the result held even though the officials in question were suspended.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho grumbled about a Southampton coach and VAR after Danny Ings’s goal handed Spurs a 1-0 loss. There was also the blow of losing striker Harry Kane to a hamstring injury after he had a possible equalizer ruled out for an offside that riled Mourinho. The Portuguese was booked by referee Mike Dean for going over to the Southampton bench after arguing with goalkeeping Coach Andrew Sparkes over apparent timewasting. AP

ith the three-test series between Australia and New Zealand decided, players from both teams will momentarily turn their attention away from the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground and to the deadly wildfires around the country. Black armbands will be worn from the first day of the test on Friday as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives in the tragic fires, while emergency services personnel will be honored during the pre-match ceremony with a minute of applause. Cricket Australia also announced that two oneday international matches between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG in March will raise funds for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund to help those affected by the fires. Authorities on Thursday said seven people had died since Monday—and 15 this fire season—and nearly 400 homes have been destroyed in New South Wales state. The situation could worsen this weekend, when smoke could affect the second day of the test. The worst of the blazes are in Victoria state’s east and on the New South Wales south

coast, where thousands of people in isolated communities are ringed by fire and military helicopters have been deployed to reach them. There is also a “catastrophic” fire warning in Western Australia, while Tasmania and Queensland states have also been badly affected over the past several months. Smoke from the southern New South Wales fires threatens to have play stopped at Sydney if it becomes too unhealthy or threatens vision. A domestic Twenty20 cricket match was called off in Canberra last month because of smoke haze and unhealthy conditions for the players. Several Sydney grade cricket matches have already been affected, with paramedics called to at least one match to treat two non-asthmatic players. The decision on whether to stop play at the test match would rest with ICC match referee Richie Richardson and the umpires as they closely monitor air quality and visibility. New Zealand offspin bowler Will Somerville, who has lived in Sydney for most of his life, said any concern over smoke issues were inconsequential to those suffering from the fires, commonly called bushfires in Australia. AP

Oh Wisdom

EAR God, proceeding from the mouth of the most high, You were announced by the prophets of the old. In hope we pray to You: Come, Lord, do not delay. Fulfill the hope of those who desire justice, long for freedom or seek peace. Redeem the faithful, restore right order, and renew the face of the Earth, heal our brokenness, mediate our conflicts and shine light upon our chaos. May God lead us among the paths of wisdom and fill our hearts with peace and consolation. Amen. GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

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

BOTH Netflix films, Marriage Story (top) and The Irishman not only drew Hollywood’s top talent—from actors Robert de Niro, Al Pacino and Scarlett Johansson to directors Martin Scorsese to Noah Baumbach—but are also now the front-runners in the race for Academy Awards glory.

Life

SOMETHING LIKE LIFE: PART II: REGIONAL FILIPINO DISHES TO MEET THE WORLD’S PALATE D3

BusinessMirror

Friday, January 3, 2020

Net�lix made more films than any other studio. Now it wants an Oscar

BY LUCAS SHAW Bloomberg News

ETFLIX Inc. has been making its own movies for years, but 2019 may be remembered as the year it truly became a film studio. The company began the year by joining the Motion Picture Association of America, the Hollywood trade group that represents movie studios. It went on to release nearly 60 English language feature films over the course of 2019, including Oscar contenders The Irishman and Marriage Story. With a slate that includes its first animated feature Klaus, a Michael Bay action thriller and comedies like Eddie Murphy’s Dolemite Is My Name, Netflix has doubled or even tripled the output of Hollywood’s biggest studios. And for the first time, the company’s top executives are saying that movies will determine whether Netflix hits its financial targets in 2019. “This fall was a nice culmination,” Scott Stuber, Netflix’s film chief, said in an interview. “I’m very proud of this slate. I can look you in the eye and say we’ve made as good movies this fall as anybody.” Stuber, 51, joined Netflix in 2017 after more than two decades working in the film business—first as an executive and then a producer. Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos asked Stuber to build a movie studio from scratch, one that would rival any in Hollywood. At the time, Netflix had only released a couple dozen original movies, most of them forgettable— like the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Adam Sandler’s comedy western The Ridiculous 6. The company had to fill its slate with projects that had been cast aside by other studios. Netflix’s one movie that delighted critics, Beasts of No Nation, earned no nominations at the 2016 Academy Awards—an outcome that many experts interpreted as a rebuke of the streaming company. It had resisted demands to release its movies in theaters before they appear on its service, angering cinephiles

and movie theater owners. “It was a company built on television—that was first and foremost,” said Stuber, a 6-foot-4 executive who brought a fat Rolodex to Netflix from producing movies, such as Ted, The Break-Up and Central Intelligence. Many of his past collaborators, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and director Peter Berg, have since signed on to make movies for Netflix. FILM FLOOD IN the two-and-a-half years since Stuber took the job, Netflix has morphed into the largest movie studio in Hollywood, at least in terms of volume. The company plans to release 50 to 60 films a year, and that doesn’t include projects born out of other divisions, such as El Camino, a spinoff movie from the TV show Breaking Bad. The company has scored both critical and commercial hits. Bird Box and Murder Mystery were viewed by more than 70 million people apiece in their first month on the service, according to the company, while Triple Frontier and The Highwaymen both eclipsed 40 million viewers. Six of the 10 most watched new titles on the service in the US in 2019 were original films. Still, it’s hard to measure Netflix’s success. The company is selective in what viewer information it releases and there’s no reliable third-party data source. So it’s all but impossible to verify how any one Netflix project fared. The company points to its continued subscriber growth as evidence of success, but critics note that Netflix still borrows money to fund its productions. Two facts seem clear, though. First, Netflix found a sweet spot making the kinds of movies other studios have abandoned: adult dramas, romantic comedies and action movies without superheroes. Rom-coms like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Always Be My Maybe don’t have the global appeal of The Avengers, but they are infinitely rewatchable at home. The sequel to All the Boys is on the slate in 2020, along with movies from George Clooney, Spike Lee

The Academy Awards is ready—when the film is right—to give Netflix its top prize. That could be as soon as this year. Netflix has two of the five movies with the best odds, according to Gold Derby, a site devoted to predicting entertainment awards. They include the current front-runner, The Irishman. The nominations will be announced January 13. and Ryan Murphy, creator of American Horror Story. Second, the industry no longer views Netflix as an outsider. Filmmakers Alfonso Cuaron, Martin Scorsese and Noah Baumbach—all staunch defenders of classic cinema—have turned to Netflix to get their movies made. And the voters for the Academy Awards have come around, nominating Netflix for 15 Oscars in 2018, including its first for best picture, best director,

