BusinessMirror March 15, 2022 by BusinessMirror

‘Oil prices could push inflation past target’ ‘Close borders, cut Omicron exposure risk’

P Gov.

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

T C

By Cai U. Ordinario

HE rising oil prices due to @caiordinario Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could local inflation LOSING thekick country’s borders upwards 4 percent this year, Bangko is one of the most immediate Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor courses of action the governtold reporters mentBenjamin must takeDiokno to prevent the lat- via a Viber message on Monday. est Covid-19 variant, Omicron, from said shores, they areaccord“carefully reachingDiokno Philippine monitoring” the pass-through of ing to local economists. international prices to domestic T he new var iant is a threat, appropriate e s p e inflation c i a l l y wto it hcalibrate t he hol id ay s actions going forward. coming up and more foreigners its February 17 policy meetbeing a“At llowed to travel to the ing, based on data available at Philippines, De La Sa lle Univer-that time, the BSP staff projected sit y economist Mar ia Ella Oplasthat average inflation will be 3.7 percent told BusinessMirror. in 2022 and 3.3 percent in 2023— The holidays usually bring in bothFilipino within Workers BSP’s target range,” Overseas (OFWs) Diokno said. who are eager to spend Christmas

with their loved ones, while foreigners living in temperate regions usually want to relax in tropical countries like the Philippines. This year’s influx of OFWs is expected to be heavier since many of them were unable to come home for the holidays “With the Russia-Ukraine conflict, conditions in December 2020. changed.”—BSP Gov. Benjamin Diokno “My recommendation is to protect the borders. Do not allow people with “With the Russia-Ukraine cona history of travel to countries with flict, conditions changed,” he added. positive cases to enter,” Oplas said. The governor said their sensitiv“We should be more restrictive. [We ity analysis has shown have to be] more protective potentially in terms elevated inflation rates for the year, of our measures.” with new forecasts thewill table: Oplas said that whileon this be If average world price of oil is $95 a setback to some industries, thisper local inflation would hit 4 is a barrel, fair measure considering that percent; if it is $120 per barrel, this could help prevent placing the it will be 4.4 percent. country in another strict lockdown,

However, if the global price of oil hits $140 per barrel, local inflation will hit percent. which, she4.7 said, the economy can no The government’s target range longer afford. of inflation is at 2 to 4 percent. “It is better that we do protective Meanwhile, the governor said preventive measures than get exthat in terms of trade, direct links posed again. We have a lot to lose,” of the withdoRussia Oplas said.country “We should it now and so Ukraine are “negligible.” that we can open just before ChristDiokno said mas. IfInit2021, gets contained, we exports can opento Russia amounted to $120 million— it again.” about 0.2 percent of the country’s total Ateneo Center for Economic Reexports. Exports to Ukraine, meansearch and Development (ACERD) while, were even lower at $5 million. Associate Director Ser Percival “Other economic link K. Peña-Reyes said closing ages, the throughborders investments, remittances, country’s would be effecand tourism limited,” the tive but shouldwere stillalso adhere to the governor said. standards set by the World Health “The Philippines’s Organization (WHO). geographic distance and economic What is needed,limited Peña-Reyes told link to both Russia and this newspaper, is for travelUkraine, restricas to well macroecotions be as putits in strong place swiftly and

nomic fundamentals, could insulate the domestic economy during thegovernment current risk-off for to beepisode,” proactivethe in governor added. imposing them. In terms instances of policy actions to Previous when the curb inflation, Diokno said initial country had the opportunity to imconditions matter. pose travel restrictions did not pre“Some countries are That starting vent the spread of Covid-19. was from high levels of inflation, mainly because the decision wasothnot ers atimmediately, moderate levels and others made he said. are within the range forecasts. For “Kung papatay patay [If we’re example, US inflation is at 7.9 perslow] and we get caught flat-footcent, UK atrisky] 5.5 percent and the ed, [that’s We were tooEuro rearea is at 5.1 percent. The Philippine active instead of proactive before. inflation at 3 percent—well-thin We shouldislearn from that,” Peñathe forecast range of 2 to 4balancing percent,” Reyes said. “It’s a delicate the governor said. act. We need to push testing and “There greater sense of urtracing to is bea properly informed gency to act for countries with high of our decisions. Blanket/shotgun inflation,” he added. The BSP Monapproaches could have dire conseetary Board is set to have its next quences on the economy.” meeting next week, March 24. See “Omicron,” A2

INTERIM FUEL RESERVES NATL GOVT BORROWINGS EYED OILDIP PRICES SOAR FOR 10AS MOS TO P2.75T w w

n Tuesday, March 29, 15, 2021 2022 Vol. 17 No.52 No. 158 Monday, November

Universal social protection Omicron risk spurs revival possible with progressive of quarantine taxation, say devt experts rules in PHL

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

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

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the government’s gross borrowings during the 10-month period fell by 5.99 percent from P2.92 trillion a year ago. With only two months left for this year, the latest figure is already equivalent to 89.6 percent of its P3.07-trillion borrowing program. Broken down, gross domestic borrowings from January to October settled at P2.23 trillion, down by 5.08 percent from P2.35 trillion in 2020. A GASOLINE attendant in Las Piñas City readies the gasoline The bulk of the amount was nozzle to fill up a tank on Monday. People are bracing for walk past the mural of Gat Andres Bonifacio at Manila City Hall Underpass. PEOPLE sourced from Fixed Rate Treasury another big-time price hike on petroleum products,The thecountry 11th will celebrate the 158th birth anniversary of Filipino revolutionary Bonds (P1.19 trillion), followed by consecutive week for such spikes. NONIE REYES hero Gat Andres Bonifacio on Tuesday, November 30. ROY DOMINGO short-term borrowings from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP (P540 By Lenie Lectura @llectura billion), Retail Treasury Bonds/Premyo Bonds (P463.3 billion), Retail Onshore Dollar Bonds (P80.84 billion). In the same period, there was By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas dating its registry following the them. This allows everyone to see also a net redemption of Treasury @jearcalas enactment of the Coconut Farmwho are listed in the registry and if Bills amounting to P43.94 billion. By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas model, work then fromhe ers and Industry Trust Fund law. farmeremployees doesn’t seecan his name Net debt redemption means @jearcalas both onsite and offsite locations, ORE than 3 million Rosales explained that about shall coordinate with the PCA imthere were more debts repaid comPEZA said. he explained at a recent coconut farmers and 500,000 coconut farmers and mediately,” pared to the amount borrowed durHE Philippine Economic “We are constantly in talks workers are now regisworkers were added to the PCA’s dialogue with coconut farmers. ing the period. Zone Authority (PEZA) on with IBPAP to still look into tered with the government’s reg2018 list that had about 2.5 million “On the other hand, if ways people Meanwhile, gross foreign borMonday said it supports to include or aon hybrid work istry, which serves as the basis coconut farmers and farm workers. would seeWFH names the list and rowings in the same period also theThe adoption of a step hybrid workmodel in the they IT-BPO opfor the number of people to be PCA’s next is to conthey think aresector’s not coconut contracted by 9.7 percent to P518.7 from-home (WFH) arrangement eration We covered by the utilization of the duct an exclusion-inclusion profarmersinorthe theirPhilippines. details are incorbillion from last year’s P574.4 billion. for the IT and business process should learn from the likes of P75-billion coconut levy fund. cedure by making the updated rect, they can report it to the PCA This was raised through global outsourcing industries until the India, one of our top competiPhilippine Coconut Authority farmers’ registry public, providfor immediate action,” he added. bonds (P146.17 billion), program endeveryone of the year. torsThe for IT-BPOs, wherein they (PCA) Deputy Administrator Roel ing the opportunity to PCA official noted that loans (P139.98 billion), euro-deIn a statement, PEZA Director are adjusting its policies and taxlist M. Rosales said about 3.11 million check the veracity of the list, Rothe completion of the initial nominated bonds (P121.97 billion), General Charito Plaza said they breaks to adopt hybrid workwould arcoconut farmers and farm worksales added. of coconut farmers registry a project loan (P86.41 billion), and Energy officials told senators, per liter, and kerosene by P10.50 support the IT & Business Prorangement,” Plaza said. ers have been registered with the “The list will be posted in public be just in time for the expected yen-denominated samurai bonds meanwhile, of plans to put in place per government liter. Other since oil firms are excess Association ofcan theeasily Philip“PEZAofand IBPAP levy-funded are doing it started upspaces where people see rollout coconut (P24.19 billion). by AprilSee an “Borrowings,” interim strategic petropected to follow suit. pines (IBPAP) proposal of contintheir best effort to have the A2 leum reserves program—focused The DOE met with oil firms late ued WFH arrangement for their Fiscal Incentives Review Board on diesel—to cushion consumers Monday afternoon. A proposal to industries beyond the March 31 [FIRB] consider immediately US 50.4600 JAPAN 0.4374 hike, n UK 67.2329 n HKset 6.4722 nFiscal CHINAIncen7.9013 n the SINGAPORE 36.8968 n AUSTRALIA from the hard impact of the run- n stagger this n week’s oil-price deadline by the hybrid work scheme with away prices, driven further by the according to sources, did not sit tives Review Board (FIRB). its three schedules proposed to Ukraine-Russia conflict. well with the oil firms. Plaza said the PEZA and IBadopt the 60:40, 40:60, or 50:50 On Monday, oil firms announced Based on DOE computation, the PAP have come up with a prostaggered implementations and the 11th consecutive week of price year-to-date adjustments stand at posal for a hybrid work scheme let the new administration deincrease starting Tuesday morning. a total net increase of P13.25 per for the concerned industry that termine the appropriate work Caltex Philippines and Cleanliter for gasoline, P17.50 per liter involves a staggered implemenscheme considering the suggesfuel were the first to announce for diesel, and P11.40 per liter for tation of both onsite and offtion,” Plaza added. See “Peza,” A2 they will raise diesel prices by kerosene as of March 8, 2022. site work. Under a hybrid work P13.15 per liter, gasoline by P7.10 Continued on A2

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

OVERNMENT must pursue a more progressive taxation system and improve its tax administration to address the fiscal constraints in providing universal social protection in the country, experts said. In a University of the Philippines (UP) PILIpiLUNAS 2022 Webinar on National Social Protection Floor on Monday, former Labor Undersecretary Rene E. Ofreneo said countries with very strong social protection programs are implementing a progressive taxation system, where the tax rate increases as the taxable income goes up. Ofreneo, a former dean of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations (Solair), lamented that the Philippine government pursued “regressive” tax measures with the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) laws. “Make [the] taxation system more progressive. ThisDuterte has long programs as President been pushed by progressive econois expected to sign the industry mists like Joseph Stiglitz, but development plan in early 2022.the

PEZA PUSHES HYBRID WFH COCO LEVY FUND OVER 3-M FARMERS LISTED FOR P75-B FOR I.T.-BPO UNTIL YEAR-END

HOULD world oil prices continue to soar in the next few weeks, gasoline prices are expected to reach P86.72 per liter and diesel at P81.10 per liter, the Department of Energy (DOE) warned on Monday, as oil firms frowned on an option to stagger this week’s huge oil-price hike to blunt its impact.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 52.2680

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

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

NTER NATIONA L concerns over the possible spread of the more infectious Omicron Covid-19 variant prompted the government to reimpose mandatory “Make [the] taxation system more facility-based quarantine for all progressive. This has long been pushed by arriving passengers in the country. progressive economists like Joseph Stiglitz, Acting Presidential spokesperbut the opposite happened here.” son Karlo B. Nograles announced —Prof. Rene Ofreneo on Sunday that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management opposite happened here. There was of Emerging Infectious Diseases TRAIN, which had focus on more (IATF) suspended the implementaxes excise on tationfor of the its masses, Resolution No.tax 150oil and then we also had CREATE, A (s.2021), effectively imposing giving fiscal incentives biginbound corporastricter protocols fortoall tions,” said Ofreneo, speaking partly travelers. in Filipino. Providing universal To note, IATF Resolution social 150protection is a wayfully to combat poverty A had allowed vaccinated and inequality, he added. non-visa travelers from Green List Assistant Professor Herisadel P. areas to enter the country withFlores of the UP Diliman-National out the need for facility-based College of Public quarantine as longAdministration as they secure and Governance agreed negative Reverse(NCPAG) Transcriptionwith Ofreneo that it is vital for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTgovernment to pursue more proPCR) test within 72 hours prior gressive taxation, but pointed out to their departure. that improving tax administration “Except for countries classified is equally important. as ‘Red,’ the testing and quarantine See “Social protection,” A2 protocols for all inbound international travelers in all ports of entry shall comply with the testing and quarantine protocols for ‘Yellow’ list countries,” Nograles said, citing the provision of IATF Resolution No. 151-A. He noted Hong Kong, which has confirmed a case of the Omicron variant, will also fall under the Yellow list countries. The suspension of the rules for “Green List” countries will be in effect from November 28, 2021 to December 15, 2021. Continued on A2

36.2807 n EU 56.5758 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.4531

n JAPAN 0.4455 n UK 68.1732 n HK 6.6771 n CHINA 8.2442 n SINGAPORE 38.3252 n AUSTRALIA 38.0981 n EU 57.0610 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.9329

Source: BSP (November 26, 2021)

Source: BSP (March 14, 2022)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, March 15, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Concepcion: Business must have freedom on health rules

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

RESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Sec. Jose “Joey” A. Concepcion is now pushing to give establishments more freedom in enforcing health protocols in areas, which may be placed under Alert Level 0 or the socalled “new normal.” He issued the statement after the Department of Health (DOH) said the guidelines for the Alert Level 0 are now being studied by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF). “I think that eventually, we really have to move to that new normal and I see the need to allow the business establishments, if we will be headed to Alert Level Zero, to

set their own [health protocols],” Concepcion said in a television interview last Monday. He noted establishments, particularly for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and restaurants, are already aware of the necessary minimum health standards needed to keep their operations running, while minimizing the risk of infection after operating since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

Social protection...

“I think it’s also worth mentioning that pursuing a more progressive taxation should also include looking at the taxation being done

“I think that eventually, we really have to move to that new normal and I see the need to allow the business establishments, if we will be headed to Alert Level Zero, to set their own [health protocols].”

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The mandatory wearing of face masks and presentation of vaccine or boosters cards before entering an establishment are being considered to be scrapped or further eased under the proposed Alert Level 0. “Now, if the vaccination cards will still be in place even in Alert Level 0, my proposal is let the business owners decide on it because they are customer-centric,” Concepcion said. “If they see their customers want [the vaccine or booster cards] so they will feel an area is safe, then they will still require

Continued from A1

at the local government level,” Flores said. On top of these, the government, he said, should rationalize the

JOEY A. CONCEPCION

roles of the local government units (LGUs) in terms of implementing social protection programs, especially given the Supreme Court’s

vaccination cards or booster cards and eventually mask-in indoor dining. I’m sure most of these [business sectors] will still want to have face masks,” he added. Concepcion said he is backing the implementation of Alert Level 0 as soon as possible since it will help restore business confidence, particularly for banks. “Once they see that more people are going out to go to school or go back to office, which means more economic activity, it gives them more confidence to start lending money to our micro and small entrepreneurs,” Concepcion said. Mandanas ruling. While the ruling paved the way for bigger share of LGUs in the taxes and customs duties collected by the national government, certain functions of the national government will be fully devolved to LGUs not later than the end of 2024. Ma. Victoria Raquiza, Associate Professor at the UP NCPAG and co-convenor of Social Watch Philippines, also said that even lowincome countries, such as Bolivia, Lesotho, and Namibia, were able to have that fiscal space to implement universal pension programs prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Raquiza recalled that the Philippine government was able to implement the conditional cash transfer even though it had to borrow heavily to finance the program because of the policy-makers’ political will. “Of course, that’s not to say fiscal space is not real, it is real, it remains a concern. But we can build [the] institutional capacities to develop our fiscal capacity across time for as long as the vision is clear and there is political will,” Raquiza said.

TUCP...

Continued from A12

Corral rejected the alleged “generalization” by stating many companies continued to earn even during the pandemic and will be able to afford the new round of minimum wage hike. As for the vulnerable MSMEs, he said they could opt to file for exemption from compliance with minimum wage rate. Citing data from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), Arcos said of the 79 establishments, which filed for such exemption last month, 77 were approved.

Wage board review

THE RTWPB-NCR is set to review its existing minimum wage petition on March 22, 2022. This will now include the P750 wage filed in 2019 by Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN), comprising 10 labor groups and advocates, and TUCP’s latest P470 petition. Labor spokesperson Rolly Francia said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) welcomes the filing of wage petitions before the RTWPB-NCR since it will fast-track the study of a possible wage hike. “I am pretty sure the wage board will do its job and study the petition in consideration of other factors including those related to business and the local economy,” Francia said in a virtual press conference on Monday.

INTERIM FUEL RESERVES EYED AS OIL PRICES SOAR Continued from A1

Should Dubai crude price hit $140 per barrel, the DOE said gasoline could hit P86.72 per liter, diesel at P81.10 per liter, kerosene at P80.50 per liter, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at P119.53 per kilogram (kg). At $120.34 per barrel, domestic pump prices have reached about P72.88 per liter for gasoline, P64.50 per liter for diesel, P66.31 per liter for kerosene, and P96.67 per kg for LPG. These prices are as of March 14. Any movements in the world oil market affect local pump prices because the Philippines imports more than 90 percent of its fuel requirements. The supply disruptions brought about by the RussiaUkraine conflict and OPEC’s reduced oil output contributed greatly to the weekly pump price increases.

Strategic reserves

AT Monday’s hearing called by the Senate Committee on Energy on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on Philippine oil supply and prices, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), which is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), raised a new proposal to cushion the consumers from incessant rise in oil prices. The state firm is targeting to put into motion starting April an interim strategic petroleum reserves program—where the government will purchase petroleum products, store this, distribute this to retail outlets, and sell this at a lower rate than prevailing retail prices. “We intend to lease storage capacities from the oil industry players and to help them carry out the distribution activity to provide discounted fuel to the affected sectors. It’s PNOC that will purchase the fuel that is stored already in existing storage facilities of the oil industry players. We are focusing on diesel. We intend to package it. The proposal would be co-storage and co-distribution with discounted fuel,” said PNOC President and former DOE Undersecretary Jesus Crisinto Posadas, while explaining that the storage aspect of the

Peza...

Different from PSRP

THE interim measure is different from the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program (PSRP) of the DOE and PNOC. The PSRP consists of large stockpiles of crude oil as well as petroleum products, stored in facilities located around the country—and possibly overseas—that are released during periods of local or international oil supply disruptions. There is already a DOE circular on this, but the feasibility study (FS) has yet to take off because, Posadas said, “the process of engaging the consultant is still in process.” Under the circular, the PNOC is tasked to acquire the necessary storage and blending capacity by construction, lease, or other acquisition options based on the agreed minimum and maximum volume level determined by the feasibility study. DOE officials continue to push for the amendment of the Oil Deregulation Act and the TRAIN law to help cushion high oil prices. In particular, it is pushing to unbundle fuel prices and include Minimum Inventory Requirements in the law. The DOE again asked the public to practice efficient use and conservation of fuel. It added that it is oil firms’ decision on whether or not to implement a staggered price increase. As of press time, there was no announcement to stagger the pass-on of increases.

Continued from A1

Plaza explained that they support the hybrid WFH arrangement for the IT and BPO industries due to the recent spike in fuel prices that made transportation more costly for workers. “The pandemic is not yet over although we are now in Alert Level 1,” she said. “The IT-BPOs invested during the pandemic for the equipment and enabling their workers to do WFH in a way that going back to 100 percent onsite should not be a sudden and immediate move; and adopting WFH also has benefits for decongesting traffic,” she added.

Telecommuting law

interim measure will be done via competitive bidding. On funding, Posadas said, “We are looking at borrowing from DBP or LandBank, and we are also asking DOF for some tax relief so that the discounted fuel can be given to the targeted beneficiaries. In order words, the P6,500 subsidy we intend to use that in terms of discounted fuel.” The proposed interim plan was already discussed with the oil firms, said Posadas, while adding that PNOC’s first purchase is targeted “within April because our term will be ending in June or until our replacement is properly seated.”

PLAZA said their recommendation is consistent with Republic Act 11165 or the Telecommuting Law, which recognized “working from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and/or computer technologies.” Plaza added that the PEZA will support IBPAP’s presentation of the hybrid working model for the IT-BPO industries to the FIRB. “This is in line with the emerging alternative work schemes implemented by India and other economies realizing that remote work is here to stay and as an innovative solution to be able to sustain particularly their booming IT services industry,” Plaza said. “We need to consider that we are not only dealing with the impact of

the Covid pandemic, but also the domino effect of the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia on the global market. The least we can do is help bring back our thriving economy, but not at the expense of our investors who help keep our economy afloat,” Plaza added. The FIRB earlier denied PEZA’s request for extension of the WFH arrangements for IT-BPOs that are enjoying fiscal incentives during the interagency body’s February 21 meeting. In January, the PEZA board approved to recommend to the FIRB a policy that allows IT-BPO enterprises to continue operating under WFH arrangement without the 10 percent onsite capacity until midSeptember without diminution of fiscal incentives. Due to FIRB’s denial, the WFH arrangement for the IT-BPO industries shall cease on March 31 and must conduct all its activities or projects onsite starting April. “PEZA will still file its appeal for reconsideration on the denial by the FIRB. We hear the concerns of our investors and their workers and we will continue to lobby on it. For the meantime, I call onto our enterprises to follow the decision of the FIRB to avoid any penalties,” Plaza said. “While PEZA as a regulatory agency has to abide by the FIRB’s decision, our locators should already start planning the transition period for their return to office, with workers starting to report on site as decided by the FIRB,” Plaza added.

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Duterte cites peace gains with Moros in Mindanao

By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Relative peace has been prevailing over Mindanao over the past several years since the remaining major Moro revolutionary organization entered into a final peace agreement with government in 2014 and expanding the autonomous region for Filipino Muslims. “I think we have relatively peaceful Mindanao. The contentious issue in the yesterdays were the BARMM [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] and we have given it to Murad [BARMM Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim],” Duterte told a televised interview on Saturday with his long-time ally, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. His impression jibed with the recent report of the multinational Third Party Monitoring (TPM) unit of the peace agreement in Mindanao with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which noted a progressive advance of the peace process. He said government also added more soldiers to Jolo, Sulu, the hotbed of the Abu Sayyaf, a terror group aligned with the Middle East-based ISIS group. He said one division of soldiers has been stationed in the island province. “We have a good rapport with the Moro of Mindanao. And I think that just allow them in the governance of our country and give them enough elbowroom to, you know, just govern without interference of armed groups,” he added. He admitted though, that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway unit of the MILF, has remained in “sowing mayhem because of political differences.” “And for the longest time, the region hasn’t had any kidnapping incident, as well as attacks on security forces or depredation victims,” Duterte added. He said the “Muslim population’s animosity with the government has also waned after the administration addressed the issues concerning Mindanao,” he said. “The Moro hatred has gradually waned because we provided what they asked of government. As a matter of fact, we have numerous Moro personnel in my administration.” The President cited the appointments of Muslims in government such as the new chairman of the Commission on Elections, justices in the Supreme Court (and Court of Appeals), as well as officials in dif-

Team Isko barnstorms Masbate province

LACER, Masbate—The presence of Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso on Sunday was enough to stir the hornet’s nest in this island province Sunday as hordes of Masbateños dashed towards the Manila city mayor to get a chance to hold his hand and take selfies with Mayor Isko. Despite the soaring heat brought by thedryweather,thousandsofresidents enthusiastically greeted and cheered Moreno and Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial bets Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, JopetSison,andguestcandidate John Castriciones once the news went around that they were doing a sortie in this 2nd class municipality. MorenothankedthepeopleofPlacer for the warm reception they showed to him and the rest of Team “Isko.” “Maraming, maraming salamat. Kahit mainitangarawehnaglabasankayo.Kung ano ang tinindi ng init ng sikat ng araw eh ganun din ang naging mainit na pagsalubong nyo sa amin,” Moreno said. “Grabe, nakakataba ng puso ang mga tao,” said Moreno, who was happy seeing many people getting excited whenever he wave his hands and smiles at them.

ferent government agencies. “Even in the Cabinet, there were four of them, except that one of them died and one got sick,” he said. “It was deliberate so that they would not think they are left out. And for the long list of prosecutors and judges, I appoint even women Moro judges and prosecutors.” Militarily, the government has achieved its objectives in keeping the peace in Mindanao, he said, and emphasized that “if the equilibrium is maintained, the region will be trouble-free.” On Thursday last week, the Bangsamoro Information Office quoted the Third Party Monitoring Team as assuring that the peace agreement would continue with the mechanisms in place to fulfill peace in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. “The peace agreements, the CAB [Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro] and the FAB [Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro], will remain the cornerstone of peace in the region and offer the best chance of carrying the process forward to a successful conclusion,” the TPMT’s Seventh Public Report read. The Bangsamoro Information Office said the TPMT is an independent and volunteering entity created in 2013 to monitor the Bangsamoro peace process. It released its latest update on the GPH-MILF peace accords, particularly the CAB and FAB, including its Annexes. The FAB was the framework agreed in 2012 that guided both the government and the MILF to proceed with the signing of the final peace agreement, called the CAB, in 2014. Among the salient features of the two agreements include the creation of the BARMM from the expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, allowing the MILF as the caretaker government of the BARMM for a transition of three years, from 2019 to 2022. The transition has been extended to 2025. The report covers the period from November 2020 to January 2022 and noted that there was “a steady progress in advancing the peace process in the BARMM.” Mr. Heino Marius, a German national who served as chairman of the TPMT, highlighted key achievements of the agreements such as adoption of Civil Service Code, Education Code, the launch of 3rd round of decommissioning of MILF combatants, granting amnesty, and operationalization of Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund.

