BusinessMirror May 02, 2023

By Andreo Calonzo Bloomberg

US President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are set to meet on Monday to strengthen one of the oldest alliances in the region that was threatened by a pivot to China under the latter’s predecessor.

M arcos’s first White House visit since he took power last year is expected to lead to broader economic partnerships and even greater de -

fense ties between the two nations against the backdrop of escalating tensions with China over the disputed South China Sea, and more recently over Taiwan.

B iden will reaffirm the United States’ “ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines” when he meets Marcos, according to the White House. In his departure remarks on Sunday, Marcos said he’s “determined to forge an even stronger relationship” with the US as well as “push for greater economic engagement” between the

two countries.

M arcos, who met Biden in the US in September on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly, said then that he couldn’t envision his country without America as a partner, setting into motion a restoration of the nations’ ties undermined by ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s shift toward China.

T he leaders’ meeting comes as the US accused China at the weekend of harassing Philippine ships after a near collision in the contested waters days ago while Washington and

Manila conducted their biggest ever joint defense drills. Here are the items to watch during Marcos’s official US visit:

Defense US- PHILIPPINE defense ties are expected to be high on the agenda, with Marcos hoping to discuss with Biden how military agreements can “evolve.” The two nations are bound by a 71-year-old mutual defense treaty, to which Biden earlier said the US has an “ironclad” commitment.

NAIA BROWNOUT SPURS FULL AUDIT; SABOTAGE?

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan & Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to conduct a “full electrical audit” of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), following the power outage on Monday, a disruption where sabotage has not been ruled out.

In a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime B. Bautista said the airport is due for an audit, and this time, he is ordering a “full audit” instead of the usual periodic review.  “ We are talking about a full electrical audit of Terminal 3, which started operations in 2009 and underwent electrical audit in 2017. Not all recommendations were implemented and since then the capacity of Terminal 3 increased,” he said.  Bautista told a news briefing he was not ruling out “sabotage” as a possible cause of Monday’s power outage at Terminal 3, as well as previous outages on New Year’s Day in 2023, and last September 17, 2022.

PHL KEEN ON STAYING IN IMO MARITIME-COMPLIANT LIST

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Philippines is now gunning to remain in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) whitelist of countries that are compliant with global maritime practices.

Wage hike, job security top Labor Day appeals

Business Council (PNBC).

T he Philippines is included in the IMO whitelist, albeit on a conditional basis due to its incomplete submission of its compliance report in 2017.

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

steadily grew, wages of workers stagnated for all these years,”

TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said.

“We’ve contacted NICA [National Intelligence Coordinating Agency] to investigate these. We’re not discounting sabotage [as the cause]. Meralco will also help assess if there was sabotage,” he said.

M IAA General Manager Cesar Chiong apologized for the inconvenience experienced by the passengers at Naia 3 due to the power outage. He said 9,000 passengers and 247 flights were affected by the power outage, which lasted from 1:05 am to 8:46 am. “No international flights were affected,” he noted, and underscored that the 9,000 passengers affected accounted for 7 percent of total passengers who use the Naia daily.

M aritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Hernani N. Fabia said the Philippines is submitting its report to the IMO soon and is now confident of changing its status of a mere conditional inclusion in the whitelist.

We are confident that the Philippines shall likewise get a positive decision from the IMO. This time we are confident,” he said during the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) Meeting of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (DCCP), the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (NordCham), and the Philippines Norway

Nonetheless, Fabia said the Philippines has implemented several initiatives to ensure that it complies with global maritime standards and conventions, especially the 1978 standards of training, certification, and watch keeping (STCW) convention.

We have completed 101 percent of the compliance report. We are 101 percent complaint,” he said.

O nce submitted, the IMO will refer the report to a panel of competent persons, who will then review the submission and forward it to the Maritime Safety Committee.

“

The Maritime Safety Committee will decide on the fate of the Philippines— whether or not we will be excluded,” Fabia said.

ORGANIZED labor called for higher wage, permanent and decent jobs and respect for labor rights during their Labor Day march.

A t least 10,000 members of the All Philippine Trade Unions (APTU) joined nationwide demonstrations on Monday.

T he APTU is composed of the country’s largest trade federations including the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition, and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), as well as other workers’ organizations.

T heir foremost demand is a significant hike ranging from P150 to P750 before the regional wage boards and in Congress to allow workers to cope with rising cost of living.

“ It is a great irony and a grave injustice that while prices continue to skyrocket and economic growth and labor productivity

T hey also called for the passage of the Security of Tenure Law to end mass contractualization.

It is time for our government to address the increasingly precarious work conditions that millions of contractual workers are facing today,” BMP President Luke Espiritu said.

A PTU also called for the creation of a national employment plan to provide decent employment to 2.47 million unemployed Filipinos as well as the ratification of Convention 190 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to prevent workplace discrimination.

Lack of tripartism

LABOR leaders also criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his “band-aid solutions” to their demands and for his failure to personally meet them.

PHL formalizes June 2 entry into force for RCEP accord

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

T he Department of Foreign Affairs announced the date of entry into force of the Philippine implementation of RCEP.

T he date was set after Philippine Permanent Representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Hjayceelyn Quintana formally deposited the instrument of ratification of RCEP with the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta on April 27.

T he handing over of the instrument of ratification is the final step to put the RCEP into effect.

I n a brief ceremony, Ambassador Quintana handed over the

T he presidents are also expected to highlight the expansion in February of US access to Philippine military sites including areas

RCEP instrument of ratification to Asean Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn. Philippine participation in RCEP is important especially as it will make our industries more competitive, and it also complements existing government support programs with the measures committed in the FTA [free trade agreement] to open up trade,” Quintana said during the delivery of the document.

E xcept for Myanmar, the Philippines is the last member of Asean which ratified RCEP. The Senate ratified it on February 2023.

Continued from A1

near Taiwan and the South China Sea —a move criticized by Beijing. America’s pledge of more than $100 million this year for these

A side from Asean, other RCEP members are China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. Asean started the negotiations in November 2012 in Cambodia and signed in 2020.

T he Department of Trade and Industry earlier said a number of Philippine products will gain en -

sites and another $100 million for helicopters are likely up for discussions.

Economic cooperation BIDEN and Marcos are also expected to “review opportunities

CAAP activates help desks for passengers

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said that all 42 commercial airports operated by CAAP are currently extending assistance to passengers affected by the power outage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

I n response to the incident, the CAAP has activated its Malasakit Help Desks, providing immediate assistance to stranded passengers bound for Manila. The Malasakit Help Desks are equipped with personnel, essential supplies, such as food, water, and first aid kits, to ensure the comfort and safety of affected travelers.

Recovery flights are anticipated to accommodate stranded travel-

hanced market access in terms of tariffs and rules of origin given the wider cumulative area under RCEP.

T his includes canned tuna, coconut water, coffee, fruit cocktail, fresh papaya and durian, ignition wiring sets, leather goods and bicycles.

to deepen economic cooperation,” the White House said. The US is the Philippines’ second largest export market last year, next to China.

M anila is pushing for a bilateral free trade agreement with Washington, as well as the removal of import duties. The US wants to secure the Philippines’ support for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, a deal to counter China’s influence in the region.

Clean energy, climate change

SEMICONDUCTORS, clean energy, food and energy security and climate change are other areas of focus in the US visit, Marcos said Sunday.

T he Philippine leader is seeking to attract investors in renewables, as his nation targets a 75 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Continued from A1

May 1 should have been an opportune time for BBM [Bongbong Marcos] to finally sit down with workers and discuss, face-to-face and without any liaisons, ways to move forward,” Kilusang Mayo Uno chairperson Elmer Labog said.

Yet again, he has chosen to get on a plane and leave us behind while the government has job fairs, Kadiwa and ayuda distribution —all for show and mere band-aid solutions, as opposed to the genuine and concrete labor program and roadmap we have been presenting,” he added.

A PTU blamed the government’s lack of tripartite consultation with the flaws of the recently announced Executive Order (EO) No. 23, which was supposed to address Freedom of Associations violations in the country.

T his was in response to the recommendation of the ILO-High Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) for the creation of a new presidential body to look into labor rights violations.

The glaring absence of a workers’ and employers’ representations manifests that the EO falls short of what the ILO-HLTM recommended,” APTU said.

A PTU hopes the government will rectify the matter before the 2023 International Labor Conference (ILC), where the country will be required to report on its actions on the ILOHLTM recommendations.

ers, and airlines are already assisting passengers with rebooking and refunds. The CAAP is working closely with airlines to ensure that all affected passengers are taken care of.

Per Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) advisory, only domestic flights were affected by the power outage. All international flights will operate as scheduled.

T he CAAP assured the flying public that their safety and comfort is top priority, and that the management will continue to provide assistance until every affected passenger is accommodated.

Nonie G. Reyes

For his part, Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao, who was also present at news briefing, said the airline immediately offered rebooking options to its passengers. As of 12:30 pm, 48 flights of Cebu Pacific were canceled on Monday. “Some passengers immediately rebooked [to the next available flight], while others chose later dates. They can do these using the digital process [on the airline’s app].”

Documents BAUTISTA , meanwhile, admitted that “not all documents and manuals were turned over to the MIAA” when it got possession of the airport facility in 2009, following a legal battle with the contractors.

That is why it is important to have a full audit of the Terminal 3. It’s about time that we fix this. We will be needing a huge budget for this and we might need more time, considering that we will undergo the regular procurements process. So this will be a big undertaking—the rehab of Terminal 3,” Bautista said.

T he capacity of Naia 3 has increased since the last audit in 2017; there are more concessionaires, and the number of flights have increased.  The audit will “need funds” he said, but there were still no estimates on how much the exercise would cost, especially if the other terminals will be included in the audit.

Terminals 1, 2 also

THE transport chief said he will order the inclusion of Terminals 1 and 2 in the conduct of the full electrical audit, “since our other terminals are also old.”

T his may take between 60 days and 90 days, but will only commence once the procurement process has been completed.

On a regular basis, MIAA conducts an electrical audit of the Naia every five years. Its last audit was in 2017.

MIAA Civil Works Department Officer-in-Charge Antonio P. Mendoza admitted that the agency “un -

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B eing included in the whitelist implies that the Philippines is deemed compliant with the STCW, which lists the standards for seafaring personnel. Hence, being on the list places a huge advantage for Filipino seafarers, as this reflects that they underwent strict training and education.

T he Philippines is also hoping to be reelected to the IMO Council under Category for the 2024-2025 biennium, which will allow the country to have a say on policies and regulations concerning seafaring and other maritime activities in the globe.  EU nod

THIS development comes after the Philippines continues to be recognized by the European Union (EU) to be compliant with the STCW System. However, the European Commission (EC) still found “issues to be addressed” in the country’s maritime industry.