best actress and best screenplay. The company didn’t win the best picture statuette, but took home its first prizes for something other than a documentary. ‘YOU DID IT’ “WHEN I saw Ted Sarandos after the Oscars, I said, ‘You did it, you got over the hump,’” said John Sloss, who produced Green Book, the 2018 winner for best picture. In other words, the Academy is ready—when the film is right—to give Netflix its top prize. That could be as soon as 2020. Netflix has two of the five movies with the best odds, according to Gold Derby, a site devoted to predicting entertainment awards. They include the current front-runner, Scorsese’s The Irishman. The nominations will be announced on January 13. The New York film critics named that movie the year’s best, and Netflix earned the most Golden Globe nominations of any studio in both film and television. But this year has been a particularly strong one for movies, and there is no one leader. Los Angeles film critics named Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite the year’s best, while Sam Mendes’s 1917 has earned ecstatic reviews. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood could finally earn the filmmaker his first Oscar for best director. The only group that hasn’t embraced Netflix yet is theater owners. Though Netflix has relaxed its policy on theaters—allowing movies to appear on the big screen for as long as a month before they migrate to the streaming service—that hasn’t appeased the world’s largest cinema chains. They still refuse to show the service’s movies. But many movie studios, including Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures, want to get their movies online sooner, too. And many companies, including Walt Disney Co., are making movies that won’t appear in theaters at all. “It’s not a Netflix-versus-theater thing,” Stuber said. “The entire film business has to figure out the right distribution model that helps everyone.” ■

Society BusinessMirror

Friday, January 3, 2020

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Eli Manning, 39; Danica McKellar, 45; Mel Gibson, 64; Victoria Principal, 70. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Keep your life simple, straightforward and within your comfort zone. Refuse to get drawn into other people’s melodrama or situations that will stand between you and what you want to accomplish this year. Expand your mind, use your experience as a reference and don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never done. Choose selfimprovement over trying to change someone. Your lucky numbers are 7, 12, 22, 27, 32, 40, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Handle people carefully. Someone will be taking notes and eager to spread rumors regarding what you did or didn’t do. Leave nothing to chance, finish what you start and observe who is watching you. Do your best, and be your best. HHH

b SSI Group Inc. President Anton Huang and Tim Yap

WINNIE WONG

LACOSTE SA Marketing Assistant Mehdi Khelifi and SSI’s Head of Marketing Communications Mitch Suarez

Step back into the ’90s G

LOBAL brand Lacoste hosted a weekend affair to relive the iconic 1990s with the launch of its new line of sneakers, the Court Slam. Held at the new Glorietta Activity Center just as 2019 was racing to a close, with Tim Yap and Angelique Manto hosting, the event was packed with dance performances by A-Team Philippines and Steps Dance Project, as well as aesthetic beats by KINGwAw (Bret Jackson), Curtismith (Mito Fabie), Massiah, AstroKidd and Nix Damn P of Careless Music. Other attendees include online stars, such as Kaila Estrada, Kim Baranda, Leila Alcasid, Lissa Kahayon,

Santino Rosales, and Winnie Wong. Guests and mall goers who bought Court Slam kicks on the same day were treated to a free on-the-spot customization featuring hip and street designs. Combining tennis codes with the current dictates of streetwear fashion, Court Slam is a new unisex sneaker that catches the eye with its retro look and chunky sole. Inspired by the Tennis 91, one of the iconic models plucked from the brand’s archives, the line asserts a unique personality. Born in tennis courts in the 1990s, it is being revived today as a lifestyle sneaker with a daring and contemporary aesthetic and design. n

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Expand your knowledge and your interests. What you come up with will be the stepping-stone to something that can help you get ahead professionally. Consider your motives, as well as the motives of others. Don’t share personal information. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Get charged up and accomplish what you set out to do. A personal improvement you make will lead to possibilities that can contribute to your status or reputation. HHHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be careful not to upset someone you need on your team. Listen, make adjustments and follow through with your plans. Make a difference, and be part of the solution, not the problem. HH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If someone makes a fuss, do your best to calm the situation using incentives and making adjustments that will help keep the peace. A physical challenge will help ease stress, as well as being conducive to finding solutions. Romance is featured. HHHHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t lose sight of your goal. What you accomplish and the change you put in place will make a lasting impression on someone you would like to please. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Evaluate a situation that appears to be unstable. Keep your emotions out of the equation to avoid making a hasty decision. Time is on your side as long as you refuse to let anyone bully you. HHH

ARAL Cru and team’s on-the-spot customization

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Refuse to let what other people do trouble you. Put your time and energy toward the projects and pursuits that will help you improve your life. Traveling, communicating and choosing like-minded buddies are encouraged. Protect against injury. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Spend time at home. Go over personal papers, fix up your surroundings or kick back with someone you love. Don’t let a change someone makes disturb you. Let go of unnecessary baggage, regrets and unsavory connections. HHHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen to criticism, consider what you want to do and make the adjustments that suit you. A lifestyle change will give you a new perspective as you move forward and try new things. HH

AUTO Nation Group COO Frankie Ang, CATS Group Founder and Auto Nation Group President Felix Ang; and Auto Nation Group Chairman Greg Yu AMBASSADOR Sung Kim and Ang

A visionary’s legacy IT takes guts, passion, vision and a lot of hard work for a business to grow from a small car accessories, tires and servicing shop in Greenhills, into a leading force in the local automotive industry. The CATS Group definitely has these in spades, as it recently celebrated 30 years of innovation and success with an evening of festivities that were quite cinematic in scope. Celebrated at the Grand Hyatt Manila, the occasion also marked the CATS Group Founder Felix Ang’s 60th birthday.

The evening had two parts. The first, hosted by Issa Litton and David Celdran, was a celebration of the CATS Group’s 30th year, with a presentation of how the company built on milestone upon milestone, from its beginnings in 1989, to become the exclusive distributor of prestigious and luxury car brands in the country. The second part of the evening was all about the man himself, Ang. There were special song numbers dedicated to the man of the evening, from Golden Arches

Development Corp. Founder and Chairman George Yang singing the Italian version of The Godfather theme and Gia Ang, the CATS founder’s daughter, singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” to the surprise production number by Ang’s wife, Grace. The whole Ang family then gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to their beloved patriarch as he blew the candles on his cake, and more greetings and anecdotes followed from Ang’s friends and business partners, such as Philippine Chamber of

Commerce and Industry’s George Barcelon, Ben Yam, Art Tan and US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. “I seized every opportunity as it came, even up to the point of sacrificing a formal education. Experience taught me the hard way, but I thought to myself, if I don’t make it, there is no turning back. I just had to keep moving,” Ang reflected in his birthday speech. “CATS is the greatest legacy of my life, having gone this far. It is such an amazing journey and I consider myself very blessed.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take a deep breath, and prepare to move forward with your plans. Use experience and knowledge to help you navigate your way through any conflict you face. Put your energy where it counts, and spend time with someone you love. HHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Balance will make life easier. By both giving and taking, you’ll be able to bring about the changes that will encourage better relationships with people who share your enthusiasm, as well as your aspirations. Promote your beliefs and dreams. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are charming, unique and convincing. You are dedicated and persistent.