Cop, 3 others killed in Calatagan, Batangas cockpit arena shootout By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Dionardo Carlos has ordered a deeper investigation into the shootout at a cockpit arena in Batangas over the weekend, which resulted in the deaths of a policeman and three armed men. The PNP chief wanted investigators to find out whether the incident has any link to the cases of 34 “sabungeros” who were kidnapped and disappeared after attending cockfight sessions in three cockpit arenas managed by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. According to a report, a shootout between a team of policemen and armed men occurred “around” the cockpit arena in Calatagan, Batangas, on Saturday wherein a policeman was killed along with three suspects. A statement issued by PNP pub-

lic information office chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Balba identified the slain policeman as Pat. Gregorio Panganiban. It also identified the three dead armed men as Joel Herjas, Rolly Herjas and Gabriel Bahia. Before the shootout, the Calatagan Municipal Police Station received a report about the presence of armed men around the arena, prompting it to dispatch a police team. The suspects, however, reportedly opened fire at the police team when it reached the area, hitting Panganiban in the chest that prompted the police team to return fire. Balba said that during the exchange of gunfire, two civilians identified as Joselito Carlum, 45, and Mayumi Dunaway, 19, were also wounded. He said the suspects were in the area, allegedly to kill Lian town councilor Michael Comaya, who is also the administrator of the arena.

The incident prompted Carlos to order investigators to dig deeper into the case and see if it has any connection with the still missing sabungeros who disappeared after attending cockfight sessions in arenas operated by Ang in Batangas and Manila. The cases of disappearance are currently being investigated by a committee in the Senate chaired by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. “A deeper probe will also determine if this incident has anything to do with the series of reported cases regarding the missing cockfighting enthusiasts,” Carlos said. “But first, we have to find out the real motive of the suspects why they are targeting the cockpit’s administrator.”

Indonesia-bound fighting cocks

AT the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), three Indonesians were apprehended by the Coast Guard Station Sarangani onboard an unauthorized motor

banca that was loaded with fighting cocks in the waters of Sarangani Bay on Wednesday last week. The Coast Guard in Manila said its personnel were conducting PCG team maritime patrol at around 11:30 p.m. when they spotted a suspicious unlighted motor banca traveling toward the border of Indonesia. Upon verification, the PCG team discovered that the motorbanca was carrying 190 fighting cocks, poultry feeds, animal medicines and vitamins. The Indonesians were identified as Bura Wangka, 36, who is the motor banca operator, Zaidunin Makahiking, 38, and Maman Bawimbang, 28. During the initial investigation, they claimed that they were contracted to pick up a consignment of fighting cocks that were loaded onboard their motorbanca in Barangay Bawing, General Santos City to be transported to Tahuna, Indonesia.

Bongbong tops latest Pulse Asia survey with 60%; still frontrunner for president

ORMER Sen.Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has topped the latest results of Pulse Asia Research Inc., making him still the top choice as the country’s next leader among survey respondents. According to Pulse Asia’s latest Pulso ng Bayan pre-electoral national survey conducted from February 18 to 23, 2022, Bongbong solidified his lead by posting a 60-percent voter preference, pulling ahead of his closest rival by a 45-percent lead margin. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo posted 15 percent, followed by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso with 10 percent, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao with 8 percent, and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson with 2 percent. The Pulse Asia survey showed Marcos still leading in all major voting areas, with some locations reflecting an increase in the number of those who prefer him. In the National Capital Region (NCR), he posted a 66-percent voter preference, up 9 percent from 57 percent in January this year. Marcos’s voter preference of 68 percent in Mindanao was up from 66 percent in January 2022. Meanwhile, voter preference for the Partido Federal’s standard bearer in other areas remained strong, with

Ex-VP Binay eyes LGC revision for stronger, empowered LGUs ORMER Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar C. Binay on Monday said that amendments need to be introduced in the Local Government Code (LGC) to further empower local government units (LGUs). “Panahon na upang muling balikan at amyendahan ang Local Government Code. May mga probisyon po dito na sa aking palagay ay hinog na para baguhin,” Binay said. “Ito ay para lalo pang maisulong ang adhikain ng batas na palakasin at patatagin ang ating local governments,” he added. Binay, who served as Makati City mayor before being elected Vice President, said the pandemic has shown that local governments are in the best position to respond to the needs of their constituents. “Local governments are closer to the people and they know the needs of their constituents. They are in the best position to respond in times of emergencies. But they need fiscal stability and flexibility,” he said. Binay said one provision that needs to be re-examined is the existing criteria for determining the LGUs’ share of the Internal Revenue

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, March 15, 2022 A3

Allotment (IRA). “Many local executives have pointed out that this provision discriminates against smaller localities, which are usually localities with little or no internally generated sources of revenue,” he said. “I agree with their observation. Perhaps it is time to work on new criteria that balances the needs and interests of all local governments,” Binay added. Binay also said LGUs can now be expected to further expand and improve services with the Supreme Court ruling on the so-called Mandanas case. The High Tribunal, acting on a petition filed by former congressman and now Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, ruled that LGUs are entitled to a “just share” on all national taxes. The ruling is set to be implemented this year, and the IRA of LGUs is projected to increase by 27.61 percent. “The Mandanas Ruling is a landmark decision that can significantly improve the capacities of LGUs to fully deliver services and programs to their constituencies,” he said.

58 percent in Balance Luzon and 53 percent in Mindanao. Marcos’s UniTeam campaign noted that the Pulse Asia survey results confirmed that the “Solid North ” voting bloc remains united behind the presidential

bid of Marcos. Robredo, who drew thousands at her recent weekend rallies in Cagayan and Isabela, did not reach double-digit numbers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region 1 and Region 2, noted the

UniTeam campaign officials. Marcos posted 74 percent in CAR, 82 percent in Region 1, and 86 percent in Region 2. The Pulse survey results had Robredo with 1 percent in CAR, 7 percent in Region 1, and 6 percent in Region 2.

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Tuesday, March 15, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Gatchalian dares DOE to crack whip vs fuel profiteers By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

EN. Sherwin T. Gatchalian goaded the Department of Energy (DOE) Monday to step up monitoring and track down profiteers taking advantage of consumers in imposing exorbitant pump prices of fuel products amid upward cost of fuels in the world

and domestic markets. “The DOE should make sure that oil companies and retailers are not abusing the situation,” said the senator. “Huwag nating hayaang may magsamantala na lalong magpapahirap sa ating mga kababayan.” He presided at a hearing of the Senate energy committee on how government is mitigating the impact of the relent-

less surge in oil prices. Gatchalian issued the statement as the price of diesel was expected to jack up this week by as much as P11.80 to P12 per liter, gasoline by P6.90 to P7.20 per liter, and kerosene by P9.70 to P9.80 per liter. Noting that oil refiners are required to have reserves that can last for 30 days, the senator reminded that these old inventories should be sold to the public at previous price,

lessening the impact of the series of oil price increases on the acquisition of new stock. He, in turn, proposed to increase the 30-day minimum oil inventory to 45 days, noting that is an extra 15 days of buffer. The senator suggested that the government should subsidize the carrying cost because when these companies buy stocks for another 15 days, they have to pay for in-

terest, adding “that is where the government comes in terms of energy security.” At the same time, Gatchalian also called on the DOE to exercise its mandate insofar as going after those engaged in profiteering activities by moving for the investigation and eventual prosecution of abusive retailers as well as revocation of licenses if warranted. He, likewise, recommended to the

DOE the setting up of active hotlines to enable consumers to immediately report those imposing unreasonable price increases and deploy those in the field offices to verify the information on the ground. “If the government is actively guarding against hoodwinkers and abusive businessmen, it can prevent those taking advantage of the public in times of crisis,” Gatchalian added.

House panel convenes on move to amend oil deregulation law By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE House Committee on Energy will convene today, Tuesday, to resume deliberations on proposals to amend Republic Act 8479 or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.” Based on the committee schedule, a hybrid meet-

ing will be held on March 15 to discuss the draft substitute bill to House Bills 10505, 4550, 4711, 5172, 5186, 7928, 8764, and 10386 and House Resolutions 9, 390 and 1651. These measures seek to amend RA 8479, or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, by institutionalizing the minimum inventory requirements for petroleum products for purposes of supply security, unbundling the cost of petroleum, among others. The committee is also expected to consider the approval of the draft substitute bill on Tuesday.

Committee on Economic Affairs Chairperson Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWA has said Congress would work on reviewing the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, particularly its provision on the unbundling of oil prices and inclusion of the minimum inventory requirements provision. Garin said that the House would still wait for the final date for the special session. In October 2021, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, in a letter, asked Congress to amend the Oil Deregulation Law “to provide a framework for the government to intervene and address sudden, prolonged oil price hikes and require the unbundling the cost of retail products to determine their true and the passed-on cost.”

Artificial intelligence–the good and the not so good news

By Henry J. Schumacher

HE use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is on the rise in many organizations across various fields. AI has the power to help businesses as well as employees by providing greater data insights, better threat protection, more efficient automation and other advances. However, if misused, AI can be a detriment to individuals, organizations, and society overall. For instance, “bots” are now rampant among social media, generating political propaganda or “fake news” intended to adversely impact or unjustly inflate people’s opinions of various political candidates or personalities, thereby lowering the quality of discourse and public faith in reporting institutions. Therefore, it is imperative to establish moral guidelines and boundaries for the use of AI in business, and possibly beyond. According to studies and research from organizations like PwC Global and Gartner, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, more than the current output of China and India combined. To reach that level, organizations will have to rely on the skills and expertise of machine learning (ML) engineers and AI architects. The position of Artificial Intelligence Architect requires individuals with impeccable technical and engineering backgrounds, as well as the ability to see the big, overarching picture of a world supported by AI. Incorporating AI into everyday lives of people, including their personal, career, and business activities, requires an individual with vision and the capability to implement it successfully. Machine learning is a critical component of AI. Machine learning refers to a software’s ability to learn and therefore predict certain outcomes much like a hu-

man brain. And for businesses to make AI work, they require Machine Learning Engineers responsible for building and maintaining AI algorithms. Machine learning engineers must able to think critically and possess the ability to problem solving. Having said this, you may be interested to read the following story of the TheFutureParty, claiming that the newly elected South Korean president enlisted deepfake doppelganger to get the youth vote. As per TheFutureParty, newly elected South Korean President Yoon Sukyeol, won over the youth vote by creating an AI avatar of himself that his campaign controlled to make videos. The result: a politician that appeared more charming than the real man may actually be. With Yoon’s victory showing that the tech works, politicians in other nations may try to do the same thing…unless lawmakers act fast to outlaw official deepfakes. Funny, likable, artificial. People Power Party candidate Yoon Suk-yeol developed an AI copy of himself to be used by his campaign team to answer people’s questions and debate opponents. The purpose of the AI Yoon was to program a version of himself that would appeal more to younger voters (Yoon is 61) by appearing wittier and smoother. The videos of AI Yoon (more than 80 clips) went viral in South Korea, clocking over 14.5 million views, and raised his popularity with 20-somethings over 10 percentage points.

Authenticity or optimization?

HERE’S something that will make your head spin even more: during the campaign, People Power Party head Lee Jun-seok said, “Yoon is learning from his AI Yoon messages.” Translation: his AI double is a more effective politician than he is. And in another bit of irony, AI Yoon team-head Baik Kyeong-hoon said that the goal of the avatar was for voters to see “the human side of Yoon—not the stern image he projects on television.” At first, the ruling Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung criticized the use of an AI clone as “fraudulent and a threat to democracy.” But when the polls started going up for Yoon, they developed their own avatar of Lee. After this interesting FutureParty story, you will agree that it is imperative to establish moral guidelines and boundaries for the use of AI in business, and possibly beyond. I feel a bit scared about what AI can do and how we can potentially be manipulated in the wrong direction if we don’t control the AI Architects and the MI Engineers. I am really interested in your views. Contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

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BI chief warns on rise of ‘love scams’ as PHL reopens ports

DFA bares illegal intrusion of Chinese Navy spy ship in Sulu, Mindoro Strait By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

A MORENTE By Joel R. San Juan

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 A5

CHINESE spy ship has entered the Philippine territory—from Palawan to Mindoro and then stayed in the Sulu Sea for three days—“without permission from the Philippine government,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported in a news statement. On Monday, DFA Acting Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to protest the “illegal incursion” of a People’s Lib-

eration Army-Navy (PLAN) ship in the Sulu Sea. The Chinese ship—an Electronic Reconnaissance Dongd iao - c l ass w it h bow number 792—was monitored entering Philippine waters on January 29 to February 1. It reached the Mindoro Strait near the Apo Island west of Mindoro, and Sulu near the Cuyo Archipelago located northeast of Palawan. “The Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna [FF-151] challenged PLAN 792, which alleged that it was exercising innocent passage. Its movements, however did not

follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days,” DFA said. “PLAN 792 also continued its activities in Philippine waters despite being repeatedly directed by the BRP Antonio Luna to leave Philippine waters immediately,” it added. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), archipelagic states like the Philippines must allow foreign vessels, including warships, to pass through its waters under the right of innocent passage. They are not required to

seek prior permission. The Philippines has not yet designated the specific sealanes where foreign vessels could sail, but traditionally the sea lanes where foreign vessels can pass through are Mindoro Strait and Sulu Sea. The DFA said that while Manila recognizes Beijing ship’s right of innocent passage, “the actions of PLAN 792 did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty.” The DFA did not identify the specific “actions” undertaken by PLAN 792, but according to UNCLOS, “innocent” passage prohibits certain

activities including weapons testing, spying, smuggling, serious pollution, fishing, or scientific research. PLAN 792 is an electronic intelligencegathering vessel, purposely built to intercept communications and other electronic signals. After handing the protest note, Lazaro demanded that China respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction. “[China must] comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS, and direct its vessels to desist from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission,” the DFA stressed.

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned the possible rise of so-called love scams following the country’s reopening of its borders to foreign tourists after two years of travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said these syndicates would abuse the vulnerability of Filipinos seeking biracial relationships. These love scammers would usually meet with unsuspecting victims online and woo them with small gifts, promises of international travel, and marriage. “With the reopening of our borders to foreign tourists comes the return of the ‘love scam,’” Morente said. Upon the scammer’s arrival in the Philippines, Morente said, he will claim that he is being held by Immigration authorities, or sometimes by other government agencies. “The scammer then will dupe his victim in depositing large sums of money in exchange for his freedom,” the BI chief said. Morente issued the reminder after the BI received a request from another victim last Wednesday, who alleged that his partner was being held by officers at the Davao International Airport. The victim showed screenshots of conversations with a man who pretended to be Morente, demanding payment in exchange for the release of her pseudo-lover. The scammer claimed he is being held at the immigration counter for holding large sums of money in his hand carry bag. “This scammer had the audacity to use my name for his scheme. It is not within our jurisdiction to check bags of arriving passengers. We are concerned with the person and their documents, and not his luggage,” Morente noted. Upon checking, the BI found out that no such foreign national arrived in Davao. “Do not fall prey to these swindlers and fraudsters who will promise you heaven and earth, only to be duped of your hard-earned money,” Morente warned. It can be recalled that last month, the BI arrested three Nigerian nationals believed to be involved in this scheme.

PRC launches kids’ vax drive By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

DRAINAGE BOX CHECK

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials led Chairman Romando Artes check the progress of the repair works of the drainage box culvert in front of the Libertad Pumping Station along the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard. Upon completion, the project will pave the way for the reopening of the two lanes of the southbound Roxas Boulevard on Monday, March 21. The said portion was closed to motorist since January 15, 2022 to give way to the project. NONIE REYES

Government urged to act swiftly to solve recurrent Metro Manila traffic problem By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

REEN Edsa Movement (GEM) on Monday urged the government to implement various measures, such as imposing congestion charge and widening of sidewalks, to solve persisting traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in Metro Manila. In a news statement, the group said it is high time that the government implement the “best practices” and “smart solutions” embodied in the National Transport Plant (NTP) of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), which was approved by Duterte in 2017. The group said the NTP would sustainably solve traffic congestion, moderate air pollution and improve quality of life in Metro Manila.

The group pointed out that vehicle number coding and additional road spaces have “not yielded” the “expected benefits” as shown by the worsening traffic conditions in Edsa. The group added that it is high time that the government “shifts away” from “decades-old” traffic road management practices of Metro Manila traffic managers. “NTP’s approach to traffic and road management is grounded on the reality that urban road space is a finite resource that must be utilized judiciously, and that private vehicles are the least efficient people mover,” it said. “NTP prioritizes people mobility with a vehicle occupancy-oriented approach that extracts higher productivity from the road space to attain higher people throughput,” it added. The group recommended the implementation of the high occupancy ve-

hicle (HOV) for “free access” to EDSA during peak hours. Accordingly, the group added that the government must impose a congestion charge on vehicles with “lower than prescribed minimum occupancy” similar to the Electronic Road Pricing system in Singapore and London. The group also proposed the widening of sidewalks by “allocating one full lane in each direction for active people mobility and greening with trees and landscaping.” “Allot a second lane at busway stations for express buses to bypass local buses and speed up traffic flow of public buses,” it said. “Complete the bike lane network in major and secondary roads. Build park-and-ride facilities at key entry points to the city core for motorists to park their vehicle and take public transport,” it added.

Trade exec outlines distribution cost of basic necessities and commodities

TRADE and industry official on Monday said fuel accounts for less than a tenth—on the average—of the distribution costs of basic necessities and prime commodities in the country. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Anne Claire Cabochan presented during the Senate Committee on Energy hearing the share of fuel on the distribution costs of the various commodities. Cabochan’s presentation showed that canned sardines had the highest fuel share in terms of their distribution cost that ranged from 3

percent to 12 percent. The share of fuel in the distribution cost of processed milk was at 5 percent while in coffee it ranged from 2 percent to 5 percent. Fuel’s share in the distribution costs of canned meat ranged from 5 percent to 9 percent and for candles it was 4 percent to 10 percent. For soap products, the share of fuel in their distribution costs ranged from 3 percent to 5 percent. Cabochan told lawmakers that the DTI has been aggressive with its price monitoring duties since it is one of the implementing

agencies of the Price Act. The DTI monitors 216 basic necessities and prime commodities regularly to ensure “reasonable prices” nationwide at all times. The price monitoring is done in key cities and municipalities on a weekly basis while monitoring in other areas is conducted on a monthly basis. Cabochan also shared that the DTI has also sustained the roll-out of its Presyong Risonable Dapat Program (PRDP) for frozen meats that seek to streamline the value chain by selling imported meat products directly to consumers.

At present, the PRDP frozen meat edition is present in 83 Robinsons supermarkets in NCR, 25 Puregold supermarkets in NCR and Bulacan, as well as 5 Metro supermarkets in NCR, Cabochan said. Cabochan disclosed that they have been in talks with retailers regularly to ensure sufficient supply of food products in the market shelves. Cabochan said they recently asked retailers to replenish their stocks after the DTI’s monitoring group identified that certain products could not be found on their shelves. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@claudethmc3

HE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has started vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 years old against Covid-19, PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard J. Gordon said on Monday. “Napakaimportante na hindi natin mapabayaan ang ating mga kabataan edad 5 hanggang 11 years old ngayong mayroon pa rin pandemic. [It is very important that we should not neglect children aged 5 to 11 since there is still pandemic]. Kahit na bumababa na ang kaso sa ating bansa, kung walang bakuna ang mga bata, napakadelikado neto [Even as the cases in the country decreases, if children will not get vaccinated, this is very dangerous]. Children who will be infected with Covid will get very sick from it and have both short and long-term health complications,” Gordon said. Gordon explained that the Department of Health has provided the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC) with 3,000 doses of reformulated Pfizer for children in the said age bracket. For PRC’s first day of the 5 to 11 years of age group vaccination, 50 children were given their shots. PRC targets to provide 1,500 children with the Pfizer vaccine. PRC will also be giving 1st doses of the vaccine to 650 children in its four Bakuna Centers in Zamboanga, Pangasinan CB Mall, and Tarlac City (Walk Mall). Gordon also added that PRC continues to deploy its fleet of Bakuna Buses and operate its Bakuna Centers to help the national government as it ramps up the vaccination efforts to protect unvaccinated individuals especially the most vulnerable. Since March 2021, when PRC started its vaccination program, the humanitarian organization has already administered 1,020,230 doses of Covid-19 vaccines through the 17 Bakuna Buses, 26 Bakuna centers, and Bakuna teams to help the different local government units to hasten the vaccination efforts and protect the people from the virus.

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

3 SISTERS FASHION WORLD CORP. Unit No.2, Flr. No. 3/f Baclaran Bagong Milenyo Plaza Bldg., F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

BRONNIKOV, DMITRY Consultant Brief Job Description: Implementing agreed solutions

Basic Qualification: College graduate; fluent in English

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JI, HAOREN Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 14.

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

Brief Job Description: Install Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optice cabling system

BUI THI NGA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires SWINIA VALENSIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

SHAN, XIONGFEI General Manager 4.

Brief Job Description: Understand the competitive market trends and effectively communicate to the company’s valued customers, stakeholders and partners

Brief Job Description: Must ensure their funds reporting requirements are met

Brief Job Description: Contribute in the implementation of marketing strategies.

16.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the development and implementation of the quality management system during the preparation and execution of large-on and offshore dredging and land development project

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

CEN, JINYUN Mandarin Speaking Project Supervisor 17.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, management or any business course. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Brief Job Description: Provide mid and long term supply and demand risk overview

Basic Qualification: Must have at least work experience of at least 15 years in successful completion of large international and complex infra-structural project

CHEN, KUNDA Mandarin Speaking Project Supervisor 18.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and manage business projects for clients

FENG, JIE Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 10.

Brief Job Description: Install Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optice cabling system

Basic Qualification: With at least 10 years’ experience in supply interface management Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English and Mandarin language and with analytical, mind and analysis skill Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 5 years of experience as Chinese speaking cabling infrastructure technician Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HU, HAIBO Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 11.

Brief Job Description: Install Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optice cabling system

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 5 years of experience as Chinese speaking cabling infrastructure technician Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HUANG, CHENGJIA Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 12.

Brief Job Description: Install Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optice cabling system

HUANG, HAIEN Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 13.

Brief Job Description: Install Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optice cabling system

Brief Job Description: Act as communication liason between low-level employees and senior management

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 5 years of experience as Chinese speaking cabling infrastructure technician

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 2 years of experience as Chinese speaking IT Specialist

No.

26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, outstanding leadership skills, fluent in Mandarin and English preferably with 5 years of experience as project supervisor Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, outstanding leadership skills, fluent in Mandarin and English preferably with 5 years of experience as project supervisor

TAN YEE THENG Mandarin-speaking Hr Generalist Senior 19.

Brief Job Description: The Human Resources (HR) Generalist Senior is an intermediate level position responsible for the delivery of day-to-day HR support in coordination with the Human Resources team. The overall objective of this role is to provide a broad range of HR services to client groups within Citi.

27.

28.

Brief Job Description: Service Support Solution includes diagnosis, resolution and reporting of customer issues and questions relating YouTube paid content products. Service is Tier 1 end user support with escalations to Google in Thai language

21.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information About Products and Services

29.

22.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails.

30.

23.

24.

Brief Job Description: Works with clients to identify challenges and solutions RANI, MONIKA Marketing Executive Brief Job Description: Handle clients, responsible in marketing concerns

Basic Qualification: 5-8 years of relevant experience; Working knowledge of industry standards and practices; Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR System; Demonstrated analytical skills; Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication in Mandarin and English.

Basic Qualification: BA or BS Degree Holder; Minimum 2-year(s) customer service support experience (voice, e-mail, or chat), working with direct consumers preferably in a B2C environment; Native Thai Speaker

31.

32.

33.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

34.

35.

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

36.

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

DOTW SHARED SERVICES INC. Unit 403, 404, 4f, Shaw Center Mall, Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

WANG, SHUO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 37.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

LIU, TAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 38.

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

NANG KHAM LAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 39.

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

NG XIN YI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 40.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; fluent in English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

TAN, PAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

SONG, KAIYUE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English; college graduate

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

NIE, CHUNHONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience Good in Oral Communication and Written

25.

Brief Job Description: Handle marketing department’s concerns and matters

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

MO, WENHAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 5 years of experience as Chinese speaking cabling infrastructure technician

RUIZ ALCALDE, JOSE ANTONIO Marketing Manager

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

LU, KUNMING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

DOBBY AND TWILL FASHIONISTA PRIVATE INC. Unit No. Se-17 Flr. No. 2nd Baclaran Bagong Milenyo Bldg., F.b Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City CAIRO, MICHAEL JOSEF Consultant

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

GONG, XIAOQIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati ERIC ARON Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

LUU HONG PHUONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City LIANG, CHUNHUI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give customer information about product and services

DONNY CHEN SIN LOON Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

20.

Brief Job Description: Process online booking

DENG, AO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

JITYEN, NARINTORN Senior Process Executive

LI, CHUNYAO Customer Service Associate

CHEN, CONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with good communication skills and preferably 2 years of experience as Chinese speaking IT Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English (verbal and written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

CITIBANK N.A. 16th Floor, Citi Plaza, 34th St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 21st Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig CAI, HUBIN Chinese Speaking Business Consultant

Brief Job Description: Act as communication liason between low-level employees and senior management

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

BRIDGESMANS SERVICES GROUP PHILIPPINES INC. Level 40 Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St.88556174, Bel-air, City Of Makati AIM, CHRISTOPHER EDWARD MARTIN Operations And Supply Interface Manager

Brief Job Description: Resolving all issues coworkers have with their IT systems and software

Basic Qualification: fluent in Mandarin & English

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig VYVERMANS, DIRK Quality Manager

Brief Job Description: Resolving all issues coworkers have with their IT systems and software

HUANG, WENGUI Chinese Speaking It Specialist

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

BLUE NIGHT LIVING SERVICES INC. Blk. 18 Lot 3 My Town Milan, Kalayaan Ave., Pitogo, City Of Makati DOAN THI HAI Bilingual Marketing Officer

15.

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

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati GRACE MARIA SAMPUL Bahasa Indonesian Language-officer Fund Management

CAI, CIGUI Chinese Speaking IT Specialist

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

ANTENG HEAVY MACHINERY CORP. Unit 18a 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

NGUYEN THI NGOC ANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 41.

