BusinessMirror July 14, 2023

Ukraine wins new G-7 secUrity pledGes, bUt natO membership remains elUsive

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue [BIR] continued its relentless campaign against imported liquor and cigarettes which entered the country without paying the correct taxes.

On Thursday, BIR conducted its second n ationwide Joint Enforcement Operations on Illicit Cigarettes, Vape, Wines, Distilled Spirits and other excisable articles from regional offices.

The raids were conducted in vari -

ous convenience stores and groceries in Cabanatuan City, nu eva Ecija; Bulacan; Camarines no rte; Camarines Sur; Bacolod; Davao City; and the Eastern Visayas Region.

The BIR also conducted raids in various parts of Metro Manila such as Caloocan City; Malate, Manila; Quezon City; Pasay; Makati City; and Parañaque City.

Earlier, the BIR reported that it increased its collection by 9.94 percent in the first five months of

2023, allowing it to attain its collection target for the period.

From January to May 2023, the BIR’s Total Gross Collection stood at P1.056 trillion, which is P95.454 billion more than the tax collections for the same period last year.

“With the intensification of the Bureau’s tax enforcement activities, specifically on the campaign against sellers and buyers of fake receipts, we are confident that the BIR can attain, if not surpass, its

annual collection target this year,”

Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said in a statement.

The BIR also reported that it exceeded its tax collection target by P1.331 billion in the January to May 2023 period.

For CY 2023, the BIR’s collection target was set at P2.599 trillion. This target is higher than the CY 2022 actual collection by 10.95 percent or P256.444 billion. Cai U. Ordinario

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

In a recent economic briefing for EastWest Bank, University of Asia and the Pacific [UA&P] Professor and constitutionalist Bernardo M. Villegas said the country needs to attain a GDP growth of 8 to 10 percent in order to bring the poverty rate to single-digit.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], poverty incidence per population was at 18.1 percent while poverty incidence in terms of households was at 13.2 percent in 2021.

“GDP growth is not the endall and be-all of economic development. We have to address our biggest challenge, which is poverty eradication. We have the highest rate of poverty still in East Asia. Most of our Southeast Asian neighbors have brought

down their poverty incidence to single digit, anywhere from 1 to 4 percent,” Villegas told the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the event.

“In fact, Malaysia had one year when it had zero percent poverty incidence. Ours is still at 13 to 15 percent. We cannot make a dent on that if we just grow at 6 to 7 percent. We have to grow at 8 to 10 percent which is the experience of the so-called ‘Tigers’ when they were growing,” he added. Villegas said attaining a growth of 6 to 7 percent is already possible for the current administration given the momentum of the economy and the reforms introduced in the past two administrations.

See “Faster,” A2

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

POPULAR publication Trav-

el + Leisure has included

Boracay Island in Aklan among its readers’ 25 Favorite Islands in the World for 2023.

On July 11, T+L wrote: “More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, and Boracay still manages to stand apart from the rest. The tiny island—just 4.5 miles long—is known as ‘the island that never sleeps’ for its parties and nightlife. One T+L reader called the island ‘the best leisure vacation destination.’”

The island, world famous for its creamy-white powdery sand, received a reader score of 92.94, putting it in 10th place.

Boracay ranked after the Great Barrier Reef Islands in

Australia, the Maldives, Bali in Indonesia, Madeira in Portugal, Phuket in Thailand, Skye and the Hebrides, in Scotland, Koh Samui in Thailand, Dominica in the Caribbean, and Langkawi in Malaysia.

Domestic travelers dominate

A CCORDI n G to T+L, close to 165,000 of its readers completed its survey this year, up 25 percent over prepandemic levels. Results for the Favorite Islands survey were based on the following criteria: n a tural attractions/beaches, Activities/sights, Restaurants/food, People/friendliness, and Value.

“For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor.

bU r E a U o f Internal r e venue (b Ir) c o mmissioner r o meo l u magui j r. inspects the sale of excisable goods at a grocery store in Makati c i ty on t h ursday, j u ly 13, 2023, as part of a synchronized and nationwide operation targeting grocery stores and marts suspected of selling smuggled goods. t h e b Ir reported surpassing its target collections from j a nuary to May, with an impressive year-on-year increase of nearly 10 percent. From j a nuary to May 2023, b Ir s to tal g r oss c o llection stood at P1.056 trillion, or P95.454 billion more than the tax collections for the same period last year. Story above, A1 umbrella, “BIR pursues drive vs untaxed liquor, tobacco.” NONIE REYES

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Board of Investments [BOI] has unveiled the guidelines on the availment of duty exemption/value-added tax [VAT] and customs duty exemption on importation of capital equipment, raw materials, among others under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises [CREATE] law.

The attached agency to the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] released the rules, dated

June 30, 2023, mandated by Republic Act n o . 11534 or the CREATE law.

According to the BOI, these guidelines—as enclosed in Memorandum Circular (MC) n o . 2023004—are applicable to its registered business enterprises (RBEs).

Under the guidelines, importation by RBEs of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories “shall be exempt from customs duty,” but certain conditions are attached to the rule.

IF the current administration wants to bring down the country’s poverty rate to single-digit levels, the economy must grow faster—even at double digits, according to the Philippines’s “Prophet of Boom.”

Govt tapping PDL to plant crops on idle Corrections bureau land

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department Justice (DOJ) for the implementation of the Reformation Initiative for Sustainable e n vironment (RIS e )

Continued from A1

Among the conditions: it “shall only apply to the importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity by RBEs.”

Another condition to be exempt from customs duty is that the capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories are “directly and reasonably” needed by the RBE;

The chief executive lauded the initiative, which will ensure the country’s food security and help in the rehabilitation of PD l

“Allow me to recognize the synergy that is the work of the DA, DOJ and their private partners to utilize our natural resources and promote ecology sustain -

and will be used “exclusively in and as part of the direct cost” of the registered project or activity of the RBE.

The guidelines also stressed that capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts or accessories would be exempt from customs duty provided they are not produced or manufactured domestically “in sufficient quantity or of comparable quality and at reasonable prices.”

In compliance with this condition, the rules said the RBE shall secure the Certificate of NonLocal Availability (CNLA) from the BOI-Legal and Compliance Service prior to importation.

The BOI also emphasized the approval pro -

able practices amongst PD l s through this RIS e project,” Marcos said.

“This initiative attests to our unyielding commitment to both food security and rehabilitative justice,” he added.

The 500 hectares of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan will be used as the pilot site for the project.

Of these, 400 hectares will be used for forage and dairy production, 40 hectares for growing rice, 30 hectares for cashew production and 25 hectares will be for planting yellow corn.

h a lf a hectare will be used for raising 25,000 tilapia fingerlings, and another hectare will be for “edible landscaping” and used for agri-tourism.

The new DA-DOJ MOA allows the Bureau of Correction (BuCor)

cess prior to the importation of goods.

“The approval of the BOI, through the Certificate of Authority to Import (CAI), must be obtained by the RBE prior to the importation of the goods,” the MC noted.

But, the MC said, this is provided the application for importation is accompanied “by a quotation/pro forma invoice in the name of the applicant RBE as consignee to whom the shipment will be released.”

Meanwhile, the BOI MC noted that VAT exemption on importation shall only apply to goods “directly and exclusively” used in the registered project or activity of a registered

Faster…

Continued from A1

He said the Marcos administration does not even have to do anything to attain this level of growth.

in the same period last year (full story here: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/07/11/april-fdi-dip-on-global-slowdown-inflation/).

to enter into agreements with other government agencies as well as publicprivate partnerships with companies with sufficient financial and appropriate technological capacity and establish agri-business ventures.

It also requires BuCor to craft its five-year Agriculture Development Plan.

Marcos urged other government agencies to develop similar joint initiatives to help achieve his administration's priorities.

“It is more pragmatic and effective to allocate our scarce resources wisely and ensure that all our initiatives are aligned, coordinated and integrated through a whole of nation approach,” Marcos said.

“By making innovation our priority, we can expedite the delivery of programs and services and build a more robust economy,” he added.

export enterprise during the period of registration of the registered project.

Also, within the first five years from the date of importation, the RBE shall secure the BOI approval before the “sale, transfer, or disposition” of the capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories which were granted customs duty exemption.

The BOI circular also cited a circumstance wherein the imported items will be used for a “non-registered” project or activity by the RBE at any time within the first five years from date of importation. Under this situation, it said, “the RBE shall secure prior approval from the BOI and pay the amount corresponding to the exempt customs duty on importation thereof.”

For part-time utilization in a non-registered project or activity, the amount corresponding to the customs duty exempt on a specific capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories “shall be paid in proportion to its utilization for the non-registered project or activity.”

To apply for VAT and customs duty exemption on importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts or accessories, the BOI circular requires these: Notarized BOI CAI application form and pro forma invoice or quotation from the supplier.

On top of such requirements, BOI said in case of importation of raw materials, a “Formula of Manufacture” per registered product, as certified by Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (ITDI-DOST); and other relevant documents, may be required by BOI.

The rules say the Certificate of Authority to Import is “non-transferable” and shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance, unless earlier invalidated or revoked.

“If the CAI remained unutilized during its validity period, the RBE shall surrender it to the BOI within 15 days from its expiration,” the circular noted.

PAGCOR REFUTES PLAGIARISM CLAIM, PROBES ‘FAKE NEWS’

The P hilippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) decried the recent circulation of screenshots on social media maliciously accusing Pagcor of plagiarizing the logo of a website called “Tripper”.

The allegation made against Pagcor is entirely false and driven by malicious intent. Throughout its operations, Pagcor has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability, said the state gaming agency in a statement. The agency said it “remains dedicated to fostering a safe and thriving gaming industry in the country.” Nonetheless, Pagcor said it is actively investigating the “source of this malicious and baseless campaign and urges the public to exercise caution. At the outset, the website is lacking showing of credibility and in fact, bears resemblance to a phishing site.”

It urged everyone to be vigilant and to obtain information from credible sources to combat the spread of false narratives and protect themselves from potential scams.

Pagcor said it “remains dedicated to responsible gaming, regulation of the Philippine gaming industry and nation building.”

However, poverty reduction is crucial. Villegas said bringing poverty rates down was the Asian Miracle that propelled China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan into prosperity from the 1960s to the 1990s.

In 1978, Villegas said, the reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping, then leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) who opened up the Chinese economy, led to the "biggest miracle of the century" as it lifted 600 to 700 million Chinese from poverty.

At that time, China was growing steadily by 12 to 14 percent. This meant that the reduction in poverty in China happened only over a span of 20 years, Villegas said.

“China in less than 20 years redeemed 600 to 700 (million) poor people out of poverty. And so the challenge to Marcos is how to accelerate the growth rate from what I consider a mediocre 6 to 7 percent, even though it’s already the highest in the region, because we have a lot of catching up to do,” Villegas pointed out. In order to attain this growth, the Marcos administration needs to do three things, according to him: increase the productivity of the agriculture sector; increase the country’s investment-to-GDP ratio; and eradicate corruption.

Increasing the productivity of the agriculture sector means improving farm growth to 2 to 3 percent per year. Villegas noted that this level of growth is already significant in other parts of Southeast Asia.

Villegas said that even the country has not posted an annual growth at this level in many years. The country’s agriculture sector has only been growing at one percent or its growth starts at zero.

However, based on PSA data, agriculture sector growth increased by 2.1 percent in the first three months of the year. This is considered the highest growth of the sector in over two years.

“Agriculture is a very tricky sector. (You have) all sorts of pests, all sorts of climate, etc. So 2-3 percent is reasonable. He (the President) already knows how to do it. In fact, as Secretary of Agriculture, he has been getting so much good advice from the right people. I think he’s been doing his homework. I don't agree with people saying it was a mistake for him to become Secretary of Agriculture,” Villegas said.

Maharlika helpful

I N t erms of increasing investments, Villegas said the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be very helpful as this could draw in more investments.

This means bringing the country's investment-to-GDP ratio to at least 30 percent from the current 20 to 21 percent.

Villegas noted ratios of 25 to 35 percent among the country’s neighbors.

Based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, the foreign direct investments (FDI) that entered the country reached $876 million in April 2023, a 14.1-percent contraction from the $1 billion recorded

Boracay…

Continued from A1

The final scores are averages of these responses,” said the international publication.

Tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 1.14 million in the first half of the year, according to data from the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office. Domestic travelers, at 899,775, accounted for close to 79 percent of total tourist arrivals for the period. Foreign tourists reached 214,754 or 19 percent of total arrivals, while overseas Filipino workers/overseas Filipinos at 27,281 accounted for just 2.4 percent of total arrivals for the period. The Bureau of Immigration defines overseas Filipinos as Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad.

Unlike prepandemic times, domestic travelers now dominate tourist arrivals in the island. Their arrivals in the first half of 2023 already represents 96.5 percent of the 932,433 recorded domestic tourists in the entire 2019.

Best tropical vacation Wh I le Palawan failed to make the

Villegas said the MIF could help finance infrastructure constraints, particularly in terms of addressing Right of Way Acquisition (ROWA) problems. The 1987 Constitution provides the State the power of eminent domain and what is needed is to better enforce this and implement through funding.

The only criticism Villegas had about the fund was the name which, he said, should be changed to the ‘Philippine Long-term Investment Fund.’ Changing the name, he believes, could make it acceptable to more Filipinos.

“This (increasing investment-to-GDP ratio) cannot be done from local sources. We are overborrowed, our savings rate is so low that we don't have long-term capital. This is why I want to call the Maharlika fund, the Philippine Long-term Investment Fund because it can be used as an instrument to address this problem by bringing in billions of dollars of foreign investments. That’s the only way. Our local sources have dried up, even the San Miguel’s, the Ayala’s don't have long-term capital,” Villegas said.

Corruption

T HE t hird task, that of eradicating corruption, “is a no brainer” according to Villegas. However, he said, economic development can still be achieved even if corruption cannot be immediately eradicated.

One example is South Korea which is one of the Tiger economies and is already a first world country. Villegas said watching Korean drama already illustrates the deepseated inefficiencies of their government.

Villegas said South Korea sent three of its Presidents to jail for corruption. Malaysia, an advanced economy in Southeast Asia, also sent its former Prime Minister to jail for corruption for his involvement in the misuse of Malaysia’s wealth fund.

What is crucial is that there are policies in place that will work to wipe out corruption. Putting these policies in place will allow the government to do more in terms of economic development.

“I know it will not happen overnight.

But I always tell people, ‘yes corruption is so difficult to eradicate, it will take us years and years but don’t despair.’ Even if corruption continues to a certain extent, we can still become first world,” Villegas said.

Earlier, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) maintained its growth and inflation forecast for the Philippines this year and in 2024 despite global headwinds.

In a briefing on Tuesday, Amro Chief Economist Hoe Ee Khor said the Philippines is still expected to post a growth of 6.2 percent this year and 6.5 percent next year, while inflation is seen averaging 5.9 percent in 2023 and 3.8 percent in 2024.

Khor said the Philippine economy remains a service-oriented one and may be insulated from the slowdown of the trade of goods that is expected in other Asean economies (Full story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2023/07/12/ amro-keeps-inflation-gdp-forecastsfor-phl/).

favorite islands list, the province landed the 23rd spot in T+l’s 29 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World, published in February this year, as well as the magazine’s 13 Places Where You Can See the Clearest Water in the World, published in May.

Wrote Melissa l o cker of the island-province’s inclusion in the clearest water list: “Although it's just a quick flight from Manila, Palawan feels like it's a world away.

The sparsely-populated archipelago is made up of jungle-filled islands surrounded by stunning teal waters teeming with fish and coral reefs and an incredible array of lagoons, coves, and secret beaches. e x plore the waters of e l Nido, where tropical fish swarm around the coral reefs, go diving in the azure ocean off of l i napacan Island, or bravely swim through one of the world’s longest underground rivers.”

According to the province’s tourism office, Palawan attracted 364,521 tourists in the first quarter of the year, of which 183,540 domestic visitors and 180,981 were international travelers. Prior to the pandemic, total tourist arrivals in Palawan reached 1.9 million.

TO help boost the country’s food supply, the government is set to launch later this year a new program which will tap persons deprived of liberty (PDL) for agriculture production in idle lands of the Bureau of Correction (BuCor).

PNP chief pushes closer coordination in prosecution of illegal drugs cases

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Na -

tional Police chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda has directed the police force to coordinate with the prosecution in high profile cases, especially those relating to illegal drugs trade.

“I believe, the conviction rate would go up,” Acorda told the BusinessMirror over the weekend when he visited the police Camp Alagar here.

He said the police must ensure that there would be an “immediate involvement of the prosecution” especially in cases involving high profile criminals in the illegal drug trade.

“I want the police and the prosecution to be talking,” he said.

He said this was his thrust even before the Supreme Court criticized early this month the police, the prosecution and the court for bungling the P1-billion illegal drugs case of five Chinese nationals and a Filipino.

“These are the things that I want to avoid. We are quick to respond and to

file cases but in terms of conviction, the rate is low,” he said.

It was also fortunate, he said, that there was also a prior issuance of a circular from the Department of Justice concerning the coordination and involvement of the prosecution and the police and the conduct of lectures and training on this.

He disclosed that there had been instances of pilferage of recovered drugs items “which has given the police the bad image.”

“I believe that it would help if there is immediate involvement of the prosecution, because we must admit that our police are not lawyers, and some of them have been in courses not really related to crime. What they only have in common is their training in investigation,” he said.

He said his administration would be focusing on “honest enforcement operation” and this would not only focus on the illegal drugs trade but also on criminal gangs and private armed groups.

“With this, I hope that we can increase the conviction rate,” he said.

SC junks petitions assailing constitutionality of govt measures to fight lingering Covid-19

THE Supreme Court (SC) has junked the petitions seeking to declare as unconstitutional the various issuances and policies issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Philippines (IATF), local government units (LGU) and government agencies imposing mandatory vaccinations against Covid-19.

The decision, according to a news statement released by the SC-Public Information Office (PIO), was reached during the regular en banc of the magistrates held on Tuesday, July 11.

In its resolution in the cases of G.R. No. 258619 (Montemayor, Jr. v. Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid and Emerging Infectious Diseases, et al.), G.R.  No. 258746 (Passengers and Riders Organization (Pasahero), Inc., et al. v. Duque  III, et al.) and G.R. No. 260327 (Perlas III, et al. v. The InterAgency Task Force for  the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, et al.), the Court unanimously voted to dismiss the consolidated petitions for violation of the  doctrine of hierarchy of courts.

Among the issuances and orders assailed by the petitioners were IATF Resolution No. 148-B, 148-G, 149, 150, 155, 163, and 164; IATF Guidelines on Nationwide Implementation of Alert

CA issues writ of habeas corpus for 2 missing IP rights activists

By Joel R. San Juan   @jrsanjuan1573

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a writ of habeas corpus directing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to bring before it indigenous peoples’ (IP) rights activists Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” de Jesus and Dexter Capuyan, who were believed to be victims of enforced disappearance.

In an eight-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Florencio Mamauag Jr., the CA’s Thirteenth Division granted separate petitions filed by the families of de Jesus and Capuyan, who have been reported missing since April 28.

De Jesus is an information officer of the Philippine Task Force on Indigenous Peoples Rights, while Capuyan is a former activist.

The appellate court said it granted the petitions for being sufficient in form and substance.

Named as respondents in the petition were AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Andres

Centino, PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., Rizal Police Provincial Director Col. Dominic Baccay, and PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat.

A writ of habeas corpus “is a writ directed to a person detaining another, commanding the former to produce the body of the latter at a designated time and place.” It extends “to all cases of illegal and arbitrary detention by which any person is deprived of his liberty….”

“Finding the instant petition to be sufficient in form and substance and it appearing from the allegations therein that the writ ought to issue, this Court hereby gives due course to this petition and orders the issuance of the corresponding writ by the Division Clerk of Court, this Court, under the seal of this Court,” the CA said.

The CA also directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to serve the writ to the respondents, requiring them to appear before it and produce the bodies and persons of de Jesus and

Capuyan, if found to be in their custody, during the hearing scheduled today, July 14, 2023.

The respondents were also directed to show cause why de Jesus and Capuyan should remain in their custody.

“Respondents are ordered to make a proper return of this writ with this Court within five days from its implementation in accordance with the law,” the court said.

The families of Capuyan and De Jesus said the duo went missing on April 28 at Golden City Subdivision in Taytay, Rizal.

The two were reportedly on board a tricycle that was blocked by two cars. Witnesses said several armed men alighted from the vehicles and told them that they were personnel of the PNP-CIDG and that they should not intervene.