‘making connections’ BY PAUL COULTER The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Cooking oil brand 7 Molecule with A, T, G and C bases 10 Niger neighbor 14 Gladiator fight sites 15 Getty or Rockefeller 17 Make a member (letters 3-6 +...) 18 Part of a sound system, once (...1-4) 19 FBI files 21 Like a bad roof 22 “...___ he drove out of sight” 23 Not needing a comb 25 Committee head (letters 2-5 +...) 29 Barbershop that either cheats you or gives you what you paid for? (...1-4) 34 Grasp 35 Word after “half-baked” or “concrete” 36 Dundee denial 37 Warning, in Oaxaca 39 Some are flat-screen 40 They all led to Rome 42 Came across 43 Achy 45 Foot, for one 46 Story surprise (letters 5-9 + ...)

49 Layers (...1-3) 50 Its 2019 mystery flavor was Churro 51 “___ du lieber!” 53 “Likewise,” more formally 56 USS Enterprise, for one 61 Small talk (letters 6-8 +...) 64 It’s bashed at some bashes (...1-3) 65 Earn after deductions 66 How villains behave 67 Backyard building 68 High-school class, or its venue 69 Drives back DOWN 1 Sun-___ raisins 2 Florence flooder 3 London drizzle features? 4 Difficult responsibility 5 More frilly 6 Autumn bloomer 7 A kid may connect them 8 Actress Vardalos 9 Matterhorn or Mont Blanc 10 Got by 11 Side length squared, for a square 12 Bike security device

3 “Deep black” 1 16 Glass cover in a Sylvia Plath title 20 ___ center 23 Auction actions 24 Certain primate 25 Winner, informally 26 Shack 27 Justice Samuel 28 Driver’s license and others 30 A proverbial cat has nine 31 Absurd 32 Low point 33 Exams 38 Bird that can run 40+ miles per hour 39 Quintet minus two 41 “Certainement!” 44 Be behind 47 Sounded, as a toy train 48 Parlor design, briefly 49 Flourish 52 Morsel in a lox and bagel sandwich 53 Hamlet has five 54 Former ruler whose plural is a palindrome 5 5 Water barrier

6 Check, as the tide 5 57 Sound in a salon 58 Hearty’s partner 59 “___ never fly!” 60 Compensates 62 Monopolize 63 Actress Poehler

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Friday, January 3, 2020

Part II: Regional Filipino dishes to meet the world’s palate SOMETHING LIKE LIFE

MA. STELLA F. ARNALDO

@akosistellaBM

VER the years, purveyors of Philippine cuisine in kitchens abroad have been trying to introduce and propagate to foreign palates popular ways of cooking Filipino dishes, like the adobo, sinigang, inihaw and the like. For the most part, home cooks and a handful of these Filipino-owned restaurants have been successful in getting the word out on what I like to call, our “national anthem” dishes, e.g., lechon, dinuguan, pansit, etc. With the recent “Chefs Food Trip” project of the Department of Tourism (DOT), more regional cooking have the chance of making it to menus abroad through FilAm chefs Charles Olalia (Ma’am Sir), Tom Cunanan (Bad Saint) and chef/TV host Grant “Lanai” Tabura (Cooking Hawaiian Style). The three culinary heavyweights were brought around the Philippines for two weeks in November to taste the respective cuisines of Pampanga, Bacolod/Iloilo, Cebu and Davao. At the same time, they were given an opportunity to speak with culinary students, and demonstrate their cooking skills during Wofex’s Fun Food Talks in these provinces. Olalia was particularly taken with Davao with its bountiful seafood, describing it as “amazing. I’ve never seen such fat clams (imbao)...they were so fat they were almost like an oyster, with the brininess of the clam. Of course there was this amazing balbacua (stew using collagen-rich beef parts). One thing that was amazing was is tuna esophagus (ubolubol)—which people just normally throw away,” but which was a key ingredient in a dish by Davao chef Carmina del Rosario. He, likewise, marveled at how del Rosario seemed to have down pat, unbeknownst to her, a very European cooking style, which she dubs as “pak-fry,” where she just combined paksiw and fried the [tuna esophagus]. “[It’s] a very European way of cooking, where you cook something in court bouillon, which is the paksiw, then chilled, then you fry it. That’s what

we do with octopus all the time, or with mackerel. It gave me appreciation for the type of cooking that lives in the Philippines. Not everything has to be learned from the West. What [is actually] is here is delicious, and what actually is here is what we eventually learn over there. Had I known it was here I would have been better equipped leaving the country.” One might describe Olalia as a chef by accident. He was actually studying to be a doctor, but after reading a flyer, decided to take a one-year cooking course at the prestigious International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, run by the venerable chef Norbert Gandler, once executive chef of the Mandarin Oriental Manila. Olalia then moved to the United States, worked in the kitchens of several respected restaurants, including The French Laundry of chef Thomas Keller, before finally striking out on his own with the sevenseater Rice Bar in 2015. After a successful four-year run, Olalia closed it to focus on a new restaurant, Ma’am Sir. The latter has reaped a lot of praise, including a well-balanced four-star review from Time Out critic Simon Majumdar, who happily ate Olalia’s Filipino dishes. Among the dishes Olalia is known for is the fried lumpia, which isn’t your regular, pork-filled variety, but with a blend of fresh uni (sea urchin), a common ingredient found in many West Coast wet markets and supermarkets. He also pays homage to the humble chori burger of Boracay, using his uncle’s recipe for longganisa (cured pork sausage), made into thick patties, fried and charred to perfection (“we Filipinos like our meat a bit toasted and charred,” he tells culinary students at Enderun during the Manila run of the Fun Food Talk), then topped with a heaping atchara (pickled unripe papaya)—all these sitting prettily in a toasted brioche bun. For Olalia, the biggest hurdle of opening a Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles is getting his entire team—many of them non-Filipinos—to see the vision for the food he wants to make. “As much as I know the food, it’s not just me doing the restaurant, it’s a team of 25, I had to educate my whole team everyday, and even up to now, to make sure we all progress together. Because it’s very hard to push the restaurant, where you’re the only one that knows the vision. So I had to make sure all 25 of us were in sync together. And then once we got to that point, it’s just that making sure every guest feels they’re in a Filipino place.” To him, generally, “food is food,” but what makes his restaurant uniquely Filipino is that “we make people feel welcome. We feel loved. And once when we got to that point,

TOP: Chef Charles Olalia’s wildly popular and also divisive (among older Pinoys) lumpia (fried spring rolls) with fresh uni (sea urchin). At left, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat eagerly tries Olalia’s Longganisa Burger, his homage to the humble Boracay chori burger. PHOTOS: MA. STELLA F. ARNALDO

then I felt it, ‘This is really good.’ And that’s when everyone felt that maybe, you know, ‘maybe you’re an OK restaurant. Maybe we’ll come back.’” Barely disguising his excitement, Olalia discloses his menu at Ma’am Sir in 2020 will definitely reflect “a lot of what I learned from this trip. It gave me the confidence on taking some of the local terminologies, and putting it on to the dishes and what I wanted to do.” He has just opened a café in Australia in October, and will

probably add a few more in this year, “and hopefully, my first restaurant, Rice Bar, in the Philippines.” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat tells us that with the success of the recent “Chefs Food Trip,” the project will likely be an annual event. We look forward to its second serving in 2020. ■ The first part, “The coming of age of Filipino cuisine,” came out on December 20, 2019.