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PANG WENG LOI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

42.

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

PENG, NANSHU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 43.

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

PENG, XIANZHONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 44.

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

PHAM THI BAO YEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 45.

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

SONG, JUNJIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 46.

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

TAN, YONGCHUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 47.

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

VU NGOC DIEP Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 48.

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

WANG, YING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 49.

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

ZHANG, CHENGCAI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 50.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

No.

GUO, ZHENDONG Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 57.

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

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

58.

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

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

YU, ZHIFAN Project Manager 59.

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

60.

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

61.

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

CAI, MINCHAN Marketing And Sales Agent 51.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

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

GU, HEMIN Marketing And Sales Agent 52.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

NAKASHIMA, KAZUMASA Chief Executive Officer/president 62.

SHI, HONGYU Marketing And Sales Agent 53.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

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

SONG, SHENGNAN Marketing And Sales Agent 54.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

ZHOU, YUHONG Marketing And Sales Agent 55.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

ESBI ENGINEERING AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT LTD. PHILIPPINE BRANCH 10/f 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Cor. Plaza Drives Rockwell Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati CODD, NICHOLAS JOSEPH Maintenance Advisor 56.

Brief Job Description: The )&M Maintenance advisor will integrate with EDC O&M staff at the power plants. He Will co-ordinate specific maintenance activities, implementing international best practice O&M, across their fleet of power plants.

EVERSON VISA CONSULTANCY INC. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree with at least five (5) years work experience in related field.

No.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

72.

73.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Can prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information. Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Can manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Providing tactical, financial and operational management.

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

JUNG, CHULWON Accounts Receivable Bilingual Accountant 63.

Brief Job Description: Ensure their company receives payments for goods and services, and records these transactions accordingly

Basic Qualification: At least 2-4 years experience in the field of Cash and Banking, Credit analyst and management. Korean intermediate level both oral and written.

74.

64.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for management of all aspects of the project works as part of the company’s executive team and leads the contract administration and supervision team

75.

65.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Finance Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader Able to Steer the Company

LIU, HUIXIN Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 66.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Operating System Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader Able to Steer the Company

ZHANG, BORAN Mandarin Operating System Supervisor 67.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Operating System Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader Able to Steer the Company

QIN, CHENGREN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 76.

68.

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

Basic Qualification: Minimum bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

SHI, QIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 77.

69.

Brief Job Description: Project development management of real estate residential projects

WANG, XIAOQING Chinese Speaking Program Designer 78.

70.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

CHEN, DAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 71.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operating System Supervisor , Excellent Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operating System Supervisor , Excellent Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operating System Supervisor , Excellent Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Project Manager, excellent communication, Interpersonal and Presentation skills.

YE, LIUYAN Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist 79.

80.

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Seeks sales opportunity and following up cooperation with Lixil overseas entity for Japanese Customers (housemaker/developer)

Basic Qualification: JLPT N1 passer; Fluent in Japanese and English (speak, read, write). At least 5 years working experience leading a sales team or strategy team. Strong verbal visual and written communication skills with the ability to explain approach to all levels of organization. Extensive knowledge in the same industry is preferred. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

LUX CORPORATION 22 C/d 22/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v Dela Costa Street, Bel-air, City Of Makati SATO, KOHEI Cad Manager 81.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organize, manage work plan coordinate with the client.

Basic Qualification: Architect License, N1 Passer Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

MC CONNELL DOWELL PHILS., INC. Level 4 Nol Tower, Commerce Ave., Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

HELBING, MARC GEORG WALTER Project Director 82.

Brief Job Description: oversee the effective management and successful and timely completion of the company’s project

Basic Qualification: minimum 10 yrs experience in major construction project management, broader understanding of construction & infrastructure design principles Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

MERAKI SILVER SOLUTIONS CORPORATION Unit 1107,11th Floor, One World Place, 32nd Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig MO, FAN Mandarin Speaking Account Specialist 83.

Brief Job Description: Perform routine bank telling tasks, including making deposits, withdrawals, transfers and cash transfers, etc.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O. Good organizational skills, excellent mandarin verbal communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

84.

85.

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

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

LIXIL PHILIPPINES LTD. CO. (AMERICAN STANDARD) Unit 2201t To 2202t 22nd Floor Sm Aura Tower 26th St., Cor. Mckinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: BSc/BA degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, extensive previous work experience

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

KAISER DYNASTY TRADING CORP. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City YANG, XIMIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

HRDP GROUP CORPORATION 30/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati STOYANOVA, OLGA Deputy Project Manager

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

INOUE, TAKATSUNA Japanese Sales Specialist

HENGTONGPH INC. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati LI, SHIBAO Mandarin Project Manager

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

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

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

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

LUAN, YIFEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

HASKONING PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 4 22/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati KOCHUPARAMBIL RAJAGOPALAN, RAJESH Construction Manager

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

LOI HONG PEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

LI, ZHENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, LILI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

GRUNDFOS IS SUPPORT & OPERATIONS CENTRE PHILIPPINES INC. 25th & 26th Floors Robinsons Cyberscape Beta Ruby & Topaz Roads, Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

GLOBAL MOBILITY SERVICE PHILIPPINES, INC. 2/f Salcedo Bldg., 223 Salcedo Cor. Gamboa & Adelantado Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St., Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Ave., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

LIU, QIAN Customer Service Representative

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

ZHANG, XIN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

86.

87.

88.

AGUS SUSITO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ANTON WIJAYA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, GUOYI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, ZHUO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DWI SATRIYAPRAJNA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION EFVEERISTO HANTUMA KAMBADJA Chinese Customer Service

89.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FAN, YUN Chinese Customer Service

90.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HAN, LEI Chinese Customer Service

91.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HU, FEI Chinese Customer Service

92.

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

93.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires JIAN, PENG Chinese Customer Service

94.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KUANG, ZHENGYUE Chinese Customer Service

95.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE VAN PHUONG Chinese Customer Service

96.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE VAN TOAN Chinese Customer Service

97.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, HAIJUN Chinese Customer Service

98.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LI, HUI Chinese Customer Service

99.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LI, NING Chinese Customer Service

100.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LIAO, QING Chinese Customer Service

101.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LION MICHELIN DAMANIK Chinese Customer Service

102.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU SI PHUONG Chinese Customer Service

103.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LONG HUE LINH Chinese Customer Service

104.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LY LY MUI Chinese Customer Service

105.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, SONGCEN Chinese Customer Service

106.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MEGAWATI TRI FORMARIA Chinese Customer Service

107.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MI, GUOHONG Chinese Customer Service

108.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MUHAMMAD IRAWAN BIRI YAFET Chinese Customer Service

109.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN CANH TAM Chinese Customer Service

110.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

No.

NIU, YANG Chinese Customer Service 113.

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

114.

115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

127.

128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

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

133.

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

134.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 135.

NGUYEN HOANG PHUONG Chinese Customer Service 111.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NHIN VY VY Chinese Customer Service

112.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

136.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TSAN NHOC DENH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG TRONG HIEU Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN VI THANH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI QUYEN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN MY DUNG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN DIEU TRINH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires THIDA CHIT Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires THAN AUNG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TANG MY NHI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SENG ROI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAN THET NGONE Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAI AUNG MIN OO Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires PHYO THURA TUN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires PHAM VAN TUYEN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries OKTAVIANI VIKTORIA Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NUR FIRTRIANI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NONG NGOC LIEN Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

137.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VI THI THAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VONG SY PHAT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VUONG VI MINH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, QIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WONG YET SENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, CHANGJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

No.

WU, QINGQING Chinese Customer Service 138.

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

139.

140.

141.

142.

143.

144.

145.

146.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYAW WIN Chinese Customer Specialist

147.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, JIE Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHONG, CHENGDUI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, YA Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, WEN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAN, BINSHENG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZENG, QINGXIN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAP CHEAN HOW Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIE, YUQING Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN VAN QUAN Chinese Customer Specialist

148.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

CUI, TE Customer Service Representative

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

149.

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

150.

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

151.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

LI, MENGYAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHANG, BORUI Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 152.

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

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

JIANG, HAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 153.

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

LI, FEI Customer Service Representative

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

KE, QINSHAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 154.

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

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

NGUYEN THI THUY NGA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 155.

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

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

TSAI, HUI-XIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 156.

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

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

WANG, BIBAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 157.

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

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

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

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

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

WANG, YUPING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 158.

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WU, JIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

159.

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

YANG, FEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 160.

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

ZHENG, YEQING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 161.

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

AN, JINLEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 162.

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

GUO, SHIHU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 163.

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

HUANG, XIAOWEN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 164.

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

NHIN SAY NAM Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 165.

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

PENG, ZHIYONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 166.

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

XIE, CAIJI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 167.

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

YU, TAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 168.

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

CHEN, QIAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 169.

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

JIN, JINGJING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 170.

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

LIAO, JINSHENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 171.

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

THEN KIEW FUNG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 172.

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

WEE HONG YU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 173.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

No.

175.

177.

178.

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

179.

180.

181.

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

182.

174.

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: To analyze and design business processes in collaboration with stakeholders

193.

183.

Brief Job Description: To analyze and design business processes in collaboration with stakeholders LUO, HAIQIN Multilingual Business Processing Consultant

194.

184.

Brief Job Description: To analyze and design business processes in collaboration with stakeholders

195.

ASHADUZZAMAN, MD Purchasing Manager 185.

Brief Job Description: Developing and leading and exalting purchasing strategies

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Fluent in English

196.

CHEN, TINGTING Chinese Customer Service Representative 186.

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

197.

JIN, YUN Chinese Customer Service Representative 187.

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

WANG, ZONGHUO Chinese Customer Service Representative 188.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

198.

199.

189.

Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Database Services

200.

201.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for over-all management, control, administration and direction of day to day operation of Sanko Manila

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

SHIBUYA SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 903-c Vicente Madrigal Bldg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

191.

LI, GUOXING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: with high Chinese Speaking Skills

Basic Qualification: w/ knowledge in Computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1439 Adriatico Cor. Sta. Monica St., 072, Barangay 669, Ermita, City Of Manila

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation VONG GIA NGAN Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

202.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation WU, XI Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

203.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation. XIAO, TING Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

204.

Basic Qualification: 100 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and english speaking

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati JEFFERY Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 205.

Brief Job Description: manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns ARJUN FIRMANSYAH Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

206.

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

Basic Qualification: Multi-country or regional cultural background

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

SHI, ZHENGRONG Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

SANKO PROGRESS MABIS CORPORATION-MANILA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE Room 6 7f Maripola Bldg., 109 Perea St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati GOTO, MASATAMI Country Manager

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

NG YOON SIN Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: Has Knowledge in Computer Applications

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

LUU LE LE Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2/f Star Cruises Ce Bldg., Andrews Drive, Newport City St., Barangay 183, Pasay City YOU, QINGHE Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

LIU, HAIXIA Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

LIN, CHUNMING Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

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

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

LEE KAH MENG Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

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

PHIL. YAMEEN TRADING INC. Unit No. U-8 Flr. No. 3/f Baclaran Bagong Milenyo Plaza Bldg., F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation.

LAN, YUJING Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices

GAO, JUN Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

WU, XIAOBO Chinese It Specialist

CHAO, TZU-MIN Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

Brief Job Description: Create reports from market research

HAMAI, DAISUKE Multilingual Business Processing Consultant

190.

TANG, JIANHUA Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

CHEN, CHENGLIN Multilingual Business Processing Consultant

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

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

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

OKKDA ASIA TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 5b 5/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 C. Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

192.

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

ZOU, JING Mandarin Marketing Specialist

FAN, XINGJIAN Mandarin Technical Support

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

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

No.

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NOONA BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES INC. 10th & 31st Floor Ore Central Tower, 9th Ave. Cor. 31st St., Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

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

ZHAO, MINGYU Chinese Customer Service

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

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

YANG, ZHIYUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

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

YANG, LIPENG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

WANG, ZHIDONG Chinese Customer Service 176.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TANG, ZHUANGZHUANG Chinese Customer Service

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns

FIGO SHEVIEKO Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer 207.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns

Basic Qualification: proficient in speaking, writing and reading in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, writing and reading in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, writing and reading in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Mar 14, 2022

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

A10 Tuesday, March 15, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Great way to create jobs, expand tax base

he economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a painful toll on micro, small and medium enterprises all over the world. Many governments adopted measures to help MSMEs survive the crisis, such as extending financial and other forms of support. For example, the Philippine government provided P5,000 one-off financial assistance for affected workers in businesses adopting flexible work arrangements or temporary closures under the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program. MSMEs drive the Philippine economy. They account for 99.5 percent of all enterprises and employ 63 percent of the labor force. An Asian Development Bank report said the ability of our MSMEs to access finance faces constraints even during non-crisis periods. The share of MSME loans in the total outstanding bank loans was 6 percent in 2019. Bank loans to MSMEs accounted for only 3.2 percent of the gross domestic product during the same period, the report said. This suggests that a very small number of MSMEs have access to bank credit. “A prolonged pandemic will make it more difficult for MSMEs to raise funds from formal financial institutions and to survive the crisis and its aftermath, which could contribute to more potential losses to the Philippine economy and risk the projected economic rebound,” the ADB report said. Majority of our MSMEs can’t get loans due to stringent lending measures, and they end up asking family and friends for additional financing to keep their businesses running, according to a study by cloud banking platform Mambu. The “Small Business, Big Growth” report said 77 percent of surveyed Filipino MSMEs “have been unable to secure sufficient, or any, funding on at least one or more occasion over the last five years.” Some 56 percent of the local entrepreneurs resorted to asking their friends and family for loans as a result; about 45 percent, meanwhile, dipped in their own pockets to start their businesses. (Read, “Most MSMEs turn to kin, friends for financing,” in the BusinessMirror, March 10, 2022). According to Mambu’s findings, 93 percent of the Filipino MSME respondents said they are open to changing financial institutions for a better lending experience. This scenario provides an opportunity for new entrants in the industry, which can challenge the existing banks and financial technology firms. “If lenders want to play a part in the success of Filipino MSMEs, they need to modernize the lending experience, and embrace new technologies to make lending processes simpler, more personalized, and accessible,” Mambu Commercial Director William Dale said. Nearly a third of the Philippine economy remained informal—a trend shared with several Southeast Asian nations—resulting in a narrow tax base that makes building back better after the pandemic a big challenge, according to an Asian Development Bank economist. “It is important for tax authorities to recognize that efforts to lower costs of compliance may entail lower tax revenue flows from each taxpayer; however, improved tax compliance means an expanded tax base— more and more taxpaying individuals and firms entering a tax system—thereby enhancing total tax revenues,” said Aekapol Chongvilaivan, ADB Southeast Asia Department Senior Economist for Public Finance. (Read, “PHL’s big informal sector poses fiscal challenge,” in the BusinessMirror, March 10, 2022). Although Alert Level 1 is now in full swing in Metro Manila and many provinces, majority of the MSMEs are still temporarily closed or are operating at decreased capacity, an indicator of the difficulties they are facing in getting back to their business operations, according to a recent survey conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on the impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in the Philippines. The UNDP said majority of the MSMEs need assistance to recover from their losses. Their most pressing needs are access to credit facilities, tax breaks, and deferred loan payments. As MSMEs comprise 99.5 percent of businesses in the Philippines and are employing 63 percent of the country’s workforce, they may hold the key to the country’s economic recovery. If we unlock their potential and help them grow, they can help generate jobs. Experts believe that the fastest way to create jobs and expand government’s tax base is to help MSMEs by providing the capital they need to expand their business. To do this, the government needs to step in by guaranteeing loans to bridge the gap between MSMEs that badly need funds and the banks willing to lend but also need security for the increased risk associated with lending to MSMEs.

Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

PHL is more than ready for the new normal Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

etro Manila and other regions in the Philippines have transitioned to Alert Level 1 in the past two weeks with flying colors. The further reopening of the economy proved to be uneventful, as daily Covid-19 cases continued to decline despite the more relaxed business environment that allowed more people to go to work.

The decline in daily infections below 1,000 seems to be holding up and supports the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority to place the entire nation under Alert Level 1. The nation is more than ready to settle for the “new normal.” This new phase means workers and consumers can do their chores without mobility restrictions, while remaining mindful of the health protocols that helped us through the pandemic. The fact that new cases are still being recorded each day, albeit fewer, is a reminder that the virus is still out there, and that we should do our part not to catch and transmit it to other people. Another form of restriction, however, is limiting our mobility. The excessive fuel prices are constraining motorists from visiting other

domestic destinations in the face of the Ukraine-Russia conflict that threatens the stability of Europe. The Philippines may be thousands of miles away from the war zone but the hostilities are affecting commodities market—we rely heavily on imported fuel, corn and wheat. Hopefully, Ukraine and Russia will arrive at a diplomatic solution to the conflict. A prolonged war will hurt the global economy, including our price-sensitive nation. The fighting has amplified the necessity to secure our energy supplies as well. We can’t allow external developments to continue disrupting our inflation and economic targets. We must find stabilizing factors, such as less reliance on imported fossil products. Now is the opportune time to accelerate our shift to electric ve-

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Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

Online Editor

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John Mangun

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

riving up East Service Road from Muntinlupa to Bicutan this past Saturday morning, I realized something. The amount of traffic was pretty much like pre-Covid. Things always get sloppy at Sucat interchange and again at Walter Mart. But there was something missing. Perhaps it is part of the pandemic lockdown aftermath but for being some 60 days before the election, it was different than in 2016. How many vehicles did I see? Maybe not hundreds, but certainly many dozens. Forest P. Gill, a silkscreen printer from Kansas City, is credited for developing the bumper sticker. Campaign bumper stickers were first used in the 1952 election between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson II. However, the first widespread use was to advertise nightclubs and circuses, so being used for politics makes perfect sense. Back in the good old days—preCovid, pre-war—of 2016, it seemed

like every other vehicle had either a Yellow Ribbon or some sort of a “Du30” sticker. This time I did not see one car, jeepney, or truck with a campaign decal. In fact, except for a few posters for local/Senate candidates and one long “LacsonSotto” plastered wall, you would not have known there was a national election. Even most newspapers are fairly well balanced in the amount of coverage of the elections with other news. That is except of course for the opinion columns and one certain online news, which are “All Politics All The Time.” The other “All Politics” is in SocMed where the election is going to be determined—or already has

hicles, which is also good for the environment. Relying on more trains and other mass transportation systems—like buses and other public utility vehicles—that run on electricity powered by renewableenergy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal will significantly reduce our dependence on imported crude. Many advanced economies have already started their own program of phasing out the traditional automobiles in favor of electric-fed vehicles. It is part of the “new normal” as we become more conscious of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Meanwhile, the shift to Alert Level 1, along with the robust financial performance of the corporate sector and solid economic indicators, points to a sustained and faster economic rebound in 2022. But the full reopening of all schools to in-person classes and the tourism sector remain the weakest link in the recovery process. I consider them the two final steps towards the new normal. Fortunately, airlines, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism-oriented establishments have started hiring workers again after the Philippines became the first Asian country to accept fully vaccinated foreign leisure travelers under the most relaxed entry protocols. The recent reopening of our borders is bearing fruit. The Depart-

been determined—according to some experts. Maybe the lack of “bumper stickers” is due to a change in campaign practices because of the Internet. My Son #4 offered another thought that in their “real lives,” maybe many people are more concerned with trying to get back to normal than the election games. However, you must admit that for live singing and dancing entertainment, there is no better or cheaper venue than a “Grand Rally.” I will assume that you are a normal person that recognizes when things seem out of focus or even weird. Notice this article from The Atlantic magazine. The Atlantic is one of the most prestigious US magazines, owned by Steve Jobs’s widow Laurene (net worth approximately $22 billion), which started before the US Civil War. The magazine is a critical read— as is the New York Times—for those who consider themselves to be elite and socially/politically “progressive.” The headline: “On Top of Everything Else, Nuclear War Would Be a Climate Problem.” What follows is a 1,200word treatise, with the conclusion that not only would dropping nukes be a big problem but that “we don’t tend to think of nuclear war as a climate problem.” It is a “climate prob-

ment of Tourism registered over 70,000 international arrivals since the Philippines reopened to 157 visa-free countries in February. Airlines are taking the cue. They have announced more flights this month in anticipation of rising demand from both international and domestic passengers. The Department of Tourism expects more international visitor arrivals in April when the country hosts the World Travel and Tourism Council summit. About 600 tourism and trade ministers and private sector executives are expected to participate in the summit on April 20 to 22. The influx of foreign tourists is a welcome development. They support the small entrepreneurs. Tourists are shoppers, consumers and potential investors who can help us recover faster from the impact of the pandemic. We always appreciate new investments, bright ideas and exciting innovations from other countries that can help us raise our competitive advantage. Despite the alarming developments overseas, we should remain focused on generating more investments and offering economic opportunities to strengthen our position as a nation in the new normal. To our visitors, it’s all systems go in the Philippine economy.

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

lem” not because of a nuclear winter but because rebuilding the world would require using fossil fuels since apparently you can’t make enough steel and concrete using only wind turbines. That assumes there would even be any wind or solar farms left. Then we come to another example of modern-day thinking. The political role model for the millennial generation and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said this, “We have financial sanctions and yet we finance Russia’s war by purchasing oil and gas from Russia. We have to get rid of the fossil fuels as soon as possible and end all imports of Russian energy supplies well before 2030.” That’s good to know. Putin can rely on the EU footing his war bill for another five years or so. It is a crazy geopolitical world right now and it is only going to get farther and farther from sanity. Today, March 15th, is the Ides of March and a turning point in one of the cycles. While you may agree with me that geopolitics is certifiably insane, wait until you see what happens next to money. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Cross-border doctrine is dead

Churchill and Zelenskyy: Great wartime heads of state

Atty. Irwin C. Nidea Jr.

Manny F. Dooc

Tax law for business

TELLTALES

ur country must compete with our neighbors in enticing foreign investors. So, economic zones were established in different parts of the country. The Philippine value-added tax system also followed the cross-border doctrine. Under this doctrine, no VAT shall be imposed to form part of the cost of goods destined for consumption inside the economic zones. A fiction was created where a sale to an enterprise that is in the economic zone is akin to a sale made to a foreign country—a zero percent VAT is imposed. This gave foreign investors the assurance that whatever is sold by a company that is in the customs territory to a company located inside the economic zone is free of VAT.

inston Churchill is considered as one of the greatest wartime presidents or prime ministers of any democratic state. He is spoken in the same vein as Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt of the United States who gloriously led their country during the most critical period of their history. In particular, Churchill had valiantly defended England against a mighty and powerful military foe, Nazi Germany, which had practically overran the allied forces in Europe.

But this bubble has finally been pierced. In the recently issued RMC 24-2022, the BIR categorically said that “the cross-border doctrine has been rendered ineffectual and inoperative for VAT purposes because CREATE expressly provided that only those goods and services that are directly and exclusively used in the registered project/activity of the Registered Business Enterprise (RBE) qualify as VAT zero percent local purchases; b) CREATE and its IRR stated certain parameters for the availment of VAT zero-rating on local purchases of registered export enterprises, regardless of location; and c) VAT zero-rate provisions now provide that the effectively zero-rated sales shall apply only to sales of goods and services rendered to persons or entities who have direct and indirect tax-exemption granted pursuant to special laws or international agreements to which the Philippines is a signatory. It appears that the BIR now puts emphasis on the phrase “directly and exclusively used” when it comes to VAT zero-rating. Whatever is purchased from a customs territory by an RBE cannot be merely attributable to its registered activity. It must be for direct and exclusive use, otherwise it is vatable. According to the BIR, “direct and exclusive use” refers to raw materials, supplies, equipment, goods, packaging materials, services, including provision of basic infrastructure, utilities, and maintenance, repair and overhaul of equipment, and other expenditures directly attributable to the registered project or activity without which the registered project or activity cannot be carried out. The implementation of this policy is going to be a nightmare for RBEs. According to the BIR, only the portion of the expense directly and exclusively used by a registered export enterprise for its registered project or activity shall qualify for VAT zero-rating on local purchases, excluding those used for administrative purposes. The registered export enterprise concerned should adopt a method to best allocate goods or services purchased, e.g., for utilities, use of separate water and power meters for its registered project or activity or any method that may determine the allocation such an area usage or ratio of utility expense between cost of sales and administrative expenses as reflected in prior year Audited Financial Statements. If the goods or services are used in both the registered project or activity and administration purposes and the proper allocation could not be determined the purchase of such goods and services shall be subject to 12 percent VAT. It must also be noted that services for administrative purposes, such as legal, accounting and such other similar services, are not considered expenses directly attributable to and exclusively used in the registered project or activity Since the cross-border doctrine has been scrapped, the concept of automatic VAT zero-rating of sale to companies inside the PEZA zone no longer exists. Thus, prior approval from the BIR is needed for a sale to be accorded VAT zero-rating. An endorsement of the concerned Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) must also be secured in addition to documentary requirements of the BIR.

Since the cross-border doctrine has been scrapped, the concept of automatic VAT zero-rating of sale to companies inside the PEZA zone no longer exists. Thus, prior approval from the BIR is needed for a sale to be accorded VAT zerorating. An endorsement of the concerned Investment Promotion Agency must also be secured in addition to documentary requirements of the BIR. The IPA must issue an annual VAT zero percent certification only to registered export enterprises which shall indicate a) registered export activity; b) tax incentives entitlement under agreed terms and conditions with the validity period; and c) the applicable goods and services and other expenditures directly attributable to the registered project or activity without which the registered project or activity cannot be carried out. All IPAs are also required to submit to the BIR the list of RBEs categorized as export enterprise for purposes of VAT zero-rating. This RMC has clarified many lingering questions by taxpayers. But this may also bring a paradigm shift in claims for VAT refund. Suppliers that are in the customs territory are entitled to file a claim for refund on the input VAT of the goods or services that were sold and considered as “directly and exclusively used” for the registered activities of the RBEs. It is apparent that their possible refundable claim is now limited as it will not include sale that are not for the “direct and exclusive use.” The next question, however, is, should the supplier now prove direct attribution? The Tax Code under Section 112 allows for allocation of input VAT when the supplier cannot determine if the input VAT that it is claiming for refund is attributable to zero-rated, vatable or exempt sale. Did CREATE abandon the allocation rule allowed under Section 112 of the Tax Code? Are suppliers now required to specifically identify the input VAT that was directly and exclusively used for zero-rated sale or can a general allocation of the input VAT for the purpose of a VAT refund still hold? Can RBEs also file a claim for refund for the VAT that were passed on to them, if they can prove that all these purchases were used for their export sales? There will be many more questions as we traverse the unknowns of CREATE. Cross-border doctrine is dead according to RMC 24-2022. But as far as I know the PEZA Law is not. Even CREATE acknowledged that PEZA Law is alive and that the cross-border doctrine that it spouses still thrives. The question is, will the PEZA Law just play dead? The author is a senior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices, a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at irwin.c.nideajr@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 330.