T his prompted the EC to extend

fortunately” failed to conduct the audit in 2022, “due to the pandemic.” Even then, he said, if the audit had pushed through, there was no telling if the outage on Labor Day could have been prevented.  “If there was a need to upgrade and parts replaced, this doesn’t happen overnight,” he said, emphasizing that the rehabilitation would have also taken time.

Post-midnight outage

LABOR Day saw a power outage at the Naia Terminal 3 in the wee hours of the morning, affecting 24 domestic flights, which represent 6.5 percent of the total flights that operate in Naia on a daily basis.

C hiong, for his part, said the power generators kicked in immediately after the outage, but serviced just 30 percent of Naia 3, so-called “mission critical areas,” which included checkin counters and the Immigration areas. “There was parts that were air conditioned but due to the heat of the season, they were also not as comfortable,” he admitted.

A team from the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) immediately arrived at the terminal to conduct necessary works to restore the power.

Meralco Manager for Manila Sector Noel Espiritu said initial investigation showed that a “fault indication at the main circuit breaker of Naia Terminal 3” caused the power outage.  A spike in power “stressed” the elbow connector, which was then replaced to restore the power at the terminal. We’re still trying to determine what happened to that fault current,” he said.

T his is not the first time that Naia had power issues. On New Year’s Day, Naia had to suspend its operations for several hours after experiencing a “loss of power in the system due to a problem in the system’s electrical network, with its uninterruptible power supply also failing.”  T hat outage was more massive, disrupting nearly 300 flights and stranding over 60,000 travelers.

a three-year technical assistance to the Philippines to implement corrective actions.

M oving forward, Fabia said the country will leverage the technical assistance of the EC to further improve maritime education and training to keep its number one position as the leading supplier of maritime manpower in the world.

T hrough the help of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the Marina plans to establish a National Maritime Polytechnic.

It will also establish a technical working group to discuss issues on board training and identify appropriate actions. Other government agencies that will support Marina in these efforts include the Commission on Higher Education, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Migrant Workers.

“ We shall work together in fostering our common interests and strive for excellence as we push our seafarers and the maritime industry to greater heights,” Fabia said.

STARTING June 2, the Philippines will have wider access and implement its free trade commitments with 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region under the new regional economic grouping Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

PHILIPPINE Permanent Representative to Asean Hjayceelyn Quintana hands over the RCEP instrument of ratification to Asean Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta on April 27. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASEAN SECRETARIAT

The Nation

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Cabinet positions, appointments for losing ‘22 poll candidates eyed

By Samuel P. Medenilla sam_medenilla

“ n o , I will not announce anybody [who I am recruiting]. no, they should not hear it from the press. They should hear it from me. We will first talk about it,” the President said.

House backs PBBM’s push to ensure PHL-US ties for peace in Indo-Pacific

The leadership of the house of Representatives on Sunday backed President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s bid to push for the preservation of peace in the Indo-Pacific region as one of the key discussion points in his meeting with US President Joe Biden.

The President said some of the losing candidates are open to joining his administration.

“There are many of those who lost in the elections, who want to help. So

we will certainly look into that in different positions,” Marcos said.  ho wever, he declined to name any of the said candidates, which he wants to recruit, at least for now.

Under Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution, no candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after such election, “be appointed to any office in the government or any government-owned or controlled corporation or in any of their subsidiaries.”

The said ban for the May 9, 2022 polls will lapse this month.

Rep. Rodriguez presses recall of PHL envoy to China, seeks apology over sea incident

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS e n I o R l awmaker on Sunday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to recall the country’s ambassador to Beijing as a show of protest and displeasure over the recent “David vs Goliath” near-collision of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol with a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel.

Aside from the usual filing of a diplomatic note, Cagayan de o r o City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the government should order the country’s principal representative in China to return home.

h e s hould not go back to Beijing until we receive a response from the Chinese government apologizing for their harassment and bul -

Marcos says

President Ferdinand r. Marcos Jr. is pushing for a “united” Asean to take the lead role in keeping the peace in Asia.

d u ring a media interview onboard

Pr 0 01 on his way for his working visit to the Us, M arcos said he will prioritize ensuring the regional bloc remain “solid, strong, and united” so it can help deescalate brewing i ndo-Pacific and Asia-Pacific geopolitical tensions.

t h is, as Asean as well as its neighboring countries, is currently trying to address the ongoing civil war in Myanmar between its military-led government and armed resistance groups.

i think the best move for us is to stay within Asean, keep Asean solid, strong, and united,” Marcos said.

i f we are, at least, we have a consensus and areas of agreement, then it will remain strong...that Asean will still be the one to conduct and to lead the political fortunes of all the other countries around Asia,” he added.

t h e President made the statement when asked how he envisions the country’s role in international geopolitics amid China’s growing influence in Asia and the response of the Us to counter it.

d e spite the Philippines’ strong military alliance with the Us, M arcos reiterated he would not allow other nations to use the country as a staging post for military actions to keep Filipinos safe.

All we are worried about is the peace and the safety of our people, here and abroad. And that’s the main consideration.

s o i n my view, that’s the role,” Marcos said.

t h e President is currently on a working visit in the U s to “evolve” the country’s Mutual d e fense tr eaty to reflect the country’s new international priorities.

Samuel P. Medenilla

lying tactics in the West Philippine Sea and committing to rectify their misconduct,” the lawmaker said.

The country’s ambassador to Beijing, Jaime Flor Cruz, is a former journalist who covered China for many years for American news organizations.

Rodriguez said the Philippines has filed hundreds of protest notes with Beijing over China’s aggressive and bullying activities in disputed maritime territories.

In 2022 alone, 193 protest notes were served on Beijing, including 65 by the Marcos administration, he said.

“All these protestations fell on deaf ears. That is why they continue to harass and bully our Coast Guard patrols and our fishermen, from the northern part of our country

International

in Pangasinan and Zambales to the south in Palawan,” Rodriguez said.

The Mindanao lawmaker also lauded the reaction of the United States to the recent near-collision incident, which happened in the Ayungin Shoal area, where a small contingent of Filipino soldiers is stationed in an old and rusting grounded n av y ship.

“We welcome the unequivocal, clear commitment by the US government. The reiteration of US obligations under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty is very reassuring,” he said.

In the latest incident, a CCG vessel cut off PCG’s BRP Malapascua, which is patrolling near Ayungin Shoal together with BRP Malabrigo.

The CCG vessel is more than twice the 144-feet Malapascua.

The Philippine government has denounced the CCG’s provocative actions. Beijing has tossed back the accusation to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Rodriguez said Beijing insulted the Filipinos’ intelligence by blaming the near-collision on the PCG personnel.

“It’s unthinkable for a tiny craft like BRP Malapascua to provoke a huge ship like a Chinese Coast Guard patrol vessel. It defies logic,” he said. h e s aid the CCG routinely harass and bully PCG ships and small boats resupplying Filipino soldiers stationed in Ayungin Shoal off Palawan.

“They do the same with our fishermen in Scarborough Shoal near Zambales and Pangasinan,” he added.

literary climate anthology wins natl book award

Constantino is also an editor of the anthology. ICSC won the national book award in 2015 when it published Agam: Filipino na rratives on Uncertainty and Climate Change.

Launched in 1982, the awards are given out by the Manila Critics Circle and the national Book Development Board.

Constantino said Perez enjoyed collaborating closely with the anthology’s other editors, the South African novelist Rehana Rossouw and Colombian poet Alexandra Walter.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez was among the Filipino officials who welcomed President Marcos on his arrival to the United States at Joint Base Andrews airport in Maryland.

In an interview with members of the Philippine media during his flight to the US, Marcos said that in calling for the “evolution” of Philippines-US relations, he seeks to clarify the role the US intends to play amid the escalating tension in the Indo-Pacific region.

The President added that in his meeting with Biden, he would explain that the principal interest of the Philippines is to preserve regional peace.

“The house of Representatives stands solidly behind President Marcos in his effort to further bolster the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and the United States with the end in view of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Romualdez.

“Geopolitical tensions and apprehensions of possible hostilities in the region will have an adverse effect on our aspirations for sustained economic growth and prosperity. It is to everyone’s benefit to ensure that conflicts are resolved through diplomatic and peaceful means,” Romualdez added.

The Speaker flew to the US in mid-April to lay the groundwork for the visit of President Marcos by meeting with key US lawmakers to discuss further strengthening the security alliance and economic partnership between the two countries.

China has been flexing its military might in the region and expressed alarm over the Philippine government’s grant of US access to four additional military sites under the en hanced Defense Cooperation Agreement ( e DC A).

ho wever, President Marcos assured Beijing that the additional e D CA sites do not constitute a

threat to China, which has a territorial dispute with the Philippines and other countries in the region over maritime claims.

“We work for peace. We will not encourage any provocative action by any country that will involve the Philippines by any other country. We will not allow that to happen. We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a staging post for any kind of military action,” President Marcos said during the interview.

The President also bared that the Philippines has taken the first steps to establish a high-level communication line with China to prevent a repetition of incidents, such as the recent near collision between coast guard vessels of the Philippines and China in Ayungin Shoal.

“We hope that such high-level communication lines can be established the soonest possible time as it would go a long way to avoid any unfortunate incidents in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez said.

“Malacañang’s timely action signifies our sincerity to resolve any dispute peacefully, consistent with the President’s foreign policy of being a friend to all and enemy to none,” he added. e a rlier, Romualdez also expressed confidence that the meeting between President Marcos and President Biden will deepen the economic and trade partnership between the two countries resulting to increased US investments in the country, as well as more jobs and business opportunities for our people.

In 2021, the US was the Philippines’ third largest trading partner, top export market, and 5th major import source, whereas the Philippines ranked 30th among the US’ top trade partners.

The US was also the Philippines’ 5th largest source of foreign investments in 2021, notably in the IT-BPM, electronics, real estate, construction, and transportation and storage sectors.

Romualdez and his delegation to the US also engaged their US counterparts to promote the Philippines as an ideal investment destination for US businesses, citing the robust economic outlook for the country.  Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

APIoneeR I nG b ook on climate change that avoids jargon—including the words “climate change”— won the nod of judges by using stories and images anchored on hope and lunar cycles, written in languages ranging from Tagalog, Kankanaey, en glish, Cebuano, Chinese, Spanish, Zapoteca, and Turkish.

Titled h a rvest Moon: Poems and Stories from the e d ge of the Climate Crisis, the publication won the national Book Award for Best Anthology at the 40th national Book Awards.

“It’s high time we recognize the need to use everything in the toolbox as we confront the limits of science and politics in the response to climate change,” said the writer Red Constantino, managing director of the Constantino Foundation and the former head of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), which published h a rvest Moon.

“We need far more poetry and art,” said Constantino, “Because at the edge of the climate crisis, it is not spreadsheets and treatises we will find but anguish, indifference, and mountains of resolve and courage.”

h a rvest Moon is composed of 30 photographs and 30 poems, stories and essays written in 11 languages from 24 countries spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific.

o ver 200 titles were nominated for this year’s book awards. From 100 finalists, 29 were selected as winners, who will receive recognition at a ceremony to be held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on May 13.