The armed men reportedly forced the victims to separately board the vehicles and left the area.

The petitioners said on May 12, 2013, the 1st Civil Relations Group of

the AFP and the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army announced on their Facebook pages that Capuyan was arrested based warrants for cases pending in the courts of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur and Bontoc, Mountain Province.      It was also reported that he is included in the wanted dead or alive list, with bounties in the amount of P1 million to P2.8 million.

The De Jesus family said since various military and police-backed Facebook pages announced Capuyan has a pending warrant, this has exposed him and anybody with him, including de Jesus, in danger from those going after him.

Thus, the de Jesus family maintained they have reasonable belief that de Jesus is under the custody of either the military or the police since they published on social media that Capuyan is a member of the New People’s Army with pending arrest warrants.

As such, the petitioners alleged military and police personnel may have every reason to abduct Capuyan and his companion.

Level System for Covid-19 Response

dated February 27, 2022; MMDA Reso -

lution No. 22-01; DOTr D.O. No. 2022001; DILG Memorandum Circular Nos. 2022-002 and 2022-008; LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2022-001; DepEdDOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2022; DOH Department Circular No. 2022-0131; and Makati City Ordinance No. 2022-005.

IATF Resolution No. 148-B, compels all public and private establishments to require their eligible employees who are tasked to do on-site work to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or else subject themselves to RT-PCR testing every two weeks at their own expense, among others.

Under the resolution, on-site workers who remain unvaccinated should not be terminated but must take RT-PCR tests regularly at their own expense.

The said IATF resolution also bars unvaccinated individuals from boarding and riding public transportation subject to certain exceptions.

The Court held that the resolution of the issues raised by the said petitioners required the determination and adjudication of “extremely technical and scientific” facts that warrants the conduct of a full-blown proceeding before a trial court. Joel

R. San Juan

PHL, US troops sustain bilateral Marine-aviation war exercises

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

ADAY after the country marked the seventh year of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration award that junked China’s expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), combined Filipino and American troops sustained their scheduled series of exercises on Thursday.

The Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 involving the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Cope Thunder 23-2, which involved the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF), was carried out by joint forces, as both countries continued to enhance their interoperability operations.

Filipino and American marines were scheduled to sink a mock enemy ship in the waters of Zambales on Thursday afternoon as the two-week war games involving Philippine Marines and US Marine continued in Luzon.

The BRP Lake Caliraya, a decommissioned replenishment tanker of the Philippine Navy (PN), was the target of the maritime attack in the waters of San Narciso, Zambales by joint forces on the seventh day of the ongoing MASA 23. The sinking exercise (SINKEX) or maritime

Rep. Rodriguez calls for resignation of MTRCB board over commercial release of ‘Barbie’ movie

ASENIOR lawmaker on Thursday called for the resignation of members of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) “for failing to support and uphold our national interest.”

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez made the call following MTRCB’s decision to allow the commercial release of the controversial movie Barbie starting July 19.

The film reportedly contains a depiction or reference to China’s expansive nine-dash-line territorial claim over the South China Sea, including parts of the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Rodriguez aired his resignation appeal a day after the seventh-year anniversary of the country’s historic victory in the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated Beijing’s assertion of its extended maritime domain.

The court also ruled that some islands in the South China Sea, which are occupied by China belong to the Philippines as they are inside the latter’s EEZ.

“I am dismayed and disappointed by MTRCB’s decision. The inclusion in the movie of China’s illegal nine-dash-line claim is against our national interest, which the board apparently does not

Operations Command (AFSOC), undertook specialized trainings that included high altitude low opening (HALO), aerial sniping, jungle survival and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) hoist training.

appreciate. Those officials should not stay in government any minute longer,” Rodriguez said.

He said the MTRCB members’ vote to allow the commercial showing of the controversial movie “embarrasses and demeans the country and the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong‘ Marcos Jr. before the international community.”

“I have no doubt that President BBM Jr. supports the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling. He has repeatedly stated so. We should be the first country and people to assert it and to insist that China complies with it because it was our victory in the international tribunal,” he said.

He added that it is ironic that Vietnam has banned Barbiefor its “dubious content, while the MTRCB obviously wants to promote Beijing’s baseless expansive territorial claim in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.”

“The board’s decision is doubly shameful and doubly ironic in the face of yesterday’s [Wednesday] expressions of support by the United States and numerous countries, the latest of which is India, for our 2016 arbitral victory,” Rodriguez stressed.

The MTRCB justified its decision by

saying, “The Board believes that, all things considered, it has no basis to ban the film Barbie’as there is no clear nor outright depiction of the ‘nine-dash line’ in the subject of the film.”

Rodriguez said the board’s statement “is an admission that there is a portrayal of China’s claim in the movie, though it was not, to use the agency’s own language, ‘clear nor outright.’”

“A direct or indirect insult is still an insult. If you don’t get that, MTRCB, shame on you!” he said.

“If its Vietnam counterpart has found it offensive, why can’t MTRCB? he asked.

‘Circumspect, judicious, and prudent’

THE MTRCB was “circumspect, judicious, and prudent” in its contextual review of the Barbie film, according to House deputy minority leader Rep. Bernadette Herrera who also said the “power to ban any movie, I believe, should be wielded sparingly and as a last resort among the many powers and tools at the disposal of the MTRCB.”

“As a legislator looking at this matter using a policy lens, I can see the MTRCB wielded its authority responsibly. I also take this opportunity to invite the MTRCB and the local movie and television industry

to recommend to Congress amendments to the MTRCB charter or have a new law entirely that will address the regulatory issues affecting their sector,” Herrera added.

Herrera also said the legislative proposals could be in the form of a “codified omnibus law or a package of laws touching on the many facets of movie and television production, marketing, working conditions, and financing.”

Herrera said they may recommend more developmental roles for MTRCB and perhaps less regulation.

“I do see the mo vie and television sectors as over-regulated—a situation that hinders its growth and evolution. I would like to see the establishment of a grant-giving government agency for television and cyberspace,” she said.

“I also believe local governments and the Department of Tourism should be empowered to attract film producers to choose the Philippines as their site for location shoots, enticing them with production grants, Filipino hospitality, and red tape-free regulations. The Philippines should become more competitive in these aspects compared to other countries,” the minority lawmaker suggested.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PHILIPPINES, ITALY KEEN ON FURTHER ENHANCING DEFENSE, SECURITY TIES

strike was to happen just a day after the country marked the seventh anniversary of the UN arbitral award, which threw out Beijing’s excessive claims over the WPS. It also occurs in the aftermath of the government’s report on the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels in two features located in the country’s exclusive economic zone on the western portion of the South China Sea.

The SINKEX was the second for the joint training Filipino and American forces this year after the decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette BRP Pangasinan was also sunk during the Balikatan exercise held in April.

The MASA is a semiannual exercise between the US and the Philippines that is focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.

For this year, its training activities include live fire events, bilateral air assaults and airfield seizures, joint forward arming and refueling and other aviation support operations.

Over the weekend, members of the Force Reconnaissance Group of the PMC and the USMC, who were joined by the Pararescue Jumpers of the 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing of the United States Air Force Special

The activities were made to increase “tactical-level lethality” through the application of expeditionary air base operations, tactical combat casualty care, combat assault transport and military techniques, tactics and procedures.

Meanwhile, the PAF said its forces also trained and held the alternate insertion and extrication (AIE) and search and rescue exercises (SAREX) last week with the USAF in Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan in the ongoing Cope Thunder.

“The exercise scenarios simulated reallife situations, enabling military personnel to develop and practice their search and rescue techniques, communication protocols and decision-making skills under realistic conditions,” said PAF spokesperson Ma. Consuelo Castillo.

“It also provided a platform for the aircrew and ground personnel of the two air forces to refine their skills, test their equipment and strengthen their teamwork,” she added.

Early this week, both air forces left Pampanga for Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu for the continuation of the Cope Thunder in the Visayas, tagging along an FA-50, two A-29B Super Tucano and five A-10 Warthogs for the war games.

Castillo said the aircraft would perform various air operations exercises over areas in Mactan and General Santos City.

THE Philippines and Italy are both interested in further enhancing their defense relations in the interest of global peace and freedom.

This was after Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. received the Italian delegation led by Ambassador Marco Clemente and visiting Deputy Defense Minister Perego di Cremnago during their courtesy visit on July 11.

“Both maritime nations looked forward to enhancing the defense partnership between the Philippines and Italy as both countries share interest in global peace and the freedoms guaranteed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS],” said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a statement issued on Thursday.

Both nations also noted the seventh anniversary of the South China Sea (SCS) Arbitration Award on July 12, 2016, which upholds the primacy of the UNCLOS as the law of the sea, and for which Italy, among other states, has expressed firm support.

The DND chief also stressed the significance of broad international recognition of and support for the Arbitral Award, which would be beneficial for all countries.

“Further to cooperation in terms of acquisition of hard assets, Secretary Teodoro emphasized the importance of laying down a framework for defense

cooperation, which will help build a foundation for resilience against future security challenges and also cover the enhancement of personnel capacities, including in the areas of maritime domain and the law of the sea,” Andolong said.

The Italian defense official’s visit to Manila coincided with the four-day goodwill visit of the Italian offshore patrol vessel Francesco Morosini which took place from July 8 to 11.

The Francesco Morosini is one of the Italian Navy’s latest and most advanced multipurpose offshore patrol vessels.

“The Morosini is in the region to promote naval diplomacy and freedom of navigation in the SCS [South China Sea]. The Deputy Minister’s visit as well as that of the Morosini signal Italy’s keen interest in fostering closer relations with the Philippines,” Andolong said.

Also on July 11, Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año met a delegation from the US Business Executives for National Security (BENS) led by its president and CEO, retired American Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, and accompanied by US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay L. Carlson.

BENS is exploring investment opportunities in support of common national security objectives.

“During the meeting, both Philippine security officials welcomed US investments that align with the Philippines’ national security priorities and seek to foster an environment conducive to mutually beneficial collaborations,” Andolong said.

Teodoro underscored three priority areas for the defense sector, specifically the implementation of the Philippines’ SelfReliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program; reorganization of the Defense Department; and the creation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Retirement Trust Fund.

“Secretary Teodoro emphasized the importance of partnerships with US investors to strengthen defense industries and develop advanced technologies, as well as contribute their expertise and collaborate with Philippine defense agencies to further enhance the overall defense capabilities of the Philippines,” Andolong said.

He added that this engagement between the Philippine security officials and BENS underscored the commitment to building strong partnerships and leveraging privatesector expertise to bolster the defense sector.

“The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and the US, with the aim of advancing national security objectives and fostering a secure and prosperous future,” Andolong said. PNA

PBBM: Investment green lanes to boost Philippines’s business competitiveness

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

THE newly launched Green Lane for Strategic Investments (GLSI) will help boost the country’s business competitiveness and will fulfill the realization of investment pledges, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

Speaking at the launching of GLSI at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City, the President said the country’s processing time for businesses is still too long compared to its neighboring countries.

“There are some [business] permits that take 36 months to complete. Whereas you go to Thailand, you go to Indonesia, you go to Vietnam, they take two weeks to complete,” Marcos noted.  For the establishments of local operations by foreign firms, he said the process has been reduced from 80 days to over 20 days.

“Still, we have ways to go. You go to the countries that I have mentioned, it

takes three days,” Marcos said.

He said the GLSI would help further reduce the processing for such transactions to make the country a more attractive investment destination.

The GLSI was established through Executive Order (EO) No. 18 to streamline and automate government processes for strategic investments, namely, renewable energy, food security, digital infrastructure, data

center, pharmaceuticals, and electric vehicles.

It allows the simultaneous processing of applications where national government agencies (NGA) and local government units (LGU) will issue the business permits or licenses with an annotation that it shall be subject to the completion of requirements.

EO No. 18 created a One-Stop-Action Center for Strategic Investments

BOC, DA seize smuggled sugar worth more than ₧34 million

(OSAC-SI) to handle all projects related to strategic investments.

“This will not only strengthen market competition and reduce barriers to investment, but will also serve as a beacon of progress for businesses and for every Filipino, guiding us towards a future of growth, opportunity, and success,” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said the GLSI would also encourage firms to push through with their investment commitments in the Philippines.

“I am confident that the Green Lanes will pave the way for the realization of many pledges that we have had—including those that I have personally received whilst abroad—ensuring that they will bear fruit for our people and our nation,” Marcos said.

Based on data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine delegation from the presidential visits in Singapore, Indonesia, United States, Japan, China, Thailand, and Europe have generated P3.5 trillion of investment leads.

DAR creates oversight body on ARB agribusiness ventures

DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Secretary Conrado Estrella III has created a special committee to oversee and evaluate agribusiness arrangements between DAR-assisted farmers’ organizations and their institutional partners.

Estrella tapped Undersecretary for Support Services Atty. Milagros Isabel Cristobal to chair the National AVA Evaluation

Committee (NAEC).

C ristobal will be assisted in the committee by Assistant Secretaries Marjorie Ayson of the DAR Field Operations Office, Atty. Maria Celestina Tam of the Legal Affairs Office, and Ubaldo Sadiarin Jr. of the Support Services, in their capacity as co-chairpersons.

To serve as committee members are Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty.

Napoleon Galit and Head Executive Assistant Atty. Nestor Ifurung; Ronald Gareza, director of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development; Lilibeth Lee, director of the Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement; Atty. McDonald M. Galit, head of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Secretariat; Lucienne Pulgar, director of the Project Management Service and Jamil Amatonding Jr., director of Policy and Research Service.

The NAEC is tasked to review, evaluate and recommend to the PARC Executive Committee the approval or disapproval of AVA applications, and petitions for cancellation or revocation as recommended by the NAEC technical working group (TWG).

Estrella said the newly formed NAEC would be responsible in formulating and prescribing appropriate and specific parameters of evaluation as indicated under Sections 6 and 7 of Article III (Parameters for Approving AVA Contracts) of the Administrative Order (AO) No. 9, series of 2006, which seeks to promote the productivity and profitability of agribusiness ventures.

For the AVA to succeed, it takes into consideration the identification of reliable

markets for the planned production on a long-term basis the reasonable levels of risks, the realistic and attractive rates of return on investments and other economic indicators, the availability and suitability of basic facilities and other needed inputs, including labor.

AVA contracts are required to conform with the existing agrarian and other laws, while adopting farming technologies, methods, implements, and inputs that are safe for the environment and shall not diminish the productive capacity and sustainability of the land and natural resources.

The contract must not also stipulate the sale or transfer of land ownership from the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) to the management contractor, lessee, or investor during its term or renewal, and the approval of the AVA shall depend on the financial and organizational capability of the investor and the ARB organization.

The AO also prescribed that the services of the ARBs must be utilized and employed and promote the development of their skills and competence in farm operations.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

ARECENT Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) joint operation has resulted in the seizure illegally imported refined sugar in 10 containers worth more than P34 million from Hong Kong.

The spot-check examination of five containers at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) yielded more or less P17.2 million worth of Thailand refined sugar.

Another examination is scheduled for five more containers, which would more or less contain another P17.2 million worth of the smuggled agricultural product.

The containers were consigned to Smile Agri Ventures Inc., and arrived at the MICP on May 27 with 100,000 kilograms of silica sand in the declaration for each container.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the spot check examination was conducted after Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Field Station-MICP requested for the issuance of Pre-Lodgment Orders (PLOs) on June 30.

“The PLOs were requested based on information that the shipment contains agricultural products, misdeclared and undeclared goods,” the Customs chief said.

For his part, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement (IE) James Layug told the BusinessMirror that “the consignee Smile Agri Ventures Inc. has declared the 15 containers as Bags of Selica Sand but upon actual inspection, the containers were found to contain Bags of Sugar.”

“The duty personnel coordinated with BOC and recommended that all 15 containers inspected containing

bags of sugar be subjected to Warrant of Seizure and Detention [WSD],” he added.

“There are 15 alerted containers, still subject to inspection for the five,” Layug said.

Meanwhile, CIIS Director Verne Enciso said that Customs agents were quick to act on the derogatory information they received about the contents of the shipment.

“Based on the spot-check examination, the derogatory information received turned out to be positive. We have also recommended for the issuance of Warrants of Seizure and Detention. These would be made as soon as the actual quantity of the goods is determined,” he added.

The examination was conducted by the assigned Customs examiner, together with representatives from CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), and Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI).

Moreover, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that the consignee is facing possible violations of Sec. 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) and Sec. 1400 (Misdeclaration in Goods Declaration) in relation to Sec. 1113 (Property Subject to Forfeiture) of Republic Act (RA) 10863 known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

“We cannot emphasize enough the important work being done in intercepting smuggled products that hurt our markets, consumers, and the economy. This recent operation is further proof of our border protection efforts and the diligence of our people,” he added Raadee S. Sausa

PFDA eyes construction of Cebu regional fish port

THE Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has bared plans for the construction of a proposed regional fishport in Cebu province.

“This proposal can help more fisherfolk in the region and further improve the already robust economy of Cebu,” PFDA Acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan said recently.

“In addition, this project can help boost the production of commercial fisheries, municipal fisheries, and aquaculture in the province,” he added.

The project will be lobbied to become one of the priority projects of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data for 2021, Cebu recorded the highest annual increase in the value of production in agriculture and fisheries in

Central Visayas at 7.3 percent. Cebu has emerged as the economic center in Central Visayas, and making the province a feasible location for a regional fish port. For her part, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has expressed full support for the project. “Port should be in a strategic place in Cebu which can be accessible to fishing vessels from neighboring provinces in Central Visayas like Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental,” the governor said.

An estimated 8-hectare lot is required to construct the regional fish port. Moreover, the PFDA and the capitol will continue to cooperate to identify which area the project will soon rise.

Once approved and completed, this project will be the second regional fish port in the region after the Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Iloilo City. Raadee S. Sausa

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, leads the launching of green lanes for strategic investments in a ceremony held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City. SCREENSHOT FROM RADIO TELEVISION MALACAÑANG

BOI

‘Israel model’: Compassionate medical use of cannabis sparks solons’ interest

Continued from A16

A t the launching of the green lanes on Thursday, Pascual said, “adjusting targets will be based on two sides, the supply and demand.”

O n Thursday, President Marcos Jr. together with Pascual led the official launch of the green lanes for strategic investments.

T he green lanes for strategic investments were established through Executive Order No. 18 (EO 18) issued on February 23,2023.

A ccording to BOI, EO 18 is a governmentwide response to enhance the ease of doing business in the country by “expediting, streamlining and automating” government processes for strategic investments.

“Its outstanding feature is the provision for simultaneous processing of applications whereby National Government Agencies [NGAs] and Local Government Units [LGUs] that receive applications for permits and licenses are mandated to process the same with the presumption that the relevant documents from other agencies have already been issued and where the applicant firm shall execute an affidavit of undertaking that it has secured the relevant documents from specific NGAs or LGUs and that it shall submit the complete documentary requirements within 30 working days,” BOI said in a statement on Thursday.

Mean while, Pascual explained to reporters how the green lane process works: “Go to BOI, single point of entry and then you will be guided to go through the process. Then, the [Department of the Interior and Local Government] DILG will talks to the LGUs. They’ll organize also. There is an officer or a team that will be in charge of taking care of strategic investors.”

Continued from A16

Financial constraints were also highlighted, with 12 percent of participants citing insufficient pay and the inability to afford basic necessities as pressing issues.

Additionally, 11 percent expressed concerns about job loss and the impact of rising prices on their ability to purchase essential commodities.

Seniors’ anxiety

THE survey identified a particular concern among senior citizens (60+ years old) who were mostly retired or approaching retirement.

“Rising commodity prices were a significant worry for this demographic,” it said.

Health-related concerns were also noted, with 8 percent of respondents expressing worries about serious diseases other than Covid-19 and their ability to access

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

WORRIES raised by Senators Robinhood Padilla and Joseph Victor “JV”

Ejercito that cannabis, intended for compassionate medicine use, would be used as a recreational drug were brushed aside during a presentation of an “Israel model” at the third hearing of the Committee on Health and Demography on the proposed Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act on Thursday.

Padilla, who chairs the subcommittee, stressed that he and Ejercito are pushing for legalizing the compassionate use of medical cannabis and not for recreational use.

M r. Ricardo Penson, president and CEO of Penson and Company Inc., made a presentation that sparked Ejercito’s interest that the product has a barcode to regulate the use of medical cannabis and monitor its usage by patients in Israel.