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Friday, January 3, 2020

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DIRECTOR Greta Gerwig’s reimagining of the American literary classic Little Women had a $16.5-million weekend and a five-day total of $29 million since its Christmas opening, a major performance for a smaller-audience film. GMA Regional TV, headed by Oliver Amoroso (center, holding an award), is proving to be the Filipinos’ regional channel of choice

GMA REGIONAL TV REAPS HONORS FROM VARIOUS AWARD-WINNING BODIES GMA Regional TV is proving to be the Filipinos’ regional channel of choice as it continues to gain viewership against competition and earn recognitions from various award-giving bodies including the Best Regional TV Network award at the 2019 Platinum Stallion Awards. This is the third time that the regional arm of GMA Network took home the major award from the Trinity University of Asia. Meanwhile, at the 41st Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), GMA Regional TV also proved its strength in producing effective campaigns and quality programs. Its “#SpreadKindness” campaign was a finalist in the Best TV Ad Public Service category. Launched last year, #SpreadKindness is an advocacy and public service campaign in the regions which aims to recognize and celebrate random acts of kindness made by ordinary people. Securing finalist positions as well are various GMA Regional TV-produced programs and special coverage led by GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas. The pioneering unified Hiligaynon newscast was short-listed in the Best News Program category— the only regional newscast to be included alongside national and cable newscasts. At the same time, the Dinagyang Festival: Hala Bira!—The GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Special Live Coverage and Pit Senyor: Sinulog Festival—The GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage were both finalists in the Best Special Event Coverage category. Capping off the list is block timer program, Biyaheng Do30, which was short-listed in the Best Adult/Education Program category. In 2019, various programs and special coverage of GMA Regional TV were also honored by Anak TV as “child-friendly.” Receiving the iconic Anak TV Seals were local newscasts Balitang Amianan (for North Central Luzon), One Western Visayas and One Mindanao. “On behalf of the men and women of GMA Regional TV [RTV], I would like to thank the Trinity University of Asia [TUA], the Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Anak TV Foundation for recognizing our work,” says GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “Such recognitions inspire us to continue producing local TV programs and specials, and mount relevant regional activities. With #LocalNewsMatters always in our minds, these awards motivate us to continue leading relentless programming efforts that are more attuned to stories, voices and viewership outside of Metro Manila as we enrich the lives of Filipinos everywhere.”

‘Skywalker’ rises again; ‘Little Women’ go big at box office

BY ANDREW DALTON The Associated Press

OS ANGELES—Star Wars was still rising in the last weekend of the year, while Little Women broke big at the box office. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker brought in $72 million over the weekend to remain the top-earning film in North America by light-years, according to studio estimates Sunday. In 10 days of release it has brought in $362.8 million for Disney, falling just short of the earnings of its predecessor, 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi in a comparable span. Helped by the Christmas holiday week, Star Wars had a smaller-than-average 59-percent drop-off in its second weekend after earning $175 million in its first. “For a movie that opened that big, that is a modest

drop,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “Movies that open this time of year, they usually have legs.” Sony’s Jumanji: The Next Level earned $35.3 million for second place and has tallied a total of $175.5 million through its third weekend of release. Director Greta Gerwig’s reimagining of the American literary classic Little Women had a $16.5-million weekend and a five-day total of $29 million since its Christmas opening, a major performance for a smaller-audience film with a budget dwarfed by the top 2 films. The film, also a Sony release, starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Laura Dern, scored big with both audiences and critics and is gaining momentum as an awards-season favorite. “With Greta Gerwig’s reputation as a filmmaker, a great cast and a perfect holiday release date, they’ve got quite a hit on their hands,” Dergarabedian said. Uncut Gems, an even smaller film that has also sparked awards-season buzz for Adam Sandler’s rare dramatic performance as a jeweler and gambling addict, entered the top 10 for the first time as it expanded to more screens in its first week. The film earned $9.6 million over the weekend and has brought in $20 million overall. Director Sam Mendes’s experimental World War I epic 1917, earned more than $1 million since its Christmas opening despite showing in only 11 theaters. The huge per-screen average bodes well for the film’s nationwide opening next month as it ramps up its Oscars campaign. Twenty nineteen ended with the annual overall

box-office revenue down by 4 percent, though it gained ground in its latter months, narrowing a deficit that was 11 percent in April, and 2018 was always going to be tough to beat. “Twenty eighteen was an outlier,” Dergarabedian said. “It was just a massive year.” Between Marvel and Star Wars and its animation divisions, 2019 was utterly owned by Disney, which had all five of the year’s top grossing movies: Avengers: Endgame, The Lion King, Toy Story 4, Captain Marvel and Frozen 2. And with The Rise of Skywalker ending 2019 at No. 7 and Aladdin at No. 8, the mega-mouse ate up seven of the top 10 spots. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. 1. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, $72 million, ($94.3 million international) 2. Jumanji: The Next Level, $35.3 million ($61.6 million international) 3. Little Women, $16.5 million, ($6.3 million international) 4. Frozen 2, $16.5 million, ($42.2 million international) 5. Spies in Disguise, $13.2 million, ($16 million international) 6. Knives Out, $9.7 million ($6 million international) 7. Uncut Gems, $9.6 million 8. Cats, $4.83 million, ($13.6 million international) 9. Bombshell, $4.7 million, ($157,000 international). 10. Richard Jewell, $3 million. ■

of Jomari Yllana and Priscilla Almeda. Yup. It is as if we’re in the ’90s again during the Guwapings days. The two are back in each other’s arms, suprising everyone including their own now ex-partners. Anyway, announcing their engagement this year are couples Gwen Zamora and David Semerad, JayR and Mica, but the two that made the most noise in 2019 are Angel Locsin and Neil Arce’s engagement and

Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli’s. The boys really liked their gals that they decided to put a ring on it. Beyonce would be so proud. Sending all the love to these couples. Hope you can send some back to this writer for 2020. ■■■ IF you’re like me and you’re still shopping for pahabol holiday gifts, maybe you’d like to check out the ABSCBN Studio XPass gift card. The XPass allows Kapamilyas to enjoy the ABSCBN Studio Experience where they can join amusing games and attractions that showcase well-loved shows like Pinoy Big Brother Breakout, The Voice Open Mic and It’s Showtime Director’s Booth. You can also use it to splurge on various ABS-CBN items like the Family is Forever shirt, which is always a big hit during the holidays, but if you’re not sure with the color or size, then this pass is perfect. But if your recipient is a foodie, he or she can use the pass to buy any of Heroe’s Burger Pinoy Komiks-themed burger meals. These burgers are just sumptuous and the best thing is, they’re made from organic beef! The fries that come with the meal are delicious, too! The Studio XP gift card can have a minimum load of P300 and is available at the Trinoma ABS-CBN Studio Experience store or the ABS-CBN store inside the ABS-CBN Compound. You can also it buy online at studioexperience.abs-cbm.com.