Constantino paid tribute to Padmapani Perez, the poet and anthropologist who is the anthology’s lead editor. “Padma masterfully willed the book into being. Love for literature and a commitment to radically transform society are essential but insufficient. Grit, manic intelligence, delusional confidence when many doubted it could be done—again—these are the ingredients that saw the project through.”

Constantino, who is also an editor, said “the three women, trailblazers each individually, were even mightier as a trio. And their work was matched by the brilliance of Fara Manuel- nolasco who provided the linocut moon prints, and the elegant mind of famed book designer Felix Mago-Miguel. The book’s mesmerizing Afterword is by the dazzling writer Rebecca Solnit.” h a rvest Moon was part of the technical briefs received by over a hundred finance ministers and high officials at the V20 Ministerial Dialogue IX, held at the main hall of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, last o c tober 2022, under the theme When Is no w, the same call of a global poetry rebellion demanding urgent action on the climate crisis.

Constantino recalled the words of the musician nic k Cave, “who reminds us why art is the agent best equipped to bring light to the world. That is its purpose. That is its promise.”

A limited Philippine edition of h a rvest Moon remains available at the significantly marked down price of P600, in keeping with ICSC’s vision of an accessible book for readers. Copies are available on Lazada and Shopee.

BI taps social media platform to update travelers, launches ‘soft skills’ training

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

The Bureau of Immigration ( BI) has announced that it would reactivate its social media platform to disseminate airport operations information after receiving favorable feedback when it was initially implemented during the ho ly Week.

BI Commissioner n o rman Tansingco said the agency would be using its social media capability to post photos of their operations to update the traveling public during weekends and holidays.

“Similar to traffic reports on the roads, our updates will allow departing passengers to see if there is congestion so they can prepare for it,” he explained.  The BI chief advised passengers anew to check in at least three hours prior to their flight, and proceed directly to the immigration area for clearance.

Tansingco said going to the airport hours before the scheduled f light will give passengers ample time for departure clearance and other leisurely activities inside the terminal.

Tansingco reported that some 147 immigration officers are set to be deployed at the airports and different offices nationwide after their undergoing training at the Philippine Immigration Academy.

The BI said updates could be viewed on the BI’s Facebook pages at  facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration and facebook.com/immigration.helpline.ph.

T he BI also said it would be conducting special trainings to enhance the soft skills of their immigration officers in conducting their duties at the airports and seaports.

The announcement coincided with a recent report from the Commission on hu man Rights (C h R ), showing that fresh graduates in the Philippines tend to lack “soft skills” and job readiness.

The new values module, according to Tansingco, would reinforce the u sual immigration training focused on immigration laws and procedures.

The new module aims to promote courtesy and empathy for go vernment employees.

A new course on moral values, leadership, management, and team building has also been included in the module for new immigration officers.

“In full support of the Anti-Taray Bill, which was filed by Senator R affy T. Tulfo, we vow to create an environment that is always worthy of the trust of the Filipinos,” Tansingco said.

“Through this module, we can inculcate more of our core values of patriotism, professionalism, and integrity to our new officers.” he explained.

President Ferdinand r. Marcos Jr. has assured that there will be no major reshuffle in his Cabinet, even as bared plans to recruit candidates who lost in the 2022 elections to his Palace team.

a ‘solid, strong and united’ Asean to play peacekeeper role in Asia

DTI cites initiatives to upskill Filipino workers amid evolution of technology

By Andrea E. San Juan

TH e D epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) has bared its initiatives to support Filipino workers that include the intensification of upskilling efforts to help workers keep pace with the evolution of technology. e x pect the DTI to continue to support to ensure the well-being of workers, especially in the area of upskilling,” Trade secretary a l fredo e Pascual said in Filipino during his speech in celebration of the Labor Day.

The trade chief underscored the importance of upskilling workers, noting that this is “needed in order for our workers to adapt to the modern technology as we enter the age of digital economy.”  w i th this, he said, “ we w ill continue to help the various branches of the government to develop programs that can increase the level

of their productivity, skills, and profit.”  I n line with keeping up with the advancement of technology, Pascual emphasized during the s C a L e L aunch on Thursday, a p ril 27, the vital role of public and private partnerships (PPP) in encouraging investments toward building resilient and sustainable tech start-ups in the Philippines.  s C a L e is a “mutual endeavor” of DTI, the m a nagement a s sociation of the Philippines ( m a P), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Foxmont Capital Partners, and Idea s p ace Foundation in building collaborative programs to strengthen tech businesses to be “scalable enough” to reach the global market, DTI noted.  m o reover, the parties signed a memorandum of agreement ( m O a ) to provide a framework of cooperation and to strengthen collaboration in creating programs for scaleups in the technology sector.

The trade department said this partnership among industry leaders aims to assist the Philippine start-up ecosystem through a “whole-of-society” approach.

“Over the last couple of years, the Philippine start-up ecosystem has scaled fast. In 2021, the start-up ecosystem raised $1 billion in funding, a 179-percent growth from the previous year,” Pascual revealed.

“Two local fintech start-ups are valued at over $1 billion. m y nt achieved ‘double unicorn’ status in November 2021 after raising $300 million. In their latest funding rounds, Voyager Innovations raised $210 million; k u mu, $73.6 million; and Grow s a ri, $77.5 million,” Pascual added.

w i th this, the Philippine start-up ecosystem climbed to over $2 billion, according to the Global s t art-up e c osystem r e port 2022. In support of this, DTI said it designed the s t artup Development Program under the umbrella of s c ience, Technology, and

Solons vow support for workers’ welfare

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

Innovation-Based Policy or s T I Policy to help transition start-ups to become commercially viable.

m eanwhile, Pascual unveiled more efforts by the DTI to support workers. a s o ne of the agencies mandated to monitor prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in the market, the trade department vowed to keep the prices of goods stable for Filipino workers.

“ we w ant to ease and improve the lives of our workers that’s why the DTI will support the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project of President m a rcos,” Pascual stressed.

The trade chief also underscored the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises ( m sme s), which he described as the backbone of the economy.

“Through the various programs of the government, we aim to provide incentives such as low-cost housing, affordable goods and improving the lives of workers who belong to both the small and large businesses,” he added.

DENR Cagayan Valley vows to sustain forest mgmt’s project gains, activities

To sustain the gains and best practices in forest management, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Cagayan Valley Region will integrate and mainstream the agency’s Forestland Management Project (FMP) into its regular operation programs.

This was announced by DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwen -

dolyn Bambalan following the FMP closing event on April 20 in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

“The 10-year forestland management project in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino is not actually closing, instead, this is the start of the integration of the best practices and milestones we accomplished from the project,” Bambalan said in a statement.

From April 18 to 20, the DENR Cagayan

Valley Region held an event to tackle the different measures and policy recommendations to sustain the different FMP activities in the regular operation of the department were discussed.

Bambalan reiterated the actions taken during the previous sustainability action planning workshop discussed with the provincial environment and natural resources officers and provincial project management offices (PPM o s) chartering the direction for the project’s sustainability for the first five years.

“We could not treasure what we could not measure. We have to account for the different accomplishments gained from the project,” she pointed out.

During the event, officials from the Central Project Management o f fice witnessed the of-

ficial turnover of the completed construction of 37 agroforestry support facilities and 20,291 hectares of reforestation projects to the local government units (LGUs).

The municipalities of Kayapa, Dupax Del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Ambaguio, Bambang, and Kasibu received their respective Certificate of Sub-Project Turnover and Acceptance with the corresponding memorandum of agreement for the projects.

In his message, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Marcos Dacanay congratulated the members of the 35 Peoples o r ganizations for their support.

“Continue developing your respective areas for your own good, for your families, and for the next generations to come,” Dacanay said.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

Oil firms roll back fuel pump prices

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

oIL f irms on Labor Day announced a price rollback in petroleum products starting today, Tuesday.

Gasoline prices will be slashed by P1.50 per liter, diesel price will be reduced by P1.30 per liter, and kerosene price will go down by P1.40 per liter.

The fuel price rollback was announced on Monday morning by Seaoil, PTT, Phoenix, Shell, Petron, Caltex, Total, and Unioil. They will all adjust their pump prices at 6 a.m. of Tuesday, May 2. Cleanfuel, meanwhile, will adjust its prices at 12:01 a.m.

This week’s price rollback is the third consecutive for diesel and second for gasoline and kerosene.

Last week, oil companies implemented a per liter decrease of P1.40 for gasoline, P0.70 for diesel and P0.20 for kerosene. These resulted to a year-to-date net decrease for diesel at P3.05/ liter and kerosene at P3.55/liter. Gasoline on the other hand, has a net increase of P7.55/liter.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Energy (D o E ), oil prices kept on declining, weighed down by concerns of another rate hike by the US Fed and prospects of weaker global economic growth.

M ovements in the world oil market affect local pump prices.

Lawmakers on s u nday vowed

to continue promoting workers’ welfare through the passage of bills creating more economic opportunities for workers and their families.  s p eaker Ferdinand m a rtin G. r omualdez and House Committee on Labor and e mp loyment Chairman r e p. Fidel Nograles acknowledged the sacrifices of workers for their families and the country at large.

“Our workers are the backbone not only of their families but of the economy and the nation. The economy would not be running if not for their tireless toil,”  r o mualdez said.

“This is the reason why we in the House of r e presentatives always make it a point to attend to their concerns. we a re committed to continue working on measures that protect their rights, promote their welfare and preserve their jobs and incomes,” he said.

He added that recently enacted laws that aim to enhance economic growth and improve the investment climate in the country are geared toward job and income preservation.

a mong these pieces of legislation are liberalization amendments introduced in the Public s e rvice a c t, r e tail Trade Law and Foreign Investments a c t, which are intended to attract more foreign investments.

“The investment-diplomatic missions of President Ferdinand r m a rcos Jr. and his economic team, joined by a small group of House members, are all aimed at sustaining economic growth,” r o mualdez said.

“If we can keep the economy on the high growth path, our workers’ jobs and incomes are not only preserved but we create more economic opportunities for them and their families, and our people in general,” he said.

More meaningful legislations

F Or his part, Nograles said his committee on labor would continue to study and pass meaningful legislations on workers’ welfare.  a s w e strive to recover from the massive blow dealt by the pandemic, our people can rest assured that we will continue fighting for workers’ welfare through meaningful legislation and by working with the government, industries, and workers themselves,” Nograles said on the country’s commemoration of Labor Day.

Nograles also called for patience amid calls for the government to increase the minimum wage of workers to help the poor cope with

Ethical, AI-powered automation

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How can process automation keep humans in the loop of a I a lgorithms?

By Henry J. Schumacher

CH aT G PT is a new technology that within a period of 2 months has attracted 100 million people who are testing and using this amazing new technology. This is the fastest development of a technology in human history. a n d it is also the first time that humans can hardly distinguish whether they are talking to another human or to a computer!