I n a statement after the hearing, Ejercito said he is interested in hearing the guidelines of the different government agencies on

the use of cannabis as an alternative medical treatment.

“ I would like to reiterate that we are for medical use and compassionate use and not for recreational use. If this will help or lessen the illness or sickness…as I related my story previously, I have an epileptic relative and every time he was given cannabis, he does not experience seizures,” Ejercito said.

Barcode

“PAG -SURRENDER ng package, tsaka lang nila ite -terminate ’yung barcode na ’yon na consumed na,” Penson said. He explained that the

barcode can even tell the pharmacy on the origin of the product and who issued the prescription.

Penson, together with Padilla, conducted a study tour in facilities, which produce pharmaceutical grade cannabis in Israel in May.  Padilla also attended a series of conferences there on the compassionate use of medical cannabis and how to apply Israel’s experience in the Philippines.

Cost

PENSON said that for 10 grams of medical cannabis the price is at $35 (P1,925). For a year the estimated cost for patients would be $20,000 to $30,000 or P1.1million to P1.65 million

I n Israel, he said, there are 120,000 licensed patients using medical cannabis.

Support

PADILLA , who filed Senate Bill 230 last year, allowing the medical use of cannabis, also asked the support of stakeholders and the resource persons “once this reaches the plenary.”

Today, I will ask for your open mind to give comments and opinions, especially on the possibility of having medicalization of cannabis like in Israel,” Padilla said in Filipino.

T hursday’s hearing was also attended by officials and representatives from the Depart -

ment of Health, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Dangerous Drugs Board, Cannahopefuls Inc., Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine, and MASIKHAY Research.

I n pushing for legalizing the compassionate use of medical cannabis, Padilla noted last year that many Filipinos, including children, continue to suffer from the effects of medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and epilepsy, which may be addressed by medical cannabis.

M edical cannabis, it was learned, is prescribed in Israel for the following conditions:

n Oncology

n Gastroenterology

n Chronic pain

n Infectious disease

n Neurology

n Palliative Care

n Psychiatry (post-traumatic stress disorder)

n Autism

n Dementia

I n filling the bill, Padilla, said, there are many potential economic benefits from the nonpsychoactive parts of plants from the marijuana species for making more than 25,000 items such as paper for bank notes, rope, cloth and even biofuel, laundry detergent, automobile construction parts, beauty products, hemp protein powders, hemp milk, hemp coffee and milk, particle board biodegradable plastic, paint and insulation.

healthcare services and hospitalizations.

The PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2) is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. between June 7 and 12, 2023 with 1,500 respondents nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Palace and the House of Representatives are continuously conducting interagency coordination meetings to discuss preparations for the President’s second Sona on July 24.

Attendees to the Sona coordination meeting were officials from key agencies, namely, the Senate of the Philippines, House of Representatives, Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs, which coordinates with the diplomatic corps as part of the regular invitees to the Sona.

According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco,  the topmost concern is the security of the President, the Vice President, all the high-ranking officials, as well as the guests.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

‘Ama Namin’ drag video riles pols, church leaders

Continued from A16

CBCP: ‘Don’t twist’ case

IN Vega’s Twitter space, the drag performer said, “Was it offensive because I am a queer individual? Or was it of other factors? It was in no way trying to demean naman.”

The CBCP executive secretary urged the artist, however, to “not twist the thing that happened.”

The very act itself is very blasphemous, disrespectful, a mockery, profanity. Even if he is not a drag queen, even if he is a straight [man], if somebody does that, of course we are going to make a reaction out of it,” Fr. Secillano told B usiness M irror

According to Vega, the intention was never to mock.

“Feeling ko, was very careful when I did that because I don’t want it to come across as something that’s very offensive. I also did that intentionally to challenge our notions of how we worship or how we sing our prayers,” said Vega.  Possible consequences

IN an interview, Fr. Secillano said, “We don’t plan to take action, except to say that people should be extremely prudent in making fun of religion.”

On Monday, Vega responded against the backlash through Philippine Drag Updates, saying, “I won’t delete it nor will apologize for doing it.”

Vega said their mere existence as queers already offends people, and the performance is just a “yassified worship/lipsync of the Lord’s Prayer.”

“People are free to make interpretations of it. The way I see it, our reactions and perceptions reveal our values which we need to reflect on,” said Vega, one of the contestants of “Drag Den” Season One.

Netizens who denounced the video tagged it as “blasphemous” and deeply offensive to Catholics, who are taught at an early age to pray the “Our Father” in a

most solemn way. At Holy Mass, it is sung in various versions, but also with solemnity, not like a party or disco version, the protesting netizens said.

‘Try doing it to another religion’

ON Thursday, the current and past Senate Presidents weighed in on the issue, as well.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a tweet, addressing the drag performer: “Whatever it is, why don’t you try doing that to another religion?” It was an apparent reference to the often violent protests that follow controversial “freedom of expression” acts in other countries, mostly those deemed extremely disrespectful of Islam or Hinduism.

For his part, Senate President Zubiri said in a statement: “In my opinion, this is the height of the misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity. It offends the sensibilities of our Christian brothers and sisters, deeply demeans the faith of millions of Filipinos, and dangerously scales the boundaries of protected speech and expression.”

Hontiveros, a strong advocate of rights of LGBTQ persons, said in a statement: “As a woman of faith, I admit I personally find this regrettable. Alam ko madami ding miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community, persons of faith among them, find this regrettable. However, I also caution against the use of this incident to deny rights and protections to a community that has long been marginalized and excluded.

“I wish f or self-reflection, compassion and healing for both the religious and LGBTQIA+ communities. Our platforms should build bridges. The struggle for SOGIE Equality continues.”

Kabataan party-list also weighed in: “Drag is an art form and is open to criticism. Indeed freedom of expression requires responsibility, so it may be criticized but in no way should it be penalized or censored.”

It’s the economy: Poll draws out top agenda people want for PBBM

sticking to investment approvals target of P1.5-T

SEN. Robinhood Padilla says he wants to make marijuana legal for medicinal purposes during a news conference at the Senate in Pasay City last year. In a Senate hearing on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Padilla said he is eyeing Israel as a “model” for the Philippines in allowing the use of cannabis strictly for medical purposes, as well as in preventing its misuse or abuse. PNA PHOTO BY AVITO DALAN

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for

9 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

10 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

11 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

RUAN, HAIRONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

WU, ZIJIA

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

YANG, BOTAO

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

3 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

4 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

5 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

6 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

7 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

8 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

DANG, KEDONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

DU, ZIFENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

LIANG, JIAN

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QI, WEIMENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QI, WENJUN

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

QIN, FENG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

12 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

13 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

14 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

15 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

16 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

17 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

18 BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY INC.

Lot 4044, Molino Boulevard, Niog III, City of Bacoor, Cavite

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

ZHENG, JINGRONG

Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, BINGHAO

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, HUABING

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, TIANPENG

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

CHEN, WANTIAN Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

TANG, XIANJIAN

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description:

Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

YANG, MING

Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction by maintaining strong working relationships

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range:

Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

57 PORTAL STEELS INC.

9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

Basic Qualification: With 5 years work experience in the same field

58 PRIME GLOVES MANUFACTURING INC.

8 Progressive St., Light Industry & Science Park III, San Rafael, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas

59 SHIMADZU PHILIPPINES MANUFACTURING INC.

Lot 14-15, Block 15, Phase III, Cavite Export Processing Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

60 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

4th-12th Floors, Southwoods Mall Tower 2, Halang Street, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

61 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

4th-12th Floors, Southwoods Mall Tower 2, Halang Street, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

to reduce or form nonferrous metal

JIANG, HUANYU Warehouse Controller

Brief Job Description:

Manage, evaluate and report on warehouse productivity

HUANG, SHAOTONG Sewing Mechanic Manager

Brief Job Description: Ensure proper use of sewing machine and plant equipment

KAWASAKI, CHIHIRO Adviser

Brief Job Description:

Support the president in the implementation of organization’s objectives and targets

LIU, QINGXING

Chinese Customer Service

Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

HU, GUANGHANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

Salary Range: Php60,000Php89,999

Basic Qualification: With 5 years work experience in the same field

Salary Range: Php30,000 –Php59,999

Basic Qualification: 15 years of experience in the same field

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Must have knowledge and experience in procurement; with strong and possess strong negotiation skills

Salary Range:

Php90,000Php149,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000Php59,999

Ukraine wins new G-7 security pledges, but Nato membership remains elusive

By Chris Megerian, Lorne Cook & Seung Min Kim The Associated Press

VILNIUS, Lithuania—Ukrainian

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

welcomed fresh pledges of weapons and ammunition to fight Russia’s invasion along with longer-term security commitments from the West on Wednesday even as he expressed disappointment over the lack of a clear path for his country to join Nato as the alliance wrapped up its annual summit.

“The Ukrainian delegation is bringing home a significant security victory for the Ukraine, for our country, for our people, for our children,” he said while flanked by US President Joe Biden and other leaders from the Group of Seven most powerful democratic nations.

A joint declaration issued by the G-7 lays the groundwork for each nation to negotiate agreements to help Ukraine bolster its military over the long term. Zelenskyy described the initiative as a bridge toward eventual Nato membership and a deterrent against Russia.

“We will not waver,” Biden vowed after the summit in Lithuania ended. “I mean that. Our commitment to Ukraine will not weaken. We will stand for freedom today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.”

The Ukrainian and American presidents also met privately along with their advisers, and Biden acknowledged that Zelenskyy is sometimes “frustrated” by the pace of military assistance.

Zelenskyy thanked Biden, saying that “you spend this money for our lives,” and said shipments of controversial cluster munitions would help Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

It was a marked shift in tone from Zelenskyy’s complaints a day earlier, when he said it was “unprecedented and absurd” to avoid setting a timeline for Ukraine to join Nato.

Biden said Zelenskyy now understands that whether his country is formally in Nato is “not relevant as long as he has commitments” such as security guarantees. ”So he’s not concerned about that now.”

On the final day of Nato’s summit, the alliance launched a new forum for deepening ties with Ukraine: the Nato-Ukraine Council. It’s intended to serve as a permanent body where the alliance’s 31 members and Ukraine can hold consultations and call for meetings in emergency situations.

The setting is part of Nato’s effort to bring Ukraine as close as possible to the military alliance without actually joining it. On Tuesday, the leaders said in their communiqué summarizing the summit’s conclusions that Ukraine can join “when allies agree and conditions are met.”

“Today we meet as equals,” Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said

at a news conference with Zelenskyy. “I look forward to the day we meet as allies.”

The ambiguous plan for Ukraine’s future membership reflects the challenges of reaching consensus among the alliance’s current members while the war continues.

“The results of the summit are good, but if there were an invitation, that would be ideal,” Zelenskyy said, through a translator. He added that joining Nato would be “a serious motivating factor for Ukrainian society” as it resists Russia.

“Nato needs us just as we need Nato,” he said alongside Stoltenberg.

Ukraine’s future membership was the most divisive and emotionally charged issue at this year’s summit. In essence, Western countries are willing to keep sending weapons to help Ukraine do the job that Nato was designed to do—hold the line against a Russian invasion—but not allow Ukraine to join its ranks and benefit from its security during the war.

“We have to stay outside of this war but be able to support Ukraine. We managed that very delicate balancing act for the last 17 months. It’s to the benefit of everyone that we maintain that balancing act,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said.

Symbols of support for Ukraine are common around Vilnius, where the country’s blue-and-yellow flags hang from buildings and are pasted inside windows. One sign cursed Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another urged Nato leaders to “hurry up” their assistance for Ukraine.

However, there was caution inside the summit itself, especially from Biden, who has explicitly said he doesn’t think Ukraine is ready to join Nato. There are concerns that the country’s democracy is unstable and its corruption remains too deeply rooted.

Under Article 5 of the Nato charter, members are obligated to defend each other from attack, which could swiftly draw the US and other nations into direct fighting with Russia.

Defining an end to hostilities is no easy task. Officials have declined to define the goal, which could suggest a negotiated cease-fire or Ukraine reclaiming all occupied territory. Either way, Putin would essentially have veto power over Ukraine’s Nato membership by prolonging the conflict.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace warned Wednesday of bubbling frustration over Zelenskyy’s demands, adding that “people want to see gratitude” for Western military support. Wallace also said he’s heard “grumbles” from some US lawmakers that “we’re not Amazon.” “I mean, that’s true,” Wallace said, according to multiple British media outlets. He recalled telling the Ukrainians the same thing when he visited the country last year and was presented with a list of weapon requests. “I’m not Amazon.”

At the same time, the new G-7 framework would include long-term commitments to Ukraine’s security.

To repel Russian attack, the major powers promise “swift and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment across land, sea and air domains, and economic assistance.” They also vow to slap more sanctions on Russia.

For now and into the future, they say, they will provide weapons and military equipment, including combat air power, as well as more training for Ukraine’s beleaguered army. Zelenskky has asked that these assurances last at least until Ukraine joins Nato.

Moscow reacted harshly to the G-7 plan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the summit cemented Ukraine’s “role as the main expendable” in the “hybrid war” that it falsely claimed was “unleashed by Nato against Russia.”

“Having embarked on an escalation course, they issued a new batch of promises to supply the Kyiv regime with more and more modern and long-range weapons in order to extend the conflict of attrition for as long as possible,” the ministry said in a statement.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “by providing security guarantees to Ukraine, they’re infringing on Russia’s security.”

Ukraine has been let down by security guarantees in the past. In the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Russia, the US and U.K agreed that “none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine except in self-defense” in exchange for Kyiv transferring its Soviet-era nuclear weapons to Russia.

But in 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and seized territory in the south and east. In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion in an attempt to topple Kyiv, leading to the current bloody conflict.

Zelenskyy told reporters that the Budapest Memorandum was no help without Nato membership and its mutual defense agreement.

“In fact, Ukraine was left with that document and defended itself alone,” he said.

Although international summits are often tightly scripted, this one in Vilnius seesawed between conflict and compromise.

At first leaders appeared to be deadlocked over Sweden’s bid for membership in the alliance. However, Turkey unexpectedly agreed to drop its objections on Monday, the night before the summit formally began.

T he Associated Press writers Karl Ritter and Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania; Joanna Kozlowska and Jill Lawless in London; and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

FBI Director Wray defends

the ‘real FBI’ against criticism from House Republicans

By Farnoush Amiri, Eric Tucker & Lisa Mascaro

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—FBI Director

Chris Wray defended the “real FBI” during a contentious congressional hearing Wednesday, rejecting a litany of grievances from angry Republicans who are harshly critical of the bureau, threatening to defund some operations and claiming the Justice Department is unfair to political conservatives, including Donald Trump.

Wray refused to engage in specific questions about ongoing federal investigations, including those involving former President Trump and Hunter Biden. The son of President Joe Biden recently reached an agreement to plead guilty to misdemeanor federal tax charges; Republicans have derided that as a sweetheart deal.

In testy exchanges with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, Wray rejected the GOP assertion that the bureau was favoring the Biden family and said the notion that the bureau was involved the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol was “ludicrous.” Referring to his own background, he said the idea that he harbors bias against conservatives is “insane.”

“The work the men and women of the FBI do to protect the American people goes way beyond one or two investigations that seem to capture all the headlines,” said Wray, a registered Republican whom Trump nominated to lead the FBI after firing James Comey in 2017.

The director spelled out the bureau’s crime-fighting work breaking up drug cartels, taking some 60 suspected criminals off the streets each day and protecting Americans from “a staggering array of threats.”

He said, “That is the real FBI.”

It’s the latest display of the new

normal on Capitol Hill, where Republicans who have long billed themselves as the champions of police and “law and order” are deeply at odds with federal law enforcement and the FBI, accusing the bureau of bias dating to investigations of Trump when he was president.

This new dynamic has forced Democrats into a position of defending law enforcement agencies they have long criticized. Wray testified for nearly six hours.

The committee chairman, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, said he is trying to stop what Republicans call the “weaponization” of the federal justice system, which they say is tilted against conservatives, including Trump and his allies.

Jordan opened the hearing reciting a federal judge’s recent ruling against the government’s efforts to halt misinformation on social media and listed other grievances over the FBI’s treatment of conservatives.

Ukraine repels large Russian missile and drone attack that injures civilians

By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press

Explosions were heard in different parts of the city, and debris from intercepted drones fell on four districts of the Ukrainian capital, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Buildings were damaged, and two people hospitalized with shrapnel wounds. Earlier, the Kyiv City Administration wrote

on Telegram that debris fell on five districts.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia fired a total of 20 drones, mostly at the Kyiv region, and that all 20 were shot down. The Ukrainian military also intercepted two cruise missiles.

The statement also reported that one ballistic missile was not inter -

cepted, although it did not explain what damage the missile caused.

The government of the region of Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine reported that cruise missile was intercepted over the region, and reported no casualties. “We appreciate the meticulous work of

of a 25-story apartment building, the ministry wrote.

Volodymyr Motus, a 22-yearold resident of the 25-story building, carefully picked his way across the floor of a destroyed apartment, his footsteps accompanied by the sound of shattered glass. The mangled furniture was coated in a thick layer of dust.

“I was in my apartment and suddenly I heard a boom, that’s all. Then the alarm went off and I went down to the shelter.”

He said that some people were injured, but they were all alive.

Russian strikes have come to feel almost routine in Ukraine over the almost 17 months of the war.

Ukraine’s air defense forces,” the regional administration wrote on Telegram. Rescuers extinguished a fire in a 16-story building, as well as in a non-residential building, according to the Interior Ministry. Debris also “damaged the facade”

China’s worse-than-expected exports in June deal fresh blow to economy

By Bloomberg News

CHINA’S exports fell for a second straight month in June, adding to the economic pain that has slowed the nation’s recovery this year.

Exports declined 12.4 percent in dollar terms in June from a year earlier, while imports dropped 6.8 percent, the customs administration said Thursday. That left a trade surplus of $70.6 billion for the month. Economists had forecast that exports would drop 10 percent while imports would shrink 4.1 percent.

Global demand had been a strong driver of Chinese growth over the past three years, although that began to fade in late 2022.

Exports have now fallen for four of the six months so far in 2023.

“External uncertainties are rising, and the global economy’s weak momentum and outlook of slowing growth is not improving yet,” said Bruce Pang, chief economist and head of strategy for Greater China at Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

“The impact from unleashing earlier pent-up orders is basically gone,” although exports of goods such as electric cars and batteries continue to improve, he said.

The weakness in export demand was widespread. Exports to the US fell almost 24 percent, the 11th straight month of declines and the worse result since the slump at the beginning of the pandemic.

Shipments to Asean, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands and Canada all fell by double digits, and shipments to France were also down.

China’s shares rose on Thursday as Asia equities broadly gained.

The mainland’s benchmark CSI 300 Index climbed 1.1 percent as of the mid-day break, while Chinese shares traded in Hong Kong increased 2.5 percent. The offshore yuan was little changed at 7.1689 per dollar as of 12:40 p.m. local time.

Unbalanced trade

THE import data underscores the weakness of the domestic

economy. Demand in China for electronic parts from Taiwan and South Korea, along with commodities from elsewhere, is still down. Soybean, copper ore and concentrated copper, iron ore and natural gas imports all fell from May.

That has left the nation’s trade increasingly unbalanced, with the surplus in the first six months at a record for that period in data back through the late 1990s.

“The deeper decline in China’s exports in June drives home a painful message—a global economy that’s weakening won’t offer much support for China’s struggling recovery. A bigger drop in imports highlights weakening domestic demand—and the need for forceful policy support,” said Bloomberg economist Eric Zhu.

“The weakening external demand continues to impact China’s trade,” said Lyu Daliang, spokesman of the General Administration of Customs. “The global economy’s recovery is lacking a driver. Global trade and investment is slowing, while unilateralism, pro -

IMF approves much-awaited $3 billion bailout

By Munir Ahmed

The Associated Press

ISLAMABAD—The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday approved a muchawaited $3 billion bailout for Pakistan, the global lender said, a move that’s likely to save the nation from defaulting on its debt repayments.

The IMF said its executive board approved an agreement to release the funds over nine months to support Pakistan’s economic stabilization program.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Pakistan and the IMF agreed to the plan following meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials.

“The arrangement comes at a challenging economic juncture for Pakistan. A difficult external environment, devastating floods, and policy missteps have led to large fiscal and external deficits, rising

inflation, and eroded reserve buffers” in the fiscal year 2023, the IMF said in a statement.

Sharif quickly welcomed the IMF decision, saying it was a major step forward in the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and achieve macroeconomic stability.