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 A11

Today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is highly regarded by leaders around the world as a great leader of a beleaguered country, which is relentlessly under siege by one of the most powerful nations on earth. His various speeches, including his addresses to the EU Parliament, US Congress and British Parliament, might not be as eloquent and passionate as Churchill, but he nonetheless offered his “blood, toils, sweat and tears” to defend Ukraine at all costs. He has not left the capital city, Kyiv, where the seat of government is located, and he refused the offer of the US government to evacuate him to safety. Instead, Zelenskyy boldly asserted, “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.” This is reminiscent of Churchill’s brave statement that he delivered at the House of Commons on June 4, 1940, which is now considered as one of the most powerful oratories of all time: “Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous states have fallen or may fall into the group of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.… We shall fight on the beaches, we shall

fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, would carry on the struggle, until in God’s good time, the new world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.” This is exactly what is happening in Ukraine. They fight in the streets, they fight in the trenches; and they fight on land, on the sea and in the air, despite their limited land, naval and aerial resources. Zelenskyy has been begging Nato and friendly countries to provide them aircraft, anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment and declare a “no-fly-zone” over its territory. Without military aid, Ukraine would be indefensible. Britain was lucky that the US Congress approved the Lend-Lease Act in March 1941, which had given President Franklin Delano Roosevelt almost an unlimited authority to provide directly ammunition, tanks, airplanes, warships, military trucks and food to Great Britain and allied

countries to support the war efforts against Germany and the other Axis powers. The US was able to do it without breaching the country’s policy of neutrality. The US shipped war materiel to Britain valued at $31.4 billion ($4,509 billion in today’s dollar). There is no question that the Lend-Lease Agreement had contributed greatly to the Allied victory during WWII. It enormously aided the Allied forces to defeat the German Wehrmacht and recapture Europe. Even the Soviet Union, speaking through Joseph Stalin during the Tehran Conference in 1943, had publicly acknowledged that “without the American machines the United Nations (Allied Powers) could never have won the war.” Now, the US and the Nato member countries have been reluctant to extend unlimited military support to Ukraine, like supplying jet fighters, concerned that such an act would lead to WWIII. Obviously, Zelenskyy is disheartened by the US and Nato’s stance, but his formidable enemy does not daunt his brave heart. History repeats itself but with different actors this time. Ukraine is the besieged country under attack by Russia. Ukraine has much less military capability and economic resources than Great Britain. However, no one can doubt the Ukrainians’ tenacity and resolve to defend their country even at the cost of their lives. Until Ukraine was invaded by Russia, no one had thought that Zelenskyy would rise up to the challenge of confronting Russia in the battlefield. As a former actor and comedian before he entered public service, many political adversaries and foreign observers regarded him as a joke. Pitted against a ruthless and autocratic leader in the person of Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy has been undaunted despite his country’s handicap. He has rallied his people to resist the invaders, much

The bully and the brave: Red prophecy Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

Last of two parts

ost of us may have associated the color red with love. However, with recent events, both local and overseas, red, as a color, has taken a different meaning. And the picture it paints can be discomforting if not unwelcoming.

The color red is prominent in Russian culture and history. For most Russians, red denotes something good, beautiful and honorable, hence the Red Square in Moscow, the Red Corner in every Orthodox household, Red Easter eggs, and Red in Russian folk costumes. One’s ingenious mind may reckon that our bullfighter, Matador Russia, has waved its red cape on February 24, 2022 when it invaded Ukraine. For most people, Red Russia has practically bullied the “bull” Ukraine for the past three weeks already. Along these storylines tread the other Matador of the East, China. Coincidentally, the color red is likewise popular in Chinese culture, wherein red signifies luck, joy, and fertility. Red is the traditional color worn by Chinese brides as it is believed to ward off evil. When doing business with the Chinese, people are advised to make use of a bit of red in their clothing. Even China’s flag is prominently colored red. Like its neighbor Russia, Matador China has been brandishing its red cape as it has bullied the Philippines, for quite sometime now, over the issue of maritime waters. So too, the socialist and communist alliances and organizations use red as their official color. Red was presumably selected to embody the blood of the workers who risked their lives in the struggle against capitalism. Similarly, the Soviet Union, then led by General Joseph Stalin, utilized what was called Red Army to fight off the Germans during the latter’s invasion of Russia in 1941. Incidentally, Presidentiable Bongbong Marcos wields the red color to

regain power, which his family lost in Malacañang in 1986. BBM’s preference to the color red can be seen as a partial echo of the red and blue theme employed by his father in the sixties. While it cannot readily be assumed that BBM is intentionally wagging the red banner to bully or intimidate, circumstances far and wide, however, offer impermeable proof that his red metaphor has conveyed discord among our countrymen. Harping on “unity” as a campaign slogan, the friction between BBM supporters and BBM critics still persists even long after his father’s dictatorship. This year’s national elections alone could be one of the most hotly contested in Philippine history given the fact that such a strong dissension to BBM’s candidacy has permeated the moral fabric of this nation. Succinctly put, the color red seems to have been genetically engineered to spell trouble, as in “red flag.” The unnecessary loss of innocent lives in Ukraine today, the mass killings during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and the thousands of deaths linked to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos regrettably denote blood whose color is red. Worth mentioning is the fact that the primary personalities involved (Putin’s Russia, Mao Zedong’s Communist China, and Marcos’s Philippines) are heavily associated with this vermillion color. With such a discouraging connotation, no amount of words could beguile us from the grief from a loss so overwhelming! As if this was not enough, a Biblical prophecy, perhaps unfolding in our present times, involves the color

red, signifying heavy losses. Revelations 6:3-4 of the Bible speaks in part of John’s vision: “When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.” One pastor interprets the rider on the red horse as the evil spirit that brings war and chaos in this world! As applied in our daily lives, the red rider assaults us in the form of strife and misunderstandings among each other. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has gotten some prophetic scholars into thinking whether Russia could be involved in a Biblical prophecy as demonstrated in Ezekiel 38 and 39, specifically in the prophecy against Gog. Certain evangelical scholars have issued reports that the name “Ros” in Ezekiel 38 refers to Russia while the name “Meschech” relates to Moscow, Russia’s capital, and “Tubal” sounding like another of its city Tobolsk. The phrase “coming from the far north” attacking the nation Israel is also interpreted to be Russia, being a country geographically located north of Israel. Otherwise stated, the nation of Israel may eventually be involved in a huge battle carried out by other nations including Russia. No wonder that Ukrainian Jews, including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, are at the forefront of this ongoing “pre-fight” contest to the Main Event! While the color red signifies war, strife, killing and assault—which Putin of Russia has already pioneered of late, red likewise denotes love and bravery, as exemplified by Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Foreboding as it may seem, believers of Jesus Christ know far too well that Biblical prophecies are never inaccurate. The color red, as in blood, was shed by our savior Jesus Christ on the Cross—a prophecy from the Old Testament that eventually came true! Such prophesies should remind us how our Heavenly Creator provides for “a way out” from these battles in our midst now and in the future, as the red prophecy will come into completion. During the time of Moses in Biblical history, the Israelites would raise up their banners in wartime. In

in the same way as Churchill had done while opposing the Germans’ assault. Both leaders had galvanized their people to resist fiercely a superior force. Ukrainians, many of whom are ethnic Russians and born Russian speakers, have united as one people under Zelenskyy’s leadership. Ablebodied men from ages 18 to 60 have stayed home to take up arms in defense of their motherland. Even women have taken the risk to provide support to the soldiers. Some have joined the defense units in their cities and provinces. Others volunteer to prepare food rations, camouflage materials, intelligence work and medical services. Zelenskyy’s appeal for support has brought back thousands of Ukrainians living abroad to their home country to join the fight against the invaders. His call to arms was answered by several thousands of foreign fighters from other countries. Zelenskyy’s courage and example to meet his enemies headon has definitely inspired freedomloving people to oppose tyranny and imperialism. Let me end this piece by quoting once more Churchill who during the endless air raids of London said: “Win or lose, sink or swim, better die than submit to tyranny…” Zelenskyy’s actions speak louder than words. After addressing the House of Commons in England, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer declared: “Everyone of us has been moved by the bravery, the resolve, and the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Invading troops march through his streets, shells rain down on his people, and assassins seek his life. No one would have blamed him for fleeing but instead, he has stayed in Kyiv to lead the Ukrainian people and to fight…” Churchill and Zelenskyy have shown the world that they would “rather die on their feet than live on their knees.”

the same way, the answer to overcoming our battles is to raise Jesus up! Our enemies scatter when we lift Him up, as promised in Psalm 68:1. When faced with wars and plagues and conflicts, we are instructed to “look up and lift your heads...” as provided in Luke 21: 28, trusting God for He is in control. Admittedly, all these unnecessary invasion of one country by another, the unjustified loss of innocent lives, the unending conflict over lands and maritime waters, and the palpable scars of a previous dictatorship could easily drown us in the flood of hopelessness. Yet we are taught to face all battles. With brave hearts fostering the red blood of Jesus, we claim victory in these battles with love, knowing that our God is our rear guard! He is always ready, willing and able to chase our bullies away and fight for us and with us no matter how many battles come our way. Prophecy or no prophecy, invasion or military operation, we will still choose the color red not for its troublesome connotation but for its resolute representation of the blood that was shed by a sinless Man for all of us. Faced with this “end of days” scenario, we should live to our fullest potential, serving others and pleasing God, instead of adopting a panicky attitude and live with a reckless YOLO attitude. Whatever will happen in Ukraine vs. Putin, disputes in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, or this 2022 elections pitting a scion of a previous dictator against incumbent senators and a vice president, those affected should remain calm yet prayerful invoking his presence in all things. After all, despite the looming prophecy, the same Book of Revelation tells the truth that we become victorious in the end. A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.

A12 Tuesday, March 15, 2022

DOF CAUTIONS LAWMAKERS VS SUSPENDING PETROL TAX

EPARTMENT of Finance (DOF) officials cautioned senators on Monday against pushing a proposal suspending imposition of the petrol excise tax to ease the impact on the public of soaring oil prices. The DOF warned the lawmakers it will not be good for the country’s growth and recovery, and will do more harm than good. At a Senate Committee on Energy hearing on mitigating the impact of the oil-price hikes lately driven further by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the DOF said it remained opposed to the proposal to pass legislation suspending or reducing the tax on petroleum products, as sought by many lawmakers and other sectors. Facing the panel chaired by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, DOF Undersecretary Valery Brion informed senators the government’s loss of huge revenue will hurt the recov-

ery effort and long-term growth of the country. She reported that in 2021, the government collected P143.9 billion in petroleum excise taxes. While the government frowns on suspending excise taxes, she stressed it is giving help to sectors most affected by petroleum prices like PUV drivers, farmers and fishermen. She noted that goverment has even doubled the subsidy to be given to them. For PUV drivers, the assistance will be doubled to P5-billion to be given in two tranches in March and April. Apart from this, fuel discounts for farmers and fishermen will be increased from P500M to P1.1billion, she said. The P3-billion excess collection in VAT on petroleum in January and February can be used to augment the funds for affected sectors. Butch Fernandez

TUCP files petition for ₧470 wage hike in NCR By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ITING soaring oil prices and the fact that no pay hikes were given in Metro Manila in the last three years, the country’s largest labor group is now demanding for a P470 increase in the minimum wage rate in the National Capital Region (NCR). Business leaders, however, said adjusting the existing minimum wage rates is “too soon” since the rising oil price brought about by the Ukraine and Russia conflict may only be temporary. On Monday, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) filed a P470 wage-hike petition before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) to provide for the dietary needs of workers. It noted inflation as well as government mandated contributions have reduced the “real” value of the P537 minimum wage in NCR to just P454.44 per minimum wage earner. TUCP President Raymond C. Mendoza said the prevailing daily minimum wage rate is insufficient to give a family a decent meal. “With the current minimum wage rate in Metro Manila, a measly P20.00 per meal can be allocated per member of the family, which is P41.17 lower compared to P61.17 meal/person estimated by the Ateneo Policy Center using the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Pinggang Pinoy model and March 2019 PSA (Philippine Statistic Authority) Media Service Marker Price of Selected Commodities,” Mendoza said in a statement. Mendoza said they will file similar wage petitions in other regions in the coming months.

Tempered increase

TUCP Vice President for Education and Information Eva B. Arcos said it will take a P470 daily additional pay to offset the effects of inflation and oil price hike on minimum wage earners. She explained this includes P338.40, which is half of the projected cost of the recommended food requirement under DOST Pinggang Pinoy Model; P47.75 for non-food items; P56.46 of increases in prices based on PSA Consumer Price Index as well as P27.39 from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to address the projected 5.1 percent inflation rate this year. Compared to their last P710-

DTI: Consumer complaints from online deals dip in ’21

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE number of consumer complaints received by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from online transactions last year declined to 12,000 from 16,000 in 2020, as Filipinos’ concerns were immediately resolved by online platforms. Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said they hope that the declining trend of consumer complaints resulting from online transactions continues this year. Castelo explained that the decline in complaints last year could be attributed to better operations by online platforms and improving consumer education. Castelo said online platforms were

not spared by the mobility restrictions imposed by governments due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which hampered their operations. “2020 was the height of the pandemic. And even online platforms that year could not deliver because they were also affected by the lockdown. They did not have the manpower or workforce, therefore, consumer complaints really rose in

2020,” she said in a virtual press briefing on Monday. “In 2021, [consumer complaints] declined since online platforms’ operations normalized,” she added. Castelo said Filipino consumers’ awareness and education on the use of e-commerce also improved since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Consumers have learned their lessons over time with the experience since the start of the pandemic until now. They are now better in using ecommerce and online shopping. Therefore, they experienced lesser problems, hence, fewer complaints,” she said. Castelo said they hope the declining trend continues this year, with DTI committing that they will “continue to provide consumer education” particularly on ecommerce. The DTI said it received 3,950 consumer complaints concerning online transactions from January to February of this year. DTI Assistant Secretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco said trust remains

an issue in improving Filipino consumers’ ecommerce-related transactions. The fear of fraud and lack of familiarity by Filipinos are the biggest barriers in maximizing digital commerce, according to her. Citing industry data, Pacheco noted that online users in the Philippines only spend $91 annually in terms of online consumer goods. Pacheco said the DTI is “working hard” to address these barriers that also include issues like bogus buying and selling, payment fraud, and online shopping literacy. “Ecommerce is built for us Filipinos because we have a lot of young people who are very agile and are the best customers of online transactions. We want to see this online spending become higher,” she said. “We must build consumer confidence in online transactions. If consumers trust online transactions then it will allow businesses to grow and then businesses that grow would contribute to the Philippine economy,” she added.

wage petition, which they filed in 2019, Arcos said their latest petition is more detailed and also more “tempered.” She said they deliberately cut by half their amount for food in consideration of the possible inflationary effect of their proposed wage hike. However, the labor leader said they might demand an additional increase once the economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

Temporary oil price spike

IN its 5-page petition, TUCP noted that a hike in minimum wage is overdue and also timely as prices of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene increased by as high as 41 percent, 24.51 percent, and 29.37 percent, respectively. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Sec. Jose “Joey” A. Concepcion, however, urged caution among RTWPBs in using fuel prices as a basis for a wage hike, since the government is already addressing the matter. He noted the proposal to temporarily remove excise tax from fuel products as well as provide subsidies to public utility vehicles (PUV) drives will greatly reduce the impact of the rising oil pump prices to workers. The chairman of the RFM Corporation, however, admitted that workers may need an additional pay hike amid the rising prices of basic goods. “I think the business organizations will have to discuss this. So, we have to compute what is the effective increase on the average worker,” Concepcion said in a television interview on Monday. “If we increase the wage, we could no longer change it back [to its previous rate]. So, I think, the government and the private sector must have more discussions here,” he added.

Ready to defend

TUCP Vice President for National and International Affairs Luis C. Corral said they are ready to defend their proposal before the RTWPBNCR. But, he noted, they are also willing to accept adjustments in their proposed wage petition such as making the increase per sector to minimize its impact on vulnerable establishments. Business groups earlier warned that many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) may be unable to afford the increase and eventually choose to shutdown their operations instead. See “TUCP,” A2

OFFICIALS from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) file a petition for a P470 increase in the daily minimum wage for the National Capital Region on Monday, March 14, 2022 at the NCR wage board in Malate, Manila. NONIE REYES

‘Exempt from taxes teachers’ poll allowances’ By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

HE Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines pressed the Commission on Elections and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to exhaust all measures to exempt from taxes the Board of Election Inspectors’ (BEIs) paltry honoraria and allowances. The group said the 20-percent tax imposition on teacher-poll workers’ compensation will result in smaller net pay for the 2022 national elections, compared to the 2019 mid-term polls. “Based on Comelec’s guidelines, BEI Chairpersons will get P7,000 in honorarium and P2,000 in travel allowance. Subjecting that to 20-percent tax will mean a net pay of a meager P7,200. This is P1,350 lower than their 2019 net compensation of P8,550 after 5-percent tax was deducted from the P6,000 honorarium,

P1,000 travel allowance, and P2,000 training allowance. The small increase in compensation of BEIs is being taken back with the huge and unreasonable 20 percent tax. Where is the justice there?” lamented ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio, speaking partly in Filipino. The group further denounced Comelec officials who pinned the blame for the 20-percent tax on ACT’s earlier appeal for the removal of the previous 5-percent tax imposition on BEI compensation. Comelec Finance Services Department memorandum to local election officers cited that ACT allegedly contended in its 2018 argument that teachers should be exempted from income tax, as their annual income is below P250,000. The group called this an outright lie, as evidenced by their 2018 appeals which argued only two things—that they are neither employees of Comelec nor

are they paid professional fees for election service, which meant their compensation cannot be subjected to income and/or withholding tax. “Such a nasty thing for Comelec to attempt to pin their excessive tax impositions on BEIs’ pay on us, the very organization that has been at the forefront of the fight to not only tax-exempt BEIs honoraria and allowances, but also to raise the remuneration of our teacher-poll workers. The least they can do is to be honest about their arbitrary decision to further raise tax deductions which they have not even bothered to discuss with affected poll workers,” Basilio said. The group cited also arbitrary impositions on training allowances, which were revealed after teacher-poll workers attending the 2-day BEI training received only P1,600 for travel allowance, instead of P2,000. However, reports vary in different areas.

They said that in Quezon City, teachers were only given P800 for the 2-day training and were told that such was different from the P1,000 travel allowance for final sealing and testing; and another P1,000 for election day as indicated in the Comelec guidelines. In Manila, teachers, similar to other regions, received P1,600 and were told that the amount was the P2,000-worth of travel allowance mentioned in the Comelec issuance. However, even if the practice in QC would be standardized to result in P3,000 total travel allowance, the total net compensation of BEIs for 2022 will still be lower than their net pay in 2019 by about P550. The travel allowance which is intended to cover actual transportation expenses incurred in the rendering of services from pre-elections, election day, up to post-elections will not suffice given the consistent and record-high increases in fuel prices, ACT worries.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

PSE index hits 6-month low as inflation worries mount By VG Cabuag

@villygc

hare prices plunged anew on Monday and fell to a six-month low, with the main index briefly touching the 6,700-point level, before paring its losses by the end of the trading day. T he benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index shed 295.24 points, or 4 percent, to close at 6,816.95 points. Share prices dropped a day before oil firms are set to implement another huge increase in pump prices, which has been spooking investors given its impact on inflation. The PSEi ’s performance on Monday was the weakest in six

months. The last time the main index hit this level was on September 1 last year when it closed at 6,785.94, according to PSE data. “Offshore concerns weighed on investors’ sentiment. Inflation worries remain elevated amid the projected fuel price hike to be implemented this Tuesday. Adding to this are the lingering uncertainties over the Russia-Ukraine war which pose upside risk to global

oil prices,” Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said. “Meanwhile, the lockdowns imposed in China amid a new wave of Covid-19 infections pose downside risk to the global economy.” During the recent meeting of the Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), officials said the Russia-Ukraine conflict would have an impact on inflation, which was projected to average 3.7 percent this year and 3.3 percent in 2023. “Doing sensitivity analysis, we arrived at the following forecasts: if average world price of oil is $95 per barrel, domestic inflation will be 4 percent; if $120 per barrel, it will be 4.4 percent; and if $140 per barrel, it will be 4.7 percent,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said, adding that direct trade links between the Philippines and Russia and Ukraine are “negligible.” Total value of trade on Monday

reached P8.91 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers at P1.52 billion. Losers edged gainers 190 to 34 and 34 shares were unchanged. All other sub-indices ended in the red led by the All Shares index that lost 126.87 points to 3,638.49, the Financials index fell 63.76 to 1,581.07, the Industrial index declined 353.48 to 9,243.65, the Holding Firms index shed 243.22 to 6,566.88 and the Mining and Oil index plunged 597.01 to 12,266.56. Ayala Corp. was the day’s most actively traded and it fell P41 or 5 percent to close at P759.50, its property development arm, Ayala Land Inc., shed P2.80 or 7 percent to P34.05, SM Prime Holdings Inc. lost P0.55 to P37.45. SM Investments Corp. was down P29 to P880, International Container Terminal Services Inc. declined P14 to P212, BDO Unibank Inc. retreated P2.90 to P124.10 and PLDT Inc. plunged P115 to P1,715.

ICTSI acquires new RTG cranes By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

nternational Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said on Monday it recently took delivery of eight new Mitsui hybrid rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes for the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT). According to a company statement, the new RTGs are “expected to improve operational efficiency in light of growing volumes.” “The latest acquisition expands MICT’s RTG fleet to 52 units – 40 of which are hybrids powered by a combination of lithium-ion battery

and smaller diesel engine,” the statement read. ICTSI started deploying hybrid RTGs in MICT in 2018 with the intent of reducing the terminal’s carbon footprint, boosting its bid to become “the most sustainable terminal in the Philippines.” The Razon-led company is beefing up its terminal in Manila, allotting P15 billion to build a new berth to accommodate larger ships, while increasing its capacity. The amount will be used to build Berth 8, which will add a total of 400 meters quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases. It will be able to serve new generation container ships

that carry up to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Berth 8 will be equipped with at least four quay cranes – two of which will be delivered in 2025 – which will be the largest in the terminal and in the country. Once completed, MICT will have a total berth length of 2,300 meters, increasing its berthing and total capacities by 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Aside from the construction of Berth 8, ICTSI has started the modernization of Berths 1 to 5 and their backup and yard areas. The project includes the installation of additional reefer racks by April to accom-

modate approximately 300 TEUs of reefer cargo. ICTSI is increasing its capital expenditures (capex) for 2022 to $330 million from $165 million last year to fund expansion projects for its ports in the Philippines, including Berth 8, as well as in other territories. The Razon-led port operator saw profits ballooning by 321 percent to $428.57 million in 2021 from $101.76 million the year prior. Its revenues rose by 24 percent to $1.87 billion from $1.51 billion on the back of a 10-percent increase in consolidated volume to 11.16 million TEUs from 10.19 million TEUs the previous year.

Wall Street’s China stock rout nears dot-com crash levels

nly a year ago Chinese stocks in the United States were enjoying an unprecedented boom. Now they’re mired in a 72-percent plunge that’s on the cusp of matching losses during the 2008 financial crisis -- and within spitting distance of the Nasdaq Composite Index’s 78 percent peak-to-trough slump during early 2000s dot-com bust. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. alone has lost about $522 billion of value, the biggest wipeout of shareholder wealth worldwide. The dramatic turnaround started last year after Xi Jinping cracked down on tech firms. Losses have accelerated amid concern Xi’s alliance with Russia’s Vladimir Putin will damage China’s global standing. The growing risk of Chinese firms delisting from the U.S. have also weighed on stocks. The rout has upended a raft of optimistic forecasts across Wall Street and raised questions about the viability of a market that has financed some of China’s most important companies. The losses in Russia are having a “huge psychological effect” on portfolio managers, says Jonathan Brooke, founder and principal of Brooke Capital Ltd. in Hong Kong. The following is a breakdown of the bull and bear cases for US-listed Chinese shares after their historic plunge.

Why to buy

Bulls point to China’s ambitious growth target and historically low valuations as reasons why the selloff

may be overdone. Earlier in March, Beijing announced a gross domestic product growth goal of about 5.5 percent for 2022, at the higher end of many economists’ estimates. The growth target suggests the credit cycle is on the upturn and the economy will likely start improving as early as the second quarter, Macquarie Group Ltd. economists Larry Hu and Xinyu Ji wrote after the target was set. A Bloomberg Economics index shows China’s credit impulse— which in October fell to the lowest in 10 years—has started to reverse. The measure tracks the growth in new financing as a share of gross domestic product. This will be a year of “leveraging up,” the Macquarie analysts wrote. Valuations are low. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China gauge trades at 17.4 times projected earnings, down from about 52 times last year. The measure is cheaper than the S&P 500 Index for the first time in almost eight years. “We stay overweight China on well-anchored growth expectations/ targets, easing policy, depressed valuations/sentiment, and low investor positioning,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists including Kinger Lau wrote in note dated Monday. The analysts lowered their valuation target on changes in the global macro environment and higher geopolitical risks.