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the steady rise in the price of basic goods.  we u nderstand the source of this call. But we also need to balance the interests of other stakeholders. we c annot rush our deliberations on such a crucial measure,” he said.  a little more patience, so we can ensure that the law we will pass will truly solve the problems faced by our workers,” the lawmaker said.

He also emphasized the importance of other interventions to help workers amid the current review of the wage hike proposal.

Zubiri vows support for workers s e N aT e President Juan m i guel Zubiri on mo nday, Labor Day, renewed his commitment to pushing for legislation that will protect and advance the interests of workers across the country, particularly with regard to the pressing need for a wage increase.

“This Labor Day, I join all our workers in fighting for decent benefits, living wages, and fair working conditions,” said Zubiri.

“This is especially crucial as rising costs of goods and utilities continue to hit our people’s pockets, to the point that even toiling with a full-time job is no longer enough to support their families’ needs,” the s e nate leader said.

The National Capital r e gion currently has the highest daily nominal wage rate at P570.00 (non-agriculture), while the lowest is at P316.00  (non-agriculture), for the Bangsamoro a utonomous r e gion in mu slim  m in danao.

a t t he onset of 2023, the Philippines saw its highest inflation rate in 14 years, hitting 8.7 percent.  “ we u rgently need to address the growing gap between wages and expenses, which is why last m a rch, I filed an across-the-board wage   increase act,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri’s s e nate Bill No. 2002, or the a c ross-the-Board wa ge Increase a c t of 2023, seeks to raise wages in the private sector across all regions by P150.00.

He added: “ we must uplift our workers, and ensure that they get the compensation they deserve. wo rkers form the foundation of the entire business sector, and without them, our economy and country will fall apart. s o l et us give them their due. By providing a true living wage, we empower our workers to support not only their families and their communities, but also the country at large.” e a rlier, the Department of Labor and e mp loyment (DOL e ) a nnounced that the government would distribute P1.8 billion worth of financial assistance to workers.

esting (or dangerous?) development with ChatGPT and remote workers: Artificial hustle a I i s supercharging the “overemployed” community.

These people use ChatGPT and other a I t ools to work multiple jobs, automating their work as much as possible so they can focus on either brainstorming concepts or tweaking a I o utputs.

That’s turning work that would take a week or two into something that can be done in a few hours—like creating reports or presentations and writing emails or other memos.

a n d to avoid paying attention in Zoom meetings, they even tell ChatGPT to create summaries of the discussions that can be reviewed later.

One of these multiple-job holders said, “ChatGPT does like 80 percent of my job.” That’s insane, but many workers report that the motivation to use a I w as because they no longer believe that working hard will lead to more pay.

Only more work will lead to more pay.

They just hope that their employers don’t wise up to how they can use a I t o

either get more work out of employees… or require fewer people to run their operations. a t t he same time, employers have to look at the possibility that their “work from home” employees work for more companies than theirs.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is on everyone's lips and the reporting of the last few weeks has literally exploded. No wonder, because more and more companies and employees are recognizing the enormous potential that generative a I l ike ChatGPT brings to everyday work. The application possibilities are immense and range from answering questions to recommendations for problem solving to the creation of texts for a wide variety of application areas. we h ave a happy union of people and machines. How happy that union will be for given industries and the people therein depends on how well they use GPTs to remove repetitive tasks or code so that they can focus on the innovative, human side of their jobs.

Feedback would be interesting; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

NIA sets target on farmland irrigation amid El

Niño threat

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is optimistic that it will surpass its previous achievements in irrigating more farmlands in the upcoming season, an official said over the weekend.

“Projected Programmed Area for calendar year 2024 dry crop is 1.21 million for both National Irrigation Systems [NIS] and Communal Irrigation Systems [CIS],” NIA Acting Administrator e d die Guillen said during the meeting on Mitigating the e f fects e l Niño Phenomenon.

he a lso said that water delivery expected for an early start of August 25, 2023 and a later start of April 14, 2024.

“NIA continues to provide the Filipino farmers with efficient water distribution to improve agricultural productivity and to contribute to food security in the country,” Guillen said.

“We will continue to work towards developing efficient and sustainable irrigation systems for farmers,” he added.

For dry cropping season, which commenced in November 2022, a total of 1.25 million hectares have been irrigated, exceeding the programmed area of 1.21 million hectares by 3.07 percent.

Out of the irrigated area, 1.24 million hectares have already been planted and successfully harvested 757,163 hectares.

There are 9,842 hectares remaining under land soaking/preparation.

h o wever, 315.59 hectares could not proceed to the planting stage because of damaged irrigation facilities caused by several typhoons that occurred last year.

As NIA moves into the wet season, which started this April 2023 in some areas of the Mindanao region, currently, 24,672 hectares are under land soaking and preparation stage.

NIA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) primarily responsible for irrigation development and management in the country.

Recently, the NIA said it has identified areas that will be prioritized for irrigation, and will implement the alternate wetting and drying technique to address the threats posed by e l Niño on the country’s water supply.

Guillen said these are the agency’s “short-term solutions” to mitigate the impacts of e l Niño, which can deplete water supplies and cause significant losses in agricultural production.

he a dded that hybrid varieties of rice and high value crops would be planted in affected areas. According to the NIA official, parts of Luzon and Visayas will be mostly affected by e l Niño.

“A long-term solution is building high dams,” Guillen said, noting these would not only address water woes but also generate power. Large dams, however, submerge communities, force people to relocate, and threaten biodiversity.

e a rlier, the NIA Ilocos regional office has been readying measures to aid the farmers in Pangasinan for the expected effects of the e l Niño phenomenon.

NIA Ilocos regional manager Gaudencio de Vera said they have been conducting meetings with stakeholders, including the weather bureau, the Department of Agriculture, and farmers associations, among others.

“As far as preparation, NIA monitors dams especially San Roque dam since it is the source of water for most irrigations in the province of Pangasinan,” he said.

There is constant information dissemination to prepare the farmers for the dry season this year, the official said

“We have recommended early planting if possible like in Sta. Barbara town where there is still water irrigation and around 7,000 hectares have been planted early,” de Vera added.

Raadee S. Sausa

PBBM assures government assistance to address Negros, Panay power woes

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

Instead, Marcos said the government will “augment” the existing power services in Negros.

“The irony is Negros actually has a surplus of power supply. The reason it is experiencing

brownout is because of its distribution system in its hightension wire… So that’s what we will have to look into,” Marcos told reporters in an interview onboard PR001 over the weekend. In a television interview with PTV last Monday, National e l ectrification Administrator (N e A ) Administrator Antonio C. Almeda disclosed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is already addressing the distribution issues in Negros.    Aside from Negros, the President said the government is also monitoring power disrup -

tions in Panay Island and other parts of the country as power demand rise due to high temperature.

“We are now trying to control or trying to manage rather our water consumption, our power consumption because that’s very closely related,” the President pointed out.

“In terms of Mindoro and even Marinduque, we’ve already been able to do some remedial measures,” he added.

The President also ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address the power outage at the Ninoy Aquino Terminal 3 last Monday, which

affected numerous flights and passengers.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to restore normal power operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [Naia] Terminal 3 as soon as possible while providing all necessary assistance to affected passengers,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a brief statement.  Naia was also hit by a system glitch last January, which caused a power outage in its facilities and stranded 60,000 passengers.

Marcos aims to step up Covid-19 vaccination drive for youth and vulnerable groups

The government is now eyeing to ramp up the government’s Covid-19 vaccination drive amid recent reports of rising virus cases.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the pronouncement when asked about the government’s intervention to stop the spread of Covid-19.

h e n oted the Covid-19 jabs would hopefully help vulnerable groups whose immune system may have been weakened by intense heat during the summer season.

“We will have to conduct again, especially for young people, we’ll have

to conduct again a vaccination push to reduce cases,” Marcos said in an interview with the media onboard PR 001 en route to Washington D.C. for an official working visit.

Last March, the Department of he alth (DOh ) reported the country still has 15.3 million Covid-19 jabs.

Of which, 7 million were “quarantined” pending an assessment from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if their shelf life can be extended, while the remaining 8 million are set to expire from March to October.

The President said they are also

studying the possibility of bringing back the face mask mandate to curb Covid spread.

“So we’ll look at it. We will check if there is guidance from the IATF [InterAgency Task Force for the Management of e m erging Infectious Diseases] and the DO h on this,” Marcos said.

Last week, the OCTA Research Group reported there are now more people who are testing positive for Covid-19 in Metro Manila.

Despite the rising trend, Marcos is confident the government could still contain the spread of Covid.

Mercado urges Makati, Taguig LGUs to ensure smooth turnover of BGC land after SC ruling

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

AFORM e R M akati City local government official is urging both the Makati and Taguig City local government units (LGU) to work together for a smooth turn over of the 729-hectare Bonifacio Global City complex and several barangays to the latter.

Former Makati Vice Mayor e r nesto Mercado made the appeal following the final ruling issued by the Supreme Court’s (SC) Special Third Division last month declaring that the contested land is part of the territory of Taguig City.

The SC, thus, barred the Makati City government “from exercising ju -

risdiction over making improvements on, or otherwise treating as part of its territory” Parcels 3 and 4, Psu 2031, comprising Fort Bonifacio, including the so-called Inner Fort comprising of Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, e a st Rembo and Pitogo.

The Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ headquarters, Consular area, JUSMAG area, h e ritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, AFP Officers Village and the so-called six villages are situated in the said areas.

“The decision is now final and executory. All must respect the decision, which the SC itself rendered after decades of litigation. Taguig and Makati should work together to ensure

a smooth transition so that services will not be disrupted,” Mercado said in a statement.

“We just have to be practical. The Court has already spoken,” he added. Mercado served as Makati City councilor from 1992 to 1998 and vice mayor in 2001, 2004 and 2007.

h e m ade the appeal to officials of the two LGUs to discuss the transition since the h i gh Tribunal has already dismissed the omnibus petition of Makati City requesting that the land dispute case be appealed before the Supreme Court e n Banc.

In rejecting Makati City government’s appeal, the SC pointed out that “the Court en banc is not an Appellate Court to which decisions or resolutions of a Division may be appealed.”

“Although the rate of increase is growing, the baseline [of infected cases] is still small, so hopefully

we’re still…we’re still going to be able to [contain] it,” Marcos said.

Samuel P. Medenilla

President Ferdinand r. Marcos Jr. has ruled out the nationalization of power distribution in negros amid a recent electricity crisis besetting the island.

Huge Labor Day events in Asia call for better labor conditions

By Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press

published a lengthy editorial urging workers to lend greater support to leader Kim Jong Un, fulfill their set production quotas and improve public livelihoods.

“We should become genuine socialist workers who uphold the ideas and leadership of the respected general secretary with pure conscience and fidelity,” the paper said, calling Kim by his title at the ruling Workers’ Party.