“It bolsters Pakistan’s economic position to overcome immediate to medium-term economic challenges, giving the next government the fiscal space to chart the way forward,” he said in a tweet. “This milestone, which was achieved against the heaviest of odds & against seemingly impossible deadline, could not have been possible without excellent team effort.”

The bailout had been on hold since December when the IMF refused to release a critical $1.1 billion part of the loan because of the country’s lack of compliance with a 2019 agreement signed between the IMF and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A breakthrough was announced recently after Sharif met with IMF head Kristalina Georgieva in Paris at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact to discuss the revival of the $6 billion bailout package amid shrinking foreign exchange reserves and increasing inflation, which resulted in an increase in food costs.

Sharif has been trying to overcome the economic crisis since he came into power after Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022. Pakistan’s economy witnessed a major shock last summer when devastating floods killed 1,739 people, destroyed 2 million homes and caused $30 billion in damage.

“Things are now moving in the right direction,” said Dar, the finance minister Wednesday.

According to analysts, Pakistan needs at least $20 billion in the next two years to pay back foreign loans with interest. However, ear -

tectionism and geopolitical risks are rising.”

The government is looking to increase stimulus to support domestic growth—and the trajectory of global demand through the rest of the year will be an important factor for Beijing to determine how much help is needed.

However, with global growth looking to be slowing and many central banks still raising interest rates to push down inflation, it’s unlikely that authorities can count on export demand to pull China through the downturn.

“The latest data in developed countries show consistent signals of further weakness which will likely put more pressure on China’s exports in the rest of the year,” said Zhang Zhiwei, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management Ltd. “China has to depend on domestic demand—the big question in the next few months is whether domestic demand can rebound without much stimulus from the government.” With assistance from Fran Wang and Yujing Liu/Bloomberg

for

Pakistan

lier this year, foreign exchange reserves fell to less than $4 billion. This money was only enough for the import bill of four weeks, although Pakistan banned some of the imports to save dollars.

The approval for the IMF loan came a day after Saudi Arabia deposited $2 billion into Pakistan’s central bank. On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates also deposited $1 billion to the central bank of Pakistan, according to the finance minister, Dar, who said the country’s economy was now again on the path of growth.

According to analysts, the approval of the IMF bailout will help Pakistan because it could encourage other international financial institutions to help Islamabad overcome economic challenges.

Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have provided financial assistance in the past five months to avoid a default on debt payments.

In May, Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles at Kyiv almost every night, forcing its residents to spend their nights in shelters. During the summer, attacks came less frequently, but they still strike unpredictably

across the country.

Ukraine’s human rights chief Dmytro Lubinets wrote on Telegram Thursday, “It should be explained that each ‘air alarm’ in Ukraine is like playing Russian roulette... It’s unknown the number of people who could be affected, and it is uncertain from which part of Ukraine bad news about the strike of an enemy drone or missile will come.”

Recently, a Russian cruise missile struck an apartment building in the western city of Lviv, resulting in a death toll that reached 10, and leaving dozens injured. And in the southern and eastern regions of the country, where heavy fighting is taking place on front lines, the intensity of missile attacks has remained high since the beginning of the war.

T he Associated Press journalist Felipe Dana in Kyiv contributed to this report.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s e-mail hacked in breach tied to China

By William Turton, Leah Nylen & Sarah Zheng

COMMERCE Secretary Gina Raimondo was among the US officials whose e-mails were breached in a hack of government accounts that Microsoft Corp. has said originated from China, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Raimondo has been a prominent American figure implementing export curbs on advanced semiconductor technology to China, moves which Beijing has decried as undermining free trade and global supply chain stability. The person asked not to be identified discussing information that hasn’t been made public.

A Commerce Department spokesperson declined to comment or confirm the breach of Raimondo’s e-mails, which was reported earlier by the Washington Post. Microsoft also declined to comment late Wednesday night.

The Commerce and State Departments as well as agencies in Western Europe were also attacked, according to government officials and Microsoft.

C ommerce took immediate action after being notified by Microsoft that the department had been breached, the spokesperson said earlier Wednesday.

Last month, the US State Department identified anomalous activity and alerted Microsoft to the attack, according to a spokesperson, who said the agency had no reason to doubt that the hackers, who breached Microsoft Outlook accounts, were based in China.

A subsequent investigation by the company determined that the hackers accessed and exfiltrated unclassified Exchange Online Outlook data from a small number of accounts,” according to a statement from the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA.

It wasn’t known what other US agencies

were affected, but a senior official said the number was in the single digits. US officials described the attacks as targeted and focused on a small number of accounts at the agencies that were breached, as opposed to hack seeking to steal large amounts of data. CISA and the FBI issued a joint advisory urging organizations to harden their Microsoft 365 cloud environments.

The hacking campaign got underway in the weeks before Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing to meet with top officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the officials.

In a blog post published Tuesday night, Microsoft described the group behind the attack as China-based, calling it Storm-0558. The hackers were able to remain undetected for a month after gaining access to e-mail data from around 25 organizations in mid-May.

“We assess this adversary is focused on espionage, such as gaining access to e-mail systems for intelligence collection,” Charlie Bell, an executive vice president at Microsoft, wrote in another post.

It also wasn’t clear which European governments were affected. Italian cybersecurity officials said they were in contact with Microsoft “in order to identify potential Italian subjects involved in the latest attacks.”

Asked about the findings, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, at a regular briefing on Wednesday, accused the US of being the world’s largest cyber attacker.

The hackers used “forged authentication tokens to access user e-mail using an acquired Microsoft account (MSA) consumer signing key,” Microsoft’s Bell said in his post. The hackers were then able to access Outlook e-mail hosted on systems run and operated by Microsoft. With assistance from James Mayger, Justin Sink, Iain Marlow, Flavia Rotondi, Katrina Manson and Eric Martin/ Bloomberg

KYIV, Ukraine—Sirens rang out shortly after midnight Thursday as Russia targeted Kyiv with a barrage of Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones that wounded two people and destroyed several homes.

A DAMAGED apartment is seen in Kyiv, Ukraine on Thursday, July 13, 2023, following Russia’s air attacks targeting the capital city. AP/JAE C. HONG

EO 32: Key to strong Internet connection

ThE United Nations’ objective for the Internet is to achieve universal connectivity by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, the UN is urging all members “to make the Internet widely available, accessible and affordable to all.”

In the Philippines, the lack of adequate infrastructure leaves the poorest communities behind, creating a digital divide that shows its discriminatory effects in rural areas that can’t use the power of the Internet to drive economic growth.

To accelerate the deployment of critical digital infrastructure nationwide, President Marcos last week issued Executive Order 32, which institutionalized a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure.

The President’s order will cover all national government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as local government units involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, and authorizations.

“No other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure,” the EO said.

The President’s order also mandates all cities and municipalities to set up onestop shop for construction permits, which will provide frontline services to applicants securing building permits and other related certificates.

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. hailed the issuance of EO 32 at the recent telco workshop led by the Anti-Red Tape Authority. As part of ARTA’s “Bayanihan” initiatives, the telco workshop series aims to further address the bottlenecks in the permitting, licensing, and authorizations involved in the construction of telecommunications towers in the country to improve connectivity in rural areas.

The workshop on Tuesday, hosted by PLDT and Smart, gathered other stakeholders from various government and non-government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, National Electrification Administration, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Philippines Association of Building Officials, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National Telecommunications Commission.

PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, expressing his support for the ARTA-led workshop, noted the importance of public sector partners in ensuring the fast rollout of PLDT and Smart’s fixed and wireless networks.

“Through collaborations such as this workshop, we hope to address the urgent need to operationalize policies to ultimately ensure the highest possible quality of service for all Filipinos, and consequently support the government’s digitalization efforts,” Panlilio said.

“PLDT and Smart’s support for these ARTA workshops is aligned with the focus areas of the government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council’s Digital Infrastructure pillar, particularly on the acceleration of the rollout of telco towers and Internet infrastructure. We likewise support Go Digital Pilipinas, a PSACbacked movement wherein one of the goals is to create policies and programs that promote the development of infrastructure and services,” he added.

ARTA Director General Ernesto V. Perez cited the agency’s mandate under the Ease of Doing Business law—to promote streamlining and digitalization of all government processes and procedures through a whole-of-nation approach.

“The President has a bold and transformative vision for our nation: the digitalization of our economy. Recognizing the pivotal role of telecommunications in achieving this vision, he emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to improve our Internet connections through strong telecom infrastructure,” he said.

“As ARTA continues to streamline regulations in the telco sector, we have witnessed significant achievements in making the industry more competitive, none of which would have been possible without a whole of nation approach between government and the private sector,” Perez said.

In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, President Marcos has been pushing for universal connectivity in the country to ensure that no citizen is left behind. It would do well for the administration to prioritize Internet connection in rural areas that have been neglected by commercial Internet service providers. We cannot have a digitalized bureaucracy unless we cover the whole nation with strong Internet connection.

Taking Philippine tourism to the next level

sonny M. angara

Better Days

ThEr E was a lot of brouhaha over the launch of the Department of Tourism’s new slogan “Love the Philippines,” which replaces the 12-year-old “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign conceptualized during the administration of the late former President Benigno Aquino III. The controversy was rooted in the promotional campaign as conceptualized by the advertising agency tapped by the DOT with its use of stock photos from other countries as part of its presentation. While the entire incident was regrettable, what is important is that the DOT, under Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, took immediate steps to address the issue, including the termination of the contract of the DOT with the ad agency. I personally do not see any problem with the new slogan. Not only does it present reasons for non-Filipinos to love the Philippines, but it also encourages Filipinos to show more love and appreciation for what we have and to take greater care of our resources, including our tourist attractions.

What should not be overlooked, as far as tourism is concerned, are the numerous more serious problems that have hounded the country for years that, if left unchecked, could derail the progress we are making as a premier tourist destination. One of the first things that immediately come to mind is the state of our airports. As the gateway to the Philippines, this is the first thing that tourists see when they land. It may be cliché to say that first impressions last, but this still holds true

to many people, particularly those who only come for a brief visit. In general, our airports in Manila are quite congested. We have people who are sitting and even lying down on the floors of the airports while waiting for their flights. There are not enough restaurants and cafes to cater to travelers and on occasion, there is a problem with air-conditioning, so hungry passengers also have to deal with uncomfortable temperatures.

Then there are the power outages that hit our airports every so often.

Last June 9, 2023 the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 experienced a blackout for over an hour, which led to long lines of passengers at the immigration counters and directly affected several flights. It was the fourth incident since September of 2022 and includes the severe power outage that affected the central air traffic control system of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on January 1, 2023 and caused the delay, cancellation or diversion of 282 flights. Around 56,000 passengers at the Manila airports were affected.

These incidents can easily derail the gains we have been making in terms of attracting tourists and the campaign to make the Philippines one of the major tourist destinations in the region and even the world. We are actually doing very well right now in attracting tourists to the country post-pandemic. The latest data from the DOT shows that a total of 2.7 million tourists arrived in the country for the first half of the year.

At this pace, the DOT and tourism stakeholders are confident that we can breach the government’s target of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals by the end of the year.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. Many local government units rely heavily on tourism, particularly on the employment front, and small businesses benefit also with the foot traffic. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) registered a total of 5.35 million indi-

viduals employed in the tourism industry in 2022. This was 9.3 percent higher than the 4.9 million recorded in 2021, but of course this was at the point when our economy was still in the process of opening up after the pandemic. Tourism represented 11.4 percent of total employment in the country. The contribution of tourism industries to the economy as measured by tourism direct gross value added was 6.2 percent of the total economic output of the country.

Clearly, we should prioritize the improvement of our infrastructure if we are to sustain the growth momentum of our tourism sector. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this because mobility and connectivity or the lack of it can make or break the ability of LGUs to attract tourists. I am optimistic that under the Marcos administration we will be able to see the development and completion of more infrastructure projects.

The 2023 General Appropriations Act contains a total of P17.7 billion for the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). Rest assured we will continue to support this program and other efforts to grow our tourism sector once we go over the 2024 national budget in the coming months.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 18 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 9 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws.  He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.

Competitiveness: Much ado about nothing?

the greatest fall. All the subfactors under this factor have declined from the previous year, with public finance going from 51st to 55th, tax policy from 13th to 14th, institutional framework from 53rd to 56th, business legislation from 52nd to 57th, and societal framework from 50th to 53rd.

LAST Wednesday, July 5, the Asian Institute of Management rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness, through its partnership with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), and with support from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines, held a forum to discuss the Philippine results of the 2023 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY). This event took place at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

First published in 1989, the IMD WCY has been a leading annual publication in ranking the competitiveness of countries based on official statistics and an executive opinion survey. It provides benchmarking and trends, as well as statistics and survey data based on extensive research. It analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve longterm value creation.

So, how has the Philippines fared in the latest report? The country, sadly, has dropped four spots amid global uncertainties ranging from inflation to geopolitical issues. From

48th place last year, the Philippines ranks 52nd out of 64 countries this year. Also, compared to its peers in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines places 13th out of 14 countries.

A closer look at the report shows that the Philippines has registered declines in three out of the four main factors of competitiveness. The business efficiency factor has fallen from 39th place in 2022 to 40th place in 2023. The infrastructure factor has also dropped from 57th place in 2022 to 58th place in 2023.

Dropping four places from 48th in 2022 to 52nd in 2023, the government efficiency factor has exhibited

By contrast, the economic performance factor has improved by 13 places, from 53rd in 2022 to 40th in 2023. The subfactors under this factor that have seen improvements this year are domestic economy (from 48th place to 30th place), employment (from 19th place to 9th place), and prices (from 58th place to 39th place). Exhibiting declines are international trade (from 59th place to 60th place) and international investment (from 42nd place to 46th place).

To kick-start the discussion, the forum moderator, Dr. Jamil Paolo S. Francisco, posed a thought-provoking question: “Why does competitiveness matter, and how does it affect the average Filipino?”

A simple answer is that human beings are the most precious productive asset of an economy. After all, there would be no economy if there were no people. So, with their skills, knowledge, and talents, people create value by responding to each

other’s needs. Mutually beneficial exchanges of goods, services, money, and income can make everyone better off, at least materially.

Nevertheless, as revealed in the latest IMD WCY results, the Philippines has done well in terms of real GDP growth (ranked 6th out 64 countries), but it has done poorly in terms of real GDP per capita (ranked 62nd out of 64 countries). This means that the benefits of economic growth are not trickling down to the average Filipino. Moreover, perennially low agricultural productivity has led to food insecurity, which, in turn, has contributed to hunger and malnutrition, especially among Filipino children who will eventually join the workforce. Indeed, hungry and malnourished children cannot perform well in school, so poor education outcomes foreshadow a decline in productivity that will hamper the long-term growth potential of the economy.

When people discuss competitiveness, though, is there really much ado about nothing? Filipinos seem to be okay with other countries surpassing them in terms of agricultural productivity, manufacturing, exports, education outcomes, and other areas. No one seems to care about being See “Eagle Watch,” A15

By Josh Boak | The Associated Press

WAShINGTON—The politics of inflation took a sharp turn Wednesday with a report showing consumer prices rose at the slowest pace since the early months of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Republicans have hammered Biden over the cost of groceries, gasoline, utilities and more, saying his $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package and push for electric vehicles were responsible for pushing inflation to a four-decade high. The GOP argument has resonated with voters, but the report on consumer prices for June suggests that inflation has eased dramatically without any of the job losses that some economists and Republican leaders said would occur.

Prices have risen just 3 percent from a year ago, compared with 9.1 percent in June 2022, and it’s the lowest reading since March 2021.

Unlike a year ago, inflation is mainly coming from a government measure of shelter based on what it would cost to rent a home. This makes the inflation argument somewhat nuanced as data from AP VoteCast, a sweeping survey of the national electorate, shows that the majority of voters last year—83 percent of Republicans and 73 percent of Democrats—own their homes and are largely insulated from higher rental prices.

Biden’s team was quick to seize on the inflation report as proof that its policies are delivering results. Defying expectations that Federal Reserve efforts to combat inflation would cause layoffs, the unemployment rate is healthy at 3.6 percent.

“Inflation is down by two-thirds over the past year,” said Jared Bernstein, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. “It is particularly notable and highly consistent with Bidenomics to see this steep a decline in the rate of inflation while employment remains so uniquely strong.”

The president was quick to take credit, with the White House issuing a statement from him: “Good jobs and lower costs: That’s Bidenomics in action.”

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Biden was “delusional” for saying his policies are helping US families.

“We’ve got to get this skyrocketing inflation and reckless spending under control and stop expecting our kids and grandkids to pay the bill,” Scott said. “That’s how we protect the American dream.”

The office of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, issued a statement saying that “Bidenomics continues to cost all Americans” because of higher prices since he took office. It called on the president to “join House Republican efforts to increase American energy production to drive down costs for hardworking families across the country.”

Republicans are tweaking the data they use on inflation, putting a greater emphasis on total price increases over the entire Biden presidency instead of the annual and monthly figures that economists commonly use. The office of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., issued a breakdown of price

Eagle Watch . . .

continued from A14

overtaken and slipping in competitiveness rankings. Filipinos seem to be okay with merely surviving on a day-to-day basis—a low-level equilibrium trap, as it were.

Tragically, perhaps, it is this collective fatalistic mindset that will hinder Filipinos from “enjoying a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that they have enough for their daily needs and unexpected expenses, that they can plan and prepare for their own and their children’s future.” AmBisyon

Natin 2040, which is just 17 years

increases over the entirety of Biden’s tenure to say that inflation is still a problem, citing a 39 percent increase in airfare, 18.8 percent increase in furniture prices and 52 percent increase in gas.

The administration wants voters to focus on the downward trend. One key statistic being measured by the White House is how many gallons of gas can be purchased on average for an hour of work. Republican lawmakers and candidates blasted Biden for record prices at the pump last year, a message that helped the GOP secure a House majority in 2022.

But by an internal White House analysis, this argument looks outdated: A single hour of work 12 months ago could only pay for 5.5 gallons of gas, a figure that has since risen to a bit more than 8 gallons. The increase appears to reflect a 27 percent drop in prices at the pump compared with a year ago, and also average wage gains of about 5 percent.

Biden has long denied that his $1.9 trillion in Covid-19 relief money helped to spark inflation. Broken supply chains and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said, were the main culprits. This argument had limited appeal in last year’s elections. AP VoteCast found that 54 percent of voters blamed Biden’s politics for the higher inflation, while 46 percent said higher prices were due to factors outside his control.

Biden’s aides largely attribute the decline in inflation to giving the Fed the independence to raise interest rates as needed and the unsnarling of supply chains and other efforts, such as last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, that signaled the government would find ways to lower prices for prescription drugs and promote investments in clean energy and manufacturing.

The White House also feels reasonably positive about the path of inflation because housing is behind much of the current increase in prices. The government’s measure of shelter inflation depends on rents, and a forecast by White House economists suggests home rental prices will ease in the months to come.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Biden has gone on the offensive about the economy, giving speeches that try to draw a link between his actions and new construction projects and investments by companies. The economy has been a vulnerability for Biden, with just 34 percent approving of his leadership on the issue in a June AP-NORC poll.

Still, the change in the composition of what is driving inflation could be critical for how voters think about prices and politics.

In 2022, VoteCast found that nearly all voters said inflation was at least a minor factor in their votes. That included 47 percent who said groceries and food costs were the most important element for them; the majority of these voters backed Republicans.

from now, could well be an unattainable goal.

If the Philippines should become a prosperous middle-class society, then, as Mr. Guillermo M. Luz sharply mentioned during the forum, the country needs to pursue an investment strategy to enhance labor productivity. It is really the government, with all its vision and plans, that should, with dogged determination, implement the strategies to address basic needs such as food, health, education, and shelter, which all redound to increased productivity.

Plundering cultures

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

The fever has not gone down. The epidemic of concern from citizens continues unabated as they remain in shock at the official act of stealing scenes from other cultures, if only to make the campaign about the allure of this island-republic even more convincing. Does this mean we, with our own collection of landscape and seascape, forests and waterfalls, volcanoes and verdant valleys, cannot make a compelling case for our own beauty?

Are we so flippant as a people that we go ballistic with an ad campaign?

Or is this a symptom of something missing in us, or a closeted doubt about our identities? Our notion of a nation has long been besieged by doubts. We are conscious of a common appraisal of us by the outside world—a country that is unlike the neighboring Asian states where material cultures—temples, shrines, rituals—singularly define their territories. For a long time, we have subsisted on the idea of us being a melting spot, a site where the East meets the West, a sort of territory that is neither here nor there. Exotic in its fusion; extraordinary in being an admixture. A puzzle. The old label “the only Christian country in the far east” has lost its clout: within it lies unquestioned colonial legacies of heritage erasures and decay.