Imbroglios, breakups and hook-ups GAB FAB JET VALLE

@jetvalle

HANDS down, the showbiz newsmakers of the year are the Barrettos—Gretchen, Marjorie, Claudine and Julia—plus the other people directly or indirectly involved with their imbroglios and brouhahas like Gerald Anderson, Atong Ang, Lolit Solis and many more. Much was written about them that I wasn’t able to give much attention to the many “positives” for 2019—specifically in the romance department. Many showbiz personalities found love, got engaged or tied the knot this year. Flooding my timelines recently are longtime couple Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz as they finally got married. They moved into their house soon after but no signs of a honeymoon yet, as Dianne kept posting that she is still busy with work. Hope the lovebirds get to find the time to settle and relax and enjoy a trip together. Also, longtime bachelor Vhong Navarro got

hitched in Osaka with his non-showbiz girlfriend Tanya Bautista. Many of his It’s Showtime family were there to support the comedian and even the “hibernating” actor John Lloyd Cruz made the trip. I heard he was there with his son but Ellen Adarna wasn’t there, confirming their split. But this column is not about breakups but hookups. Perhaps one of the most controversial is the one

WARRING sisters Gretchen (from left), Marjorie and Claudine Barretto.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

Editor: Tet Andolong

Friday, January 3, 2020 E1

Built Ford Tough for your business Ford’s tough workhorses—the Ranger XLT and XLS

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

INCE Ford Philippines introduced the current generation Ranger (T6 platform), it has since become one of the sought-after pickup trucks out there. So popular that you’ll see this vehicle everywhere in various trims.

The XLS variant showcasing its towing prowess

Truth be told, Ford really did a great job on the overall design that even several years since its release, it’s still rocking the highly competitive segment. To this day, the Ranger model remains as one of the top choices for pickups. While pickup trucks nowadays have become a lifestyle vehicle, let us not forget that these vehicles are also known for its fundamental roles since its inception. These trucks are still best known for being workhorses, hauler, or anything you can think of practical applications, whether for business or private use. So, Ford Philippines recently hosted a drive event to showcase the toughness capabilities of this truck. Only this time, it wasn’t the top-spec Wildtrak model, but rather the other two variants best suit for the intended event—the Ranger XLS and XLT grades. After all, middle and base grades hold the highest share in terms of unit sales, regardless of brands. On the part of Ford, both these options understand that these are perfect for customers with workhorse and utility needs. These two have a selection of features that offer powerful performance, work-ready capability, comfort and safety. Let’s start with the proven powertrain. Under the hood of the Ranger XLS and XLT variants is Ford’s robust and reliable 2.2-liter TDCi engine. Mated to an option

of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, it delivers a substantial 158 hp and 385 N-m of maximum torque to suit performance demands. Next is its best-in-segment water wading, which is 800 mm in depth. Then, of course, the towing capabilities. Both XLS and XLT 4x2 grades can tow up to 2,500 kilograms, while the XLS 4x4 manual variant can tow more massive up to 3,500 kg. Meanwhile, all Ranger XLS and XLT variants have a 1,120kg payload capacity. To prove that these figures are not just merely in theories, we took the trucks to test. First stop was at a construction shop. There, close to a ton of heavy cement bags were loaded to the XLT model. Even with a dropped rear end due to the weight, the XLT model managed to traverse through the urban roads trouble-free. Watching the truck in great form while hauling, it reached the worksite in one piece. Now that’s one construction business buddy. The following activity took us to a rice mill. This time it was the XLS model’s turn to shine. There, various sacks of crops weighing about more than 800 kg in total were loaded. Bags after bags, the rear end began to drop, as well. But this didn’t pose any hurdle for the XLS grade as reaching the rice field destination was also trouble-free. Well, it didn’t end there as we also

The Ranger XLT variant carrying heavy cement bags

Heavy sacks of crops being loaded into the XLS variant

witnessed how the truck effortlessly towed a rice thresher machine. How’s that for an agriculture business partner. The best part is, aside from being tough, both Ranger XLS and XLT variants are also equipped with Driver Assist Technologies (DAT). These are adjustable speed limiter, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, childproof door locks, cruise control, front driver and passenger air bags, front seatbelt pretensioners, adjustable speed limiter. “We’ve made solid headways in our pickup truck business this year, and we aim to sustain the momentum by bringing the Ford Ranger accessible to more customers by making the Ranger XLS more affordably priced at below P1 million and the Ranger XLT available with a bigger cash discount or at zero-percent interest,” shared Ryan Lorenzo, marketing director, Ford Philippines. “With these great deals for the Ranger, more Filipinos will experience its versatility, toughness and world-class capability.” We can only hope that Ford Philippines would extend this great offer until 2020. Visit the Ford web site for more information on the proposals.

Moto

Business

E2 Friday, January 3, 2020

Hyundai sales 3rd highest in 2019

NE of the country’s leading automotive players, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. sold 2,981 units in November or a 4.4-percent growth versus the previous month’s 2,856 units. Hari’s November sales is its third-highest month in 2019. Year-to-date November 2019, total sales breached the 30,000 mark hitting 30,599 units. This is 6.9 percent lower compared to the same period in 2018. Despite the drop, the company is confident it will surpass the 3,000 sales mark for December, to usher in the new decade on a high note. “December is historically a good month for Hari due to increased consumer spending. Coupled with lower interest rates and inflation, we expect our sales to be further bolstered. Beyond these factors, our main drivers remain the quality, reliability, and ease of maintenance of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles,” Hari President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said. In November, sales in the passenger cars (PC) segment grew by 6.8 percent with 1,556 units sold spearheaded by its dynamic duo— the Hyundai Reina (PC Segment A) and the Hyundai Accent (PC Segment B). Since its introduction in late

January, the Reina has consistently grown in sales and for November, has become the top-seller for Hari. The Reina is now a strong No. 2 in its industry segment. The segment topping torque combined with its fuel efficiency and reliability of the Accent has allowed it to sustain its No.3 position in this volume driving segment. A total of 16,116 Hyundai passenger cars were sold in the first 11 months of 2019. Month-on-month, light commercial vehicles (LCV) slightly increased to 1,365 units with the Hyundai Kona (subcompact SUV) and Hyundai H-100 (light truck) leading the way. These two models are the No. 1 sellers in their respective segments. Recently, the company launched the hardworking variant of the H-100. Dubbed the “KapitanKargo,” this model outperforms other similar vehicles in terms of power, fuel efficiency, payload and safety. Year-to-date November 2019, LCV sales dipped by 2.55 percent with 13,696 units sold. Nonetheless, other acclaimed Hyundai LCVs, such as the Hyundai Tucson (compact SUV), Grand Starex (passenger van), and Santa Fe (midsize SUV) all showed month-on-month growth fueled by Hyundai’s industry-first 5X5 campaign.