Kim has been pushing for greater public support of his family’s rule as he’s calling for a stronger, self-reliant economy to overcome pandemic-related hardships and protracted security tensions with the United States over his nuclear program. Outside experts say North Korea hasn’t shown any signs of a humanitarian crisis.

Workers in Indonesia marked the international Labor Day Monday with rallies in major cities across Southeast Asia’s largest economy. About 50,000 workers were expected to take part in traditional May Day marches in the capital, Jakarta, according to the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions, which represents 32 labor unions.

to stop human trafficking and job outsourcing.

In Japan, May Day celebrations in Tokyo and elsewhere were held over the weekend without any pandemic-related restrictions for the first time in four years. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended a Saturday event at a Tokyo park, which drew thousands of workers, politicians and representatives from major unions.

“I am taking part today because I want to build on the momentum toward higher wages. The most important goal in my ‘new capitalism’ policy is higher wages,” Kishida told the crowd.

The new capitalism program pushed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party centers around the private sector and the government working together to get the Japanese economy growing. Unionized workers have been pushing to win wage increases amid inflationary pressures.

VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN BLOOMBERG

Singapore voices ‘grave concern’ over South China Sea tensions

By Ben Westcott

SINGAPORE’S top diplomat expressed “grave concern” over altercations in the South China Sea following a near collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the highlycontested region.

the importance of Asean’s ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

“It will not resolve the disputes over sovereignty but it can help build confidence,” he said.

May Day, which falls on May 1, is observed in many countries as a day to celebrate workers’ rights with rallies, marches and other events.

In South Korea, more than 100,000 people planned to attend various rallies across the country in its biggest May Day gatherings since the pandemic began in early 2020, according to organizers. Similar events to mark the international Labor Day were expected in other Asian countries since Covid-19 restrictions were drastically loosened worldwide.

The two main rallies in Seoul, the South Korean capital, were expected to draw about 30,000 people each to listen to speeches by leading union members, sing songs and watch performances before marching through the streets, according to the organizers: the Korean Confederation of Trade Union and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions.

Seoul police had planned to mobilize thousands of officers to maintain order and said they will sternly deal with any illegal activities such as assaulting police

officers and occupying streets at undeclared locations.

Rally participants will call for an increase in minimum wages, repeat their demands not to ease corporate punishment for industrial accidents, and protest what they call the government’s antilabor policies. Their trade unions accuse the government of clamping down on some labor unions in the name of reforming their alleged irregularities.

The conservative government led by President Yoon Suk Yeol has been pushing for a set of labor reform steps. It’s called for more transparent accounting records of labor unions and an end of what it calls illegal acts like unions pressing firms to hire union members and some workers coercing kickback-like payments from companies.

Han Sang-jin, a spokesperson at the Korean Confederation of Trade Union, said his union members plan to stage a large-scale strike in July if their demands over labor issues aren’t met by then.

In North Korea, the country’s main Rodong Sinmun newspaper

Thousands still angry at the new Job Creation Law gathered near the National Monument waving colorful flags of labor groups and banners with demands. They later marched to the Constitutional Court and near the heavily guarded Presidential Palace to demand the repeal of the legislation. More than 6,000 police personnel, backed by soldiers, were deployed to secure the capital and authorities blocked streets leading to the compound.

The Job Creation Law amended more than 70 previous laws and was intended to improve bureaucratic efficiency as part of efforts by President Joko Widodo’s administration to attract more investment to the country. But critics remain unhappy, saying it will still benefit business at the expense of workers and the environment.

“Job Creation Law must be repealed for the sake of working situation improvement,” said protester Sri Ajeng. “It’s only oriented to benefit employers, not workers.”

Similar rallies were also held in Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and other cities around the country. They called on the government to pay more attention to Indonesian migrant workers overseas and make every effort

At Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park, thousands of labor union members, opposition lawmakers and academics gathered Monday for the May Day event, demanding enough wage increases to offset the impact of rising costs while their lives are still recovering from the damages of the pandemic. Monday’s May Day rally was held separately and organized by liberal-leaning groups.

Union leaders said government measures for salary increases are insufficient to catch up with rising prices, and workers’ real wages have continued to decline. They criticized Kishida’s plan to double defense budget, which requires tax increases in coming years, and said the money should be spent on welfare and social security and improve the people’s daily lives.

“We oppose major military expansion and tax increase, and demand a large-scale wage increase that exceeds price increase,” said Yoshinori Yabuki, head of Tokyo Regional Council of Trade Unions, one of organizers. “Let’s keep fighting as we workers unite and seek peace and democracy in Japan.”

Participants chanted “Gambaro!” meaning, “Let’s do our best!” before they took to the street for a march.

The Associated Press writers Yuri Kageyama and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

Jack Ma joins University of Tokyo as visiting professor

By Min Jeong Lee

ALIBABA Group Holding

Ltd. co-founder Jack Ma

is joining the University of Tokyo’s Tokyo College as a visiting professor, according to a profile page on the university’s web site.

Ma, 58, begins the new position on May 1 and is expected to contribute in several areas, the school said. He will provide advice on research topics and conduct research, especially in sustainable agriculture and food production; he will also give seminars about entrepreneurship and innovation.

One of China’s most recognizable business leaders, Ma largely dropped out of public sight after he criticized Chinese regulators in 2020 and Ant Group Co., an Alibaba affiliate he also co-founded, had to pull its planned initial public offering. The billionaire resurfaced in Hangzhou, China in March, a

rare appearance on the mainland.

“It appears that his career as a businessman has come to a close,” said Oshadhi Kumarasiri, an analyst at LightStream Research who publishes on SmartKarma. “Although he achieved success in this field, he previously worked as an English teacher and had expressed a desire to return to teaching once he retired from his business ventures.”

The Tokyo school did not detail what kind of lectures or seminars Ma would conduct. It wasn’t able to immediately respond to requests for further comment.

Beijing’s move to halt Ant’s IPO kicked off a sweeping crackdown on China’s private sector, from real estate and education to gaming and the internet. Regulators sought to curtail the power of tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent Holdings Ltd., and pushed the focus of investments to strategic

priorities such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Ma, once the highest-profile of China’s entrepreneurs, withdrew from the public spotlight. He was spotted in the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Thailand and Japan.  Chinese authorities made attempts to persuade Ma to return to the mainland and help showcase government support for the business community, Bloomberg News

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said his government wants all nations, including superpowers, to work together to ensure “free access and opportunities” in Southeast Asia and its sea lanes.

“So obviously we do view any altercations, conditions for incidents at sea, with grave concern,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

Tensions have escalated in recent months between China and the Philippines over the disputed, resource-rich waters of the South China Sea. Two Chinese coast guard vessels blocked Philippine patrol boats in the vicinity of Ayungin shoal on April 23. Beijing and Manila both defended the actions of their vessels.

Singapore’s foreign minister said it was important to “head off these situations” and emphasized

Balakrishnan spoke at a press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong following an annual meeting of the Singapore-Australian Joint Ministerial Committee.

The Singapore foreign minister gave some of his strongest comments yet in support of the Aukus agreement, a security partnership between Australia, the US and the UK which could see Canberra operating a fleet of nuclear submarines as early as the 2030s.

As long as the Aukus agreement contributed “constructively” to regional security, Singapore would support it, Balakrishnan said.

The foreign minister said he hoped the US and China could stabilize their relationship to “maximize the options for all of us,” although he recognized it would take time for Washington and Beijing to rebuild trust.

“That would give all of us much relief and a sense of stability,” he said. Bloomberg News

Pope open to helping return

Ukrainian children in Russia

By Nicole Winfield

Associated Press

The

has reported. But Ma chose to stay overseas, saying he has retreated from his companies to focus on researching agriculture technology.

Internally, Ma told Ant and Alibaba executives not to obsess over his return to China, stressing that he is committed to their success even at a distance, people familiar with the matter said.

Then in March, Ma visited a school in Hangzhou to discuss topics—including ChatGPT—and said he hopes to resume his former job as a teacher someday. In April, he accepted a position as an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong, although there were no plans for public lectures or speeches in that post.

Ma has longstanding ties to Japan. Masayoshi Son, founder of SoftBank Group Corp., backed Alibaba more than two decades ago and the two men sat on each other’s boards for years. Bloomberg News

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE—Pope Francis said Sunday the Vatican was willing to help facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the war, saying the Holy See had already helped mediate some prisoner exchanges and would do “all that is humanly possible” to reunite families.

“All human gestures help. Gestures of cruelty don’t help,” Francis said during an airborne press conference en route home from Hungary.

Francis also revealed a secret peace “mission” was under way. However, he gave no details when asked whether he spoke about peace initiatives during his talks in Budapest this weekend with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Hungary.

“I’m available to do anything,” Francis said. “There’s a mission that’s not public that’s underway; when it’s public I’ll talk about it.”

The International Criminal Court last month issued an ar -

rest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s children’s commissioner, accusing them of war crimes for abducting children from Ukraine.

Russia has denied any wrongdoing, contending the children were moved for their safety.

Last week Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Francis at the Vatican and asked him to help return Ukrainian children taken following the Russian invasion.

“I asked His Holiness to help us return home Ukrainians, Ukrainian children who are detained, arrested, and criminally deported to Russia,” Shmyhal told the Foreign Press Association after the audience.

Francis recalled that the Holy See had facilitated some prisoner exchanges, working through embassies, and was open to Ukraine’s request to reunite Ukrainian children with their families. The prisoner exchanges “went well. I think it could go well also for this. It’s important,” he said of the family reunifications. “The Holy See is available to do it because it’s the right thing,” he added. “We have to do all that is humanly possible.”

SEOUL, South Korea—A large number of workers and activists in Asian countries marked May Day on Monday with protests calling for higher salaries and better working conditions, among other demands.

Workers light smoke sticks during a May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday, May 1, 2023. Workers and activists across Asia are marking May Day with protests calling for higher salaries and better working conditions, among other demands. AP/DITA ALANGKARA

POPE Francis is greeted by Hungary President Katalin Novak during the farewell ceremony at the Budapest International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday, April 30, 2023. AP/DENES ERDOS

ALIBABA co-founder Jack Ma BLOOMBERG

World

Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages buildings

By David Rising The Associated Press

PEOPLE line up at a gasoline station in Khartoum, Sudan on Saturday, April 29, 2023, as gunfire and heavy artillery fire continued despite the extension of a cease-fire between the country’s two top generals.

Sudan’s army and rival extend truce, despite ongoing clashes

By Noha Elhennawy The Associated Press

CAIRO—Sudan’s army and its rival paramilitary said Sunday they will extend a humanitarian cease-fire a further 72 hours. The decision follows international pressure to allow the safe passage of civilians and aid, but the shaky truce has not so far stopped the clashes.

In statements, both sides accused the other of violations. The agreement has deescalated the fighting in some areas but violence continues to push civilians to flee. Aid groups have also struggled to get badly needed supplies into the country.