In the absence of less conflicted indices of cultural identification, there remain the geography and topography, those products of our own nature that, without question and debate, are knowable and accessible by a critical mass of population. These geofacts—things created by the earth on our side of the globe— are our cultural frontliners.

The stories we tell of ourselves are tied to these natural forms; the narratives of communities stream around and all over these mountains. Volcanoes are humanized; islands bear names of our origins and, ipso facto, the directions of our

lives; hidden falls enchant us because they are pristine assurances of a powerful ecology; and rivers do not merely meander across fields and valleys—they are our own histories that need no archives, not anyway foreign archives, which have constructed our own images through conquest and hegemony.

Imagine them all and imagine a moment in our histories when a government, through its bureaucracy, mindlessly loots other cultures of images, an act that, by default, has negated the fact that we can be proud of what we possess within our territories. This is scraping the bottom, as if a culture has conversed with itself and left with one conclusion: we are empty within.

Everything has not been bad though as a result of that act. Aside from citizens demonstrating their concern with what this government does—a tourism campaign— the fiasco has manifested what has been an evasive “national” (the quotation marks to indicate my tentative view that we have solidified in us the nation) and regional trait, which is a pride of one’s place.

The discovery that we have “bor-

rowed” sand dunes and fishermen and airports from other spaces not our own, and passed them off as elements that should enamor the world with us, simply broke our hearts. This was the pit. And yet something gloriously positive came up: ordinary Filipinos ransacked their own albums and memories to fill online spaces with wonderful locations that were off the beaten tracks. While the tourism people (or whoever were behind the campaign) appeared to not have moved out of the weathered highways leading to tired scenic areas, regular local travelers shared rarely visited scenic places, annotated with such endearing freshness, a tour guide without the vapid silliness attributed to that job.

From my own geographical space, I noted Popai Montilla reposting a spot marked by this group called

But the photo also states: “There are only 4 waterfalls in Asia that empty directly to the ocean. One of them is Catandayagan Falls in Ticao Island, Masbate.”

You guessed it—the next question is: where are the other three?

The next comment is: So, this is not unique to Bikol, or the Philippines? Uniqueness, like authenticity, is contentious. Most of the time, overrated or misunderstood. What this waterscape proposes is for us to consider the island as part of a culture-complex, a socio-spatial kinship that stretches beyond any assumption about this nation and into lands that we thought are far or not related to us. This is as much the identity of our neighboring lands as ours. This is the myth that makes us one.

“Why Masbate, Philippines?” The image shows crags as ancient as the sugilanon or tale of the waterfalls; the majesty of this location derives not from its dimension but from what it is about—a Tandayag, or a sacred monster that had grown so huge for the cave it needed to go out to the world.

Israeli firebrands are turning on central banker after targeting judges

By Galit Altstein

MONThS of verbal attacks on Israel’s central bank and Governor Amir Yaron by members of the right-wing government are culminating in an unprecedented foray into the country’s monetary policy.

The criticisms are happening alongside mass protests against plans by the ruling coalition—the most religious Israel has ever had— to weaken the power of judges. Many economists fear that the Bank of Israel is next in line after the judiciary for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies.

As Yaron approaches the end of his five-year term, several ministers have assailed him, with one saying he is a “savage” who has sabotaged the economy and should be fired.

Now coalition members have set their sights on the central bank’s sway over interest rates. That’s pitting Yaron—a Netanyahu appointee who was previously a finance professor at Wharton business school—against parts of a government that increasingly want monetary policy to reflect their populist goals.

If they get their way, Israeli assets could come under more pressure. The shekel has weakened around 4 percent this year, while Israel’s dollar bonds are among the worst performers in emerging markets, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“There is, undoubtedly, an increasing fear that institutions which the government deems too independent might be weakened,” said Karnit Flug, Yaron’s predecessor and now a vice president at the Israel Democracy Institute. “All 10 governors who have held office to

Telling choice

W HILE standing by the independence of the central bank and condemning the “savage” remark, the prime minister has just months to decide on reappointing Yaron or picking someone else.

The crisis that has been greatly misunderstood is cradled in this tourism drive: while the places are the imperative elements in this national program, there are the stories we should tell. There will always be similarities with the script that other nations forge in their presentations to the world outside but because our stories will come from within, they will be something that has been told, not borrowed; something that we had listened to, or portrayed in arts, but never pilfered or pirated from other sovereign states. We, in relation to the family of nations, call this respect; to ourselves we embrace this as honor, graciousness, and self-respect. In a more mundane setting, this is dubbed “originality.”

Does our story have a happy ending? Nah, not yet. There is on the horizon a brewing storm of logos tumbling down to the tune of 3 million or more. And it never ends.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

failed to pass legislation capping interest rates for single homeowners, said the central bank had become abusive and parliament would step in.  “We will do what we see fit,” he said, threatening banks and regulators with “an explosion of new legislation.”

this day were professionals with no political identity and it is crucial this remains the case.”

Politics-proof

IN the decade since Stanley Fischer left the post of governor to succeed Janet Yellen as vice chair of the US Federal Reserve, Israel’s central bank has overseen an economy that’s grown all but immune to politics, boasting one of the rare currencies to strengthen against the dollar since 2012.

That invulnerability has been pricked, however, after Netanyahu’s cabinet embarked on a fiercely contested judicial overhaul that put the independence of institutions at the center of public debate.

It wasn’t long before Yaron came under scrutiny.

Within weeks of the government taking office late last year, Eli Cohen—a former economy minister who’s now Israel’s top diplomat— criticized a rate hike and accused the central bank of bullying mortgage borrowers. Communications Minister Shlomo Karai called the governor disconnected and suggested he be replaced by a robot.

The chair of the Knesset’s economy committee, David Bitan, said the government is dominated by the central bank and therefore isn’t able to serve the people.

The showdown has left Netanyahu in a bind.

Besides having the right background, the next governor must have a “firm backbone,” said Eyal Waldman, co-founder of Mellanox Technologies, an Israeli company purchased by Nvidia Corp. in 2020.

“This is an appointment that can affect Israel’s credit rating, and investors and banks are also keeping a close eye on it,” said Waldman, who’s now the chairman of a family investment fund.

Central bank independence has been called into question from Brazil to Turkey as politicians take a swipe at policymakers whose priorities come into conflict with their own. In the US, former President Donald Trump regularly castigated Fed Chairman Jerome Powell for not cutting borrowing costs aggressively enough.

In Israel, encroaching on the central bank has taken the shape of political attacks and legislative moves that could influence interest rates.

Late last month, the government pushed Yaron to embrace a law that would require him to mandate banks to pay minimum interest on checking accounts in consultation with the finance minister.

Yaron was able to delay the move. He wrote in a sharply worded letter to Netanyahu that it “constitutes a very serious blow to the independence of the Bank of Israel and its ability to manage monetary policy.”

Then Moshe Gafni, chair of the Knesset’s finance committee who

Yaron’s choice

M E ANWHILE Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attacked Israel’s bank inspector, a deputy of Yaron’s, saying in a highly unusual announcement that he would oversee him personally. Now Yaron is facing a choice of his own. A vocal critic of the judicial overhaul, Yaron said he’ll decide around September if he even wants another term.

The governor has warned the government’s efforts over the judiciary are inflicting a heavy toll on the economy. He’s pointed to the shekel’s “excess depreciation” and the underperformance of Israeli stocks.

Flug, the former governor, said the latest legislation requiring consultation with the finance minister amounts to interference.

“The law suggesting that interest rates be capped for single-homeowners was also going to hurt the effectiveness of the central bank’s monetary policy,” she said.

Netanyahu hasn’t made clear how he will proceed.

Should he choose to replace Yaron, names that regularly get mentioned in local media include Avi Simchon, who’s head of the National Economic Council that operates under the prime minister’s office, and Yaheli Rotenberg, accountant general at the Finance Ministry. Both are considered very close to Netanyahu. Bloomberg

Inflation drops to 3 percent and Biden hopes to turn a weakness with voters into strength

BOI sticking to investment approvals target of ₧1.5-T

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Board of Investments (BOI) said it is confident of hitting its P1.5-trillion investment approvals target for 2023 amid the establishment of green lanes— a move seen to address the barriers that hamper the entry of foreign direct investments.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, who also chairs the BOI since it is an attached agency to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said

at the launch of Executive Order (EO) No. 18 Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, that the investment promotion agency will stick to its P1.5-tril -

lion investment approvals target for 2023. It is difficult to keep adjusting targets, he explained.

T his, he said, despite the establishment of green lanes being “meant to support the investment leads that we have been accumulating from our investment missions.”

We’ll stick... Mahirap ’yung moving target. We revise it once upward. Let it be. If we exceed it, fine. If we fall behind, we’ll work harder,” Pascual told reporters on the sidelines of the launching of EO 18 in Pasay City. Related story on green lanes in Economy, page A4.

I n February 2023, the BOI decided to revise its 2023 Investment approvals target from P1 trillion to

IT’S THE ECONOMY: POLL DRAWS OUT TOP AGENDA PEOPLE WANT FOR PBBM

P1.5 trillion following the “strong” investment approvals recorded in January 2023 alone.

Pascual earlier attributed the revision of the investment approvals target for 2023 to the “robust” pipeline of investment leads, including those secured through the foreign trips of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

“Given the strong investment approvals for January, as well as the robust pipeline of investment leads—including those generated through Presidential Visits—I have increased the 2023 Investment Registration target of BOI from P1 trillion to P1.5 trillion,” Pascual said in February.

Continued on A5

‘Ama Namin’ drag video riles pols, church leaders

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM &Patrick V. Miguel

ADRAG performer’s viral video showing “Jesus Christ” leading an upbeat rendition of “Ama Namin” (“The Lord’s Prayer) while surrounded by a cheering party crowd has drawn the ire of netizens including lawmakers, and Catholic church leaders, sparking fresh debate over the fine balance

between freedom of expression and other constitutional tenets.

I n a statement, Senate President Zubiri urged authorities to look into the video, citing penal charges against the drag queen, who has said there was nothing to apologize for.

Zubiri cited Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code as a possible charge against the performer.

A rticle 201 of the Revised Penal Code punishes those “who offend

any race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.”

T he Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also protested drag performer Pura Luka Vega’s portrayal of “Jesus” leading a “remix” of the Our Father.

C BCP, however, has no plans of pursuing any legal charges against Vega.

C BCP executive secretary Fr. Je -

rome Secillano also clarified that it is not about Pura Luka Vega being queer, but “the very act itself” is “blasphemous.”

C BCP has released statements calling the performance “disrespectful” and “sacrilegious,” alongside several politicians such as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, JV Ejercito, Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, among others.

Continued on A5

DAYS before his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambasa, a survey said Filipinos want President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to concentrate on the nation’s most pressing issues—the economy, corruption, high prices and inflation as well as poverty and unemployment.

T he PAHAYAG 2023-Q2 results said Filipinos believe these pressing issues should be the primary focus of the President.

T he survey, which gathered opinions from a diverse range of demographics, provides valuable insights into the macro and micro concerns of the Filipino population.

A ccording to the survey results, 17 percent of Filipinos consider the Philippine economy to be the most important macro issue for President Marcos Jr. to address.

T his finding highlights the significance placed on economic stability and growth by a substantial portion of the population, said the survey.

A lso, it said, corruption emerged as a major concern, with 14 percent of respondents identifying it as a critical issue.

A dditionally, the poll said 13 percent of participants expressed worries about high prices and inflation, while

poverty and unemployment received 12 percent and 10 percent of the respondents’ attention, respectively.

T he survey also revealed variations in concerns among different demographic groups.

W ithin the 18- to 24-year-old age bracket, poverty was identified as the topmost concern by 17 percent of respondents, said the survey.

I n the 25-29-year-old demographic, the survey said jobs were seen as the primary issue, with 16 percent of respondents highlighting its importance.

A lso, it said the region of Mindanao demonstrated a unique perspective, with peace and order ranking as the primary concern for 8 percent of the participants residing in the area.

L ooking into micro-level concerns, the survey highlighted the difficulties households face in finding employment.  A significant proportion of 14 percent identified this as their primary concern heading into the next quarter.

N otably, among the 18 to 24-year-old non-working and low-income individuals, this concern was particularly pronounced, with 19 percent and 20 percent of respondents, respectively, indicating its importance.

Continued on A5

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

B1

Friday, July 14, 2023

Kepwealth expects to begin property acquisition in H2

By VG Cabuag @villygc

ProPerty developer Kepwealth Property Phils. Inc. on Thursday said it may start acquiring properties sometime in the second half of the year.

Originally, the company had projected to complete the acquisition of properties until the end of the second quarter of 2020.

“As has been our stance since the beginning of the pandemic, we still believe that our shareholders’ interest would be best served by being conservative in our capital investments. As always, we have been evaluating as well the business environment,” the company said. “ i n the meantime, all unused i P O [initial public offering] pro-

ceeds were invested in low-risk investment instruments that provide the highest possible returns.”

Kepwealth said it continues to keep in mind the current business environment in undertaking its development effort.

“After reassessing our plans and timeline with regards to the use of the i P O proceeds for the acquisition of additional units that we can lease out, we believe that the most prudent stance would be to continue to proceed cautiously as

we evaluate the available properties and weigh that against the demand for office spaces.”

it said the pandemic has adversely affected the business of its clients and this affected its leasing operations. t he company said it is working with its clients to help them stay afloat and weather this pandemic “even as we exert all efforts to look for new clients.”

t he company earlier said it bought two contiguous floors and 18 parking spaces in One sa n Miguel Avenue. due to the pandemic, however, the floors and parking spaces were only turned over after the eCQ, or enhanced community quarantine.

As of the end of the first half, the company still has to deploy some P170.45 million of the P384.76 million in gross i P O proceeds which it gained in August 2019.

d ue to the pandemic and the financial difficulty of all the properties that the company managed, our

CA decision to foster growth in PHL energy sector, says SMC unit

clients have pre-terminated the asset management agreement it had with the company,” Kepwealth said.

“We still see the possibility that when the country eventually bounces back economically, our company will again be able to get these clients to again contract us to manage their properties. t he company continues to work to explore potential tie-ups with other property owners.”

t h e company owns 77 office condominium units with 98 leasable spaces in Kepwealth Center, a commercial building in Cebu Business Park.

t he 15-story building accredited by the Philippine e conomic Zone Authority is currently rented by reputable firms both domestic and multinational, in various industries such as in finance and insurance, audit, legal counseling, education, health services, real estate, and tourism.

‘Spare no effort to complete SCRP’

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

President Ferdinand r M arcos Jr. called for an interagency response to address the obstacles to the completion of the s o uth Commuter r a ilway Project ( s C r P) under the n o rth- s o uth Commuter r a ilway s y stem ( n s C r ) Marcos made the appeal during the signing ceremony of contract packages s - 01, s - 03A, and s - 03C in Malacañang Palace last t hursday.

t he President noted the construction of the nsCr will lead to the displacement of many informal settlers and also cause traffic around the construction sites.

Other potential challenges for the project, he said, are securing the right- of-way for the project, and the

relocation of utility poles installed along the area.

i urge everyone involved in the project: spare no effort to complete this monumental task for the benefit of generations to come,” Marcos said. to our citizens, i also seek all your continued patience and understanding as you encounter interruptions from the constructions that we are undertaking.”

t he P11.6-billion s - 01 contract package was awarded to P t Adhi Karya-P t PP Joint Venture (Persero) last February 17.

t he two other contracts, s - 03A and s - 03C, were awarded to the Leighton-First Balfour Joint Venture and P t Adhi Karya- P t PP Joint Venture (Persero), respectively. t he total cost of s - 03A is P22.1 billion, while s - 03C is worth P18.2 billion.

t he three contract packages cover a total of around 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures.

t he civil works for the said projects will generate an estimated 3,000 jobs.

Once completed, the department of tra nsporation said sCr P will provide affordable, safe, and fast public transport, help ease road traffic congestion, and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Philippines’ climate change agenda.

t he project is estimated to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by over 284,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually as commuters switch from road to rail transportation.

More than 600,000 passengers are expected to use the entire nsCr system daily by 2040.

Pagcor to build Clark medical center–exec

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is setting up the Clark Multi-specialty Medical Center which will service the health needs of regions 1, 2 and 3, one of the key promises of President Ferdinand r Marcos Jr. in his first state of the nation

Address, according to Pagcor Chairman and CeO Alejandro h tengco.

tengco bared the gaming agency’s infra deliverables during the 40th anniversary celebration of Pagcor where he vowed to continue in helping beef up the nation’s coffers with dividend remittances expected to hit P70 billion by yearend. As of June, total dividends have reached P45 billion. t he Pagcor chief said funding for the Multi-specialty Center will come from solaire resort and Casino’s Bloomberry Foundation while the specialty equipment will come from the funds to be provided by the gaming agency as well as the foundation arms of other casino licensees.

t he specialty medical center was inspired by the establishment of the Philippine heart Center, the Lung Center and other specialty hospitals that were put up during the administration of President Marcos sr. With the setting up of a medical center in the Clark ecozone, citizens from ilocos, La Union, Cagayan and other provinces need not travel to Manila for their health needs.

tengco said Pagcor will also continue to put up one, two and three-storey school buildings all over the country, as well as socio-civic centers that will double as evacuation sites, community centers and e-learning centers.

Aside from this, the gaming agency will have a special caravan dubbed Bawat Buhay Mahalaga serbisyo which will distribute educational and medical aids to the populace.

Pagcor has so far contributed P607 billion for the nation for the past 40 years plus another P64 billion in dividends, tengco said in a speech that was attended by the President, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and house speaker Martin romualdez.

tengco said the construction of regional specialized hospitals in Clark, Pampanga is in support of the present administration’s thrust to provide more specialty hospitals in provinces and highly urbanized cities.

“it will consist, among others, of a heart center, kidney center, cancer center, and a children’s hospital. t his project is intended to alleviate the plight of

our fellow Filipinos by bringing quality healthcare closer to people living outside Metro Manila,” he added.

in tuesday’s 40th anniversary celebration, Pagcor unveiled its new logo that incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation.

“ t he new logo signifies the flame that ignites change and drives progress. t he logo likewise reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction and represents a guiding light that helps people find their way,” tengco said.

“All these taken together, our new logo reflects Pagcor’s long standing commitment of being a guiding force that illuminates the way forward, drives transformation and development, and brings inspiration and motivation to the lives it touches,” he added.

The power arm of conglomerate s a n Miguel Corp. ( s M C) said t h ursday the ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) reflects “a fair decision” that fosters growth in the power industry.

“ t he decision of the CA upholds the constitutional mandate of due process that guarantees the right to be treated fairly and effectively by quasi-judicial bodies like the e n ergy r e gulatory Commission [erC ], and in the process, assure a fair and balanced regulatory environment that equally protects the rights and interests of all stakeholders involved,” s a n Miguel Global Power said.

t h is, as the erC said it would file a motion for reconsideration before the CA soon.

“We are already preparing motion for reconsideration for the case. We haven’t discussed with O s G [Office of the s olicitor General]. t hey are putting together a draft motion. We are reiterating the arguments raised before,” said erC Chairperson Monalisa d i malanta during a press briefing held t hu rsday afternoon.

t he agency said it received last

July 12 a copy of the Joint d e cision rendered by the t h irteenth (13th) d i vision of CA, which granted the petitions filed by s a n Miguel Global Power’s units, s outh Premiere Power Corp. (sPPC) and s a n Miguel e nergy Corp. (sM e C ), to annul the orders issued by the erC on s e ptember 29, 2022, denying the generation companies’ plea for electricity price increase. “ it is regrettable that the erC ’s unfair decision early on to reject our joint petition with Meralco for a temporary rate hike—despite proving to be the least cost option at that time for power consumers—resulted in consumers shouldering the burden of much higher electricity rates,” sa n Miguel Global Power said.

t he power firm said it will continue to find ways to help ease the impact of the current power crisis, while ensuring it can sustain operations and meet the country’s evolving power needs.