Hari’s commercial vehicles business continued its surge with a 50-percent growth in November versus the previous month. Yearto-date, sales of Hyundai’s trucks and buses grew significantly by 79.7 percent with 787 units sold. This segment is expected to grow even more with increased demand from the public transport sector. Recently, the company opened its fifth dedicated CV dealership for 2019 in Cainta. The inauguration of HTB-Cainta was highlighted by the signing of MoUs for the order of 1,200 units of Hyundai HD50S Modern Jeepneys Class 1, Hyundai H-100 Modern Jeepneys Class 2, and Hyundai County Buses. The company hinted that it was preparing to inaugurate more dealerships in both the PC and CV business in 2020. “Based on current market demand and the untapped potential in key growth areas, there is a need to further expand Hyundai’s presence to serve more customers while driving economic activity in local communities. We have several facilities in various stages of completion that will be opened throughout 2020. This supports our outlook that the automotive industry is set come back strong next year,” Agudo added.

Top tips for road safety this holiday season

ANY of us look forward to going on fun road trips but we should always be cautious because accidents can happen. Experts have identified several common factors that contribute to the rising number of road mishaps— wrong overtaking methods, human error, and drunk or reckless driving. However, road accidents can be prevented and the risk of being involved in one can be minimized. Follow these road safety tips from AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, so you can prepare yourself for any emergency or unexpected situation on the road. Check your car. Perform a safety check before heading out. Tire pressure, fluid levels, air-conditioning, and lights are some of the things you can check on your own. Monthly tune-ups are essential. Be alert. It is good practice to be aware of your surroundings and to check constantly all the car mirrors while driving. Keep in mind that medications you may be taking can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to operate a vehicle. Avoid alcohol consumption if you are the designated driver. Plan ahead for long trips. Take periodic breaks when driving long distances. Plan ahead for stops, stretches, and try to have healthy meals that do not contain too much sugar. Rest in a traveler’s inn if fatigue sets in. Eliminate distractions. Limit use of your phone when driving. Never take a call or text when your hands

Of art, culi driving the

Two Lamando SEL models at the new bridge going up to Asin Road, Benguet.

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

T wasn’t the usual ride and drive to the Northern provinces as Volkswagen Philippines recently took members of the motoring media in Baguio City and Pampanga to experience a unique event dubbed “culinary and art crawl.” What made it a perfect experience, of course, was the experience to drive the brand’s flagship sporty executive sedan in the country—the Lamando. We previously featured this luscious sedan, and we’re glad to reconnect with it. Only this time, more to the fun drive aspect as we get to take it to a long stretch with exhilarating “twisties.” Exemplifying the German marque’s effort of merging elegant looks with performance, the Lamando was the perfect vehicle of choice to infused into a unique two-day road trip combining the elements of an informative lifestyle-themed journey.

The art of driving

are on the wheel. If you need to take a call or reply to emergency texts, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe place. Buckle up. All passengers and the driver must use their seat belts. When traveling with small children, it would be best if they use appropriate car seats. It is also recommended that all kids below 13 years old should ride in the back to avoid injuries from the air bag in case of an accident. Have an emergency kit ready. Make sure your emergency kit has blankets, water, jumper cables, flashlight extra batteries, and first aid items. These items will help give you peace of mind. You can also rest your head knowing that emergency services are within easy reach through AXA Philippines’s Rescue Line. With Rescue Line from AXA, you will always be ready for the unexpected with free access to 24/7 emergency services, such as roadside, ambulance, fire and police assistance. Even without Wi-fi con-

nection, you can reach Rescue Line! Everyone may avail themselves of AXA Rescue Line by downloading the new Emma by AXA app through Google Play or App Store. Aside from the Rescue Line feature, the Emma by AXA app also lets customers view their complete policy information, monitor their account value and fund performance, view their payment history, and get in touch with their agent quickly. Get a reliable car insurance plan. AXA Car Insurance Online not only provides protection against losses and liabilities that may arise from road and vehicular accidents, it also gives you a wide range of options depending on your needs. And since you can purchase it online, getting an insurance poses no hassle at all. You can also file a claim online—no need to see your agent or go to a branch! Protect yourself in case of accidents and emergencies on your next trip with AXA Car Insurance Online and AXA Rescue Line.

Everything started on an early assembly at the Volkswagen Quezon Avenue dealership. Waiting for us were four units of shimmering Lamando sedans (SEL and SE variants) detailed with Sonax as the official detailer of the participating vehicles. We get to see again the sedan’s straightforward elegance coming from the brand’s signature slender halogen headlamps aligned to the grille with chrome accents and pronounced emblem in the middle. The chiselled body, made the vehicle looked sporter along with the standard 17-inch two-toned multispoke rims. As soon as we boarded, that monochromatic themed interior had us again with touches of sporty trims and material, which brought more life and con-

venience. Occupied by four adults, the cabin space was more than enough to still seat comfortably. As soon as we hit the expressway, we couldn’t agree more that the ride was planted and smooth. NVH was superb as we did savor the excellent sound quality from the 9.2inch infotainment audio system with eight-speaker system (SEL variant). Don’t even ask us how was the cabin temperature because everything was breezy thanks to the two-zone Climatronic air-conditioning. This made our passenger experience as rewarding as it gets. Even the ride was comfy coming from the front McPherson Independent Suspension and the rear Four-link Independent Suspension. Behind-the-wheel was like picking up from our last impression only more engaging because of the long stretches at high-speed limits. The Active Info Display kept us informed with speeds and engine revs displayed in high-resolution dynamic color. But, of course, The Lamando’s 1.4-liter TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology. Mated to a seven-speed direct shift gear (DSG) transmission, power delivery was not only smooth but also superbly linear. Overtaking was effortless, especially if you fiddle around the manual mode to remain within optimum rev

Monochromatic, sporty and well-laid out dashboa

The fleet of Lamando models at the event’s starting

ranges. Somehow, you’ll wonder if the mill’s displacement was smaller. Because we’re running as if there were no three other passengers plus luggage. Take that from the motor’s 148 hp and 250 N-m of maximum torque between 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. Throughout the 500-km trip, going through the twisties of the newly paved Asin road in Benguet was our favorite part of the drive. Here, we appreciated the Lamando’s low center of gravity and wider tire tracks. The numerous twists and turns became rather fun to tackle thanks to the Electronic Stabilization Program

Hino extends footprint with ne

INO Motors Philippines (HMP), exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, continues to expand its retail network across the country as it inaugurates dealership in Tacloban City, Leyte. Leyte will now be able to quickly access the world-class quality transportation and delivery vehicles offered by HMP to the community. Located in

Barangay Marasbaras, Tacloban City, Leyte, the new dealership will house Hino 300 series light-duty trucks, 500 series medium-duty trucks, 700 series heavy-duty trucks, buses and modern PUV units. It will also offer spare parts, and after-sales service for trucks and buses. “HMP has always been committed to making transportation and delivery services accessible to everyone, and we

are glad to be able to continue doing so with this new dealership here in Tacloban City. We will continue to do our best to reach more provinces and through our dealerships improve the transport of local products and goods, and in so doing deliver Total Support to every Filipino across the archipelago,” said Hino Motors Philippines Chairman Vicente T. Mills Jr. The new Tacloban City dealership