The conflict erupted on April 15 between the nation’s army and its paramilitary force, and threatens to thrust Sudan into a raging civil war.

The UN warned on Sunday that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan was at “a breaking point.”

“The scale and speed of what is unfolding in Sudan is unprecedented,” the UN’s humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said in as statement.

He said water and food are becoming increasingly hard to find in the country’s cities, especially the capital, Khartoum, and that the lack of basic medical care means many could die of preventable causes. Griffiths said that “massive looting” of aid supplies has hindered efforts to help civilians.

Earlier Sunday, an aircraft carrying eight tons of emergency medical aid landed in Sudan to resupply hospitals devastated by the fighting, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which organized the shipment. It arrived as the civilian death toll from the countrywide violence topped 400 and aid groups warned that the humanitarian situation was becoming increasingly dire.

More than two-thirds of hospitals in areas with active fighting are out of service, a national doctors’ association has said, citing a shortage of medical supplies, health workers, water and electricity.

The air-lifted supplies, including anesthetics, dressings, sutures and other surgical material, are enough to treat more than 1,000 people wounded in the conflict, the ICRC said. The aircraft took off earlier in the day from Jordan and safely landed in the city of Port Sudan, it said.

“The hope is to get this material to some of the most critically busy hospitals in the capital” of Khartoum and other hot spots, said Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa.

The Sudan Doctors’ Syndicate, which monitors casualties, said Sunday that over the past two weeks, 425 civilians were killed and 2,091 wounded. The Sudanese Health Ministry on Saturday put the overall death toll, including fighters, at 528, with 4,500 wounded.

Some of the deadliest battles have raged across Khartoum. The fighting pits the army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, against Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces.

The generals, both with powerful foreign backers, were allies in an October 2021 military coup that halted Sudan’s fitful transition to democracy, but they have since turned on each other.

Ordinary Sudanese have been caught in the crossfire. Tens of thousands have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad and Egypt, while others remain pinned down with dwindling supplies. Thousands of foreigners have been evacuated in airlifts and land convoys.

On Sunday, fighting continued in different parts of the capital where residents hiding in their homes reported hearing artillery fire. There have been lulls in fighting, but never a fully observed cease-fire, despite repeated attempts by international mediators.

Over the weekend, residents reported that shops were reopening and normalcy gradually returning in some areas of Khartoum as the scale of fighting dwindled after yet another shaky truce. But in other areas, terrified residents reported explosions thundering around them and fighters ransacking houses.

Youssef, the ICRC official, said the agency has been in contact with the top command of both sides to ensure that medical assistance could reach hospitals safely.

“With this news today, we are really hoping that this becomes part of a steady coordination mechanism to allow other flights to come in,” he said.

Youssef said more medical aid was ready to be flown into Khartoum pending necessary clearances and security guarantees.

Sudan’s healthcare system is near collapse with dozens of hospitals out of service. Multiple aid agencies have had to suspend operations and evacuated employees.

On Sunday, a second US-government organized convoy arrived in Port Sudan, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. He said the US is assisting American citizens and “others who are eligible” to leave for Saudi Arabia where US personnel are located. There were no details on how many people were in the convoy or specific assistance the US provided.

Most of the estimated 16,000 Americans believed to be in Sudan right now are dual US-Sudanese nationals. The Defense Department said in a statement on Saturday it was moving naval assets toward Sudan’s coast to support further evacuations.

Meanwhile, Britain has announced that an extra evacuation flight will depart from Port Sudan on Monday, extending what it called the largest evacuation effort of any Western country from Sudan.

The government asked British nationals who wish to leave Sudan to travel to the British Evacuation Handling Centre at Port Sudan International Airport before 12:00 Sudan time. The flight comes after an evacuation operation from Wadi Saeedna near Khartoum, involving 2,122 people on 23 flights.

Air raid sirens began blaring across the capital at about 3:45 a.m., followed by the sounds of explosions as missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian defense systems.

Eighteen cruise missiles were fired in total from the Murmansk region and the Caspian region, and 15 of them were intercepted, said Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-inChief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The head of Kyiv’s city administration, Serhii Popko, said all missiles fired at the city were shot down, as well as some drones. He didn’t provide further details, but said more information would be available later.

The attack follows Friday’s launch of more than 20 cruise missiles and two explosive

drones at Ukraine, which was the first to target Kyiv in nearly two months.

In that attack, Russian missiles hit an apartment building in Uman, a city about 215 kilometers (135 miles) south of Kyiv, killing 21 people including three children.

In Monday’s attack, missiles hit Pavlohrad, in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, wounding 34 people, including five children, according to Serhii Lysak the region’s top official.

Seven missiles shot at the city and “some were intercepted” but others hit an industrial facility, sparking a fire, and a residential neighborhood where 19 apartment buildings, 25 homes, six schools and five shops were damaged, he said.

Missiles also hit three other areas in the region, damaging residential buildings and a school, he said.

Moscow has frequently launched long-range missile attacks during the 14-month war, often indiscriminately hitting civilian areas.

Ukraine has recently taken delivery of American-made Patriot missiles, providing improved anti-missile defenses, but it was not clear whether any of them were employed in trying to stop Monday morning’s attack.

Ukraine has also been building up its mechanized brigades with

armor supplied by its Western allies, who have also been training Ukrainian troops and sending ammunition, as Kyiv prepares for an expected counteroffensive this spring.

On Saturday, two Ukrainian drones hit a Russian oil depot in Crimea in the latest attack on the annexed peninsula as Ukraine gears up for for its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview last week that his country would seek to reclaim the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 in the upcoming counteroffensive.

Paraguay’s long-ruling Colorado Party registers easy election win

By Débora Rey The Associated Press

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay— Paraguayans voted overwhelmingly to keep the long-ruling Colorado Party in power for five more years, backing its presidential candidate and giving it majorities in both houses of Congress.

Santiago Peña, a 44-year-old economist, had 43 percent of the votes in a preliminary count from Sunday’s election, with nearly all voting places reporting. That was far ahead of the 27 percent held by his closest challenger, Efraín Alegre of the Pact for a New Paraguay, a broad-based opposition coalition that had united in an effort to bring to an end Colorado’s seven-decade stranglehold on power.

The conservative Colorado Party also had a strong showing in other races, winning 15 of the 17 governorships up for election and getting majorities in both the Senate and the lower house.

Led by Alegre, the opposition coalition had been optimistic it was going to be able to win votes due to widespread unhappiness over high levels of corruption and failures in the health and education systems, which took center stage during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yet a significant number of non-Colorado voters instead supported Paraguayo Cubas, a right-wing populist outsider who received 23 percent of the vote with a strong anti-establishment message, a larger share than had been expected.

There were 13 candidates in all, but Paraguay doesn’t require a presidential candidate to get more than 50 percent of the votes, giving the victory to whomever gets the most votes.

Peña celebrated a showing that on Aug. 15 will make him Paraguay’s youngest president since the return of democracy in 1989.

“Today we’re not celebrating a personal triumph, we’re celebrating the victory of a people who with their vote chose the path of social peace, dialogue, fraternity, and national reconciliation,” Peña told a crowd of supporters Sunday night. “Long live Paraguay! Long live the Colorado Party!”

Alegre acknowledged defeat soon thereafter.

“Today, the results indicate that perhaps the effort we have made was not enough,” Alegre told reporters, adding that divisions among the opposition “prevented us from reaching the goal of being able to bring about the change that the majority of Paraguayans are asking of us.”

The first to congratulate the president-elect was the outgoing president, Mario Abdo Benítez. “Congratulations to the Paraguayan people for their great participation in this electoral process, and to the president-elect Santiago Peña,” he said on social media.

“We will work to initiate an orderly and transparent transition that strengthens our institutions and the country’s democracy.”

Before the vote, analysts had predicted a close contest for president, saying Alegre could have a chance of unseating South America’s longest-governing party, which has essentially ruled Paraguay uninterrupted since 1947.

But many voters preferred to

stay with the familiar, an unusual turn in a region where incumbents have not done well in recent elections.

“An unexpected result, very unexpected. I think even the Colorado Party members are shocked by such a wide margin,” political consultant Sebastián Acha said. “It gives him enormous legitimacy due to the size of the difference and that makes Peña’s victory indisputable.”

The results also appeared to mark a victory for former President Horacio Cartes, who governed in 2013-2018, and who the US State Department recently accused of being involved in “significant corruption” as well as having ties to terrorism. He has denied the allegations, while Peña called them “groundless.”

Cartes, a local magnate who is also the president of the Colorado Party, is a powerful figure in Paraguayan politics and members of the opposition had characterized Peña as a frontman for Cartes to hold power.

Cartes stood next to Peña as he gave his celebratory speech Sunday night.

“I want to be a tool for you,” Cartes told Peña. “I want you to be sure that the Colorado Party is going to be your best tool.”

Peña was finance minister in the Cartes government and, until recently, a member of the board of

Banco Basa, a local bank owned by the former president.

The US Embassy posted a statement on social media congratulating Peña. “We will continue to work together in strengthening our excellent bilateral relations and promoting transparency and inclusive democracy,” it added.

The election in the country of almost 7 million people also had geopolitical implications as Paraguay is the only remaining country in South America to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and those ties became an issue in the campaign.

Alegre had called for the landlocked country’s relationship with Taiwan to be reviewed, saying they are too costly. Peña defended Paraguay’s relationship with Taipei, though he said he would seek more trade with China, without explaining how that would come about.

“We have a diplomatic and historic relationship with Taiwan of more than 60 years, based on principles and democratic values that we believe are fundamental for a society like Paraguay,” Peña said.

The Taiwanese Embassy posted a message on social media congratulating “president-elect” Peña.

“Congratulations to the Paraguayan people, who showed the world the democratic power of citizens through their votes,” the embassy said.

Brazil’s left-of-center president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also congratulated Peña.

“Good luck in your mandate,” the Brazilian wrote on social media. “We will work together for even better and stronger relations between our countries, and for a South America with more unity, development and prosperity.”

Alegre, a lawyer who heads the Liberal party, the second-largest political force in Congress, was making his third bid for the presidency, though this time he represented a mix of political parties.

KYIV, Ukraine—Russia launched its second large salvo of missiles at Ukraine in recent days early Monday, damaging buildings and wounding at least 34 people in the eastern city of Pavlohrad but failing to hit Kyiv, officials said.

FIRE and smoke rise after artillery shelling near Bakhmut, an eastern city where fierce battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces have been taking place, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine on April 29, 2023. AP/LIBKOS

The battle for power between the country’s army and its rival paramilitary has killed hundreds and sent thousands fleeing for their lives. AP/MARWAN ALI

SANTIAGO Peña, presidential candidate of the Colorado ruling party, talks after the voting closed during general elections in Asuncion, Paraguay on Sunday, April 30, 2023. AP/JORGE SAENZ

A law that benefits all Pinoy seafarers

The Philippine Overseas employment Administration says a “seafarer refers to any person who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a seagoing ship navigating the foreign seas other than a government ship used for military or non-commercial purposes. The definition shall include fishermen, cruise ship personnel and those serving on foreign maritime mobile offshore and drilling units.”