“We look to forge even stronger partnerships with government, consumers, and other key stakeholders to help shape a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for all.” Lenie Lectura

President Ferdinand r. Marcos Jr. together with First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos leads the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (Pagcor) 40th anniversary celebration on tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Joining them are Pagcor Chairman and

CeO Alejandro H. tengco and speaker Martin G. romualdez. REY BANIQUET/NIB-PNA

Tax-pay exemption included in DMW app

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

AquICk response (qR) code for automatic exemption from travel tax and payment of airport terminal fee is among the proposed features of the mobile app being rolled out by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

DMW Secretary Maria Susan

V. Ople said they are now in talks with the airline firms and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority for the said features.

“On the basis of the qR code, the travel tax and terminal fee can be eliminated; that is [the feature] we expect to include in the phase 2,” Ople said during a news briefing last Wednesday.

The DMW chief said they are also considering the proposal of the President to include a geo-tagging feature in the mobile app to help locate overseas Filipino workers (OFW) during a crisis.

“So for example there will be earthquakes and climate change events, we will be able to locate them,” Ople said.

DMW undersecretary Patricia M. Caunan noted they will gradually add features to their mobile app to ensure its “OFW Pass” will function properly.

The said pass will serve as the free exit clearance for OFWs, which certifies the regularity of their recruitment and documentation.

“Later on, we can add features. We just want to make sure that the primary function, which is the ‘OFW Pass,’ is very stable,” Caunan said.

The DMW mobile app will be integrated to the eGov PH Super App, which was launched by the Department of Information and Communication Technology last month, once it becomes available.

The government will forgo P200-million worth of revenue by making the “OFW Pass” and the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) free for Filipinos seeking to work overseas. (See https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/07/13/ government-to-forgo-₧200mby-cutting-fees-charged-tomigrant-workers/)

Refiners oppose higher sugar taxes

By Raadee S. Sausa

In a letter, the Philippine Association of Sugar Refiners Inc. (Pasri) told the country’s highest official it submits its “opposition to the plan of generating the necessary additional funds” for government’s programs by imposing higher taxes on SSB.

The letter sent to Marcos last Thursday was signed by Renato P.

Cabati, president of Pasri and also a managing director of Pasri-member universal Robina Corp.

eration and Inclusion (Train) law, or Republic Act (RA) 10963.

The group told the President that after taking effect in 2018, the Train Law has provided the national government earnings of about P40 billion a year from the excise taxes on SSBs.

“Notwithstanding this huge contribution by the sector, reports about inefficiencies in tax collection by the government continue to persist,” it added.

Moreover, the Pasri said that addressing these inefficiencies within the revenue “presents a win-win solution” where the much-needed revenues are raised while avoiding the imposition of an additional tax burden on an industry, “which can ill afford it at this critical time.”

of 35.99 kilograms in 2017 to 28.98 kilograms in 2022,” the letter read.

The Pasri also said that the decline in sugar consumption continues even as the economy is recovering from the pandemic.

“In view thereof, we earnestly urge His Excellency to withhold support and instead strongly oppose the proposal to increase indirect taxes on sugar,” the group said in its letter to Marcos.

SRA Acting Administrator and CEO Pablo Luis S. Azcona said the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) takes “cognizant” of the letter.

“We are doing consultation with various stakeholders on the matter,” Azcona added.

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) has also urged the Marcos administration to reconsider the proposals to impose new taxes on “junk food” and increase the existing tax on sugar sweetened beverages, saying going ahead with these moves would be “inflationary” for Filipino consumers and “discriminatory” to certain businesses.

(See https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/06/30/jfc-to-govt-goslow-on-salt-sugar-tax-bill/)

“Since the imposition of the sweetened-beverage tax, the industry has experienced a downward trend in sugar consumption in the country—from a per capita consumption

The Pasri letter was sent to Marcos days after the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc. (PCFMI) also emphasized the potential negative repercussions of the proposed tax hike.

Last month, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the Department of Finance and the Department of Health are pushing for a junk food tax and incremental hikes in the sweetened beverage tax that are seen to generate at least P76 billion in additional state revenues.

(See https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/06/22/dof-doh-pushsugar-and-salt-tax-eye-p76-bmore-revenues/)

IREAD with interest a featured “idea of the day” post on LinkedIn entitled, “Go to Your Reunion.” It was accompanied by an article on “Reunions are Worth the Hassle—Here’s Why” by Gretchen Rubin, a bestselling writer on habits and happiness. Gretchen says a key to happiness is having loving and, enduring relationships. And talking about relationships, what better organization can relate to it than an association.

Class serve as a platform for reconnecting, reminiscing, and strengthening bonds among people who share a common educational journey. While class reunions are primarily linked with schools and education, there are lessons that associations can learn from these events such as the following:

1. Nurturing connections and building communities. Class reunions excel at fostering connections and building a sense of community among former classmates. Associations can learn the importance of nurturing relationships and creating a supportive network within their own membership. By organizing regular gatherings, networking events, or online communities, associations can facilitate connections among members as well as encourage collaboration, knowledge- sharing, and a sense of belonging.

2. Celebrating achievements and milestones. Class reunions often serve as a platform for celebrating achievements and milestones. Associations can adopt this practice by recognizing and honoring the ac-

Lender raises ₧18.5B from peso-bond issue

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

PuBLICLY-listed domestic universal bank Security Bank Corp. (PSE: SECB) raised P18.5-billion worth of fixed rate peso corporate bonds set to mature in 2025.

The bonds had a rate of 6.425 percent per annum and had a tenor of 1.5 years. This offering is considered the bank’s largest bond issue to date.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) last Thursday, SECB said the proceeds from the sale of the debt papers is to “diversify its funding sources and support its lending activities.”

“Due to strong demand for the bonds, the Bank exercised its oversubscription option and accepted offers above its minimum P8 billion issue size. Minimum denominations were set for P1 million and increments of P100,000 thereafter,” the bank said in a statement.

The bonds were listed today at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx) to provide secondary market liquidity to investors who would like to trade the instruments.

SECB Executive Vice President and Financial Markets Segment Head Arnold q Bengco said the successful issuance and oversubscription is a “testament to investor confidence in the bank and its commitment to provide better banking service.”

SECB has mandated Philippine Commercial Capital Inc. (PCCI) as sole bookrunner; and PCCI and SB Capital Investment Corporation as joint lead arrangers and selling agents for this issuance.

The lender has total assets of P794 billion as of March 31, 2023. The bank has been operating for 72 years since it was established in 1951.

SECB has a total of 317 branches and 659 ATMs, cash recycler machines and cash acceptance machines.

The group told Marcos the 12 member-firms oppose higher taxes on SSBs as the government’s goal of raising revenue has been resolved with the enactment and implementation of the Tax Reform for AccelOctavio Peralta Association World

complishments of their members. Whether it’s through awards ceremonies, spotlight features, or dedicated events, associations can highlight the successes and contributions of their members, promoting a culture of appreciation, and inspiration within the community.

3. Facilitating lifelong learning. Class reunions often include opportunities for continuing education and personal growth. Associations can incorporate this aspect by offering workshops, webinars, and conferences that provide members with the chance to expand their knowledge and skills. By supporting ongoing learning and professional development programs, associations empower their members to thrive in their respective fields, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

4. Embracing technology for engagement. Class reunions have evolved with technology, enabling greater participation and engagement. Associations can learn from this and leverage various technological tools and platforms to enhance member engagement. From virtual events and online communities to social media groups and interactive platforms, associations can harness technology to facilitate communica-

tion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among their members.

Associations and class reunionsCaution about Bitcoin grows as jump in global markets avoids crypto

5. Nostalgia-creating and emotional connection. Class reunions evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection to a shared past. Associations can tap into this sentiment by creating opportunities for members to reminisce and reflect on their collective journey. By incorporating elements like storytelling, historical archives, and legacy projects, associations can foster a sense of pride and shared history, deepening the emotional connection within the community.

6. Encouraging volunteerism and engagement. Class reunions often involve volunteers who organize and coordinate the event. Associations can learn the value of volunteerism and member engagement from this model. By encouraging members to take an active role in the association’s activities, associations can tap into their skills and expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment within the community.

By drawing inspiration from the organization and dynamics of class reunions, associations can create environments that prioritize member engagement, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.

Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

THE dollar has defied predictions of a prolonged slump since at least the beginning of the year but top money managers say it’s now on borrowed time as uS exceptionalism wanes.

The greenback is weakening as uS interest rates near a peak and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive tightening begins to take a toll on the world’s largest economy, investors say. That will set the stage for the likes of the yen, kiwi and emerging-market currencies such as the Brazilian real and Colombian peso to strengthen, according to AllianceBernstein and uBS Asset Management.

The dollar’s resilience has confounded bears who had warned that the currency was headed for a multiyear decline following a surge in 2022. But there’s a growing conviction that they may finally be proven right as easing inflation backs the case for the uS central bank to wrap up its rate-hike campaign in the coming months.

“Broadly we would probably assume that the uS dollar has had its peak and there might be room for other currencies to perform better in the latter half of 2023-2024,” said Brad Gibson, co-head of Asia Pacific fixed income at AB. This is because the uS economy will slow and the Fed is likely to start easing, he said.

The reaction to Wednesday’s cooling uS inflation data appear to justify the tide of bearish calls against the greenback. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slumped to a 15-month low, with the gauge now down over 11 percent from a September peak.

Hedge funds had been bracing for weakness, as they turned net sellers of the dollar for the first time since March, according to data from the Com-

BITCOIN missed out on a rally in global markets sparked by cooling uS inflation, triggering some caution about the token’s outlook. The largest digital asset last Thursday mostly held losses of 0.7 percent from a day earlier, while stocks and bonds extended gains on bets that an end to Federal Reserve monetary tightening is getting closer.

Bitcoin has stalled this month after a June surge courtesy of a flurry of applications by investment heavyweights like BlackRock Inc. to start uS exchange-traded funds investing in the token’s spot market. Investors are now asking whether Bitcoin’s 83 percent rebound this year still has room to run.

“Bitcoin was an outlier in terms of widespread risk seeking in pretty much every asset class after the uS inflation data,” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG Australia Pty.

“To me that’s not a good sign.”

The odds of Bitcoin falling toward $25,000 to $26,000—roughly the zone of its 200-day moving average—are building, according to Sycamore. Crypto analysts flagged speculation that the uS might be readying to sell some seized Bitcoin as a possible reason for its muted post-inflation performance.

“The disinflationary environ-

ment coming through after relatively quick interest-rate increases should be good for risk assets, including crypto,” said John Toro, head of trading at digital-asset exchange Independent Reserve. “But suggestions that Bitcoin seized by the uS are being moved around—which served to highlight the risk that some could be sold—hit sentiment.”

The uS inflation rate slid to a more than two-year low of 3 percent, contributing to climbs exceeding 1 percent in global shares, a bond gauge, gold and oil on Wednesday. A dollar index hit a 15-month low, sending ripples through currency markets. Bitcoin and a gauge of the largest 100 digital tokens both lost ground in a marked contrast to the mood across other asset classes. For some prognosticators, it may just be a matter of time before Bitcoin resumes its partial recovery from a crypto rout in 2022.

Crypto fund provider Grayscale Investments LLC wrote in a note that “we would expect lower uS inflation and reduced odds of Fed rate hikes to support digital asset markets broadly over the medium term.” Grayscale argued investor appetite for higher-risk crypto coins could increase, leading to a drop in Bitcoin’s dominance of the $1.2 trillion digital-asset market. Bloomberg News

“There are lots of currency opportunities out there at the moment,” said Leaviss. “qu ite a few of the emerging market currencies look cheap.” Weaker dollar EVERY Group-of-10 currency has strengthened against the greenback over the past month. The yen rallied 4 percent in the past five sessions, the Swiss franc rose to the strongest since 2015, while the euro and pound reached their highest in more than a year.

Emerging currencies have also advanced, with a MSCI gauge of such assets up 2 percent this year after sliding 4 percent in 2022. Bloomberg’s dollar gauge extended losses by about 0.1 percent on Thursday.

For uBS Asset’s Shamaila k han, Latin American currencies including those of Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia are likely to outperform. Every one of them has strengthened against the dollar this year, with the Colombian peso advancing 18 percent against the greenback.

modity Futures Trading Commission aggregated by Bloomberg. Against this backdrop, investors are lining up their bets on which currencies will gain from the greenback’s decline. The yen is seen as a prime beneficiary with bulls seeing catalysts from fears of a uS recession to narrowing yield differentials to speculation the Bank of Japan may tweak its ultra-loose policy in the coming months.

Jim Leaviss, chief investment officer of public fixed income at M&G Investments which oversees $366 billion, is shorting the dollar against the yen.

“We like them due to the high yield, double digit carry they offer,” said New York-based k han, head of fixed income for EM and Asia Pacific for the $1.1 trillion asset manager. “We expect a weaker dollar in the second half.”

Lombard Odier’s Christian Abuide also sees the real gaining, along with the Swiss franc, euro and yen.

“We favor the high carry yield offered by emerging markets such as the Brazilian real, which is benefiting from an environment of falling inflation and improving fiscal and external balances,” Abuide, head of asset allocation, wrote in a recent report. Bloomberg News

A group of sugar refiners that include a gokongwei-owned firm brought to president Ferdinand r. Marcos Jr. their opposition to Finance officials’ proposal for higher taxes on sugar/sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).

Fund titans are betting on everything gaining against the dollar

This Wednesday, June 7, 2023, shows greenbacks at a shop in Turkey. some traders believe the dollar will weaken further. BloomBerg News

Relationship tips from meet-cute couples

‘MEET cute” is a term popularized by the film industry, which depicts a scene when two people meet under unusual or witty circumstances and form a romantic bond as the film unfolds.

One of the social media accounts I am currently obsessed with is “Meet Cutes NYC,” which I follow on Instagram. (It’s also on Facebook and Tiktok.) The account, with 860,000 followers, has a videographer asking any two people who appear to be in a relationship, and walking along the city’s streets, “Excuse me, are you two a couple?”

And in typical New York fashion, some appear initially offended having some stranger accost them while they’re minding their own business. A few are mistaken couples: “No,” the lady responds, “he’s my brother!” Ouch. But most are actual couples, pleasantly surprised to be asked the question, and they proceed to respond to the videographer’s questions.

The episodes are fascinating because the videographer isn’t particular with who he interviews. The couples come from all walks of life, across all income statuses; there are gay and heterosexual couples; they cut across all religious beliefs, races and cultures; a few are just at the start of their romance and still giddy, with stars-in their eyes. There are also middle-aged partners rediscovering each other right after becoming empty empty-nesters, and then there are seemingly satisfied seniors who have just seen everything, and lived through the best and the worst of their coupling.

“We met at a discotheque 40 years ago,” says Edward about meeting his wife Susan. “I saw a beautiful woman across the dance floor. I walked up to her and told her, ‘You’re more beautiful up close than at a distance.’”

Then there are uncoventional meet cutes, like Kaylee going to a concert by herself, then she started chatting up Ashton who was beside her. There’s also Bruce meeting Linda at her garage sale, but not liking the couch she was selling him. Or Justine meeting Eric on the subway (“He had a tattoo of Bob Marley on his arm,” which made Eric interesting because he is Caucasian and Justine is Black.) Christian and Lala met when they were still with their partners who ended up being their ex-es. Syre, meanwhile, was laid up in the hospital waiting for her surgery—and Aaron was her nurse.

The most popular episode has got to be the one featuring singer Ed Sheeran. The videographer heard this couple were huge fans of the singer and danced their first dance at their wedding to “Put It All on Me.” After a slew of questions on how they met and so forth, the videographer and his assistant then walked the couple just down the sidewalk to a place where they were to sign a waiver. After a few more questions, Sheeran walks into the scene, much to the delight of the couple. Sheeran’s advice to the newlyweds who are pregnant, “No one gets it right,” as he references his own child-rearing with his spouse.

My favorite couples are those who have been

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Alisha Wainwright, 34; Scott Porter, 44; Matthew Fox, 57; Jane Lynch, 63.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Remember what’s important to you this year. Letting outside influences infiltrate your world will set you back. Wanting to help others is admirable but not in your best interest. Put your needs first, and you’ll be in a better frame of mind when helping others. Change begins with you. A steady pace will take you where you want to go. Your numbers are 6, 13, 22, 29, 32, 37, 40.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Social events will lead to an introduction you won’t want to miss. The connections you make will give you hope for a better future. Don’t hesitate to offer your services to someone you’d like to work alongside. Romance is in the stars. ★★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be a good listener, and you’ll be privy to information that can help you bypass someone who gives you a hard time. Be willing to put your energy where it counts instead of counting on someone else to do things for you. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Give your all, but don’t trust others to do the same. Take responsibility and do it yourself, and you won’t be disappointed. Back away from anyone trying to manipulate how you do things. Say what’s on your mind and move forward. ★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Being methodical will help you gain leverage. Pay attention to detail, be diligent and present your offer with strength and courage. The influence you have on others must come from the goodness of your heart.

★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Simplify your life. Sidestep controversial situations. Overreacting and hasty decisions will hold you back. Use your intelligence and experience to navigate your way forward. Progress depends on you and what you are willing to contribute. Offer peace and love, and avoid discord. ★★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pressure will mount if you don’t have a plan. A positive attitude will help you manage the possibilities and encourage forward motion. Don’t share your intentions with anyone who is emotionally unstable. Have a plan and work alone. ★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Listen, evaluate and hone your skills to fit your subsequent pursuit. Give others space, and you will buy yourself time and opportunity to flesh out what’s important to you. Control your spending, and avoid getting involved in joint ventures. ★★★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Question everything and figure out how to move forward using the information you receive. You can create opportunities if you are innovative and willing to put your reputation on the line. ★★★

together for the long haul, married for more than 15 years or more, and still holding hands while walking. These older couples are often the most animated in sharing how they first met, what was their first impression of the other, or what they did on their first date, what was their favorite thing about each other, and what they can advise new couples. A few are also asked what makes them excited for the future, which prompts unusual and sometimes hilarious responses.

Asked the secret of their togetherness, the most common answer is, number one, having a sense of humor and not taking oneself too seriously. To the question about how they met, Kenny answered, “Her Mom was selling her for $5,” making his wife, Kim, burst out in hysterical laughter, after which he hugs her. Awww.

The second is “kindness” and always putting the needs of the partner before one’s own. The love and respect of these older couples for each other often jump across the screen, so evident in the tightly-held hands or a light touch on the arm, along with the knowing smiles, and the twinkle in their eyes.

Glen, who has been with Yana for 41 years, also underscored that relationships are formed and continue because of, number three, having that

unexplicable bond with one’s partner. “It’s the connection; either you got it our you ain’t got it. If you ain’t got it, nothing you do will help,” he said.

Meet Cutes NYC is one of the few uplifting and joyous social media accounts that people ought to follow. It can make anyone hopeful for one’s relationship. It encourages people to dive into the unknown with another individual, to take a chance in love, but armed with practical knowledge from the ages. One of the best advice for couples just starting out on their adventure comes from Dario and Michael, who have been together for 18 years after hooking up at a gay bar. “Listen, and ride out those rough patches... they’re just patches.” ■■■

PEOPLE who live and work in Quezon City now have a quaint food hub in UP Diliman that offers a wide array of dishes from a good selection of quality purveyors.

I dropped by Gyud Food Market recently upon invitation of a friend, Spanky Enriquez, who has been helping out the new food hub’s owner, Joe Magsaysay, aka Mr. Potato Corner. I told Magsaysay how everyone

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Open your eyes when dealing with manipulative people. An emotional incident will leave you at odds about what to do next. Respond to what others want, and protect yourself from hidden costs and poor investments. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The early bird catches the worm. You’ll be ready to take on the competition if you keep up with what’s trending. A moneymaking opportunity will help you lower debt. Don’t fear making a change or taking the road less traveled. ★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t believe everything you hear. A change someone makes will be a sign of their intentions. Stick close to home and nurture meaningful relationships. An affectionate gesture will enhance your love life and encourage unification. ★★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Retreat from anyone causing emotional uncertainty. Give yourself a chance to look at every angle of a situation before agreeing to something that has underlying implications that don’t fit your agenda. A creative outlet will ease stress and give you time to think.

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are expressive, generous and passionate. You are resourceful and creative.

Couples... Artifice and affectations

in our family loves Potato Corner, becoming our go-to comfort food as we kept watch over my ailing Mama at the hospital. (Magsaysay sold Potato Corner to Shakey’s in 2021, for an undisclosed amount.)

On the day I visited, the food court was brimming with students and alive with thumping music on the second floor—Gyud Food also serves as an activity center for students. Prices of the dishes are quite accessible and covenient—some kiosks and restaurants offer delivery within the campus.