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inary and e Lamando

Friday, January 3, 2020

Geely launches more Coolray variants

OJITZ G Auto Philippines (SGAP) introduces two more Geely Coolray variants—Comfort and Premium. This is following the successful launch of the Coolray Sport variant in the Philippines last September. In a bid to set new standards on compact SUVs, SGAP and Geely made sure that all variants, though may slightly vary from each other, still embody high technology, modern design, and sober sophistication, all at a reasonably affordable price. Comfort, the Coolray’s base variant is priced at P978,000. It

fits perfectly for those who are not into luxurious features. Coolray Comfort is also equipped with the state-of-the-art 1.5 liter gasoline direct injection turbo engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission, push start button, and remote start. Comfort is available in 4 colors—white, silver, blue and vermilion. On the other hand, the Coolray Premium variant affordably priced at P1.088 million does not differ much from the Sport variant especially in terms of exterior looks. The Premium variant is also equipped

with 18-inch wheels, front air dams, rear bumper defuser, quadtail pipes and panoramic sunroof. Compared to the Sport however, the rear spoiler design of the Premium is more conservative. Inside, the Premium variant has black polyvinyl chloride seats compared to the Sport’s premium upholstered leather seats. Now there are three variants to choose from, customers can check which Coolray variant will suit their lifestyle. And whatever variant it would be, it will surely bring back the fun in driving.

Suzuki lets you ride safely, efficiently this New Year The responsive 1.4-liter turbo fuel-injection engine with Bluemotion Technology

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the first quarter of 2020. Even in Sierra Pines Baguio Hotel where we settled there’s the Adkos Gallery of art. Named after the Ibaloi word for “decoration,” currently on display are the works of National Artists Arturo R. Luz, Hernando Ruiz-Ocampo, Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco and Vicente Manansala.

The culinary crawl

g point

(ESP) and excellent steering feedback. We ended up just minding the downshifting to retain maximum torque and enough engine braking, on the other hand. Throughout, the vehicle maintained great form and control. The active function detects critical driving conditions such as the risk of skidding, wheel spin or over/understeer. It takes the immediate action of keeping the vehicle on the course all the time. Now that’s total peace of mind.

The art crawl

Up in Baguio, the afternoon saw the group driving to Pinsao Proper to visit

the Tam-Awan Art Village. There, we met the talented Baguio artists who managed to blend indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship. Their talent has created artworks depicting their love for the Volkswagen brand, particularly for the iconic Beetle. The event also announced the upcoming Volkswagen Lamando Art Competition. Organized in support of local artists and seen to enrich the Cordillera culture, even more, the competition puts the Lamando design elements in the creative hands of Baguio’s best and up-and-coming artists. The awarding ceremony will be held in

Come dinner time; we went to visit chef Vicky Clemente’s Mama’s Table for a different kind of dining immersion. The gastronomic experience was a perfect reward for our long drive. Everybody relaxed and savored the good food and drinks. Then the following day, it was another gastronomic experience having lunch at the famous Café Fleur by Chef Sau del Rosario. There, prepared signature dishes gave a lasting impression on our respective taste palates.

The ride you deserve

We said it before, and we’ll say it again. The Lamando has the elements you’re looking for in a midsize sedan minus the excess bulkiness plus sportier. For its price tag, it’s just a tad higher than the standard compact sedans but packed with elements you would rather have. Last, the Volkswagen element of pure driving sensation is there—more to the feel than to the looks.

ew dealership in Tacloban City is Hino’s fifth opening for this year. HMP continues to strengthen its presence not only in Metro Manila but also in key provinces across the country, bringing transportation and delivery services accessible to more communities and areas. HMP moves forward to 2020 with more dealership openings and PUV turnovers as it pursues its vision of delivering Total Support to all parts of the Philippines.

T’S that time of the year again. Besides the holiday season gettogethers, many Filipinos take advantage of the long holiday to bond with family and friends. A quick getaway or long ride out of town is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and create more memories to last many more Yuletide seasons ahead. Suzuki Philippines, the country’s pioneer subcompact car distributor, lets you go on that road trip with your dearest ones with fuel-efficient vehicles that are not only reliable on the road but are also safe and practical on the budget. With SPH’s well-loved Ertiga, Swift and Dzire, you can splurge on the destination, accommodations and food knowing you will save a lot on fuel costs. These well-loved Suzuki vehicles—Ertiga, Swift and Dzire—got impressive reviews from the AAP Fuel Economy Run for engine performance and fuel efficiency and

consumption. The fuel economy run aims to provide accurate and relevant information on how much fuel vehicles consume in realistic driving conditions. The Ertiga, Suzuki’s top-selling unit and a family favorite, finished with a 20.51 km/L performance, which translates to impressive fuel efficiency and engine performance for a seven-seater car. If the family plans to spend in Baguio or travel down south to the Bicol region, Suzuki Ertiga can definitely make you save gas and drive you safe this to your holiday bonding destination. Millennials’ top pick among Suzuki vehicles, the Suzuki Swift, completed the fuel economy run with a 31.54 km/L performance. This sleek hatchback guarantees smart fuel consumption while on the road, especially when bustling around the city or even while stuck in the traffic. You’re sure to reach your party venue even outside the Metro this holiday season in the

best style with the Swift. Another smart choice for a sedan is the Suzuki Dzire, which delivered a 25.81 km/L rate during the fuel economy run. There’s nothing to worry if you need to hurry to catch up with relatives or college friends to a grand reunion this Christmas season because Suzuki Dzire can definitely deliver a smooth and fuelefficient ride. Suzuki Philippines’s top-selling vehicles Ertiga, Swift and Dzire demonstrate fuel economy in line with AAP’s tests, reducing fuel consumption without compromising driving efficiency and optimal driving experience. With such strong engine performance and fuel efficiency, Suzuki Philippines guarantees enjoyable, practical and memorable travel with family and friends this New Year. For more information about Suzuki visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/, like it on https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH and follow on Instagram at @suzukiautoph.

Motoring BusinessMirror

E4 Friday, January 3, 2020

Tricycles control Maharlika Highway going to Bicol

HE massive traffic jams that bedeviled the metropolis the past two weeks or so could be gone by now. It should now be back to “normal.” And by normal, we mean tangled traffic still hounds the asphalt jungle almost 24/7, and at least six days a week.