The House of Representatives recently passed House Bill (HB) 7325, dubbed “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers”, which seeks “to provide our seafarers with comprehensive protection before, during and after employment, especially in the event of maritime accidents, epidemics or pandemics, or other natural or manmade crises.”

“Our seafarers are our unsung heroes. Almost 400,000 of them are on board merchant shipping vessels around the world at any given time. They are not only a source of income for the country through their remittances but also a source of pride,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

The proposed law mandates that the standard employment contract of seafarers will be reviewed and approved by the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure that the terms adhere to the rights of seafarers as laid down in the law. It also gives the DMW secretary, or her duly authorized representative, access to foreign-registered ships and Philippine-registered vessels operating internationally to conduct inspection to ensure compliance with working and living standards of seafarers as provided under their contract.

At the core of this proposed landmark legislation, according to Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo, is the protection of the rights and the promotion of the welfare of Filipino seafarers. Salo chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs. “By codifying relevant seafarers’ rights and duties, the proposed law shall seek to ensure better working conditions, meaningful qualifications, and other measures that will improve their situation at work,” he added.

A labor group, however, urged lawmakers on Thursday to scrap an escrow provision under HB 7325 for being unconstitutional and unnecessary. In a joint news conference with the Association of Marine Officers and Ratings, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) said the escrow provision violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution. (Read, “Escrow provision under proposed magna carta bill for seafarers hit,” in the BusinessMirror, April 28, 2023).

Section 51 of HB 7325 said that the monetary award for seafarers from the National Labor Relations Commission will be deposited to an escrow account until the “issuance of judgment by the appropriate reviewing court or when the employer or manning agency fails to perfect the appeal or petition for review.”

FFW President Sonny Matula said the provision is discriminatory since no such provision applies for the claims of local workers or land-based overseas Filipino workers. Matula said the controversial provision will condemn seafarers to years of legal battle with their manning agencies or employers before they could benefit from their claims.

Migrante International rejects the watered-down version of “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers” recently passed by the House of Representatives as House Bill 7325. “We say no to HB 7325, an anti-seafarer bill! This bill is a travesty on the rights of seafarers. It excludes fishers, does not provide for security of tenure, excludes domestic seafarers in many important provisions and, worse, includes an anti-seafarer provision on Escrow (Section 51),” Migrante said. “HB 7325 is a far cry from the original bill supported by Migrante International, which is HB 4438 proposed by Hon. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party and Makabayan Bloc. Under said bill, fishers are included, all domestic seafarers are covered, and there is a guarantee on the security of tenure of all seafarers who have worked for at least one year in one company. No wonder, even one of the proponents of the Magna Carta, Hon. Brosas, voted “no” in the final reading of the watered-down bill, HB 7325.” The intention of the proposed law is clear: HB 7325 seeks to ensure better working conditions for Filipino seafarers. Unfortunately, the measure excludes fishers and domestic seafarers, who also have existing rights under Philippine laws. The Senate has yet to pass its own version of the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.” It would do well for our senators to rectify an oversight on the part of the House of Representatives in the proposed law, and include our fishers and domestic seafarers who are already accorded the rights to be treated as seafarers under the POEA Rules and Regulations.

Manny B. Villar

THE EnTrEprEnEur

We should never underestimate the impact of the looming el Niño phenomenon—or drought—on agriculture. This weather disturbance can create havoc on the livelihood of our farmers and disrupt water supplies in many municipalities.

The lesser volume of water will eventually lead to lower agriculture production and higher crop prices, and reduce the output of hydroelectric dams. Prolonged droughts, as we have learned in history, had caused mass migrations and the demise of some civilizations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as the nation’s agriculture secretary, is well aware of the incoming dry spell. This early, he has prepared a number of measures to mitigate the impact of El Niño on crops and farmers. This is not a case of overreaction.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is coming up with an El Niño Alert starting this month as the chances of the drought lasting from June until the first quarter of

Modern science will allow our farmers to overcome the water crisis. I’ve heard of reports that several government and private institutions are collaborating to develop new climate-smart crop varieties using advanced technology.

and safe water for Filipinos during the dry spell.

2024 have increased. This weather phenomenon has already prompted President Marcos to order select government agencies to draw up a campaign to generate public awareness and conserve water and energy to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

I can imagine the hardship that our farmers will bear when the dry spell starts to kick in. They may be forced to shift to planting crops that are less susceptible to El Niño, such as vegetable or root crops, instead of the traditional rice.

Mr. Marcos is taking the challenge head-on starting from the most basic use of water. The nation’s chief executive wants to assure the people that there is enough supply of clean

The ‘silent killer’ crisis

John Mangun

OuTSIDE THE BOX

he whole institutional structure of the marketplace rests on the assumption that the other side of the trade will always be there; without that assumption, even the most fearless trader would refuse to stay in the market.”

In my video last week, I said that the price of stocks—or anything for that matter—increases or more specifically deceases based only on Buyer Demand. We talk about price determination as being founded on the economic model of Supply and Demand but in reality, supply has little to do with it unless it is an essential life-sustaining item.

Food in general is essential; onions in particular are not.

Theoretically, if the supply of a good or service is reduced, then the price should increase. But that only happens if the Demand remains

constant. But at some point in the price increase period, Buyers’ Demand will go away. Note, I never bought any onions whatsoever when the price moved closer to the recent high around P400 per kilo. Onions are not essential.

However, changing prices is a good thing. The volatility of price movements is a sign, and the consequence, of liquidity. As long as prices are going up and down, that means there is liquidity—the ability in a market to convert cash to assets and assets to cash at a price. Markets exist only to provide liquidity.

He is also taking a whole-of-government approach in dealing with the water crisis. He just signed an executive order creating a Water Management Office that will help deal with the national problem.

Mr. Marcos spoke of converting our dependence on supply from underground water to surface water and upgrading the distribution system. For one, some of the nation’s water pipes were installed during World War II.

Upgrading and modernizing the water distribution system in the provinces is not an easy task.

But Mr. Marcos authorized local government units to install their own water supply systems. Our LGUs will need help from the private sector, which I’m sure, is more than willing to act as partners in water distribution.

One analyst is accurately calling the current growing liquidity problem as a “silent killer” crisis. Anthony Rowley writes: “As with high blood pressure, such a threat is hard to detect until it is too late”. Right now, we are facing a coming liquidity crisis, the worst in history, at least in my lifetime history.

“Liquidity is oxygen for a financial system”. Actually, liquidity is oxygen for the entire economy. Like blood without oxygen, money without liquidity is useless. Every financial crisis has its cause from lack of liquidity caused by a lack of buyers.

At the simplest, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis materialized because there were no buyers, no liquidity, with the two most important currencies in their economic class—the Korean won and Thai baht. Both currencies sank because buyers ran away as confidence in the future value of those currencies was lost. Currency liquidity froze; econo-

The Bureau of Plant Industry, meanwhile, is drawing up measures to reduce the impact of El Niño on food production. The agency must pursue intervention programs to help farmers during the El Niño phase. The bureau shares the responsibility of managing irrigation to mitigate the effects on crops. Farmers should be told to defer their plans to plant water-sensitive crops. New crops, per the bureau report, have been developed that are climate-smart, such as new breeds of vegetables that can endure heat with little or less water. Such crops will help sustain farmers’ production and income amid the El Niño stage. Modern science will allow our farmers to overcome the water crisis. I’ve heard of reports that several government and private institutions are collaborating to develop new climate-smart crop varieties using advanced technology.

Building relevant water infrastructure is also our way out from the drought and water crisis. Water from the 56-year-old Angat Dam that supplies potable water to Metro Manila residents is no longer sufficient to meet the demand from an increasing population.

Perhaps, water agencies and the national government should also See “Villar,” A9

mies collapsed, Korea’s decreasing by 11 percent and Thailand’s by 13 percent. The 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis was also created by a liquidity crisis. Since 1972, both public and private sector economies are established on debt not assets. The GFC occurred because confidence was lost in debt and then buyers fled, removing liquidity, and debt prices were destroyed. The global economy contracted by 5.7 percent in 20072009, the only negative numbers since WW1, the Great Depression, and WW2. The even more serious 2020 lockdown destruction was also “recovered” on debt.

But now, liquidity is being destroyed at an unprecedented magnitude. The post-GFC zero-interest rates are disappearing even as systemic inflation from the lockdowns will not go away. Money movement, liquidity, is beginning to freeze again.

Here are the factors causing loss of confidence, which will lead to a greater loss of liquidity. “US Gross domestic product rose at a 1.1 percent

Macli-ing Dulag and the struggle of the indigenous peoples

Dennis gorecho

Kuwentong peyups

‘How can you own that which will outlive you?” is the most often quoted famous line of Kalinga martyr Macli-ing Dulag in relation to issues affecting the indigenous peoples.

It was in the mid-1990s when I joined three Cordillera Day celebrations in honor of Macli-ing held annually every April 24, two in Benguet (Itogon and Mankayan) and another in Sagada, Mountain Province.

It was in the evening of April 24,1980 when soldiers fired at two houses in the village of Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga that caused the death of Macli-ing from multiple gunshots.

He is one of the leaders of the Kalinga tribes opposing the World Bank-funded 1,010-megawatt Chico River Basin Hydroelectric Dam Project of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Despite the lack of a formal education, Macli-ing knew that the project would eventually displace thousands of his people from their ancestral lands and destroy millions worth of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Government forces killed Macliing in an attempt to silence him, but his murder was a catalyst that united the peoples of the Cordillera in opposition against the dam.

One of his famous quote on the people’s reverence for the land, affirming their right to stay, states: “You ask if we own the land and mock us saying, ‘Where is your title?’ When we ask the meaning of your words, you answer with taunting arrogance, ‘Where are the documents to prove that you own the land?’ Titles? Documents? Proof of ownership. Such arrogance to speak of owning the land when we instead are owned by it. How can you own that which will outlive you? Only the race owns the land because the race lives forever.”

My former University of the Philippines law professor and now Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen cited Macli-ing’s words in his concurring opinion in Sama vs People (GR 224469, January 5, 2021) that Iraya-Mangyans should be acquitted of the crime charged for violating the Revised Forestry Code after they cut down a dita tree without a license or permit issued by the proper authority.

The Iraya-Mangyans invoked their Indigenous Peoples (IP) right to harvest dita tree logs, which constitute a part of their right to cultural integrity, ancestral domain, and ancestral lands. They insist that the felled dita tree was planted in their ancestral domain, over which the Iraya-Mangyans exercise communal dominion.

The IP Rights Act (IPRA), or Republic Law 8371, recognizes that

Mangun.