Why to sell

Bad news keeps piling up. US officials say Russia has asked China

for military assistance for its war in Ukraine. Traders worry that Beijing’s potential overture toward Putin could bring global backlash against Chinese firms, even sanctions. The prospect of Chinese tech firms being forced to delist is adding to the sense of panic among investors. Last week, the SEC named its first batch of Chinese stocks as part of a crackdown on foreign firms that refuse to open their books to U.S. regulators. The newly identified firms could be subject to delisting from US exchanges if they fail to comply with auditing requirements for three consecutive years. “The concentration in tech in the bull market was so intense and funds have been so long growth tech stocks that you will find quarterend retail redemptions will weigh heavily on the market,” according to Brooke, who has over 30 years of experience in investment management and has followed Asian stock markets since 1990. China is also battling to maintain its Covid-Zero policy in the face of a growing omicron outbreak. Authorities locked down the city of Shenzhen on Sunday, after neighboring Hong Kong was overwhelmed by infections and one of the world’s highest death rates. Jilin province, adjoining North Korea and Russia, was sealed off. This is likely to further weaken domestic consumption. Data this week will likely show retail sales increased just 3 percent year-on-year

in the first two months, according to the median economist estimate.

What to watch next

US and Chinese regulators are believed to be having “earnest” discussions with an aim to resolve the auditing dispute, Wang Sheng, head of the investment banking division at China International Capital Corp., said in an opinion piece published by the Economic Daily on Sunday. Wang said the regulators should be able to strike a deal. The newspaper is affiliated with the State Council, China’s cabinet. Tencent Holdings Ltd. will report earnings next week after Alibaba posted the slowest revenue growth since it went public, underscoring how China’s crackdown on its technology sector is taking a financial toll on the e-commerce giant. Tencent—which was close to a $1 trillion market value last year— slumped almost 10 percent on Monday, the most since 2011. The company’s shares are now worth $407 billion. Tencent faces a record fine after China’s central bank discovered its WeChat Pay had violated moneylaundering rules, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter Alibaba plunged 11 percent. A gauge of Chinese stocks in Hong Kong sank the most since November 2008. “The era of windfall profits by China’s mobile internet industry is over,” said Sun Jianbo, president of China Vision Capital Management in Beijing. Bloomberg News

Figaro keen on expanding in other provinces

BusinessMirror file photo

igaro Coffee Group Inc., which operates a number of restaurants, pizza outlets and coffee shops, said its push to expand its branches outside of Metro Manila is getting “good feedback.” Michael T. Barret, the company’s COO, said the company is getting more inquiries from customers and potential franchisees in provinces, such as Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Tarlac, Bulacan and Iloilo, where the company also recently opened its second branch in Tagbak. “We’re really happy to have had positive feedback in Cebu. To speed up deliveries and reach our customers faster, we are still looking to further strengthen our presence in Cebu through expansion in areas surrounding Cebu City and its outskirts as well,” he said. The company already has three Angel’s Pizza outlets in Cebu, with the third one just opened early this year located along the busy V. Rama Street in Cebu City. “We believe that the brand has successfully established its regular clientele and delighted customers have been telling their friends and families about it so everyone is looking forward to trying the products in their local areas,” Barret said. “As restrictions are coming down and pandemic is easing, the company is seeing a healthy rebound in consumer spending especially in eating out. We look forward to meeting our

customers where they are and opening outlets in strategic locations close to them,” company chairman Justin Liu said. The company also has a strong tieup with Grabfood. It shares analytics and positioning in locations where Grab has a strong presence. Figaro said it increased its sales in delivery last year and it is still strengthening its positioning in the dine-in and take-out segment to capture the strong foot traffic due to the easing of restrictions. The company said majority of its Figaro Coffee and Tien Ma’s branches are now seeing stronger dine-in traffic while delivery is still going strong. “Many customers are accustomed to the convenience of delivery so this segment will never go away. We seek to bring a positive dine-in experience as well for all our brands, which will well complement delivery revenues. We are also in strategic discussions with select lessors and malls to potentially locate our brands,” Barret said. Figaro said it will open stores in Lipa, Batangas, Ortigas business district, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Taytay in Rizal, Bacolod and Quezon City. The company currently has a network of 111 stores, composed of 56 Figaro Coffee, 41 Angel’s Pizza, six Tien Ma’s restaurants, seven The Figaro Group Express outlets and one Café Portofino outlet. VG Cabuag

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

March 14, 2022

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

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

526,175 293,608,544 223,484,536 26,101,475 1,765,459 210,177,221 22,381,860 276,593.50 2,172,880 108,335,611 17,722,924.50 134,300 277,180 39,630 11,580 1,830 84,190 649,250 154,380

27,744,990 -34,576,976 2,631,600 -209,212 -52,637,007.50 -442,358 187,806 2,106,670 -32,078,136 1,161,431 91,500 27,300 10,460 649,250 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 7.87 7.88 8.28 8.34 7.85 7.88 20,511,000 165,260,106 ALSONS CONS 0.99 1.03 1.06 1.06 0.96 1 873,000 859,100 ABOITIZ POWER 34.4 34.6 34.9 35.3 33.95 34.6 2,747,900 94,579,705 BASIC ENERGY 0.425 0.435 0.455 0.455 0.415 0.425 9,390,000 4,051,200 FIRST GEN 25 25.2 26.2 26.9 25 25 1,286,300 33,701,490 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70 70.05 70.1 70.1 69.7 70 21,980 1,537,118 MERALCO 354.2 359 370 370 354.2 354.2 313,990 112,487,838 MANILA WATER 18.5 18.7 19.4 19.4 18.48 18.5 2,699,000 51,100,338 PETRON 3.42 3.43 3.6 3.6 3.42 3.43 4,330,000 15,158,520 PETROENERGY 4.6 4.7 5 5 4.6 4.6 60,000 281,400 PHX PETROLEUM 10.36 10.64 10.64 10.64 10.64 10.64 1,000 10,640 SYNERGY GRID 11.94 12 12.16 12.16 11.88 12 3,277,200 39,247,066 PILIPINAS SHELL 18.04 18.08 18.64 18.88 18.04 18.04 125,900 2,308,480 SPC POWER 14.02 14.08 14.28 14.3 14.02 14.02 111,200 1,567,168 SOLAR PH 1.68 1.69 1.85 1.85 1.66 1.69 86,805,000 150,523,900 VIVANT 14.02 16 14.02 14.02 14.02 14.02 300 4,206 AGRINURTURE 5.61 5.63 5.76 5.8 5.48 5.63 3,497,900 19,795,390 AXELUM 2.52 2.61 2.52 2.61 2.45 2.61 61,000 155,340 CENTURY FOOD 20.5 20.6 21.1 21.45 20.4 20.6 1,669,400 34,405,780 DEL MONTE 13.9 14 14.3 14.3 13.96 14 214,000 3,036,970 DNL INDUS 7.03 7.1 7.15 7.3 7.02 7.1 4,643,100 33,037,892 EMPERADOR 13.14 13.24 14.08 14.28 13 13.24 3,098,700 41,373,286 SMC FOODANDBEV 62.3 64.45 64.45 64.45 62.05 64.45 92,270 5,856,677.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.54 0.55 0.59 0.59 0.53 0.54 16,193,000 9,111,110 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.6 0.61 0.58 0.6 0.58 0.6 63,000 36,600 FRUITAS HLDG 1.12 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.12 1.14 5,396,000 6,163,560 GINEBRA 109 112 113.6 113.6 108 112 38,110 4,203,502 JOLLIBEE 218.4 219.6 230 231.8 216.8 218.4 1,138,890 251,868,040 KEEPERS HLDG 1.18 1.19 1.2 1.21 1.16 1.19 5,219,000 6,139,250 MACAY HLDG 5.65 6.6 5.65 5.65 5.65 5.65 2,000 11,300 MAXS GROUP 6 6.02 6.15 6.15 6 6 169,200 1,021,416 MG HLDG 0.141 0.149 0.141 0.141 0.141 0.141 110,000 15,510 MONDE NISSIN 14.14 14.4 14.68 14.68 13.9 14.4 6,256,300 89,264,022 SHAKEYS PIZZA 8.1 8.44 8.48 8.68 7.96 8.44 105,900 850,658 ROXAS AND CO 0.55 0.64 0.73 0.73 0.55 0.55 4,591,000 2,901,800 RFM CORP 4.26 4.43 4.41 4.41 4.2 4.2 20,000 85,900 ROXAS HLDG 1.36 1.39 1.38 1.39 1.38 1.39 260,000 361,100 SWIFT FOODS 0.101 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102 5,420,000 552,840 UNIV ROBINA 102.3 102.7 110 110 101.6 102.3 2,331,860 240,859,517 VITARICH 0.62 0.63 0.66 0.66 0.6 0.63 680,000 417,830 VICTORIAS 2.4 2.5 2.45 2.5 2.45 2.5 6,000 14,750 CONCRETE B 45.85 54.85 53 53 45.85 45.85 100,200 4,595,600 CEMEX HLDG 0.93 0.94 0.96 0.97 0.92 0.94 1,242,000 1,160,490 EAGLE CEMENT 13.36 13.38 13 13.46 13 13.36 2,018,700 27,170,074 EEI CORP 5.31 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.3 5.6 36,400 196,796 HOLCIM 5.3 5.5 5.4 5.6 5.27 5.3 450,500 2,448,681 MEGAWIDE 4.95 5 5.15 5.15 4.9 4.95 1,024,800 5,077,401 PHINMA 19.4 19.78 19.02 19.9 18.9 19.4 24,500 464,970 TKC METALS 0.85 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.85 0.85 21,000 18,050 VULCAN INDL 1.02 1.03 1.09 1.14 0.99 1.03 9,491,000 9,932,610 CROWN ASIA 1.77 1.84 1.83 1.87 1.83 1.87 87,000 160,320 EUROMED 1.2 1.27 1.25 1.29 1.2 1.2 58,000 70,570 MABUHAY VINYL 4.32 4.43 4.43 4.43 4.43 4.43 2,000 8,860 PRYCE CORP 5.5 5.55 5.6 5.66 5.48 5.5 379,800 2,092,065 CONCEPCION 19.74 20.9 20.3 20.5 20 20 17,600 352,870 GREENERGY 1.67 1.68 1.8 1.8 1.63 1.68 3,001,000 5,169,950 INTEGRATED MICR 8.3 8.47 8.5 8.5 8.3 8.47 700,200 5,921,157 IONICS 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.68 0.68 90,000 62,090 PANASONIC 6.09 6.1 6.06 6.1 6.06 6.1 15,200 92,416 SFA SEMICON 1.1 1.11 1.13 1.13 1.08 1.11 147,000 161,840 CIRTEK HLDG 3.13 3.14 3.36 3.4 3.1 3.14 2,883,000 9,293,760

1,535,453 1,000 26,314,455 8,200 -3,593,015 346,446.50 -11,750,356 7,309,770.00 -186,690 5,704,720 -920,678 18,282 -216,510 145,237 5,818,980 -17,209,827 -14,005,714 -306,237 -182,320 -866,175 -62,178,956 -127,590 31,100.00 28,326,972 227,375 12,600 36,587,943 12,250 -762,050 -18,970 -49,170 2,104,223 5,100 3,370 288,000 42,020 -84,100 -768,690

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

43.05 124 92 25.5 8.4 52 19 54.8 20.7 105.7 94 1.82 3.62 2.1 0.81 0.61 205.2 2,650 0.74

0.84 757 57.5 12.12 0.87 0.61 0.62 5 8.47 6.72 502 3.3 55 0.53 2.93 8.93 3.59 2.7 1.26 2.91 0.94 879 102.2 2.41 118 0.29 0.166

44 124.1 93.5 25.8 8.51 52.3 19.16 56.7 21.2 106.5 95 1.83 3.99 2.36 0.82 0.7 206 2,694 0.85

0.85 759.5 60 12.32 0.89 0.63 0.63 5.03 8.48 7.1 511 3.65 55.4 0.54 2.97 8.96 3.6 2.99 1.3 3.38 1 880 102.7 2.79 119.8 0.3 0.168

43.8 126.3 96.9 26 8.43 54 19.62 55.55 20.7 111 94.1 1.87 3.9 2.36 0.84 0.61 209 2,650 0.75

0.86 801 61 12.7 0.91 0.65 0.69 5.05 8.94 7.1 533 3.6 58.1 0.56 2.97 9.2 3.62 2.75 1.3 3.39 1 901 102.8 2.79 118 0.3 0.167

44 126.5 96.9 26 8.7 54 19.62 56.7 21 111.4 95 1.87 3.99 2.36 0.84 0.61 216 2,650 0.75

0.87 801 61 12.7 0.91 0.67 0.69 5.1 8.95 7.1 533 3.6 58.1 0.56 2.97 9.37 3.63 2.75 1.32 3.39 1 901 102.8 2.79 118 0.305 0.167

43.05 123.4 92 25.5 8.39 51.65 18.9 54.8 20.6 105.2 93.5 1.83 3.56 2.3 0.81 0.61 207 2,650 0.74

0.8 735 57 12.12 0.87 0.61 0.62 4.95 8.39 6.72 502 3.6 54.1 0.54 2.97 8.9 3.55 2.7 1.26 3.39 0.95 871 102 2.79 118 0.29 0.166

43.05 124.1 92 25.5 8.51 52 19 56.7 20.7 105.7 95 1.83 3.99 2.3 0.83 0.61 207 2,650 0.74

0.85 759.5 60 12.12 0.89 0.63 0.62 5 8.48 6.72 502 3.6 55 0.54 2.97 8.93 3.59 2.7 1.3 3.39 0.95 880 102.7 2.79 118 0.29 0.166

12,100 2,359,580 2,413,010 1,011,300 209,100 4,005,350 1,158,000 5,030 105,300 1,017,150 188,210 73,000 73,000 17,000 14,000 3,000 400 245 207,000

10,532,000 1,109,840 1,957,120 4,159,300 927,000 12,876,000 1,086,000 1,160,100 15,699,800 900 423,090 20,000 2,266,620 1,204,000 802,000 3,832,200 32,096,000 15,000 129,000 7,000 40,000 495,990 178,140 1,000 510,010 2,530,000 150,000

8,784,500 846,257,780 115,759,115.50 50,955,868 823,980 8,142,930 687,950 5,808,753 134,808,883 6,086 214,681,595 72,000 125,490,183.50 666,020 2,381,940 34,549,775 115,201,810 40,720 167,260 23,730 39,500 436,427,890 18,265,073 2,790 60,181,180 758,850 25,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.53 0.59 0.56 0.56 0.53 0.56 555,000 296,730 ANCHOR LAND 5.72 5.99 5.73 5.73 5.72 5.72 3,600 20,606 AYALA LAND 34.05 34.45 36.5 36.55 34.05 34.05 22,369,000 781,302,790 AYALA LAND LOG 4.23 4.24 4.5 4.5 4.22 4.24 1,660,000 7,117,420 ARANETA PROP 0.99 1 1.03 1.03 1 1 150,000 152,350 AREIT RT 44.35 45 47.7 48 44.35 44.35 2,633,200 120,209,335 A BROWN 0.83 0.88 0.94 0.94 0.84 0.88 968,000 850,250 CITYLAND DEVT 0.65 0.71 0.69 0.69 0.68 0.68 303,000 208,370 CROWN EQUITIES 0.091 0.094 0.094 0.098 0.091 0.094 11,630,000 1,092,650 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.79 2.8 2.84 2.86 2.76 2.79 533,000 1,485,010 CENTURY PROP 0.375 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.375 0.38 2,040,000 775,200 CITICORE RT 2.61 2.62 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.61 12,455,000 32,860,400 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.6 8.69 9.32 9.55 8.56 8.69 1,065,000 9,483,392 DDMP RT 1.62 1.63 1.71 1.73 1.6 1.62 9,530,000 15,683,300 DM WENCESLAO 6.5 6.6 6.56 6.89 6.36 6.88 42,400 277,350 EMPIRE EAST 0.243 0.246 0.245 0.26 0.245 0.246 610,000 152,390 EVER GOTESCO 0.265 0.27 0.26 0.28 0.255 0.27 3,510,000 932,350 FILINVEST RT 7.07 7.1 7.15 7.2 7.05 7.07 2,900,200 20,650,679 FILINVEST LAND 1.04 1.05 1.09 1.09 1.04 1.05 8,763,000 9,235,130 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.87 0.91 0.89 0.91 0.87 0.91 1,106,000 971,160 8990 HLDG 13.7 13.96 13.5 13.98 13.26 13.96 253,200 3,496,616 PHIL INFRADEV 0.95 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.95 0.95 27,202,000 26,384,410 CITY AND LAND 0.8 0.82 0.81 0.83 0.8 0.81 184,000 148,760 MEGAWORLD 2.99 3.01 3.07 3.09 2.98 3.01 23,977,000 72,248,700 MRC ALLIED 0.255 0.26 0.275 0.275 0.25 0.255 11,840,000 3,075,350 MREIT RT 18.82 18.84 19 19.1 18.78 18.82 2,777,900 52,468,024 PHIL ESTATES 0.4 0.41 0.405 0.41 0.4 0.4 3,620,000 1,454,000 PRIMEX CORP 2.34 2.35 2.2 2.37 2.16 2.34 2,601,000 5,954,530 RL COMM RT 7.15 7.22 7.3 7.62 7.15 7.15 11,994,400 87,256,479 ROBINSONS LAND 19 19.04 19.3 19.3 18.72 19 2,815,100 53,407,598 PHIL REALTY 0.225 0.23 0.235 0.235 0.235 0.235 40,000 9,400 ROCKWELL 1.35 1.49 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 66,000 89,100 SHANG PROP 2.51 2.6 2.55 2.55 2.5 2.5 401,000 1,003,470 STA LUCIA LAND 2.6 2.65 2.72 2.72 2.67 2.67 117,000 316,970 SM PRIME HLDG 37.45 37.5 37.5 37.9 36.9 37.45 17,021,300 635,530,075 SOC RESOURCES 0.58 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 16,000 9,920 VISTAMALLS 3.32 3.44 3.35 3.45 3.35 3.45 15,000 50,350 SUNTRUST HOME 0.93 0.94 0.98 0.98 0.94 0.94 70,000 67,400 VISTA LAND 2.8 2.82 2.91 2.94 2.8 2.8 3,159,000 8,926,110 SERVICES ABS CBN 12 12.34 12.48 12.48 11.9 12.36 79,300 961,080 GMA NETWORK 14.76 14.78 15.7 15.86 14.7 14.78 3,003,800 45,651,992 MANILA BULLETIN 0.4 0.41 0.415 0.415 0.405 0.41 60,000 24,500 MLA BRDCASTING 9.37 9.99 9.37 9.37 9.37 9.37 1,400 13,118 GLOBE TELECOM 2,350 2,370 2,516 2,518 2,350 2,350 84,970 203,628,900 PLDT 1,715 1,720 1,800 1,807 1,711 1,715 154,475 267,483,275 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 0.046 0.047 0.049 0.045 0.045 1,448,100,000 67,780,200 CONVERGE 22.65 22.7 24.35 24.5 22.6 22.65 6,595,900 152,774,635 DFNN INC 2.2 2.32 2.35 2.36 2.25 2.33 327,000 745,130 DITO CME HLDG 5.04 5.05 5.2 5.29 5 5.04 10,006,200 50,913,267 IMPERIAL 1.02 1.37 1.39 1.39 1.18 1.18 172,000 222,270 JACKSTONES 1.52 1.6 1.58 1.58 1.58 1.58 8,000 12,640 NOW CORP 1.11 1.13 1.21 1.21 1.1 1.13 1,425,000 1,661,290 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.305 0.31 0.33 0.33 0.3 0.305 13,660,000 4,276,200 2GO GROUP 7.29 7.49 7.4 7.5 7.29 7.29 22,400 163,525 ASIAN TERMINALS 13.6 14.1 14 14.1 14 14.1 1,700 23,810 CHELSEA 1.5 1.54 1.59 1.59 1.5 1.5 653,000 987,890 CEBU AIR 41.15 41.3 43.1 43.1 41 41.15 333,500 13,863,595 INTL CONTAINER 212 214.2 224.8 224.8 212 212 1,811,320 392,723,442 LBC EXPRESS 22.1 22.95 22.15 22.15 22.1 22.1 20,100 444,360 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.86 0.91 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 10,000 8,500 MACROASIA 5.1 5.11 5.2 5.26 5.05 5.1 1,220,500 6,248,270 METROALLIANCE A 0.96 1.02 1.02 1.02 0.95 1.02 23,000 22,700 HARBOR STAR 0.7 0.71 0.76 0.77 0.7 0.71 690,000 490,670 ACESITE HOTEL 1.37 1.44 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45 15,000 21,750 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.49 1.54 1.49 1.59 1.49 1.59 62,000 93,300 WATERFRONT 0.42 0.44 0.445 0.445 0.42 0.42 250,000 110,750 FAR EASTERN U 530 530.5 530.5 530.5 529 530 25,630 13,595,920 IPEOPLE 7 7.23 6.69 6.69 6.69 6.69 900 6,021 STI HLDG 0.335 0.34 0.335 0.34 0.335 0.34 210,000 70,500 BELLE CORP 1.26 1.29 1.3 1.3 1.26 1.26 950,000 1,211,540 BLOOMBERRY 6.64 6.68 6.77 6.81 6.25 6.68 15,159,200 98,891,513 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.71 1.76 1.71 1.77 1.71 1.77 5,000 8,610 LEISURE AND RES 1.26 1.28 1.3 1.31 1.25 1.26 838,000 1,064,260 MANILA JOCKEY 1.84 2.09 1.84 1.84 1.84 1.84 2,000 3,680 PH RESORTS GRP 0.92 0.96 1.03 1.04 0.92 0.96 6,606,000 6,380,790 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.42 0.425 0.44 0.44 0.415 0.42 14,740,000 6,252,100 PHILWEB 2.02 2.1 2.15 2.15 2.02 2.09 299,000 615,340 ALLDAY 0.435 0.44 0.475 0.475 0.43 0.44 21,180,000 9,368,550 BERJAYA 5.63 5.65 5.66 5.66 5.63 5.63 61,300 345,530 ALLHOME 8.41 8.44 8.52 8.7 8.41 8.41 894,200 7,549,180 METRO RETAIL 1.4 1.41 1.43 1.43 1.38 1.41 311,000 433,330 PUREGOLD 32 32.05 33 33.65 32.05 32.05 1,396,500 45,224,195 ROBINSONS RTL 55 56.6 57 57 55 56.6 455,560 25,598,921.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP 64.5 65 65 65 64.5 65 4,420 286,861 SSI GROUP 1.03 1.04 1.08 1.08 1.02 1.04 1,949,000 2,031,090 WILCON DEPOT 26.25 26.4 26.85 27 26.25 26.25 2,920,800 77,360,110 APC GROUP 0.224 0.255 0.243 0.255 0.222 0.255 1,470,000 350,000 EASYCALL 4.02 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 2,000 8,940 MEDILINES 0.88 0.89 0.91 0.92 0.88 0.88 2,043,000 1,815,860 PAXYS 1.98 2 1.98 1.98 1.98 1.98 3,000 5,940 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.55 0.51 0.54 8,184,000 4,354,740 MINING & OIL

ATOK 6.08 6.09 6 6.08 6 6.08 10,500 63,800 APEX MINING 1.6 1.61 1.69 1.69 1.58 1.6 13,927,000 22,647,360 ATLAS MINING 6.71 6.72 6.98 7 6.72 6.72 1,725,900 11,791,342 BENGUET A 5.98 6.1 6.08 6.1 5.99 6.1 130,200 785,150 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.255 0.265 0.27 0.27 0.265 0.265 840,000 226,550 DIZON MINES 4.52 5.84 4.51 5.84 4.51 5.84 7,000 33,290 FERRONICKEL 2.87 2.88 2.93 3 2.81 2.88 14,412,000 41,412,960 GEOGRACE 0.188 0.2 0.199 0.199 0.188 0.188 460,000 89,620 LEPANTO A 0.154 0.155 0.159 0.171 0.153 0.154 26,810,000 4,199,530 LEPANTO B 0.158 0.163 0.161 0.163 0.158 0.158 4,440,000 709,620 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.01 236,600,000 2,368,300 MANILA MINING B 0.0098 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 53,900,000 539,000 MARCVENTURES 1.69 1.7 1.81 1.89 1.66 1.69 7,307,000 12,961,350 NIHAO 1 1.01 1.01 1.03 0.99 1.01 289,000 290,020 NICKEL ASIA 7.97 7.98 8.03 8.3 7.82 7.97 12,818,000 102,709,298 ORNTL PENINSULA 1.06 1.09 1.13 1.2 1.04 1.09 2,175,000 2,390,930 PX MINING 5.33 5.35 5.8 5.85 5.3 5.33 5,768,400 32,139,960 SEMIRARA MINING 28.9 28.95 30.6 31 28.5 28.9 8,021,300 234,467,845 UNITED PARAGON 0.0066 0.0067 0.0069 0.0069 0.0067 0.0067 24,000,000 161,800 ACE ENEXOR 22.05 22.95 23.8 24.5 21.1 22.95 708,200 15,961,795 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 22,600,000 249,600 ORNTL PETROL B 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 20,000,000 240,000 PHILODRILL 0.0092 0.0094 0.0097 0.0099 0.0092 0.0092 34,000,000 323,900 PXP ENERGY 5.51 5.6 6.04 6.1 5.5 5.51 1,313,700 7,548,507 PREFFERED ALCO PREF D 515 520 520 520 520 520 10 5,200 AC PREF B2R 504 510 504 507 504 507 270 136,320 CEB PREF 41.5 43 43 43 41.5 43 30,000 1,272,750 CPG PREF A 102.1 103 102.1 103 102 103 8,750 900,655 DD PREF 100.3 100.6 100.4 100.4 100.4 100.4 1,000 100,400 EEI PREF B 106.5 109.5 110 110 109.5 109.5 430 47,250 FGEN PREF G 104 104.5 104 104 104 104 390 40,560 JFC PREF A 990 1,010 990 990 990 990 30 29,700 JFC PREF B 1,000 1,005 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 4,550 4,550,000 MWIDE PREF 2B 100 101.9 101 101 100.1 101 3,200 322,170 MWIDE PREF 4 100 100.3 100 100.3 100 100.3 2,340 234,030 PNX PREF 3B 102.5 103 103 103 103 103 200 20,600 PNX PREF 4 973 980 980 980 974 980 1,310 1,276,910 PCOR PREF 3A 1,050 1,069 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 810 874,800 PCOR PREF 3B 1,080 1,082 1,080 1,082 1,080 1,082 890 961,290 SMC PREF 2H 77 77.4 77 77.4 77 77.4 80 6,172 SMC PREF 2I 78 78.1 78.1 78.1 78 78.1 35,360 2,758,616 SMC PREF 2J 76.4 77.4 76.4 76.4 76.4 76.4 20,660 1,578,424 SMC PREF 2K 76 76.9 76 76 76 76 67,000 5,092,000 TECH PREF B2D 52.5 54.95 53.55 54.95 52.2 52.2 1,010 53,019.50 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 14.1 14.3 14.56 15 14.1 14.3 248,500 3,569,788 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.62 0.63 0.7 0.7 0.62 0.63 1,989,000 1,286,130