Among my favorites are the Hainanese Chicken Rice, Beef Rendang, and Bagnet Kare-Kare from Rafa’s Kitchen, which has a food truck parked adjacent to the main building. (I have been ordering from Rafa’s since the pandemic from its HQ in Philam Homes, and it was a treat to finally meet its owner, Chef Chicklette.)

PS I Love You, owned by former Internal Revenue Commissioner Joel Tan Torres, offers dishes like japchae, kimbap, samgyupsal, and other Korean favorites.

Also comforting us in this simmering summer are fresh fruit slushies from Frrrrut, or shivering shaved ice concoctions ala bingsu from Icebox Desserts. I’m pretty sure we were served more, but my brain finally ended in a food coma and it no longer processed the names of the dishes and of the food kiosks. Just trust us that there is a lot more to choose from that will satisfy one’s tummy at a price that can fit any budget.

Gyud Food Market is along E. Jacinto Avenue, UP Diliman. Check out its Facebook page for details. n

JinGGoy Moves For CreaTion oF PHL FiLM PreservaTion FaCiLiT y, body

THE Senate has set in motion public hearings for the legislative measures filed by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada promoting the growth and development of the local film industry.

Estrada expressed hope that his proposal for the establishment of the National Film Archive of the Philippines (NFAP) will gain momentum during the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress.

“Two decades have passed since the enactment of Republic Act 9167, the law that directs the FDCP [Film Development Council of the Philippines] to establish a film archive, but the permanent facility for film preservation with sufficient storage space and proper equipment has yet to materialize,” said the senator, who was the first to file a bill in the upper chamber for the creation of the NFAP.

Stressing the need for the approval of his Senate Bill 1033, Estrada pointed out that many films, which serve as snapshots of the nation’s history and social realities, have not survived the test of time and have been left to decay and degrade over the years.

“In addition, notable works by our renowned filmmakers, including our National Artists for film, have also been neglected and improperly cared for,” he lamented.

Citing data from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Estrada revealed that approximately 65 percent of the country’s vast cinematic heritage has been lost or destroyed.

“Whatever remains unarchived are exposed to daily damage and deterioration.  It is also estimated that out of the more than 8,000 movies shot on film, only around 2,000 have surviving copies,” the senator said. “This bill aims to address this problem by creating NFAP which will ensure the protection and preservation of Filipino films that are part of our historical and cultural heritage,” Estrada said.

SB 1033 was scheduled to be discussed in a hearing on July 10 by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, alongside two other bills authored by Estrada: Senate Bills 1032, and 2250.

SB 1032, or the proposed World-Class Filmmakers’ Incentives Act, aims to promote and support the production of high quality and globally competitive Filipino films through the provision of incentives and tax exemptions. On the other hand, SB 2250 proposes the institutionalization of a physical and online festival for new quality genre films and free screening of classic movies every September.

TWO films surprised me this week: one was a South Korean series and another was a totally unexpected warm production of an old novel. The contexts: I have not developed a fondness for South Korean series, where men are pale and fragile and the women are horrendously harrigans at young age; the other is my taste for old-fashioned storytelling, amid the more ponderous obsession with non-linear narratives, a predisposition that seems to promise a production of art in the garden of mystification. So, there is my bias.

Celebrity is a South Korean TV series. With an inyour-face title, expect therefore in-your-face drama. With characters always in spitting distance from each other, in hysterical confrontations or during quiet romantic scenes. The story is about Seo A-ri, a door-to-door saleswoman who finds herself in the presence of a coterie of influencers. Among these rich, bored, brand-crazy housewives is a former classmate who remembers Seo A-ri during her affluent days. Apparently, she was born rich until her father’s company went bankrupt.

Seo A-ri is bullied by these women who are called princesses but possess terrible complexes. But our protagonist is a wise woman, intelligent. She is, however, more fashionable than the rest of the group. Where are the men in this tale? Some are so into the obsessions of their wives; some are distant, their toxic masculinity shrouded in silence and gentlemanly nonchalance.

Then our character becomes an influencer, the only way to show these women how fake they are, most of them ingrained with just the right amount of fashion psychosis. Seo A-ri discovers the cheat code. And she becomes the celebrity Numero Uno.

As with any modern Cinderella, shaming happens to our poor girl. But instead of two stepsisters and one stepmother, Seo A-ri faces thousands online. But as these other characters all have a past, Seo A-ri discovers them one by one. And the comeuppance happens when one by one the sordid back story to these fashion victims is disclosed in the most sordid manner. We applaud. Why not? These women are just evil to the good in Seo A-ri? But wait, our woman finds out along the way that anyone who joins the world of influencers (a dirty label by this time) becomes evil herself.

One thing that amused me no end about the series is the predictability of the shots (and the performance) of the actors. Empty pauses. Close-up shots. Look down. Look up. Quiet. On the one hand, you have three lead actors whose delivery of dialogues barely rise above the level of whisper; on the other, you have the entire cast of viragos whose duty is to scream their heads off. They are our catharsis to this tragicomic narrative

about how social media has been used as an excuse for people to be mean to ourselves and others. The truth is we all have been organically horrid from the start. Celebrity is written by Kim Yi-Young and directed by Kim Cheol-kyu. Park Gyu-young is one sophisticated actress. She is joined by Kang Minhyuk, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Dong-gun and Jun Hyoseong.

If predictability is the bane of Celebrity, then it becomes the boon for this lovely, magical film about fate and, well, fashion. The film is Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, said to be the third film adaptation of the 1958 novel Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico. Mrs. Harris is a woman who works as a cleaning lady for rich households. It is wartime and she has been waiting for word from her husband. But tragedy strikes. For each tear, a hope; for each drizzle, a sunny day. Mrs. Harris, through some quirks of fate, receives money out of a sad event. She decides to fulfill her dream: to buy a lovely dress. She travels to Paris, for the dress is by Dior himself. She arrives in Paris when all the city cleaners have gone on strike. Against the romance of the place, debris and trash are all over the city. But romance is also all over this place. She makes it to the fashion show of Dior and befriends the Face of Dior, Natasha, a young lady who reads Sartre. Romance is relentless: the financial man of Dior is hopelessly in love with the model. Why not! André is also into existentialism!

The director of the House of Dior, Isabelle Hupert as Claudine, deliciously wicked but hiding her own romantic secret, tries to stop Mrs. Harris everytime she is about to do something good for anyone. With the economy bad, and the communist strikers winning their battle, Mrs. Harris (of course, this is a fairy tale) comes up with a way to save the House of Dior. She goes home with her dress but something menacing happens to it. All’s well that ends well: a package from Dior arrives and Mrs. Harris arrives at a ball, a real Cinderella.

The story may be old but the narrators—the actors—are all imbued with this old-fashioned candor and sincerity. Or, at least they come across as such. Alba Baptista, the model, only needs to look at the camera and that is all for the romance to happen. She is paired with Lucas Bravo, the Gabriel in Emily in Paris, who, despite the eyeglasses or maybe because of them, has the capacity to turn on and off his charm effortlessly. But, at the center of it all is Lesley Manville as Mrs. Harris. She is not young but we root for her because she is the embodiment of hope that springs eternally. Jason Isaacs also stars in the film. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is directed and produced by Anthony Fabian, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson, and Olivia Hetreed. The House of Dior is credited in the film.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Celebrity stream on Netflix. n

GMa Pinoy T v pays tribute to Filipino seafarers at seafarer Fiesta

GMA Network’s international flagship channel, GMA Pinoy TV served as the media partner of the recently concluded Seafarer Fiesta on June 24 in Sofitel, Pasay City, in a day of celebrating the Filipino seafarers’ undeniable contribution to the world’s economy.

The Seafarer Fiesta, which gathered nearly 2,000 seafarers and their families, also highlighted the sacrifice of the maritime professionals for the country and their loved ones.

During the event, GMA Pinoy TV’s booth attracted a large number of seafarers who eagerly lined up for the chance to win exciting raffle prizes and complimentary giveaways and get exclusive Votes V: Legacy shirts. The enthusiastic response demonstrated the genuine appreciation and enthusiasm of the attendees toward GMA Pinoy TV’s involvement in the event.

In addition to the festivities, GMA Pinoy TV also organized a contest specifically tailored for the seafarers in attendance. The competition provided an opportunity for the participants to engage in games, fostering camaraderie and a lively atmosphere among the seafaring community.

Dingdong Dantes, who banners GMA’s primetime series Royal Blood, led the celebrities who gave their heartfelt greetings to the seafarers. Also sharing their messages were the rest of the Royal Blood ensemble as well as the cast of Abot Kamay na Pangarap. Sparkle stars Kyline Alcantara, Sanya Lopez, Andrea Torres, and Rita Daniela imparted encouraging words, as well.

Organized by the Propel Me app, the Seafarer Fiesta coincided with the International Day of the Seafarer, which emphasized the global significance of the profession. GMA Pinoy TV’s participation in

the event further underscores its commitment to championing the aspirations and well-being of the Filipino seafaring community.

“GMA Pinoy TV reaffirms its commitment to honoring the indomitable spirit and invaluable contributions of Filipino seafarers. We take pride in being the media partner for this event, which allowed us to amplify their stories and extend our support to the maritime community. Together, let us celebrate our modern-day heroes and their unwavering dedication to their families and our nation,” said GMA first vice president and head of international operations Joseph T. Francia.

GMA Pinoy TV’s digital team also produced a series of inspiring videos, each focusing on a different aspect of the seafaring profession.

exhibited by Filipino seafarers around the world. GMA Network, through GMA Pinoy TV, remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Filipino spirit, both at home and abroad.

First-ever WOSCon’23 brings together global SEO experts in digital marketing, search engine optimization

Landers Superstore launches 9th store in Arca South Taguig

ALL roads lead to Arca South Taguig as Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping store in the country, recently opened its 9th store in this up-andcoming business and lifestyle district. With its wide selection of world-class brands, exclusive deals, and premium perks, Landers Arca South is all set to become the next shopping hotspot in Metro Manila.

The new store is a stand-alone building situated in the heart of Arca South, a sprawling Ayala-owned estate slated to be the next BGC with its seamless integration of work, play, and relaxed living. Key to its appeal is its accessibility thanks to its close proximity to major cities and thoroughfares like Skyway, SLEX, and C5.

The façade features a fresh design and color scheme that blends in with surrounding structures, a first for any Landers store. As for the interiors, it sports the same modern yet elegant design seen in recently opened stores, making every visit truly Instagramworthy. It also has a wide parking space, an expansive retail area, and a cozy dining spot with high, airy ceilings and beautiful accent lights.

The main highlight, however, is the diverse selection of topnotch imported and local goods you’ll find inside the store. From hard-to-find brands and specialty items to grocery staples and locally sourced but high-quality produce, everything you need for every occasion

can be found at Landers Arca South.

Delicious food choices also abound, starting with its in-house restaurant Landers Central that serves New York style pizzas, pastas, fried chicken, hotdogs in buns, French fries, and salads. Doppio Café, on the other hand, serves brewed coffee, milk tea, blended drinks, and tasty desserts.

Landers Arca South completes the amazing Landers shopping experience with its host of exclusive perks for members. These include free haircut at Federal Barbers, low-priced medicines and wellness supplies at Capital Care Pharmacy, and discounted fuel and Solane LPG at Landers-Caltex gas station.

For those looking for big savings, there’s

no need to go far because Landers Arca South offers easy access to major Landers promos and events like Super Crazy Sale, Super Fuel Sale, Piso Sale, Wine Festival, Fresh & Produce Sale, and more!

To enjoy access to the store and its extensive list of perks, shoppers need to apply for membership in-store or at www. landers.ph. Membership fees are currently priced at P350 or 50 percent OFF the regular fee of P700 as a special treat for Landers Arca South’s opening week.

Visit Landers Arca South now at ARCA Blvd, Western Bicutan, Taguig City. For more information, visit Landers Superstore’s social media pages — @ landersPH for Facebook and @landersph for Instagram.

SM Foundation’s KSK Batch 260 takes off in Tanza, Cavite

Barangay Captain Jesus Garcia; and SM Foundation Inc.’s partner school MoCa Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc. representatives, Gretchen Dalita and Nonica Clarin.

The farmer beneficiaries will learn how to cultivate high-yielding crops suitable to the soil in their farm lots. They will also be capacitated to become agri-preneurs through the support of SM Foundation’s partner agencies. Financial literacy, entrepreneurial mind-setting, product development and product marketing are among the important topics integrated in the training.

IN the digital age where online visibility and discoverability are paramount, The SEO Movement is proud to shed light on the invaluable practice of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition and navigate the evolving landscape of search, understanding and leveraging the power of SEO has become an essential component of success.

SEO, also known as Search Engine Optimization, is a practice that aims to improve a website’s visibility and organic (nonpaid) search engine rankings, which increases traffic and presents more opportunities to turn visitors into customers and followers. When users search for information, products, or services on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, they are presented with a list of results that are considered most relevant to their query. SEO aims to ensure that a website appears as prominently as possible within those search results.

The SEO Movement is a vibrant, global community that brings together individuals who are passionate about search engine optimization (SEO). It serves as a platform to celebrate and connect SEO enthusiasts, thought leaders, content creators, and freelancers from various corners of the world. It recognizes the significant role that SEO plays in today’s digital landscape and aims to guide business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals into the new era of search. The movement provides a platform for SEO enthusiasts to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights. It encourages collaboration, learning, and networking among members.

TSM was founded by Kherk Roldan and William Jones. They are now a corporation and thriving for even greater success with a mission to usher business owners into the new era of search. From connecting local entrepreneurs and skilled professionals to potential global partners, building a strong referral network, and generating new business, TSM exists to present our participants with a door of overflowing opportunities to combat the difficulties of recession.

With this in mind, TSM is excited to host its first-ever World of Search Conference (WOSCon’23) on September 23 to 24, 2023, in Winford Manila Resort and Casino, Metro Manila, Philippines. This two-day event is a strategic springboard for the global outsourcing industry, offering partners the unprecedented opportunity to establish esteemed relationships with industry leaders, senior decision-makers, and established digital marketing experts.

Mindanao, inspiring and teaching digital marketers on the newest findings, trends, and insights in SEO. TSM hopes to impart the participants with excellent tools and networking opportunities that will help them advance in their careers and enterprises.

WOSCon’23 will bring together more than 18 world-class digital marketing experts in the fields of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Online Marketing, Outsourcing, E-Commerce Growth, Website Design, Content Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, and more.

These well-known local and international speakers and presenters are subject matter specialists who will share their knowledge and experience in search engine optimization. Their participation elevates the event’s value by providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from them, connect, and remain up to date on the newest SEO trends and methods.

The conference program expects a minimum of 500 registered local and international attendees with the opportunity to network and partner with each other, opening the country to more foreign investments while providing skilled virtual professionals with global exposure and connections.

WOSCon’23 also welcomes partners and sponsors to hold pre-event webinars, which provide useful insights and encourage participant interaction with the targeted audience that includes SEO specialists, aspiring SEO practitioners, SEO agency owners, content creators, website designers and developers, content writers, YouTube vloggers, bloggers, and media websites.

This is an excellent opportunity for the brands to gain exposure and generate engaged leads from 10,000+ global digital decision makers.

TWENTY-FIVE participants began their Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) training on sustainable agriculture in Barangay Calibuyo, Tanza, Cavite recently.

The training, which is conducted every Tuesdays, will run until September 21 with trainer Nhelson Anterola. The launch was attended by partner agencies/institutions’ representatives.

Among the attendees were Marnelle Sumalinog, SM City Tanza Mall Manager;

Domingo Austria, Tanza, Cavite Municipal Agriculturist; Carolyn Perez, Tanza, Cavite Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer; Nelson Robles, Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development FO4A Provincial Coordinator; Frances Marie Fajardo, Department of Agriculture RFO4A Agriculturist II; Dir. Rosalinda Talavera, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Cavite Provincial Director; Rebecca Tarasona, Department of Trade and Industry Cavite CTIDS; Calibuyo

KSK is a holistic training program that not only focuses on enhancing farming skills but also fostering values that are essential in preparing them in becoming effective and productive farmer agri-preneurs. SM City Tanza will also impart the 14 Life Principles of Henry Sy, Sr. to the farmer beneficiaries. Upon completion of the training program, SM Foundation together with SM Supermalls will provide marketing opportunities by joining in the SM Supermalls’ Sunday Market.

Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards laud gov't, private individuals for their love of PHL, contribution to nation building

WITH their “love” for the Philippines, a new batch of exemplary Filipinos were recognized for their contributions to nation-building during the Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards (NBMA) held recently at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.

Leaders from the public and private sectors, youth groups, philanthropists, and eco-warriors who helped achieve the country’s progress and development through their programs, advocacies, and projects were feted by the country’s leading Sustainability Awards Festival anchored on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

“The Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards celebrates the people and groups who accomplish great things in the name of sustainability. And as we recognize what they have done, this is also a reminder that we are all stewards of

the planet and it is our responsibility to ensure that we leave it in better condition than we found it,” said Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Rocete.

In an interview during the event, he told reporters that they have already recognized around 420 individuals, companies and change-makers in different entities since the start of NBMA in 2020.

“This year is the biggest so far. We have 85 awardees and attended by around 857 individuals, government leaders, and luminaries from the business community for June 2023 alone. And for October, we’re expecting more because of the upcoming barangay elections,” he noted.

Senators Francis Tolentino and Win Gatchalian headlined this year’s roster of awardees as winners of “Public Servants of the Year - Excellence in Government” category, together with

Public Attorneys Office Chief Dr. Persida Acosta, Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Serafin P. Baretto, Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Task Force Special Operations Chief Edison Nebrija, and Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. For elected officials, Rep. Michael Romero of 1-PACMAN Party-List, Rep. Jolo Revilla of 1st District of Cavite, Rep. Ernix Dionisio of Manila 1st District, Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Wilter Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District, Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Jam Baronda of Iloilo City Lone District, Rep. Rida Robes of City of San Jose Del Monte Lone District, Rep. Maan Teodoro of Marikina City 1st District, and Rep. Shernee Tan Tambut of Kusug Tausug Party List topbilled the “Awarded Congressmen and Congresswomen of the Year.”

The World of Search Conference is a first-ever conference gathering of global SEO experts held in the Philippines. The conference intends to bring together business owners, digital agencies, freelancers, business process outsourcing specialists, and content strategists to share information and expertise in the field of search engine optimization.

This initiative aligns with TSM’s aim of becoming a worldwide brand that tours around the Philippines’ Luzon, Visayas, and

For sponsorship and partnership questions or to confirm your interest in becoming a sponsor, please contact support@ theseomovement.com

“In today’s digital landscape, search engines have become the go-to resource for individuals seeking information, products, and services. Moreover, SEO plays a crucial role in helping businesses reach their target audience, establish online visibility, and achieve business objectives.” said The SEO Movement.

Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation, JCI Manila open nomination for Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award 2023

THE prestigious St. Therese Calcutta Awards, organized by JCI Manila and AY Foundation, recently announced the launch of its search for nominees for 2023. These awards celebrate individuals who exemplify selfless service and compassion, honoring their outstanding contributions to society.

Nominations are now open through the official awards website, inviting exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to uplifting communities and making a positive impact. The awards recognize various categories such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and human rights advocacy.

Any individual, regardless of race or religion, who has dedicated himself or

herself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work for the underprivilege Filipinos in the Philippines for at least 25 years are qualified for the STCA Award.

A distinguished panel of judges will meticulously evaluate the nominations to select the most deserving recipients. Winners will receive a trophy, cash prize, and opportunities for networking and collaboration with related organizations.

The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards aim to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of these unsung heroes, creating a more compassionate and inclusive world. Nominations can be submitted until July 31, 2023. Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony held in RCBC Plaza, Makati City on October 3, 2023.

IN the photo are, from left, Ayala Land Estates SVP and Group Head Robert Lao, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, Southeast Asia Retail Inc. President Gwen Lim and Landers President and CEO Greg Davis.

THE SEO Movement founders Kherk Roldan (left) and William Jones (right).

IN the photo are, from left, 2023 STCA Chairman Louie Navarro, JCI Manila President Eric Ke, Dr. Reynaldo Vea (AYF Trustee), Xavier Zialcita (AYF Trustee) present the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for STCA 2023

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Obiena,

COUNT heavy hitters Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and Carlos Edriel Yulo to give Philippine sports a smashing end to the first half of 2023.

Fresh from ripping his own Southeast Asian Games record, Obiena soared to even greater heights as he joined pole vault’s ultra-elite 6.0-meter club on a sunny June afternoon in Bergen, Norway.