There will never be an end to it, the gridlocks and all—unless true enforcement of traffic rules and regulations is implemented to the hilt by government agencies tasked to do the job, like the MMDA and HPG. Look, aren’t tricycles banned from plying main thoroughfares,

including the national highway? That’s not being observed in Maharlika Highway, the main artery going to Bicol from Metro Manila. While the government’s admirable road widening project in the country has really been frenetically pursued to the ends of the Earth, the worthy undertaking

is being bastardized by tricycles that wantonly make themselves king of the road from Santo Tomas, Batangas, all the way to Legazpi City in Bicolandia. I should know. I traversed the Maharlika Highway every now and then. Last weekend, the family’s three-day escape from the roar and rage of the metropolis was spoiled anew by tricycles racing against us. As usual, no matter the length of honking horns to ask tricycles to move to the right side of the highway where they “rightfully belong” while they break the law, sadly, everything was in vain, if not another crazy exercise in futility. They just don’t “step aside,” and persist in blocking your path. You will just keep your cool in the end to avoid a heart attack, skip an assault of blood pressure shooting up or escape your own road rage as to succumb to madness and proceed to shoot the trike driver in utter anger. Now if you try to overtake a trike from the right side (suicide), parked vehicles block your path, too. Thus, we spend billions to widen the roads, only to accommodate illegal parking along the Maharlika Highway. Thus, when you drive down

South, you need a million pound of patience to keep your sanity intact. Paging Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

Volvo gets nod from Texas media

IT’S nice to know that even our American media colleagues recognize the global worth of Volvo technology. From Volvo’s Albert Paolo A. Ella, this nice bit of good news: “The Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has been named midsize luxury SUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association [TAWA], marking the fifth consecutive year a Volvo SUV has won a category or overall award from the 32-yearold media organization. “Recharged and refreshed for 2020, the Volvo XC90 is the Swedish luxury automaker’s flagship model, equipped with the design, features, technology, utility and safety that today’s luxury buyers expect. “The XC90 features a confident, luxurious take on traditional Scandinavian design. The exterior has a strong stance with a subtle, timeless quality and balanced proportions, while the interior is a masterful composition of

relaxing design, beautiful materials and the latest technology—all perfectly blended together. “Highlights for 2020 include a newly available six-seat configuration that provides easier access to the third-row seats, updated styling, colors and finishes, and a new Tailored Wool Blend interior option that expands the definition of luxury. “The XC90 is also available in the Philippines as a 407 horsepower plug-in hybrid with over 400 miles of total range. This luxury SUV has been launched together with its equally amazing siblings, the Volvo XC60 compact SUV and the stately Volvo S90 sedan. All three models are available as plug-in hybrids. “Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite of driver assistance features comes standard, including Collision Avoidance by City Safety, Pilot Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert with Autobrake. “Our members were undeniably impressed with the Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription at the Texas Truck Rodeo,” said Kristin Shaw, TAWA vice president of events.

“Volvo consistently represents the one-two punch of luxury and safety, and the attention to detail is clear in features like the crystal gearshift and upscale materials. Yes, it’s beautiful inside and out, but the XC90 is also hardy enough to manage tough terrain.” “Being recognized again by TAWA journalists is very special,” said Anders Gustafsson, senior vice president Americas-region, and president and CEO of Volvo Car USA Llc. “It makes us proud, and we hope it gives Texans the confidence to buy something a little friendlier to the environment.” Do I see the Covenant’s Albert Arcilla smiling from ear to ear?

PEE STOP Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year! With 2019 proving to be the “rebound year” of the local auto world, following back-toback “stormy weather” in 2017 and 2018 in the aftermath of legislated jacked up excise taxes to boost revenues for the “Build, Build, Build!” platform, the coming year should prove to be the stabilizer to gun up growth in the billion-peso industry. The CARS program, alone, that saw the Toyota Vios leading the way to prop up manufacturing targets is now rolling smoothly. Here’s looking at you kid, in 2020!

Isuzu ramps up commercial vehicle turnover Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

SIDE from turning over modern PUV units to various transport groups, Isuzu Philippines Corp. also ramped up its business partnerships with well-established companies. As one of the leading truck manufacturers in the country, IPC also proved to be a reliable business partner when it comes to providing mobility solutions. From servicing known tire brands with pickups and lightduty trucks to providing logistics solution to the biggest beverage company with mediumduty haulers.

Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc.

The bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country has partnered with IPC to further enhance

safety and sustainability within its logistics operations. A total of 95 top-of-the-line vehicles were turned over to Coca-Cola’s already expansive delivery fleet. Being one of the biggest truck fleets in the country, the company operates close to 3,000 trucks and over 2,000 sales service vehicles. With approximately 2,500 shipments per day and transporting to 20,000 doors across the country, this level of operations deemed the company to implement a road-safety framework built on three pillars. These are organization and culture; vehicles and technologies; and the drivers. Each pillar, in turn, has different programs and initiatives that address capability development, technical standards and monitoring, including driving performance and engagement.

Just a few from the total of 95 brand-new trucks turned over to Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc.

“For every bottle of Coca-Cola that you purchase, there’s an implicit promise that it was delivered with the utmost quality, in accordance with strict safety guidelines and adhered to high-sustainability standards,” said CCBPI Logistics and Distribution Director Ruth Genota. Interestingly, among the Isuzu FVR trucks turned over are fitted with Allison Automatic Transmission. These transmissions were specially crafted by leading automotive expert Gendiesel Philippines Inc. The installed palletized bottle carriers, meanwhile, were manufactured by body builders Almazora and Centro. What goes with the turned over trucks is Isuzu’s 8-Point Advantage (nationwide dealer network; nationwide parts availability; expert Japanese engineers; expert service technicians; mobile medic; drivers and mechanics training; safety driving training; and fuel eco-driving training). Aside from its known reliability and efficiency, Isuzu promises to deliver dependable transportation solutions to support Coca-Cola’s extensive and intensive distribution requirements. All Isuzu trucks utilizes Euro 4- to 5-compliant engines producing cleaner emissions and equipped with blue power technology.

Excel Trend Group of Cos.

Another company who recently forged its partnership with IPC was Excel Trend Group of Cos. Seven Isuzu D-Max (RZ4E variant) pickups and one QKR-truck were turned over to the exclusive distributor of the renowned Maxxis, CST and Michelin

Turned over D-Max (RZ4E variants) pickups and QKR truck to Excel Trend Group of Cos. (Maxxis Tires, CST Tires and Michelin)

tire brands in the country. Sales Director for the Excel Trend Group of Cos. Jaybee Atanacio, for his part, shared that the Isuzu vehicles would, indeed, play key roles in the company’s efficient operations. “We chose Isuzu because we believe in the product that provides durability and, at the same time, fuel efficiency. This, in turn, makes our company perform better and cuts the cost in our operations,” he said. Further, Atanacio disclosed that the fleet sales and regional managers would use the Isuzu D-Max in Luzon and Mindanao for their fieldwork and customer visits. Fitted with the everreliable and fuel-efficient RZ4E turbodiesel engine, it would be the perfect

fleet vehicle for the job. The Isuzu D-Max comes from a long line of Isuzu’s tough and reliable trucks spanning nearly a century. With its Blue Power-developed engines, the pickup also provides truck-levels of strength, durability, and rigidity with its high-tensile steel frame chassis and cabin. This pickup also meets Asean safety standards. The Isuzu QKR truck, on the other hand, is a tough, compact and reliable business partner. Powerful, practical and price competitive, the compact cab carries a robust 4JH1-TC Euro 4-compliant Blue Power engine. Moreover, its reinforced chassis frame is capable of carrying up to a gross vehicle weight of four tons to drive businesses forward.