-1,096,950 -510,854,315 -18,490,621 -15,748,924 900 49,084 -10,558,249 -102,722,510 -18,056,257 27,500 -9,264,180.00 -15,065,900 -13,000 23,316,030 1,260,869 -482,770,735 361,090 22,436,965 114,390 -325,820 -1,565,802 -464,950 -12,250 -2,700 -4,822,292 -1,922,640 -121,596 26,400 33,535,560 -6,527,348 -1,146,280 2,435,474 -4,816,938 146,389,225 14,100 -6,781,410 -113,731,490 -87,695,985 -948,800 -65,397,250 108,710 -2,984,770 -60,500 131,200 -3,700 30,000 -3,232,270 -100,574,282 8,500 1,412,500 3,800 1,590 13,350 -6,500 -15,486,921 -6,680 182,450 975,950 -3,380,508 -14,473,975.00 -2,084,620.50 -133,351.00 8,041,150 -26,350 299,700 -271,250 1,119,868 8,728,360 3,440 -156,770 10,000 139,240 19,630,472.00 1,197,052 11,292,570 -87,245 18,400 88,906 253,700 581,310 -488,660

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART XURPAS

16.34 0.88 0.93 2.75 1.78 0.33

16.4 0.89 0.94 3.79 1.79 0.34

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

104

104.5

16.5 0.95 0.98 2.78 1.88 0.375

16.52 0.95 0.98 2.78 1.88 0.375

16.34 0.89 0.93 2.75 1.79 0.315

16.34 0.89 0.94 2.75 1.79 0.34

46,400 2,767,000 221,000 8,000 4,143,000 1,610,000

762,692 2,550,030 208,180 22,060 7,514,210 545,650

10,250 16,500 -526,530 3,500

110 110 104 104 80,110 8,450,779 1,451,575

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Haus Talk: Sales of Antipolo housing project to hit ₧500M

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

aus Talk Inc., a boutique developer of horizontal residential subdivisions, said it expects its new development in Antipolo in Rizal, which targets middle-income earners, to yield P500 million in sales. The company said its Celetis 1 and 2 project in Barangay Baguyo, Antipolo City is slated for completion by next year. “In every development, we also want to present to our buyers properties that we ourselves would be proud of. As a family-run business, we know how important it is for a family to have a place to call their

own, and we want to be the ones to help our fellow Filipinos build and achieve their dreams,” company president Maria Rachel D. Madlambayan said. Its new project, Celetis 1 and 2, which sits on more than one hectare property, offers a combined 100 residential units—40 units for Celetis 1 and 60 units for Celetis 2.

It said each unit will have about 70 square meters of lot area and 61 to 76 square meters of floor area. Average cost per unit is P4.7 million, targeting mid-market buyers, such as young families and overseas Filipino workers, the company said. The village is within walking distance from Assumption Antipolo, and is 3 kilometers from the Antipolo Cathedral and the town proper. The company said Celetis 1 had already broken ground, while Celetis 2 will follow soon. Haus Talk said it is also developing its 50 Jocson Residences in Varsity Hills in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. The project is a high-end, exclusive townhouse community with just eight high-end units. The company said it expects to generate around P325 million in revenues

from the sale of just seven of these high-end units. The company was established by the Madlambayan family of Pampanga, who continues to run the company until today. The company is known for selecting highpotential areas, mostly outside of Metro Manila. The company said it plans to increase its manpower, by as much as 80 percent by the third quarter of this year. “Office staff worked from home, and we invested in a staff house in order to streamline operations, which greatly improved the processing of accounts and communication across departments. Moreover, we were able to reduce our expenses with the decrease in work hours, an arrangement that allowed Haus Talk to avoid retrenchment,” Madlambayan said.

AirAsia to resume operations at Naia-4 By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

udget carrier AirAsia Philippines will resume its domestic operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 4, as it expects an “influx of guests flying for summer and the Holy Week.” Steve Dailisan, the airline’s spokesperson, said the group expects to see passenger volumes to “double” during the summer months and Holy Week. “Travel is set to rebound as seen with the increase of passengers traveling via air transport and the relaxation of travel protocols. As we expect this number to double in time for summer and Holy Week, we at AirAsia are keen on keeping our brand of high-quality guest service at an optimum,” he said. AirAsia Philippines will resume its domestic operations at Terminal

4 starting March 28, two years after the terminal was closed due to the pandemic. AirAsia Philippines will continue to operate its international flights out of Naia Terminal 3. “We are upgrading our check-in counters at T4 to provide our guests with a seamless travel experience. We also encourage our guests to familiarize themselves with the online check-in option via Super App to facilitate easy and fast check-in procedures,” Dailisan said. The volume of passengers traveling via air is projected to rise, as the Philippines tones down travel restrictions with the lowering of the Covid-19 alert levels. AirAsia Philippines recently doubled its flight frequency to popular summer destinations such as Caticlan (Boracay), Kalibo, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Panglao), and Puerto Princesa. Flights to other destinations like Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban and Cagayan De Oro were also increased.

Foxconn halts iPhone Shenzhen site due to Covid Lockdown

pple Inc. supplier Foxconn is halting operations at its Shenzhen sites, one of which produces iPhones, in response to a government-imposed lockdown on the tech hub city. The Taiwanese company, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., has its China headquarters in the area and a key manufacturing site in Guanlan. It is suspending operations at the two campuses and has reallocated production to other sites to reduce impact from the disruption, the company said in a statement. Foxconn didn’t specify the length of the suspension. The measures from the Chinese government call for nonessential businesses in Shenzhen to halt until March 20. While the shutdown may affect production of many of the devices Foxconn makes for Apple and other brands, demand for electronics typically troughs in the first quarter of every year after the holiday-season peak. Hon Hai, the primary assembler for iPhones, closed 1 percent lower on Monday in Taipei. China reported more than 3,300 Covid-19 infections on Saturday, as the country faces its worst outbreak since the early days of the pandemic

and officials step up lockdowns to stem the spread. Foxconn produces the majority of its iPhones at a plant in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, which has earned it the nickname of iPhone City. Its Guanlan site is smaller in scale. The company was among the first to confront disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak two years ago when it asked staff to keep away from its Shenzhen headquarters as a precautionary measure. China placed the 17.5 million residents of Shenzhen into lockdown for at least a week on Sunday, seeking to halt a growing Covid-19 outbreak. The lockdown, which came after virus cases doubled nationwide to nearly 3,400, will be accompanied by three rounds of citywide mass testing, according to a government notice. The move followed earlier restrictions placed on Shenzhen’s central business district. All bus and subway systems have been shut, and businesses, except those providing essential services, have been closed. Shenzhen is home to the headquarters of giants Huawei Technologies Co., SZ DJI Technology Co. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. as well as one of China’s busiest ports. Bloomberg News

mutual funds

March 14, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

227.76

6.17%

-4.31%

-2%

-2.29%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.4893

19%

-2.21%

1.09%

-10.51%

-8.04%

-4.72%

-2.54%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1554

7.31%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7482 -0.35%

-6.84% n.a.

-1.1%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6971 4.54%

-6.41% n.a.

-9.57%

9.65%

-1.86%

0.01%

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

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.1143

0.7608

11.65%

-4.02%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

89.51

-9.83%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

46.5584

5.53%

-10.89% n.a.

-1.32% -3.52% -2.87% -5.21%

-3.04%

-0.6%

-3.26% -2.34%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

488.97

5.98%

-3%

-0.94%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3564

22.18%

1.66%

2.15%

0.01%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.8519

8.86%

-1.97%

0.58%

-2.03%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9288

8.47%

-2.91% n.a.

-1.34%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8247

6.84%

-2.25%

0.14%

-2.74%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

801.97

6.16%

-2.38%

0.05%

-3.2%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7302

7.37%

-7.06%

-2.95%

-2.98%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6644

7.09%

-4.84%

-1.26%

-2.94%

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

0.9136

5.73%

-2.69%

-0.21% -3.27%

United Fund, Inc. -a

6.99%

-2.29%

0.93%

3.3807

-1.65%

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

1.1735

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

13.14% n.a. n.a.

0.93%

980.8 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

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

108.124

6.66%

-2.12%

0.51% -3.01%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) -20.96%

-0.3%

2.06%

-11.27%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.599

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.9995

-4.82%

8.66%

7.89%

-13.4%

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

1.6459

0.64%

-1.09%

-0.71%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2332

2.17%

-0.8%

-0.29%

-2.12%

5.87%

0.75%

1.43%

-0.97%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6648

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.208

-2.72%

9.94% n.a. n.a. -0.48%

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

1.9813

3.16%

1.47%

1.66%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6848

2.15%

0.66%

0.54%

-1.76% -2.13%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.524

2.07%

0.36%

0.49%

-1.91%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0905

-1.46%

3.23%

-0.51%

0.34%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5691 3.74%

-2.09%

-0.11%

-2.14%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-1.01%

0.33%

-1.96%

0.9355

10.11%

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

0.96

-0.51%

-0.68% n.a.

-3.01%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.9128

3.22%

-2.18% n.a.

-3.36%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.9018

3.48%

-2.52% n.a.

-3.44%

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

$0.03565

-5.41%

-0.09%

0.35%

-6.04%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.009

-10.42%

1.02%

2.03%

-5.44%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.2929 -5.07%

5.86%

5.74%

-10.6%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.1002 -5.62%

2.21%

2.46%

-8.21%

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

374.09

1.06%

2.61%

2.48%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8854

-1.04%

0.3%

0.03%

-0.06% 0.04%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2412

0.81%

2.63%

3.68%

-0.09%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.228

-0.54%

1.14%

1.32%

-1.04%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4194 0.02%

2.66%

1.8%

-0.27%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.3294

-2.43%

3.05%

1.43%

-1.51%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3136

0.11%

3.34%

2.73%

-0.42%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9332

-0.2%

3.13%

2.58%

-0.82%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0175

0.25%

3.75%

2.04%

-1.04%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.161

0.12%

3.57%

3.11%

-0.83%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7135

2.82%

2.44%

-0.99%

-0.38%

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

$485.45

0.84%

2.39%

2.24%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є216.12

-1.43%

0.14%

0.67%

-1.77%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1283

-4.13%

-0.85%

0.31%

-6.28%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.025 -3.1% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

0.08%

-3.85%

-2.93%

-1.77%

-5.68%

1.9%

1.61%

-5.98%

1.97%

1.49%

-1.79%

0.21%

-8.08%

$0.9647

-7.85%

$2.3558

-4.22%

$0.0611763

-1.95%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.938 -4.76%

0.01%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

-0.84%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) 131.53

1.28%

2.52%

2.55%

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

ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0601

1.05%

1.81% n.a. 0.23%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3195

1.51%

2.4%

2.51%

0.26% 0.3%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0618

0.67%

1.31% n.a.

0.11%

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

45.6006 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.2642

7.04% n.a. n.a. -8.58%

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

$0.902

-8.89% n.a. n.a.

-7.01%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

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

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror Editor: Dennis D. Estopace Tuesday, March 15, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

•

Despite high rates, BTr awards ₧9.137B of ₧15-B T-bills offer

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

ESPITE the uptick in rates, the Bureau of the Treasury partially awarded on Monday P9.137 billion out of the P15-billion Treasury Bills (T-bills) on offer. For the first time this month, the Treasury sold some government securities after four consecutive auction days ended up in drought. Monday’s auction was oversubscribed as the debt papers attracted P23.35 billion in total bids. National Treasurer Rosalia V.

De Leon told reporters following the auction that “rates continue to move up in tandem with surge in oil and commodities prices and as markets priced in liftoff in Fed rates.” Sought to clarify whether the Treasury made the partial award

Tips on condo investing

due to acceptable rates or because it already needed to borrow after resorting to a rejection spree for four straight auctions, the Treasurer said the “award [was] benchmarked against current market levels.” De Leon has since said investors’ submission of high bids in recent auctions prompted the Treasury to resort to full rejection. She said last week the government remained in a good position to meet its disbursements given that it recently raised a total of P457.8 billion during its two-week offer period of Retail Treasury Bonds. On Monday’s auction, the 91-day Tbills fetched an average rate of 1.305 percent, up by 40.6 basis points from the previous auction’s 0.899 percent. Meanwhile, the 182-day T-bills

condos must be taken NVESTMENT is a into consideration. One necessary and signifitype of expense will be cant step in order to the real estate property achieve financial freedom. A popular housing investGenesis Kelly S. Lontoc tax, which is paid on an annual basis. Condo ment option in the Philippersonal finance investors must be cogpines is the condominium nizant that that there or condo. According to the are discounts given for early payments. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a condoHopefully, the taxes collected will be used minium refers to individual ownership of for prudent development items. Another a unit in a multiunit structure or on land type of expense will be association dues owned in common. The number of condo that are used to maintain support serunits shows a sustained increase through vices of the condo. Expenses on utilities, the years. It is, therefore, worthwhile to entertainment and connectivity must be take stock of various things to consider also be budgeted. when one plans to invest in a condo. Just like any investment, there are Everything starts with the determinaadvantages and disadvantages of investtion of the goal. One has to have a clear ing in a condo. One advantage would be financial goal; and the role of the condo in terms of security. This comes in the in the achievement of the goal must be form of both regular security persondefined. For the condo, the goal of ownnel deployed in a condo and through the ership must be known. A goal related to support of the neighbors in the condo. condo investing can be for utility. With Another advantage will be in terms of this goal, the condo serves the purpose maintenance. Aesthetic surroundings of providing shelter and a home to an and repair of assets are common examples individual or family. A goal related to of maintenance support services in the condo investing can be for income gencondo. Amenities provide great spaces eration. With this goal, the condo serves for wellness, relaxation and socializaas an asset that can yield good returns tion activities. through rent. Condo investing can yield good fiLocation is very important to consider nancial returns. One return will be in in choosing a condo. Land is a finite rethe form of price appreciation. Positive source so every inch of prime location developments related to both the condo makes a difference. Knowledge of thrivand its immediate environment can ining economic sectors can give hints on crease its asset value. Another return what the attractive locations are. Knowlwill be in the form of rental income. edge about key infrastructure plans of Proximity to key places like schools the national government and local govand offices can assure that there will ernments in urban areas and the counbe strong demand for condos that are tryside can point to the right locations. strategically located in key areas. There Further research on environmental and are disadvantages to consider. Recurring social characteristics can help in assesscosts, more rules and lack of privacy are ing a particular location. some of the cons. The developer of the condo is an imWhile ownership of a condo can be portant consideration. The reputation, a symbol of financial progress, due dilitrack record, land bank and financial gence must be done in order to make the strength of a developer give an indication most out of condo investing. An informed about its credibility. The future plans esdecision can lead to desirable outcomes. pecially those that deal with innovation From a bigger perspective, successful real give an indication regarding the vision of estate decisions will further support a the developer. Integrated living spaces, growing Philippine economy. green living and townships are just some of the innovations that make the real estate market vibrant. The effectiveness Genesis Kelly “Gemmy” Lontoc is a registered financial of the property management company planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personalin maintaining the upkeep of the condo financial planning, attend the 94th RFP program this matters too. March 2022. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text at Budgeting for expenses related to 0917-6248110.

capped at 1.458 percent average rate, higher by 30.1 basis points from 1.157 percent in the last auction. As for the 364-day T-bills, the average rate rose by 16.6 basis points to reach 1.734 percent from 1.568 percent previously. For this month, the Treasury was hoping to borrow a total of P250 billion from the local debt market, slightly higher than the P200 billion programmed in February. The government is also set to borrow this year a total of P2.2 trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to come from domestic sources. As of end-January this year, the government’s outstanding debt has already hit a new record-high of P12.03 trillion as the country needed to borrow more to cover a wider budget deficit.

BIR asked to study taxation of US firms’ Filipino workers By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to study how to apply Philippine tax rates on income earned by Filipinos working for US clients, instead of having the US withholding tax rate applied to them. Following a hearing with the BIR, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said Filipinos working remotely for US clients, including Youtube influencers and Amazon virtual assistants, are taxed with the Federal Withholding Tax for Foreign Nationals. In most cases, a foreign national is subject to federal withholding tax on US-sourced income at a standard flat rate of 30 percent. A reduced rate, including exemption, may apply if there is a tax treaty between the foreign national’s country of residence and the US. The tax is generally withheld from the payment made to the foreign national. “That’s much higher than the Philippine Final Withholding Tax, which is a maximum of 20 percent,” Salceda said during the hearing last Monday. “That means, we could be saving these workers as much as a month’s worth of salaries—just like the Personal Income Tax cut under [the] Train [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law].” According to the lawmaker, he learned during poll campaign activities around Bicol that and 20-yearolds to 30-year-olds are engaged in freelance work with foreign clients. “One of them showed me an invoice for their services and, indeed, the US deducts a 30-percent withholding tax because their clients fear the IRS [Internal Revenue Service],” Salceda explained. Salceda then requested the BIR to study which tax rate would be best to apply, as he believes “that we are probably even able to apply a rate lower than 20 percent.”

“Perhaps the PIT rates, where deductions can apply,” he surmised. Salceda explained that “according to the US IRS, if a foreign national qualifies for an exemption because of a tax treaty benefit, little or no withholding will be taken from a payment. The foreign national must have a US tax identification number in order to claim the benefit.” The lawmaker expressed his desire for the BIR to study whether the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters or MCMAAT “will already be a sufficient tax treaty for this purpose.” “The Senate has not ratified this agreement yet but, if it does, I want to understand whether this would be enough to address the concern,” Salceda said.

Digital services

LIKEWISE, Salceda requested the BIR to create platforms in connection with ongoing efforts to tax foreign vendors of digital services. Salceda asked the BIR personnel present to relay his request to Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay for the BIR create a Medium Taxpayer Service for enterprises that are not large enough for the Large Taxpayer Services, but who do comprise a substantial amount of business taxes. “I also hope to have a Digital Taxpayer Service to complement our efforts to impose VAT and other taxes on digital service providers,” the lawmaker added. Salceda cited that the Singaporean tax authorities have a “vendor registration system for digital taxpayers, which also acts as a specialized tax service for them.” “The main appeal of digital services is that they are easier and faster. The tax collection on these services also has to be fast and easy,” the lawmaker added. “That is why a specialized tax service for them might be in order.”

Credit bureau backs applying ceiling for loan interest rates By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

HE Credit Information Corp. (CIC) announced its support for the implementation of a ceiling for interest rates and other fees for specific loans offered by lending companies (LCs), financing companies (FCs) and their online lending platforms (OLPs). The CIC said in a statement issued last Monday that the ceiling for interest rates and other fees will protect the welfare of borrowers from unsustainable interest rates arising from excessive hedging and risk-provisioning during the pandemic. CIC President and CEO Ben Joshua A.

Baltazar also said the ceiling for interest rates and fees is also expected to improve access to credit. “For now, the implementation of a ceiling on the interest rate and other fees for these small-value loans will assist borrowers in managing their payback schedule and maintain a healthy credit history during this critical period of economic recovery,” Baltazar said. “In the meantime, continuous improvements to the CIC database will provide lenders with better information for their credit ‘decisioning’ and risk management activities, which will lead to lowering the overall cost of credit.” Baltazar, who is also a lawyer, added that having a ceiling on interest rates and

fees, particularly for lending companies, financing companies and their OLPs will also help break the negative stigma surrounding credit. “One of our thrusts at the CIC is to educate the public on credit as an important financial tool,” Baltazar said. “Specifically, we aim to correct the stigma associated with credit that it is synonymous to financial hardship, mismanagement and vulnerability—which should not be the case.” The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) initially released prescribed caps on interest rates and other fees for specific loans offered by LCs, FCs and OLPs, through its Memorandum Circular 1133 (series of 2021).

Loans covered by the ceilings are those unsecured, general-purpose loans that do not exceed the amount of P10,000 and loan tenor of up to four months. Also, earlier this month, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Memorandum Circular 03 (series of 2022) implementing the ceiling on interest rates as prescribed by the central bank on LCs, FCs and OLPs. According to the 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey published by the BSP, out of the 33 percent of adults with outstanding loans, half applied for loans from informal sources such as informal lenders (54 percent) and family and friends (41 percent).

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Art

BusinessMirror

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kellan Lutz, 37; will.i.am, 47; Eva Longoria, 47; Bret Michaels, 59. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Bide your time, do the groundwork and leave no room for error. Put your energy to good use, and you’ll get the acknowledgment you desire. Hard work and dedication will pay off if you spend time perfecting what’s important and honing your skills to suit your needs. Work quietly behind the scenes to ensure everything falls into place. Your numbers are 8, 17, 21, 26, 32, 39, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Dig in and do what you can to make a difference. Your input and dedication will impress someone who can help you advance. Research thoroughly before you make a physical change or commit to something until you know what’s entailed. HHHHH

❶ ❶ SULYAP, Fil

Delacruz, 2020, mezzotint, etching, 30.5cmx22.4cm

❷ THE Ocean in

my Mind, Ambie Abaño, 2021, multicolor woodcut, 18cmx12.8cm

❸ ISADORA,

❷

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Say little and do a lot. Size up situations, and schedule your time to ensure you fulfill your obligations. Refuse to let emotional issues interfere with your responsibilities. Anger and upset will make you look bad and give someone else the upper hand. HH

❸

‘It should be about the process, not the result’

BenCab, 2020, etching, 22.5cmx30.3cm

‘W

E don’t actually enjoy the final print,” National Artist Awards nominee for Visual Arts Fil Delacruz said of the thrill in printmaking. “[Rather], the artist, the printmaker, enjoys the process—the tedious process. It’s a technique that requires patience and determination for the pursuit of artistic excellence.” “In painting, you get simultaneous gratification, wherein you can see the result as you go along. In printmaking, you cannot see the result until you go to the press and print it,” he added. “Sometimes it’s very rewarding. Sometimes it’s frustrating. And that makes me excited about the process. I love the challenge.” A former president of the Association of Pinoyprintmakers (AP), Delacruz was fielding questions from a handful of reporters, standing beside his artwork hung on the walls of Gallery C in Conrad Manila. The master printmaker forms part of the featured artists in the group exhibition, titled 20/30: A Limited Edition Print Exhibit, along with some of the noted members of the AP, in cooperation with The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The presentation serves as a fund-raising event for the celebration of CCP’s 50th anniversary, with the funds set to support efforts to promote printmaking in the country. The exhibition is also the curtainraiser of the hotel’s “Of Art and Wine Series” for 2022, as Conrad Manila celebrates its fifth anniversary. “We are delighted to celebrate both our successful fifth year of operations and market leadership through the continued patronage of our guests and resiliency of our team, together with the 50th anniversary of the CCP,” said Linda Pecoraro, Conrad Manila general manager. “We recognize the CCP’s continued passion and pursuit of Filipino artistry and

excellence together with the AP, as we hope to inspire others in our continued recovery as one nation.” 20/30 is an open-themed group show that had its initial run in September last year at the CCP Little Theater Lobby. But due to the surge of Covid-19 cases at the time, the exhibition welcomed little turnout. Gallery C curator and former CCP president Nestor Jardin then requested to the CCP that the exhibition be carried over to their space to support its cause. Delacruz credits Jardin for being a long-standing ally of Philippine printmaking. When Jardin was still CCP vice president and artistic director in the early 1990s, he gave the AP space in the Folk Arts Theater and facilitated donations of printmaking machines from the French government. 20/30 opened at Gallery C on January 24, but only had its formal reception recently when Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 1. The show runs until April 2. Delacruz presents in the exhibition a piece, titled Sulyap, featuring his recurring images of a diwata, which he considers his muse. “Before, I had a problem of what to do next in front of a plate. Now, all I have to do is to think about diwata. How will I present her today. How will I interact with her today.” In Sulyap, Delacruz has created a soft portrait of her—the face slightly tilted to the left, as streaks of flora shoot from her head. The artist used his specialty of the monochrome printmaking process called mezzotint, which falls under the family of Intaglio techniques. Of course, printmaking involves a wide range of processes. 20/30 presents a good look at some of them, from relief printing to serigraph printing, from woodcuts to drypoint prints, and more. The exhibition is divided into two folios. The first one offers editions of 20 prints by 15 artists, while the second presents editions of 30 prints by 25 artists. Delacruz’s artwork figures in Folio I, rightfully alongside some of the biggest names in Philippine printmaking. These include National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Alfredo Juan Aquilizan, Virgilio Aviado, Elmer Borlongan, Benjamin Torrado Cabrera, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, and Jess Flores. Part of the cluster as well are Ofelia Gelvezón-Téqui, Raul Isidro, Manuel Ocampo, the late Rod Paras Perez, Rodolfo Samonte, and Juvenal Sansó. Also featured in this folio is one of the final artworks by the late Neil Doloricon.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your heart into taking care of your duties. Refuse to let anyone lead you astray or take advantage of your time, skills and helpful nature. A family burden is best dealt with in private. Do what’s necessary to avoid a dispute. HHHH