W ith one try, Obiena cracked one of the most elusive barriers in athletics en route to the gold medal at the Sparebanken Vest Bergen Jump Challenge and a place among the best pole vaulters ever.

O nly 27 others have made 6.0 meters before, including greats such as Hall of Famer Sergey Bubka and reigning world and Olympic king Mondo Duplantis.

Yulo, meanwhile, dazzled in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore where he anchored the Philippines’ three-gold, three-silver and three-bronze haul.

B esides reigning supreme in the parallel bars, vault and floor exercise events, the world champion gymnast also collared a silver medal in the individual all-around and a bronze in the horizontal bar.

For their exploits, the two Tokyo Olympians led the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s honorees for June.

Similarly worth recognizing were the feats of Team Philippines in the Asean Para Games in Cambodia, Singapore-based bowler Zach Sales Ramin and the International Master Daniel Quizon-led chess team in the 21st Asean+ Age Group Championships in Thailand.

The Filipino para athletes harvested 34 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes in Cambodia to surpass the 28-30-46 (gold-silver-bronze) collected last year in Indonesia. At the forefront of this were six-gold winner Darry Bernardo and the chess delegation which delivered 13 mints.

R amin, 17, ruled the 53rd Singapore International Open and became the first Filipino male bowler to win the prestigious event.

Quizon topped the standard and blitz events in the premier U20 division and earned his third GM norm as he spearheaded the Philippines’ 16gold, 37-silver, eight-bronze harvest and second overall standing behind Vietnam in the tourney.

ONS, ARYNA: THEY’RE BACK IN SEMIFINALS

first woman from North Africa and first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, beat the defending champion, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1.

WIMBLEDON, England—From where Ons Jabeur was sitting on Centre Court, a spot in the Wimbledon semifinals was as good as guaranteed.

The sixth-seeded Tunisian walked into the main stadium at the All England Club on Wednesday to play Elena Rybakina in a rematch of last year’s final. Jabeur lost that time, but not this time—later joking that it was possibly thanks to the seating arrangements.

“ When we entered the court, felt like a similar feeling of playing [the] same match against her. But I made sure I changed seats this time. I went for the other seat that she won [from] last year,” Jabeur said. “Maybe it’s the seat that made me win today.”

Jabeur, who last year became the

She won eight of the final nine games, mixing her drop shots and slices throughout with some hardhitting forehands and backhands.

“

Last year maybe I wasn’t ready to play this kind of match,” Jabeur said. “I don’t regret last year. It happened for a reason. I always say it. It was meant to be this year. It was meant to be in the quarterfinals.”

A fter reaching last year’s Wimbledon final, Jabeur made it to the deciding match at the US Open. In New York, she lost to Iga Swiatek.

Rybakina followed up her Wimbledon title with a first-round exit at that US Open, but she then made the final at the Australian Open at the start of this year.

Some moments I play really well, but was not consistent,” Rybakina

said of Wednesday’s match. “Since physically [I] was not the greatest, then the wrong decisions came.”

For Jabeur to get back into the final, she will have to beat Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. The second-seeded Belarusian advanced by beating Madison, Keys 6-2, 6-4, on No. 1 Court.

T hat match will be second on Centre Court on Thursday, after Elina Svitolina faces Marketa Vondrousova in the other women’s semifinal match.

Sabalenka reached the Wimbledon semifinals for the second straight time, with a one-year break in between because she was banned from the tournament in 2022 along with other players from her country and from Russia because of the war in Ukraine.

I was really sad that I couldn’t play here last year,” Sabalenka said. “But at the same time I was thinking that, OK, it’s a good time to kind of, like, reset

and start everything over again.”

Sabalenka’s victory improved her record to 17-1 at major tournaments this year. She is the only former Grand Slam champion remaining in the women’s tournament.

Keys was trying to complete a full set of Grand Slam semifinal appear ances but she lost for the second time in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Her only major final came at the 2017 US Open, when she lost to Sloane Stephens.

So for Keys, the build-up to that final major of the season starts now.

I’m always looking forward to the US hard court swing. I’ve had a lot of success there.

It’s some of my favorite tournaments,” Keys said. “If I can just kind of keep up the hard work and continue to do what I did to build coming into this grasscourt season, I think that there’s plenty of opportunity.”

Tolentino advances to hurdles final, breathes life into PHL bid in Bangkok

By Josef Ramos

BANGKOK—John Cabang

Tolentino, a hurdler based in Spain, gave Team Philippines a ray of hope by advancing to the 110-meter final in Day 2 of the 24th Asian Athletics Championships at the Supachalasai National Stadium.

The 34-degree heat was a nuisance to all athletes on Thursday morning but Tolentino, a bronze medalist in last May’s Cambodia Southeast Asian Games, was hydrated enough to catch a bus to Friday’s final with his 13.70-sec ond effort in one of the three heats.

The 21-year-old son Spain-based Filipino chefs Emma and Jose, however, was declared the second fastest behind Japan’s Shunya Takayama, who also clocked 13.70 seconds—en tering the final.

It feels so good to qualify for tomorrow’s final after the semifinals were already canceled in the afternoon,” Tolentino said. “I will

JR. BOWLER BARRIENTOS SHINES

BANGKOK—Junior bowler

Artegal Barrientos won the boys’ masters crown in a come-frombehind effort against Australia’s Blake Walsh, 443-349, on Wednesday night at the 21st Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships at the Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl Major Ratchayothin.

Barrientos ran third among 16 bowlers in the eliminations after hitting 3447 pins to make the stepladder medal round behind Walsh (3533) and South Korea’s Lee Myeongcheol (3452).

Barrientos ousted Myeongcheol in the single-round game semifinals, 205191, to set up the final duel with Walsh.

B arrientos, with Stephen Luke Diwa, Marc Dylan Custodio and Zach Sales Ramin, also won Tuesday’s boys’ team of four for the country its first gold medal in the competition since 1981 behind Oly Reformado, George Fernandez and Steward Uy.

The Philippines, coached by American Joe Slowinski, finished with two gold medals while South Korea was second overall with one gold, one silver and a bronze medal.

The national bowlers will also compete in the Bangkok Open on July 25.  Josef Ramos

definitely run faster tomorrow, and I’ll try my best to hit the Olympic standard [13.27]. Let’s see.”

Tolentino, a Robotics junior at the Tolosaldea Lanbide Heziketa Institua in Gipuzkoa, Spain, holds the national record in the 110 hurdles at 13.65.

He will run alongside Kazakhstan’s David Yefremov (13.85), China’s Ning Xiaohan (13.62), Japan’s Yokochi Taiga (13.63), China’s Zhuoyi Xu (13.57), Kuwait’s Alyouha Yaqoub (13.62) and Thailand’s Dansungnoen Natthaphon

(13.71) in the final.

“ That 13.70 is good news for us. It only shows that he’s at a good level,” national head coach Jojo Posadas said. “We are hoping he can break his record again in the final.”

The 23-member national team, according to Philippine athletics chief Terry Capistrano, is not only after podium finishes but also berths to Paris next year in the Asian championships that are an Olympic qualifying competition.

Tarlac pride Clinton Knightley Bautista, gold medalist at the Hanoi SEA Games,

finished fourth in his heat at 13.99 and didn’t advance to the 110 hurdles final—no thanks to an accidental bump from South Korea’s Kim Gyeongtae after the second hurdle. Kim also didn’t progress.

Tolentino breathed life in to the Philippine campaign, which started sourly on Day 1 Wednesday when Frederick Ramirez ran a personal best 46.53 seconds in the semifinals of the men’s 400 meters but still missed the cut.

Gennah Malapit placed 13th in the women’s javelin final with a 43.57-meter effort and Arlan Arbois (33:51.06) was 14th in the men’s 10,000 meters

won by Japan’s Ren Tazawa (29:18.44) also on Wednesday.

Japan’s Marina Saito struck gold in the women’s javelin (61.67m), beating China’s Shiying Liu (61.51) and Sri Lanka’s Nadeesha Lekamge (59.39).  Capistrano, meanwhile, was also elected into the eight-member Asian Athletics Association Council on Tuesday. Joining Capistrano in Bangkok are Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association executive vice president Guillermo Torres, secretary-general Edward Kho, national training director Reynato Unso and team manager Jasper Tanhueco.

Angels survive Cargo Movers in 3-hour battle

But a win is a win and Petro Gazz stretched its run to three matches after dropping its opening day game to Cignal while halting F2 Logistics’ own three-game streak as the Angels tied the Cargo Movers at 3-1 won-lost in Pool B play.

Th at should give the Angels the drive and confidence they need as they go for a semifinal berth against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday.

C hoco Mucho dragged F2 Logistics into a long drawn, highly emotional battle of power, wits and nerves but blew a 14-11 lead in the fifth set, leading to the Cargo Movers’ victory late Tuesday.

Galdones block off Kim Dy.

The Angels tied at six off a positional error in a disputed point that took so long to resolve then after the Cargo Movers regained the lead at 9-8 on an Aby Maraño tip after two big saves from Dawn Catindig, Petro Gazz unleashed that blistering windup behind Grethcel Soltones.

Unlike in the fifth set of the F2-Choco Mucho duel that took 29 minutes to finish, Thursday’s decider lasted 44 minutes as the match took another long break after the Angels pulled away at 13-9 on an unsuccessful F2 challenge.

PETRO GAZZ battled from 0-4 down in the fifth set and endured a couple of momentum-halting lulls to carve out a 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9 victory over F2 Logistics in a key Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference eliminations match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday.

C hery Tiggo finally got on track after a shutout loss to Creamline and a five-setter to Akari by driving

past newcomer Gerflor, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, earlier Thursday to enhance its semifinal bid.

W hile the Angels’ closing 7-0 run was decisive, that proved anticlimactic as the two teams engaged challenges after challenges instead in an attempt to gain the precious points and stall the other, leading to long breaks and in a way, confusion, particularly at endgame of a duel that took three hours and 13 minutes to finish.

F2 Logistics looked headed for a reprise of that feat as they rebounded from a blowout loss in the pivotal third set and survived five match points in an exhausting, rip-roaring four-set skirmish that also featured challenges with a big 4-0 start in the fifth frame.

But the Angels proved far from being finished.

W ith coach Oliver Almadro suing for time to break the run and inserting Chie Saet into the fray, the veteran playmaker didn’t disappoint, setting up their hitters with fast or under-hand feeds, leading to a 5-2 counter-attack, capped by Kecelyn

Lim captures 2 titles in Lanao del Norte netfest

BENEDICT LIM leveled up from a previous feat as he captured two titles on home turf while Marlyn Mesiona posted a victory and a runner-up finish in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPP-PEPP) national junior tennis championships at the Lala and MCL courts in Lanao del Norte Tuesday.

The top-ranked Lim, 14, crushed Pete Bandala, 6-2, 6-2, in the finals to stamp his class in his age-group category that saw him yield just seven games in four matches then as second seed in 16-under play, he repelled No. 1 and doubles partner Kale Villamar, 6-3, 5-7, 10-6, to complete the twinkill after topping the 14-under and finishing runner-up in 16-U in the Tubod stop, also in Lanao del Norte, of the circuit two weeks ago. Mesiona, on the other hand, battled back from a set down to repulse Bato, Leyte’s Kate Imalay, 2-6, 6-1,

10-8, in the girls’ 16-under finals but the Sindangan, Zambo del Norte campaigner failed to match Lim’s two-title feat after yielding to Imalay, 6-2, 6-1, in the 14-under championship of the Group 2 tournament

The Cargo Movers had hoped to net their 10th point on a Soltones net touch but Petro Gazz challenged and was later proved inconclusive, leading to a replay of the point.

Th at, however, led to another contested call a couple of plays later as F2 went for a net fault challenge on Soltones while going for a hit against Maraño.

But in replay, it showed the veteran F2 middle’s knee had touched the net first before Soltones could at landing. Petro Gazz moved at match point after contesting that Ivy Lacsina hit a shot at the front while she should have been at the backrow position.

At resumption, Soltones swiped a hit to dispatch the Cargo Movers.

sponsored by Lala, Lanao del Norte Mayor Angel Yap and Vice Mayor Cesar Yap.

The other winners in the event which served as part of the country’s longest-talent search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro were Villamar from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Muhammad Sarip from MSU, Marawi City, Yuree Madrona and Vienna Cagas, both from Oroquieta City, and local bet Anna Ragpala.

Villamar took the 14-under plum with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Aljun Tizon; Sarip shocked top seed Vincent Aguilar, 6-0, 6-3, in boys’ 12-under; Madrona smothered Jacob Buhat, 4-0, 4-0, for the 10-unisex title; Cagas held off Gabrielle Bulado, 7-5, 6-2, for the girls’ 12-under diadem; and Ragpala stunned No. 1 Sanschena Francisco, 6-3, 7-5, for the girls’ 18-under trophy.

Lim actually came away with three titles as he teamed up with Villamar to beat James Yasores and Dave Sardual for the 18-under doubles plum, while Imalay and Francisco took the girls’ trophy over Ragpala and Cathlene Villondo.

ONS JABEUR and Aryna Sabalenka both make their way back into the Wimbledon semifinals. AP

GRETCHEL SOLTONES plays a key role in the Angels’ hard-earned victory.

Yulo tops on PSA’s monthly achievers’ roster

BENEDICT LIM (second from left) and Marlyn Mesiona show their trophies with Councilor Ralph Lim (left) and Mayor Angel Yap.

Motoring

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

GAC ROLLS OUT THE ALL-NEW GS3 EMZOOM

photos

GAC Motor Philippines heats up the subcompact crossover segment with the recent launch of the All-New GS3 EMZOOM. No less than the country’s Brand Head, Jun Cajayon, presented the fresh model.

We are proud to host the international debut of the all-new GS3 EMZOOM after its reveal in China last December. The GS3 EMZOOM is the newest challenger in the scene, set to drive the GAC brand to new heights and zoom through Philippine roads with its fierce and sporty character,” he said.

The All-New GS3 EMZOOM is the newest version of the GAC GS3 model. It is designated as the entry-level to GAC MOTOR’s line-up in the market. The latest version is an evolution of the brand’s crossover line, featuring striking aesthetics, spacious interior, intelligent technology, and impressive performance in one package at an affordable price point. First unveiled in China last December 2022, the GS3 EMZOOM is a stylish and intelligent SUV targeting the younger and always on-the-go generation.

Striking aesthetics

inside and out

THE vehicle features GAC’s bold, futuristic, and

unique design language. According to GAC, the GS3 EMZOOM’s overall design stems from the automaker’s new design language, exuding a sporty yet futuristic industrial aesthetic defined by angular edges, geometric textures, and a dynamic stance. Upfront, the Flying Wing Front Grille matches the Laser-Eye LED headlights. The flanks, meantime, have arc shadow blades leading to its light dart tail lamps. Exclusive to the top-spec GL variant are 19-inch alloy wheels and a Sporty Body Kit package, among others.

Inside, it is all about trendy aesthetics with functionality and comfort. Advanced technological features include dual screens, a multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, wireless charging, and futuristic AC vents. For starters, the 10.25-inch infotainment screen and the seven-inch LCD instrument cluster. The infotainment supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Phone Mirroring.

A sunroof with electric shades provides additional daylight to the roomy cabin.

Impressively, the GS3 EMZOOM’s cabin offers larger space than its competitors in the segment. Storage spaces and compartments can fit up to 21 items, while its luggage compartment provides more space when the rear seats are folded flat. It comes equipped with a power tailgate for added convenience.

High-performance with intelligent technology and safety features

MOTIVATION comes from a third-generation 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine paired with a sevenspeed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. The impressive engine delivers 174 hp and 270 N-m of maximum torque. T he All-New GS3 EMZOOM is also loaded with the latest tech and safety features. Industry-standard safety features include Dual Front Side and Curtain Airbags, seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiters, Hill-start Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Parking Brake with Auto hold, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX Child Safety Seat Anchors, and Engine Immobilizer, to name a few.

Mo reover, there is a wide range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features including cruise control, parking sensors, a reverse camera, and other intelligent systems such as High Beam Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.

Pricing and color options

THE All-New GS3 EMZOOM will be

offered in three variants. The 1.5 GS DCT base variant retails at P998,000, while the 1.5L GB DCT mid-variant is at P1.098 million. The top-spec 1.5L GL DCT is up for grabs for P1.198 million. Available colors are Salt Lake Blue (Launch Color), Graphene Grey (matte finish), Moonlight Grey, Ivory White, and Superstar Silver. All units come with a five-year warranty.

REKINDLING TIES THROUGH VIOS CUP

We were in the company of, among others, V isor chief Vernon V. Sarne and his deputy Sam Surla, and Toyota bigwigs Socco, Sherwin ChuaLim, Danny Santos, Carlo Ablaza and, yes, you guessed it right, the TMP president himself, Atsuhiro Okamoto.

The Vios Cup results of Leg 1: Autocross challenge

Promotional Media: 1 P. Tenorio (Zigwheels), 2 C. Miguel (Philkotse), 3 Riz Javier (Top Gear).

ANOTHER day at the race tracks last weekend proved to be exceedingly exhilarating for me again. It’s because it’s been quite a while since I was at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Pampanga. It felt so good hearing again the roar and thunder of cars racing at break-neck speed, the aroma of burning rubber and fossil fuel—make that Petron Blaze—always a built-in high for every race buff.

What’s the length again of the CIS that has been under the perennial care of San Miguel Corporation?

“It measures exactly 4.190 kilometers, Sir,” said Jing Atienza, the soft-spoken, mild-mannered top gun at Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

T hanks, Jing.

And, speaking of Jing, he is now the executive vice president (EVP) of TMP, a post that practically makes him as TMP’s No. 2 dude.

“Our friend is that powerful now,” said Vince S. Socco, the perennial Toyota powerhouse who now also is the chairman of Lexus Manila Inc.

Just the night before, Jing and I were downing spirits of the colored and the colorless variety almost in wild abandon.

Actor of note Ryan Agoncillo said he would have loved to join us in the merry-making session but for his singular appearance the following day, Saturday (July 1), at the much-awaited return of Tito “TitoSen” Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon for their iconic noontime TV show now renamed, temporarily, TVJ at TV5.

“Babatukan ako ni Sir TitoSen pag di ako on time sa call time, Sir,” was Ryan’s parting shot to me before he disappeared into the night.

Ryan had done his part so well at the races hours back, making a couple of podium finishes.

That’s the beauty of the TOYOTA GAZOO Vios Cup. Staged free to the public thrice a year by TMP since its birth in 2012, the race allows you the luxury to bond with family and friends.

As for me who value moments both big and small, I got the supreme flattery of my life when, lost in the maze of hotel Hilton’s labyrinth of rooms as I headed for my room, Okamoto-san exhibited rare gallantry when he bravely guided me all the way to my shack—walking straight as a Meralco post as if he was not inebriated at all. T hat saved Sunshine Cabrera the trouble of walking me home the way she courageously did in Bohol.

Domu arigatoo, Okamoto-san.

Sporting Media: 1 S. Go (C! Magazine), 2 J. Young (Visor), 3 JR San Diego (Autocar). Promotional Infuencer: 1 B. Yao, 2 A. Bautista, 3 A. David. S porting Influencer: 1 M. Romulo, 2 L. Mendiola, 3 R. Bangsil.

Circuit championship

Bridgestone Promotional Class: 1 J. Mesina (Toyota Cebu), 2 A. Alzona (Toyota GenSan/Chooks-To-Go), 3 B. Garbes (Toyota San Fernando)

Petron Sporting Class: 1 B. Corpino (Toyota Balintawak/Obengers RT), 2 MK Jordan (Toyota Otis/Obengers RT), 3 M. Alivia (JBT Racing/Toyota Isabela).

Bridgestone Super Sporting Class: 1 I. Rosales (Toyota Cebu), 2 G. Loy (R Racing Team), 3 B Co (R Racing Team).

PEE STOP As usual, the Toyota staff tasked to do the bulk of operations did a good job at the return of the TOYOTA GAZOO Vios Racing Cup at Clark, Pampanga. T hey include, among others, Michelle de Guzman, Allana Faith Rufo, Shaina Mae Semana, Aries P. Alconaba and, yes, Sunshiine C…And, of course, Ianne Borillo and Joyce Pareno of the “Wizards of Ads,” who helped make the recent Toyota Road Trek 16 a huge success, deserve special mention for their expert handling of the “Wheel of Fortune” as a sideshow of the Toyota event. Cheers!

Story &

by Randy S. Peregrino

FUTURISTIC layout featuring the dual screens

THE third-generation 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine

THE All-New GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Salt Lake Blue color