Folio 2 features mid-career artists, who, in the words of CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris B. Millado, “in two to three years time will join the ranks of masters.” Showcased in this folio are Ambie Abaño, Leonard Aguinaldo, Mars Bugaoan, Kristen Cain, Salvador Ching, Joey Cobcobo, Janos Delacruz, Yas Doctor, Noell EL Farol, and Eugene Jarque. This group also features Villia Jefremovas, Lenore RS Lim, Angelo Magno, Hershey Malinis, Jonathan Olazo, Caroline Ongpin, Renan Ortiz, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Radel Paredes, Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, the late Rhoda Recto, Jun-Jun Sta. Ana, Suchin Teoh, Wesley Valenzuela, and Anton Villaruel. According to Millado, printmaking remains an “underrecognized” artform in these parts. However, he believes in the medium’s accessibility, in terms of its familiar techniques and subject matter, as well as its pricing and sizing. “If you’re looking at starting your own art collection, prints are a perfect entry level,” he said. “They’re more affordable, don’t need much wall space, and they’re easy to maintain and preserve.” n

WILLIAM HURT, STAR OF ‘BROADCAST NEWS,’ ‘BODY HEAT,’ DIES Continued from B5 gradually morphed into a character actor. He received his fourth Oscar nomination for his small but potent role in David Cronenberg’s 2005 thriller A History of Violence. Hurt continued to work constantly in the years leading up to his death: 10 episodes of Damages; a string of Marvel films, including Avengers: Endgame and Black Widow, as the military officer Thaddeus Ross; 14 episodes on Amazon’s Goliath. Often, Hurt suggested that his fabled run in the 1980s was the outlier to what defined him as an actor. “Success is isolating,” he told The Telegraph in 2004. “Certainly the Oscar was isolating. In some ways, it was antithetical to what I was aiming at. I didn’t want to be isolated. I didn’t want some big target on my chest saying: ‘He’s an Oscar-winner, he’s the one to be.’ I wanted to be an actor, so I was very confused about it. Sometimes I’m still confused about it.” n

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Focus on partnerships and working alongside others. Share mutual respect, and pool your resources to enrich whatever you pursue. Information you receive will change the way you help. Address financial, medical and contractual concerns practically. HHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t take on responsibilities that you can’t accomplish on your own. Relying on others will lead to disappointment. Know your limitations, and make promises based on your capabilities. Rethink your situation, and protect your assets and reputation. HHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consider suggestions, and turn good ideas into something that works for you. Putting a unique spin on whatever you do or say will give you the edge and help you persuade others to provide you with a chance to do something great. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep expenses to a minimum. Determine what you can do without, and sell what you no longer need. Focus on personal gain, fitness and achieving peace of mind. Put a plan in place that eases stress. Don’t spend to impress others. HHHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Tidy up issues that are holding you back. Putting off conversations instead of addressing likes and dislikes will hinder your chance to take advantage of the things you genuinely want to do. Clear up unfinished business, and embrace new beginnings. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Concentrate on what’s doable. Listen to what others have to offer, but don’t take a risk or trust someone offering the impossible. Emotional spending and joint ventures will disrupt your plans. Do your own thing. HHHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Home improvements that enhance your ability to earn more, live better and follow your dreams are within reach. Adjustments to how you use your cash, skills and experience will play a role in how much you achieve. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make an honest assessment of your life and relationships, and follow a path that suits your needs. Trusting someone to look out for your interests will put you in an awkward position. Set goals and follow through. HHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Slow down; don’t let temptation lead you astray. Be diligent and consider your options, the cost involved and the consequences if things don’t go as planned. Experiment first, and you’ll find a cheaper and wiser way to reach your objective. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are entertaining, flexible and impulsive. You are innovative and perceptive.

‘slide to the left, slight to the right’ BY PAUL COULTER The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 One thing after another? 5 Drugstore chain 8 Seize 12 Frozen drink brand 13 Acreage, e.g. 14 Establish 15 Dentist’s back tooth responsibility? 17 Certain religious Jamaican 18 Four quarters 19 Like an unmatched sock 20 Pronoun pair 22 Fall from grace 23 Spanish for “Hooray!” 24 “Ah, yes” 25 More serene along a shore? 31 Tummy muscles 32 Dorm VIPs 33 Word before “a wash” or “a wrap” 34 Name that anagrams to “adorn” 37 Ewe’s mate 38 Judi of “Belfast” 40 Ecological org. 41 Accelerate quickly

42 Aspiration 43 Brief come-on? 49 Ivy in Connecticut 50 Historic time 51 Approx. 53 On the line 56 Tomato problem 57 Speedometer abbr. 58 Mindless followers 59 Hollywood history and such? 62 Eye drops? 63 “Oh, su-u-ure” 64 Arguing 65 As recently as 66 “My country, ___ of thee...” 67 Kind of blocker DOWN 1 Cars that may have bars 2 Widely recognized 3 One-named Tejano music legend 4 Contents of some kitchen bags 5 Less refined 6 Chow examiner 7 Comes out with

8 9 10 11 13 14 16 21 26 27 28 29 30 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 44 45 46

Colonel Sanders’ beard Enters hastily Some chips, sometimes MLK’s was in Jan. Confuses Sassy It gathers dust while in motion Slugs Young fellow “Fantastic!” Thanksgiving root vegetable And more: Abbr. Volcanic output Whistle blower in sports Big name in nail polish Elite fighter at sea ___ room (game night site) Widen, like pupils It’ll never fly in Australia Smell awful Skillful Diner High five sounds Butterflies

47 48 52 53 54 55 60 61

Mute button’s device Liveliness Letter before iota On the matter of In that case Give off Kimono closer Chem class component

Solution to today’s puzzle:

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, March 15, 2022

William Hurt, star of ‘Broadcast News,’ ‘Body Heat,’ dies IANESSA S. VALDELLON, GMA first vice president for Public Affairs

LILYBETH G. RASONABLE, GMA senior vice president for Entertainment Group

OFF TO SOLID 2022 START, GMA CONTINUES PUSH FOR MORE TOP-NOTCH CONTENT

FOLLOWING the first slew of shows and election specials successfully unveiled during the first two months of the year—from Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune and I Can See You: AlterNate, to Widows’ Web and The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews—GMA keeps the ball rolling with more exciting shows in the pipeline. Amid the risk and limitations brought about by the pandemic, GMA continues to produce quality programs for its viewers. GMA Entertainment Group, which is led by Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA senior vice president for Entertainment Group, recently launched the riveting legal drama Artikulo 247, and now viewers are looking forward to the next installment of the network and Regal Entertainment’s hit Mano Po Legacy franchise featuring sought-after GMA stars Ken Chan, Bianca Umali, and Kelvin Miranda in Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss. This rom-com series tells the story of a coldhearted ChineseFilipino businessman and his street-smart secretary. The network promises to deliver more fun with the world’s favorite game show and best family bonding experience with the Filipino franchise of Family Feud, hosted by Dingdong Dantes. GMA is soon to bring an inspiring new addition to its afternoon block with the family drama Raising Mamay, about a teenager who takes care of her mother stricken with brain regression after an unfortunate shooting incident. It stars AiAi delas Alas and the new pairing of Shayne Sava and Abdul Raman. Another world-class drama awaits viewers with Bolera, which serves as the much-awaited TV comeback of Kylie Padilla with Rayver Cruz and Jak Roberto joining her. Cameras are also rolling for GMA Public Affairs’ primetime programs Love You Stranger and Lolong. Top-billed by real-life young couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, Love You Stranger is set to air this May. Meanwhile, the highlyanticipated action-adventure series Lolong, bannered by Ruru Madrid, is inspired by the world’s largest crocodile in captivity of the same name. Joining Ruru in the series are Arra San Agustin and Shaira Diaz. Also happening this March is the much-awaited return of live collegiate sports events, as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) kicks off its 97th season on March 20 with GMA Synergy’s sixepisode daily show Game On! that’s sure to prime viewers for the Season 97 Opening Ceremony and the start of Men’s Basketball Games on March 26. GMA also recently announced that it is producing a local adaptation of the hit Korean drama series Start-Up, starring Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo in her first soap as a GMA star. On the other hand, Xian Lim joins Glaiza de Castro in the primetime series False Positive, a romance-comedy about a neglected wife who is made to feel inferior by her husband’s utter disregard of her feelings and sense of value as an expectant mother. Preparing to volt in is the much-awaited live-action adaptation of the hit Japanese animé series Voltes V: Legacy, which will star Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, Raphael Landicho and Martin del Rosario. With more entertaining offerings already in various stages of production, the network is likewise keeping it good with new shows in its second free-to-air channel GTV: Sweet Sixteen, Heart of an Angel, and One Knife Only. GMA continues to surprise televiewers with its fresh slate of Asian dramas and movies, as well as exciting partnerships with various production companies that will hit the small screen this year: Now We Are Breaking Up, Yumi’s Cells, The Wolf, Man of Vengeance, Prophecy of Love, The Merciless Judge, and The Witch’s Diner. Meanwhile, GMA and Quantum Films will also bring the heartwarming drama What We Could Be, headlined by Miguel Tanfelix, Yasser Marta, and Ysabel Ortega. It tells the story of a hopeful young woman who dreams of rebuilding their family’s bakery. On the news and public affairs front, Ianessa S. Valdellon, GMA first vice president for Public Affairs, revealed that the network continues to deliver the most comprehensive election coverage across all platforms through “Eleksyon 2022,” undergirded by the advocacy campaign “Dapat Totoo,” which promotes the very core value that voters, political aspirants, and news organizations must embody, and the digital campaign “#eLeksyonSerye.” GMA News and Public Affairs is gearing up for Debate 2022: The GMA Presidential Face-Off. Hosted by Vicky Morales and Pia Arcangel with Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco as panelists, Debate 2022 aims to serve as the voters’ final compass in deciding who is deserving of their vote for the highest position in the land. On Election Day, May 9, as Filipinos choose the country’s next leaders, the network with the widest reach brings Eleksyon 2022: The GMA News and Public Affairs’ Election Coverage led by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino, and Jessica Soho. For the first months of 2022, the network posted a solid start with both GMA and its second free-to-air channel, GTV, reigning supreme. From Nielsen’s January and February official data, GMA and GTV tallied a combined average of 52.1 percent total day people audience share in Total Philippines. Notably, GMA and GTV’s dominance is more pronounced in the prime-time block (6 to 10:30 pm), with a combined average of 54.7 percent people audience share. More information is available at www.gmanetwork.com.

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

EW YORK—William Hurt, whose laconic charisma and self-assured subtlety as an actor made him one of the 1980s foremost leading men in movies such as Broadcast News, Body Heat and The Big Chill, has died. He was 71. Hurt’s son, Will, said in a statement that Hurt died on Sunday of natural causes. Hurt died peacefully, among family, his son said. The Hollywood Reporter said he died at his home in Portland, Oregon. Deadline first reported Hurt’s death. Hurt was previously diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to the bone in 2018. In a long-running career, Hurt was four times nominated for an Academy Award, winning for 1985’s Kiss of the Spider Woman. After his breakthrough in 1980’s Paddy Chayefsky-scripted Altered States as a psychopathologist studying schizophrenia and experimenting with sensory deprivation, Hurt quickly emerged as a mainstay of the 1980s. In Lawrence Kasdan’s 1981 steamy neo noir Body Heat, Hurt starred alongside Kathleen Turner as a lawyer coaxed into murder. In 1983’s The Big Chill, again with Kasdan, Hurt played the brooding Vietnam War veteran Nick Carlton, one of a group of college pals who gather for their friend’s funeral. Hurt, whose father worked for the State Department, was born in Washington D.C. and traveled widely as a child while attending boarding school in Massachusetts. His parents divorced when he was young. When Hurt was 10, his mother married Henry Luce III, son of the Time magazine founder. Hurt studied acting at Julliard and first emerged on the New York stage with the Circle Repertory Company. After The Big Chill, he returned to the stage to star on Broadway in David Rabe’s Hurlyburly, for which he was nominated for a Tony. Shortly after came Kiss of the Spider Woman, which won Hurt the best actor Oscar for his performance as a gay prisoner in a repressive South American dictatorship. “I am very proud to be an actor,” Hurt said, accepting the award. In 1986’s Children of a Lesser God, it was his costar, Marlee Matlin, who took the Oscar for her performance as a custodian at a school for the deaf. Hurt played a speech teacher. For Hurt and Matlin, their romance was off-screen, as well—but it wasn’t Hurt’s first experience with his private life finding notoriety. Hurt was first married to actor Mary Beth Hurt from 1971 to 1982. While he was married, he began a relationship with Sandra Jennings, whose pregnancy with their son precipitated Hurt’s divorce from Mary Beth Hurt. A high-profile court case ensued six years later in which Jennings claimed she had been Hurt’s common-law wife under South Carolina law and thus entitled to a share of his earnings. A New York court

ruled in Hurt’s favor, but the actor continued to have a strained relationship with fame. “Acting is a very intimate and private thing,” Hurt told the New York Times in 1983. “The art of acting requires as much solitude as the art of writing. Yeah, you bump up against other people, but you have to learn a craft, technique. It’s work. There’s this odd thing that my acting is assumed to be this clamor for attention to my person, as if I needed so much love or so much attention that I would give up my right to be a private person.” In her 2009 memoir, Matlin detailed physical and emotional abuse during their relationship. At the time of its publishing, Hurt issued an apology saying: “My own recollection is that we both apologized and both did a great deal to heal our lives.” In those years, Hurt also struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and attended rehabilitation clinics. He also developed a reputation for not always being an easy collaborator. The New Yorker called him “notoriously temperamental.” In 1989, Hurt married to Heidi Henderson, who he met at rehab. They had two children together. Hurt also had a daughter with French actress and filmmaker Sandrine Bonnaire, whom he met while making the straight-to-video 1992 Albert Camus adaptation The Plague.

Among Hurt’s greatest performances was James L. Brooks’s 1987 comedy Broadcast News, as a slick but lightweight anchorman who symbolized the emerging fusion of entertainment and journalism. Albert Brooks, Hurt’s Broadcast News costar, was among the many who responded to Hurt’s passing on Sunday. “So sad to hear this news,” wrote Brooks on Twitter. “Working with him on Broadcast News was amazing. He will be greatly missed.” After his torrid 1980s run, Hurt fell increasingly out of favor with filmmakers in the 1990s, and some reasoned that it was because of his reputation. Hurt, however, continued to defend his approach, telling the Los Angeles Times in 1994 that “I give more by solving the truth than by pandering to expectations and facile hopes.” “If a director tells me to make the audience think or feel a certain thing, I am instantaneously in revolt,” Hurt said. “I’m not there to make anyone else think or feel anything specific. I have agreed to something the whole piece says. Beyond that it is my only obligation to solve the truth of the piece. I don’t owe anybody anything—including the director.” Hurt, always a intelligent screen presence,

Continued on B4

The many jewels on Maja Salvador’s crown MAJA with Marilen and Rambo Nuñez

FOR more than a year now, Maja Salvador has been wearing different hats. She continues to excel as an actress. The drama series Niña, Niño which she topbills on the Cignal TV 5 channel, is on its sixth cycle of a locked-in shoot in the province of Quezon, and that just means it has been warmly received by viewers since it debuted in April 2021. “I am simply thankful that the series is about to celebrate its first year on air. We did not plan for it to go on this long but I guess the show has become a gift that keeps on giving. Our hearts are full with the consistent warm reception the show is getting,” she said. Salvador has also been honing her hosting skills for a few months now after she joined the long running daytime show Eat Bulaga on GMA. “I am the newest member of the Dabarkads, and it is my pleasure to be one. I am with industry legends and icons, plus I get to perform and host at the same time!” One year ago, she also established a new business venture—Crown Artist Management, an agency that handles the professional and digital media careers of celebrities that include John Lloyd Cruz, Miles Ocampo, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, filmmaker Gino Santos, dancer DJ Loonyo, photographer Andrei Suleik, fashion designer Patty Ang, singer-songwriter Guel Espina, and Salvador’s sister Jessie. Salvador co-owns this agency with her gorgeous

entrepreneur-fiancé Rambo Nuñez, her future mother-in-law Marilen, whom we have known and admired for many years as a friend and as an A-list businesswoman, and former network executive Mikki Gonzales. “We are celebrating our first year in the business and we are happy that our roster of talents and creative artists keeps on growing. We planted the seeds of this venture during the height of pandemic, unsure where it would bring us. At the time, I just wanted to help my fellow artists who were also in limbo like me, and I’m just thankful that work continues to come in for many of us. I am just happy to wear the hat of a manager for my artist-friends, of course with the guidance and help of the Nuñezes and Mikki,“ she shared. Salvador is aware that having your lover as your business partner can be tricky at times. “I am fortunate that I have Rambo in my life. We might not agree on everything especially in running the

agency but that’s the beauty of a partnership, we draw from each other’s strengths and we fill each other’s cup when it’s starting to run dry. I’d like to think that Rambo and I complement each other, both as lovers and as business partners.” The future looks bright for Salvador. This early, there’s a buzz that if the Philippine adaptation pushes through, she will play the role of Hong Cha-young, the feisty lawyer of the the original Korean hit series Vincenzo, originally played with fervor by Korean star Jeon Yeo-been. And maybe sooner than we think, Maja Salvador will get to officially add a new family name to her existing one. “You will be one of the firsts to know,” she promised, seemingly controlling a joy-filled laughter raring to burst. She added, “For now, I will focus on the many tasks at hand—to take care of the many jewels I have, like the celebrities that we manage, my loved ones, my career, and my dearest Rambo.”

B6 Tuesday, March 15, 2022

SSS extends office hours, beefs up digital platforms to accommodate more transactions

SM, partners launch bloodletting donation drive until March 18

O help address the depleting supply of blood needed by those with medical emergencies, SM Foundation and SM Supermalls reactivated its annual bloodletting donation drive campaign that will run until March 18, 2022 in select SM malls nationwide. In partnership with the Department of Health-Philippine Blood Center (DOH-PBC) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC), this social good effort provides venues for SM employees and mallgoers where they can help extend thousands

of lives by donating blood. In 2021, a total of 2,812 bags of blood were collected by SMFI which were utilized to save more than 8,436 lives. One blood bag donation can help save three lives as a whole blood donation can be separated into three components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Moreover, this activity is in support of the Republic Act No. 7719, the National Blood Services Act of 1994 which encourages and promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood.

“Due to unpredictable incidents, we know that the demand for blood supply is high as inventory fluctuates hourly. We bring this social good initiative to our employees and mallgoers so we can work together in giving a ray of light to those who need blood transfusion,” SMFI executive director for health and medical programs Connie Angeles said. Know the schedule of the bloodletting donation drive, visit https://bit. ly/3HM0BOS. Follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc

N an initial move to improve its frontline services, newly-installed Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino ordered today all SSS branch heads in Metro Manila to extend their operating hours effective immediately. Regino said SSS offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) would be opened from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and some offices on Saturdays to accommodate as many transactions as possible following the surge of transactions since the Alert Level 1 status was declared. “These measures are meant to give our members, employers, and pensioners more time to complete their transactions with us without much hassle and difficulty. It pains me to see our members camping outside SSS offices quite early in the morning just to beat the queues and finish their transactions,” he added. “I hope those long queues and camping out will soon be a thing of the past,” Regino said. “We owe it to our members, employers, and pensioners to give them a better service now that the pandemic restrictions are being lifted.” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III announced on Wednesday that President Duterte appointed Regino, then a SS Commissioner, to the position of SSS President and CEO. Dominguez said Duterte expected Regino to institute measures that would enhance the services of the agency and look for ways to increase the reserves of the pension fund. Aside from extending the office hours in SSS branches in NCR, Regino said he also directed the agency’s information technology department to beef up their digital platforms

so that members could have the option of conducting their transactions online and avoid queueing at SSS branches. “With the My.SSS and the SSS Mobile App in place, I encourage our members and stakeholders to conduct their transactions through these digital platforms. Since March 2020, we have managed to shift the majority of our over-the-counter transactions to the My.SSS and SSS Mobile App platforms. These have allowed thousands of members to conduct their transactions 24/7 from the comfort of their homes,” Regino added. Regino also said SSS branches in Metro Manila would augment their current workforce with additional personnel from the main office. This will also allow more counter personnel to address the high volume of transacting members going to the branches daily. Members who wish to get more updates are advised to subscribe to the agency’s official social media accounts through its Facebook page at “Philippine Social Security System– SSS,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” YouTube Channel at “mysssph” or join the community on Viber at “MYSSSPH Updates” or visit the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph/.

Toyota Philippines receives AEO certification

Internet test? Use the Ookla Speedtest

HE need for faster internet connection at home continues to grow even as the country slowly eases out of the pandemic. This makes it more important for consumers to ensure that their internet service providers (ISPs) are delivering as promised by using an unbiased third-party service, like Speedtest® by Ookla®. The Ookla Speedtest Awards™, which recently named PLDT Home the fastest ISP among key cities in the country, is the most respected online service of its kind. Popular among ordinary consumers and IT professionals alike, it is free and easy to use and has become an unbiased means to compare ISP speeds worldwide.

the ISPs advertised speeds. It is also advisable to do the test a number of times using different devices, and at different times of the day. Doing this allows the subscriber to see if there’s a difference in speeds between two devices or if one of them has a connectivity issue. Network-related activities such as routine service maintenance could also affectresults. However, if the download/ upload speed seems accurate when using a single device but drastically drags as soon as more devices are connected to the internet, then there’s a need to reduce the number of connected gadgets or bandwidth-hungry apps—or this could also be a perfect time to consider an ISP upgrade.

Fast and easy to use

PH internet speeding up

TO use Speedtest, just open your browser and visit www.speedtest. net. (there’s also an app version for download on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Google Chrome, and Apple TV). Click the “Go” button for the service to connect to a server. Within a few seconds, it will show the connection’s download speed, upload speed, and ping rate (which shows the “lag” or reaction time of the connection). You can then immediately compare the result with

AS average broadband speeds in the Philippines have seen continuous impressive growth in the last few years, PLDT has played a vital role in setting the standards for the country’s internet speeds for the Filipino home. Ookla figures from June 2020 to June 2021, show that fixed broadband download speeds increased from 23.74 Mbps to 66.55 Mbps. The same improvement is evident for Upload speeds, from 23.46 Mbps to 66.86 Mbps.

PLDT Home currently holds the record of being the fastest broadband network in the Philippines for the 4th consecutive year based on the OoklaSpeedtest Awards Q3-Q4 2021. In the recent Ookla report, PLDT showed top download speeds of 203.97 Mbps and top upload speeds of 217.07 Mbps–or a Speed Score of 77.24. This is a big jump from the telco’s previous Speed Score of 27.28 in the second half of the previous year. “We have been continuously expanding our network and upgrading our broadband speeds so that Filipinos can have better digital experiences to earn, work, and study from their homes. Because fast internet has become an essential that families depend on to progress and live better,” says Butch G. Jimenez, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Business. PLDT Home’s accelerated speeds has helped make life easier for many Filipinos, especially during the pandemic, when the internet has become their primary means to connect with families, do remote schooling, work from home, and explore new incomeearning opportunities online. Learn about PLDT Home Fiber broadband, visit www.pldthome

OYOTA Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP), the country’s automotive market leader, recently received a Level 1 accreditation under the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Authorized Economic Operation (AEO) Program. The BOC AEO accreditation process involves rigorous assessment and validation in accordance with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework). TMP is the first company in the Philippines to become an

accredited AEO. The accreditation provides TMP the AEO Program benefits cited under Customs Memorandum Order No. 09-2020 that include exemption from the annual renewal of customs accreditation as well as selfassessment of duty and tax liabilities. The BOC will be accepting TMP’s goods declaration based on self-assessment subject to consistency with TMP’s trade documents. A help desk shall also be dedicated to assist TMP, as well as succeeding AEO members, on customs-related concerns.

AT AWARDING RITES, FROM LEFT: TMP vice president for manufacturing Michael Angelo Antonio, DOF undersecretary Antonette Tionko, DOF secretary Carlos Dominguez, TMP vice president for Import-Export and Parts Management Imelda Cruz-Sincioco, and BOC commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero during the BOC 120th Anniversary Celebration.

Converge introduces Microsoft Azure Peering Service to boost success of businesses

AVING a reliable internet connection is imperative for businesses to work efficiently and productively. As the leading pure fiber data network and internet service provider in the country, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. aims to aid corporations and enterprises in its continuous growth by launching its new add-on service offering - Microsoft Azure Peering Service or MAPS. Microsoft and its products have become a household name across various industries. However, if an organization doesn’t have a dedicated path to the MS server, they might experience more latency and have a higher chance of being disconnected. With Converge’s MAPS, clients can experience improved connection with Microsoft Azure Public Cloud and Microsoft Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, such as Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, and Dynamic 365. A first in the Philippines, MAPS offers a plethora of advantages for business owners. Converge delivers the shortest and most direct internet path to Microsoft Public Cloud Service, which results in faster connectivity and better application performance. MAPS subscribers can also enjoy

enhanced business continuity and optimized traffic routing without worrying about downtimes. With the redundant interconnection between Converge and Microsoft’s network, users can experience high network resilience. End-users no longer have to worry about staying online while using Microsoft apps. Subscribers can monitor their network routes and end-to-end traffic using internet telemetry via the Azure Portal. The same portal will also enable customers to identify security risks and receive alerts on internet abnormalities, hijacks, and leaks. With the introduction of MAPS, Converge aims to provide consistent and reliable user connections to businesses, which can lead to higher productivity and business continuity. “As Converge continues to grow, we also want to help other businesses grow by providing them services that would enhance their work towards success. We will continue to work tirelessly to maximize the power of pure fiber technology and come up with new products and services to help the Filipinos,” said Converge COO Jesus Romero. To learn more about MAPS, visit https:// cnvrge.co/MAPS-Converge.

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

The World

US official says Russia seeking military equipment from China

ASHINGTON—A US official said Russia asked China for military equipment to use in its invasion of Ukraine, a request that heightened tensions about the ongoing war ahead of a Monday meeting in Rome between top aides for the US and Chinese governments. In advance of the talks, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan bluntly warned China to avoid helping Russia evade punishment from global sanctions that have hammered the Russian economy. “We will not allow that to go forward,” he said. The prospect of China offering Russia financial help is one of several concerns for President Joe Biden. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said that in recent days, Russia had requested support from China, including military equipment, to press forward in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The official did not provide details on the scope of the request. The Financial Times and The Washington Post first reported the request. The Biden administration is also accusing China of spreading Russian disinformation that could be a pretext for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces to attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put China in a delicate spot with two of its biggest trading partners: the US and European Union. China needs access to those markets, yet it also has shown support for Moscow, joining with Russia in declaring a friendship with “no limits.” In his talks with senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi, Sullivan will indeed be looking for limits in what Beijing will do for Moscow. “I’m not going to sit here publicly and brandish threats,” he told CNN in a round of Sunday news show interviews. “But what I will tell you is we are communicating directly and privately to Beijing that there absolutely will be consequences” if China helps Russia “backfill” its losses from the sanctions. “We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country anywhere in the world,” he said. In brief comments on the talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not mention Ukraine, saying that the “key issue of this meeting is to implement the important consensus reached by the Chinese and US heads of state in their virtual summit in November last year.” “They will exchange views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of common concern,” Zhao said in comments posted on the ministry’s website late Sunday. The White House said the talks will focus on the direct impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on regional and global security. Biden administration officials say Beijing is spreading false Russian claims that Ukraine was running chemical and biological weapons labs with US support. They say China is effectively providing cover if Russia moves ahead with a biological or chemical weapons attack on Ukrainians. When Russia starts accusing other countries of preparing to launch biological or chemical attacks, Sullivan told NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “it’s a good tell that they may be on the cusp of doing it themselves.” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, on ABC’s “This Week,” said “we haven’t seen anything that indicates some sort of imminent chemical or biological attack right now, but we’re watching this very, very closely.” The striking US accusations about Russian disinformation and Chinese complicity came after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged with no evidence that the US was financing Ukrainian chemical and biological weapons labs. The Russian claim was echoed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, who claimed there were 26 bio-labs and related facilities in “which the US Department of Defense has absolute control.” The United Nations has said it has received no information backing up such accusations. White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the claims “preposterous.” There is growing concern inside the White House that China is aligning itself with Russia on the Ukraine war in hopes it will advance Beijing’s “vision of the world order” in the long term, according to a person familiar with administration thinking. The person was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Sullivan told “Face the Nation” on CBS that the Russian rhetoric on chemical and biological warfare is “an indicator that, in fact, the Russians are getting ready to do it and try and pin the blame elsewhere and nobody should fall for that.” The international community has assessed that Russia used chemical weapons in attempts to assassinate Putin detractors such as Alexei Navalny and former spy Sergei Skripal. Russia also supports the Assad government in Syria, which has used chemical weapons against its people in a decade-long civil war. China has been one of few countries to avoid criticizing the Russians for its invasion of Ukraine. China’s leader Xi Jinping hosted Putin for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, just three weeks before Russia invaded on Feb. 24. During Putin’s visit, the two leaders issued a 5,000-word statement declaring limitless friendship. The Chinese abstained on UN votes censuring Russia and has criticized economic sanctions against Moscow. It has expressed its support for peace talks and offered its services as a mediator, despite questions about its neutrality and scant experience mediating international conflict. But questions remain over how far Beijing will go to alienate the West and put its own economy at risk. Sullivan said China and all countries are on notice that they cannot “basically bail Russia out...give Russia a workaround to the sanctions,” with impunity. Chinese officials have said Washington shouldn’t be able to complain about Russia’s actions because the US invaded Iraq under false pretenses. The US claimed to have evidence Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction though none was ever found. On CNN, Sullivan said the administration believes China knew that Putin “was planning something” before the invasion of Ukraine. But he said the Chinese government “may not have understood the full extent of it because it’s very possible that Putin lied to them the same way that he lied to Europeans and others.” Sullivan and Yang last met for face-to-face talks in Switzerland, where Sullivan raised the Biden administration’s concerns about China’s military provocations against Taiwan, human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and efforts to squelch prodemocracy advocates in Hong Kong. That meeting set the stage for a three-hour long virtual meeting in November between Biden and Xi. Sullivan is also to meet Luigi Mattiolo, diplomatic adviser to Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, while in Rome. AP

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Russian airstrike escalates assault in western Ukraine

VIV, Ukraine—Russian missiles pounded a military base in western Ukraine on Sunday, killing 35 people in an attack on a facility that served as a crucial hub for cooperation between Ukraine and the Nato countries supporting its defense. The barrage marked an escalation of Moscow’s offensive and moved the fighting perilously close to the Polish border.

A view of destroyed apartments damaged by shelling, in Kharkiv, Ukraine on Sunday, March 13, 2022. AP/Andrew Marienko

The attack so near a Nato member-country raised the possibility that the alliance could be drawn into the fight, and was heavy with symbolism in a conflict that has revived old Cold War rivalries and threatened to rewrite the current global security order. More than 30 Russian cruise missiles targeted the sprawling facility at Yavoriv, which has long been used to train Ukrainian soldiers, often with instructors from the United States and other countries in the Western alliance. Poland is also a transit route for Western military aid to Ukraine, and the strikes followed Moscow’s threats to target those shipments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “black day,” and again urged Nato leaders to establish a no-fly zone over the country, a plea that the West has said could escalate the war to a nuclear confrontation. “If you do not close our sky, it is only a matter of time before Russian missiles fall on your territory. Nato territory. On the homes of citizens of Nato countries,” Zelenskyy said. In addition to the fatalities, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said that 134 people were wounded in the attack. Ina Padi, a 40-year-old Ukrainian who crossed the border with her family, was taking shelter at a fire station in Wielkie Oczy, Poland, when she was awakened by blasts Sunday morning that made the glass in the windows shake. “I understood in that moment, even if we are free of it, (the war) is still coming after us,” she said. Since their invasion more than two weeks ago, Russian forces have struggled in their advance across Ukraine, in the face of stiffer than expected resistance, bolstered by Western weapons support. Instead, Russian forces have besieged several cities and pummeled them with strikes, hitting two-dozen medical facilities and leading to a series of humanitarian crises. The UN has recorded at least 596 civilian deaths, though it

Ukraine drop its ambitions to join the alliance. Russian fighters also fired at the airport in the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which is less than 150 kilometers (94 miles) north of Romania and 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Hungary, two other Nato allies. Nato said Sunday that it currently does not have any personnel in Ukraine, though the United States has increased the number of US troops deployed to Poland. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the West would respond if Russia’s strikes travel outside Ukraine and hit any Nato members, even accidentally. The city of Lviv, in western Ukraine itself, so far has been spared the scale of destruction happening to its east and south. Its population of 721,000 has swelled during the war, with residents escaping bombarded cities and as a waystation for the nearly 2.6 million people who have fled the country. Ukrainian and European leaders have pushed with limited success for Russia to grant safe passage to civilians trapped by fighting. Ukrainian authorities said more than 10 humanitarian corridors would open Sunday, with agreement from Russia, including from the besieged port city of Mariupol, where the city council said 2,187 people have been killed. But such promises have repeatedly crumbled, and there was no word late Sunday on whether people were able to use the evacuation routes. Officials did say that a convoy carrying 100 tons of aid was expected to arrive in Mariupol on Monday. The suffering in the port city is “simply immense,” the International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday, noting that hundreds of thousands of its residents are “facing extreme or total shortages of basic necessities like food, water and medicine.” “Dead bodies, of civilians and combatants, remain trapped under the rubble or lying in the open

believes the true toll is much higher, and Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s office said that at least 85 children are among them. An American filmmaker and journalist was also killed Sunday. Millions more people have fled their homes amid the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II. Talks for a broad cease-fire have so far failed, but the Kremlin’s spokesman said another round would take place on Monday by videolink, according to Russian state news agency Tass. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is sending his national security adviser to Rome to meet with a Chinese official. There are worries in Washington that Beijing is amplifying Russian disinformation and may help Moscow evade punishing Western economic sanctions. Zelenskyy said he will continue negotiating with Russia and making requests for a meeting with Putin, which, so far, have gone unanswered by the Kremlin. Daily talks, Zelenskyy said, were necessary to establish a cease-fire and add more humanitarian corridors, which saved more than 130,000 people in six days. The attacked training base near Yavoriv is less than 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the Polish border and appears to be the westernmost target struck during Russia’s 18day invasion. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the attack, tweeting: “The brutality must stop.” The base has hosted Nato drills, and a senior official, Admiral Rob Bauer, previously hailed it as embodying “the spirit of military cooperation” between Ukraine and international forces. As such, the site is a potent symbol of Russia’s longstanding concerns that the expansion in recent years of the 30-member Western military alliance to include former Soviet states threatens its security—something Nato denies. Still, the perceived threat from Nato is central to Moscow’s justifications for the war, and it has demanded

where they fell,” the Geneva-based organization said in a statement. “Life-changing injuries and chronic, debilitating conditions cannot be treated.” The fight for Mariupol is crucial because its capture could help Russia establish a land corridor to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014. Meanwhile, continued fighting on multiple fronts caused more misery in Ukraine on Sunday and provoked renewed international outrage. In the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, near the Black Sea, authorities reported nine people killed in bombings. They said Russian airstrikes on a monastery and a children’s resort in the eastern Donetsk region hit spots where monks and others were sheltering, wounding 32 people. Around the capital, Kyiv, a major political and strategic target for the invasion, fighting also intensified, with overnight shelling in the northwestern suburbs and a missile strike Sunday that destroyed a warehouse to the east. Kyiv Region police said on its official website that Russian troops opened fire on a car carrying two American journalists. The US State Department said Brent Renaud died. Juan Arredondo was wounded. In the Kyiv suburb of Irpin, Ukrainian soldier Alexei Lipirdi, 46, said that the Russians “want to intimidate us so that we will not be calm,” but he and his unit remain defiant. As he spoke, smoke billowed from distant buildings and cars stood damaged or abandoned. The city’s mayor said only about 10,000 of its 60,000 residents remain. Many who stayed behind are the old or sick and those who are caring for them. At a suburban hospital, doctors said 80 percent of their patients are civilians wounded by shelling. Patient Volodymr Adamkovych, his abdomen bandaged, said he was wounded when his home was hit. He spent the night in his basement before he could reach doctors. AP

China battles multiple outbreaks, driven by stealth Omicron variant

AIPEI, Taiwan—Chinese authorities reported 1,337 locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 across dozens of mainland cities Monday as the fast-spreading variant commonly known as “stealth Omicron” fuels China’s biggest outbreak in two years. The vast majority of the new cases were in far northeastern Jilin province with 895. Shenzhen reported 75 new cases as

residents began the first of three rounds of mass testing. Officials on Sunday locked down the city, which has 17.5 million people and is a major tech and finance hub that neighbors Hong Kong. T he surge on t he Chinese mainland is infecting people in cities ranging from Shenzhen to Qingdao on the coast, to Xingtai in the north and the numbers have crept steadily higher since early March. While the numbers

are small relative to numbers reported in Europe or in the US, or even the city of Hong Kong, which had reported 32,000 cases Sunday, they are the highest since the first big outbreak of Covid-19 in the central city of Wuhan in early 2020. China has seen very few infections since its strict Wuhan lockdown as the government held fast to its zero-tolerance strategy, which is focused on stopping

transmission of the coronavirus as fast as possible, by relying on strict lockdowns and mandatory quarantines for anyone who has come into contact with a positive case. The government has indicated it will continue to stick to its strict strategy of stopping transmission for the time being. On Monday, Zhang Wenhong, a prominent infectious disease expert at a hospital affiliated with Shanghai’s Fudan University not-

ed in an essay for China’s business outlet Caixin, that the numbers for the mainland were still in the beginning stages of an “exponential rise.” Shanghai confirmed 41 new cases on Monday. Much of the current outbreak i s b e i n g d r ive n t he v a r i a nt commonly know n as “stealth Omicron,” or the B.A.2 lineage of the Omicron variant, Zhang noted. Early research suggests it spreads faster than the original

Omicron, which itself spread faster than the original virus and other variants. “But if our country opens up quickly now, it will cause a large number of infections in people in a short period of time,” Zhang wrote on Monday. “No matter how low the death rate is, it will still cause a run on medical resources and a short term shock to social life, causing irreparable harm to families and society.” AP

Sports BusinessMirror

‘HOPES FOR PEACE’ Vitalii Lukyanenko

carries the flag of Ukraine during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Paralympics on Sunday in Beijing. The president of the International Paralympic Committee expresses “hopes for peace” as the Games closed but avoids mentioning Russia’s war on Ukraine. The closing ceremony marks the end of an almost six-week run for international sports in the Chinese capital that began with the opening of the Winter Olympics on February 4. AP

| Tuesday, March 15, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Grand return for S’woods Invitational

HE Southwoods Invitational braces for a grand return in the new normal after a twoyear hiatus with a maximum 400 players all-geared up for action and a reunion of sorts at the Masters and Legends courses in Carmona, Cavite. Unlike in previous editions of Manila Southwoods’ flagship member-guest tournament, the four-day tournament that starts Wednesday will be held with health restrictions, including sequential tee times and the wearing of face masks and physical distancing of the event backed by The Turf Company as title sponsor. The awards ceremony and major raffle program will be held via zoom at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Tournament winners and sponsors will be invited to attend a photo op and lunch at 10:30 a.m. on March 26. Backing the event are Platinum sponsors Mitsubishi Motors Phil. Corp./Alpine Motors Corp., Royal Caribbean/Baron Travel, Agrexplore Corp., Abomar Equipment Sales Corp., Sojitz Fuso Phil. Corp., Kilo International Marketing Corp. and HBW Enterprises while The Manor & The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay and Leads Agricultural Products Corp. head the Gold backers list and Le Chef Inc., Metro Rail Transit Devt. Corp., PGA Clubshares and PNOEZ as the Silver sponsors. Making up the Bronze sponsors roster are Alpha Quality, Ayala Land Premier, BDO, Camp John Hay Golf Club, Castillo-Laman-Tan-PantaleonSan Jose Law Offices, Club Leisure Management Corp., Escala Tagaytay Hotel, Federal Management and Maintenance Inc., Forest Hills Golf & Country Club, G&W Clubshares, GG&A Clubshares, Hernandez Engineering Works, Hydro-Tech Irrigation, Manila Southwoods Manor, Mastech Inc., MitAir Inc., Smart Probe, Srixon, Puma and Warbird Security & Agency. The hole-in-one sponsors are Mitsubishi Motors/Alpine Motors, Royal Caribbean/Baron Travel, Sojitz Fuso, The Turf Company (Club Car), Kart Plaza Manufacturing Corp., Gran Sportivo and Mercedes-Benz. Theody Pascual and Garry Sales bagged the overall gross championship while Dante Maldia and Wilfredo Maldia took the net team honors when the tournament was last played in 2020. Teams will be allocated sequential tee times with the first set at 6:36 a.m. at Legends and Masters with 100 teams to play a round each of the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship courses. Play will be Net Stableford Points format with the best ball to be played at the Masters and the aggregate at the Legends.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

TOM BRADY is returning to Tampa Bay to play 23rd season in the National Football League— just 40 days after retiring. AP

AMPA, Florida—Tom Brady’s retirement lasted 40 days. Brady said Sunday he’s returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd National Football League (NFL) season. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his decision on Twitter and Instagram, saying he has “unfinished business.” The news stole the spotlight from the NCAA’s Selection Sunday. “These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” Brady, 44, wrote. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa.” Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title following

Not calling the obvious IN my program “Sports For All” last Friday, National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Rick Barry called out sports broadcasters, specifically play-by-play announcers and commentators, who keep calling the obvious like poor shot selection or bad passes or unforced turnovers. Barry thinks focus should be on what caused the poor shot selection or who or what forced the bad pass or the turnover. His thoughts come from many years of calling games which gave him a different perspective of the game both figuratively and literally. It’s not everyday that you have a conversation with one of greatest players the game has ever seen. Playing for the Golden State Warriors, his role was to score. In four years in the American Basketball Association (ABA), he did everything— score, pass and defend—for the Oakland Oaks. According to NBA.com, Barry’s game became more

the 2020 season and NFC South championship last season. He teamed with coach Bill Belichick to win six Super Bowls during 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. The 44-year-old Brady led the NFL in yards passing (5,316), touchdowns (43), completions (485) and attempts (719) in 2021, but the Buccaneers lost at home to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. “Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around,” Buccaneers Coach Bruce Arians said. “As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field. He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season. We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship.” Brady cited his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and three children when he decided to walk away from the game on February 1. But he changed his mind about staying home, a day after attending the Manchester United match against Tottenham Hotspur. Brady sat with the Glazer Family, who own Manchester United and the Buccaneers. His reversal sent shock waves throughout the sports world, and his teammates and Buccaneers fans reacted with jubilation. All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs called it “unreal.” Receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin shared their joy in emojis. Giants safety Logan Ryan said Brady’s return is “good for football.” Rams star cornerback Jalen Ramsey

well rounded and he became a better defender as a court decision forced him to honor his contract with the Warriors. Talking to the man, you’d sense that he doesn’t hold back and he has supreme confidence and belief in himself and his ability which manifested in the form of 18,000 points in 10 years in the NBA and 7,000 points in only four years in the ABA. You don’t score 25,000 points in professional basketball without any iota of confidence and belief in yourself plus a strong work ethic. In the last two years of his Hall of Fame career, he played for the Houston Rockets that featured Hall of Famers Moses Malone, Calvin Murphy, and Rudy Tomjanovich. The former University of Miami Hurricane standout became more of a facilitator, the first “point-forward” in the history of the league. The 1987 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinee is a disciple and a student of team basketball. He believes in moving the ball around to constantly pressure the defense to adjust and adapt. I asked him what would have happened if the team he won a title with, the 1975 champion Warriors, played the 73-9 Golden State Warriors? The teams are from two different eras and basketball was played differently back in the day so it’s an unfair comparison. Barry, who is on the top 50 and top 75 list of greatest players in NBA history, opines that there’s no such thing as a “lockdown defender.” The goal is to make it difficult for the offensive player to score on a high volume of shots. Another goal is to make the offensive player expend a lot

tweeted: “THANK YOU! throw that last touchdown on somebody else.” Many Hall of Fame players across several sports returned to playing after retiring, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Bob Cousy in the NBA, Brett Favre and Reggie White in the NFL, Guy Lafleur and Mario Lemieux in the NHL. The Buccaneers are hopeful star tight end Rob Gronkowski also returns. Brady convinced his buddy to unretire to join him in Tampa in 2020. The team lost Pro Bowl guard Ali Marpet, who retired at age 28. But Godwin is staying after getting the franchise tag. Brady’s decision comes right before the NFL free agency period begins. The Bucs have several key players set to hit the open market: running back Leonard Fournette, cornerback Carton Davis, safety Jordan Whitehead, linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Gronkowski and others. They kept one of those key players when Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen agreed to a threeyear contract late Sunday night, his agent Mike McCartney said on Twitter. Brady’s return should impact their decisions and the team’s plans. Tampa’s odds for winning the Super Bowl went from 25:1 to 7 1/2:1, tied with Green Bay for second-best behind Buffalo at 7:1, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. “We are thrilled that Tom has decided to come back this season,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. “We said we would leave all options open for him should he reconsider his retirement and today’s announcement is something we have been preparing for in recent days.

of energy trying to score. The best defense is team defense, not just solely relying on just one player to stop the opposing team’s best player. The man who has mastered the underhand free throw, shooting more than 90 percent for most of his career, has five sons—Scooter, Jon, Brent, Drew and Canyon. Drew, Jon and Brent played in the NBA and Canyon is currently plying his trade in the G-League for the Iowa Wolves. Barry thinks his Jon would’ve been a factor in the 2001 Western Conference Finals between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers had he not been released. Had Jon played, the Kings, instead of the Lakers, would have played the Nets in the finals. Jon played for the Kings for two years bringing energy off the bench and instant offense. Rick would’ve played for two to three more years had he had his knee scoped and cleaned earlier. He felt his knee was as good as it has ever been after the procedure and had he wanted to continue playing, he would have ended up with the Boston Celtics and the likes of Parish, Bird and McHale and his role would’ve been the same as when he was with the Rockets, a facilitator, a point-forward focused on making his teammates look good and getting them in spots where they can score the basketball. Barry loves the way the current Warriors play thanks to Coach Steve Kerr—an abundance of ball movement and player movement, just like the way his 1975 Warriors played. I think it is obvious that Rick Barry was pretty good at basketball, but he won’t call it.

“Bruce and I have had plenty of conversations with Tom recently that led us to believe there was a realistic chance he would want to come back. Tom is the greatest quarterback of all time who is still playing at an elite level. With this decision now made, we will continue to move forward with our offseason plans to reload this roster for another championship run.” Brady is the NFL’s career leader in yards passing (84,520) and TDs (624). He’s the only player to win more than five Super Bowls and has been MVP of the game five times. Brady has won three NFL MVP awards, been a first-team All-Pro three times and selected to the Pro Bowl 15 times. He is 243-73 in his career in the regular season and 35-12 in the playoffs. He’s back to build on all those numbers. AP

Support grows for pole vault ace EJ Obiena

ROM the House to the Senate, statements of support continued to come Ernest John “EJ” Obiena’s way on Monday, but for his association, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa), it’s been the other way around. “This is a sad moment for Philippine sports. Because of the rift, EJ didn’t get the chance to bring honors for the country,” Sports Committee Chairman Senator Bong Go said in a statement. “What has now happened to our battle cry ‘We Win As One’ if we could not even resolve issues as one and unite and support our athletes as one people, as one nation?” Go added. A lawmaker from Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) partylist, meanwhile, urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also on Monday to stop funding the Patafa for denying Obiena’s request for endorsement to four major international competitions this year. In a statement, PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles said that PSC should cut all support to Patafa because “it’s only wasting taxpayer’s money.” Nograles also appealed to all other foundations and private institutions that are providing funds to Patafa to direct their support to individual athletes and stop coursing their donations to the association. Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson called the issue “an ugly self-inflicted loss, no thanks to “sports politics” in his Twitter account over the weekend. “EJ Obiena: a case of missed opportunity because of sports politics. Sayang.” Obiena asked for Patafa’s endorsement for the world indoors in Belgrade that starts this Friday, 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in May, world championships in Oregon in July and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in Sepember, but all were turned down by the Patafa, which said the mediation proceedings on its rift with the worldclass pole vaulter be settled first. Go said self interest must give way if the flag and country is at stake. “Let’s settle what are supposed to be settled,” he said. “Do the right thing and put aside self interest and resolve all misunderstandings.” He added: “Be an example to the Filipino people because our countrymen look up to you [as a national sports association.” Earlier, Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano filed a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry on the “harassment” of Patafa against Obiena. Obiena, who hails from Tondo, is a constituent of the Manila representative. With Jovee Marie Dela Cruz

GO FOR GOLD’S CARCUEVA TAKES TURN WEARING RED

By Josef Ramos

UCENA City—Joshua Mari Bonifacio won stage honors again for Excellent Noodles but the day belonged to Jonel Carcueva who put his Go For Gold continental team on top of the general classification halfway through the 11th LBC Ronda Pilipinas on Monday. Bonifacio crossed solo in the 206-km Stage 5 with a time of five hours, 15 minutes and 59 seconds, with El Joshua Cariño coming in eight seconds later—a finish that underscored Philippine NavyStandard Insurance’s (PNSI) pent up bid to regain the individual and team titles of the 10-stage competition. Ronnilan Quita was third half a minute behind Cariño, but it was enough for him to also drum up Go For Gold’s strong intention in the tour that takes a rest day on Tuesday before piercing through Cagayan Valley and eventually the Baguio City final stage in less than a week. “Every cyclist dreams of winning a stage and today is my time,” Bonifacio said. “It was given to me by God and I’m very, very happy to achieve this.” Bonifacio was in the first breakaway only a third into the stage—the longest this year—in Labo, Camarines Norte, and held on until the steep but short climb and descent at the Quezon Forest National Park or more popularly known in cycling as the Tatlong Eme in Pagbilao, Quezon. The day, however, belonged to Carcueva, who finished the stage at seventh—1:47 after Bonifacio

crossed—together with teammate Daniel Ven Cariño. “I dream of our team—Go for Gold—winning the title this year. I also want to be a champion,” the 26-year-old Carcueva said, who raced in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Tagaytay City. “But I never expected to get the red jersey, so I’ll do my best to keep it for my team.” Four day leader Jan Paul Morales? He finished 36th in the stage—a far 0:06:27 behind. He was a target the whole day and the result of the other teams’ tactical riding showed in the general classification. Carcueva has a one minute and 17 seconds lead over Morales in the general classification where only three Excellent Noodles—Morales, Mervin Corpuz (third, 1:37 behind) and Santy Barnachea (seventh, 2:47 behind) are left to fend off the attack of riders from Go For Gold and PNSI. Three of Carcueva’s teammate are in the top 10—Cariño (fourth, 1:52 behind), Jericho Jay Lucero (ninth, 3:05) and Aidan Mendoza (10th, 3:10). Three Navymen are in the hunt— John Mark Camingao fifth (2:20 behind), Ronald Oranza sixth (2:37) and Ronald Lomotos eighth (2:56). Defending champion George Oconer was dropped from the top 10 after the rigorous winding route but within striking distance at 11th (3:13). Similarly, the team classification was shaken up with PNSI taking its turn at the helm with only a 13 minutes and 44 seconds lead over Go For Gold and more than 17 minutes over the fading Excellent Noodles.