Continued from A8

annualized pace in the first quarter, below the 2 percent estimate.” The Euro zone gross domestic product grew by 0.1 percent, half of expectations. Core consumer prices in the EU increased 6.58 percent in March, the historic high.Taiwan’s first quarter GDP shows that the economy is in technical recession as exports fell. “Core consumer inflation in Tokyo rose at the fastest pace in four decades.” US bank lending contracted by the most on record in the last two weeks of March. “US money supply growth went negative for the third month in a row and is near a 35year low.”

In the Ipsos “Global Consumer Confidence Index” for April 2023, the “Current Index” (personal financial

IPs have a claim of ownership, not only upon the ancestral domain, but also on the resources found in them.

It acknowledges that the ancestral domain and the resources located therein constitute as the IPs’ basis for their cultural integrity.

“The indigenous peoples’ struggles for their rights have long been enduring. Their struggle for the recognition of their rights to land and self-determination is rooted in their effort for cultural and human survival. We should honor the struggle of our people. This decision is the least we can do to correct a historical injustice,” Leonen said.

In the case of Isagani Cruz vs Secretary of Environment (GR 135385 December 6, 2000), former SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno said:

“If the evolution of the Filipino people into a democratic society is to truly proceed democratically, it is this Court’s duty to acknowledge the presence of indigenous and customary laws in the country and affirm their co-existence with the land laws in our national legal system.”

Former Senator Juan Flavier, one of the law’s authors, noted that the survival of the IPs depends on securing or acquiring land rights; asserting their rights to it; and depending on it. Otherwise, IPs shall cease to exist as distinct peoples.

Flavier added that the IPs are the offsprings and heirs of the peoples who have first inhabited and cared for the land long before any central government was established.

The Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) said in it’s website that “more than just a gathering, Cordillera Day is a political statement on present realities by the militant Cordillera peoples’ movement. It carries with it the historical advances of the mass movement for self determination and national democracy. It is the affirmation of principles and struggles for defense of the ancestral domain and for self determination and pursues what the Cordillera martyrs and heroes have fought for.”

Macli-ing Dulag and all our other martyrs did not die in vain. CPA added: “The struggle for the peoples’ aspirations for social justice, genuine development and peace, freedom and democracy are still far from over.”

Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

situation, local economy, purchasing/investing confidence, and job security) after going back to prelockdown levels in mid-2021, is now trending lower. The US Consumer Confidence Expectations Index has now remained below 80—the level associated with a recession within the next year—every month since February 2022.

One analyst is accurately calling the current growing liquidity problem as a “silent killer” crisis. Anthony Rowley writes: “As with high blood pressure, such a threat is hard to detect until it is too late.” Right now, we are facing a coming liquidity crisis, the worst in history, at least in my lifetime history.

The Phygital Revolution: How FinTechs should navigate

atty. Jomel n. Manaig

ConSTanTlY emerging buzzwords are reflections of our fast-paced reality. one of the more recent buzzwords doing its rounds in the business community is PHYGITal Simply put, phygital is the marriage of the traditional physical infrastructure with the conveniences of the digital experience. You may think that phygital is something new but, believe it or not, you may have already been experiencing phygital services without you realizing it.

Those electronic kiosks at some fast-food outlets where you can put your order and pay for your meal— that’s phygital. The tablets in bank branches where you put your transaction and get a queuing number —that’s phygital. The stores with a brick-and-mortar set-up as well as an online/app-based marketplace. You guessed it! That is phygital.

Phygital is all about making consumer experience more convenient. It breaks the barriers of the physical and the digital realms to create a hybrid to bring the best of both worlds together.

Among the core of the phygital revolution is the drive to make transactions easier and hassle-free. Liberating people from having to worry about cold hard cash on hand to pay for goods and services is part,

Phygital is all about making consumer experience more convenient. It breaks the barriers of the physical and the digital realms to create a hybrid to bring the best of both worlds together.

the transaction was done physically or digitally, the rules and regulations applied are basically the same.

if not the central piece, of the game. This is where financial technology (FinTech) comes in.

Just like many digital-based innovations, FinTech services thrived during the period of face-to-face restrictions due to the pandemic. FinTech companies gave us a way to bridge the gap by closing transactions without ever having to hand over cash for purchases. And even until now, innovations are being made for the betterment of the consuming public. This has made FinTech entities successful.

However, despite the constant advancements, not everything has been keeping up with the times. Taxwise, there has been no significant strides to provide updated rules to specifically cater to transactions involving FinTech entities. Whether

Unfortunately, this may prove disastrous, as transactions involving FinTech companies may not necessarily adhere to the established norms and procedures in taxation that we are all familiar with. Applying existing tax rules and regulations may subject FinTech companies to unwarranted tax exposures.

Unsuspecting FinTech companies may be hit with a plethora of supposed tax exposures like deficiency withholding taxes and deficiency value-added taxes, to name a few. This is mostly because FinTech companies may have adopted financial reporting and internal documentation procedures that are unsuitable to the existing (and often dated) tax rules and regulations.

Assessments for national taxes are not the only possible concern of FinTech companies. Local government units may likewise assess deficiency local business taxes for the same reason that financial reporting and internal documentation of FinTech companies may have incompatibilities with existing tax

rules and regulations. Since the tax rules and regulations are not yet being updated to adapt to the unique circumstances of FinTech companies, it is incumbent upon the latter to minimize, if not eliminate, exposures in its financial reporting and internal documentation procedures. FinTech companies need to revisit their current business models to identify these loose ends before the taxman comes and bust it wide open.

Buzzwords more often signal a trend that comes and goes depending on what is new and what is waiting on the wings. However, every so often, buzzwords transition from something temporary to an enduring staple. Phygital, with its track record, may be well on its way to having a permanent home in our society. And since FinTech is reaping the benefits of going phygital, best to expect that continued growth will also bring chronic issues. The question now is, will FinTech companies adapt before the hammer falls?

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

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at jomel.manaig@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 380.

Case details Sinaloa cartel’s fentanyl-fueled evolution

By Christopher Sherman & Mark Stevenson | The Associated Press

MEXICo CITY—with

Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán serving a life sentence, his sons steered the family business into fentanyl, establishing a network of labs churning out massive quantities of the cheap, deadly drug that they smuggled into the US, prosecutors revealed in a recent indictment.

Although Guzmán’s trial revolved around cocaine shipments, the case against his sons exposes the inner workings of a cartel undergoing a generational shift as it worked “to manufacture the most potent fentanyl and to sell it in the United States at the lowest price,” according to the indictment unsealed April 14 in Manhattan.

Synthetic opioids—mostly fentanyl—now kill more Americans every year than died in the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined, feeding an argument among some politicians that the cartels should be branded terrorist organizations and prompting onceunthinkable calls for US military intervention across the border.

“The problem with fentanyl, as some people at the State Department told me, has to be repositioned. It’s not a drug problem; it’s a poisoning problem,” said Alejandro Hope, a security analyst in Mexico, who died Friday. “Very few people go out deliberately looking for fentanyl.”

The groundwork for the US fentanyl epidemic was laid more than 20 years ago, with aggressive overprescribing of the synthetic opioid oxycodone. As US authorities clamped down on its prescription, users moved to heroin, which the Sinaloa cartel happily supplied.

But making its own fentanyl— far more potent and versatile than heroin—in small, easily concealed labs was a game changer. The cartel went from its first makeshift fentanyl lab to a network of labs concentrated in the northern state of Sinaloa in less than a decade.

“These are not super labs, because they give people the illusion that they’re like pharmaceutical labs, you know, very sophisticated,” said Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the

US Drug Enforcement Administration. “These are nothing more than metal tubs and they use wooden paddles—even shovels—to mix the chemicals.”

A single cartel “cook” can press fentanyl into 100,000 counterfeit pills every day to fool Americans into thinking they’re taking Xanax, Percocet or oxycodone. The pills are smuggled over the border to supply what son Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar said are “streets of junkies,” the indictment said.

Fentanyl is so cheap to make that the cartel reaps massive profits even wholesaling the drug at 50 cents per pill, prosecutors said.

The drug’s potency makes it particularly dangerous. The narcotic dose of fentanyl is so close to the lethal dose that a pill meant to ensure a high for a habituated user can easily kill a less experienced person taking something they didn’t know was fentanyl.

Between August 2021 and August of last year, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, most from synthetic opioids. Last year, the DEA seized more than 57 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescription pills, according to the New York indictment.

To protect and expand that business, the “Chapitos,” as the sons are known, have turned to grotesque violence.

Enforcers Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzmán Salazar are the lead defendants among 23 associates charged in the New York indictment. Ovidio Guzmán López, alias “the Mouse,” who allegedly pushed the cartel into fentanyl, is charged in another indictment in the same district. Mexico arrested him in January and the US government has requested extradition. Joaquín

and water management capabilities, and provide immediate solutions to the problems created by disruptive weather phenomena, such as El Niño and La Niña. We should manage our water

The wide-ranging New York indictment against the Guzmán Salazar brothers details their penchant for feeding enemies to their pet tigers and describes how they tortured two Mexican federal agents, ripping through one’s muscles with a corkscrew then stuffing the holes with chili peppers before shooting him.

Guzmán López is charged in the Northern District of Illinois.

According to the Guzmán Salazar indictment, the cartel does some lab testing on its product but conducts more grisly human testing on kidnapped rivals or addicts who are injected until they overdose.

The purity of the cartel’s fentanyl “varies greatly depending on the method and skill of the particular manufacturer,” prosecutors noted.

After a user overdosed on one batch, it was still shipped to the US.

When the elder Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada led the Sinaloa cartel, it operated with a certain degree of restraint. But with Guzmán serving a life sentence and Zambada believed to be suffering from health issues, the Chapitos moved aggressively to avoid a power vacuum that could fragment the cartel.

“What was really a unique advantage of the Sinaloa cartel and El Chapo was the ability to calibrate violence,” said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology at the Brookings Institute.

The wide-ranging New York indictment against the Guzmán Salazar brothers details their penchant for feeding enemies to their pet tigers and describes how they tortured two Mexican federal agents, ripping through one’s muscles with a corkscrew then stuffing the holes with chili peppers before shooting him.

The indictment also provides context to some recent violence in Mexico.

In August 2022, gunmen shot up

resources well and maximize them before they make their way to the open sea. Water, to me, is a finite resource that should be conserved and harnessed. The Philippines is blessed with natural resources such

Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso, Texas. Two prison inmates and nine civilians in the city were killed. US prosecutors say the Chapitos’ security arm ordered their local gang associates to commit the violence, targeting a rival cartel’s businesses.

“This is not their father’s Sinaloa cartel,” Felbab-Brown said. “These guys just operate in very different mindsets than their father.”

The Guzmán Salazar indictment makes an initial attempt at disrupting the cartel’s supply chain, naming four people tied to a China-based chemical company and a broker in Guatemala who allegedly helped the cartel get the chemicals and even instructed them on the best recipes for fentanyl.

“When they talk about labs and you’re trying to focus in on labs, that’s not going to have an impact unless you get the finished product or the precursor chemicals,” Vigil said.

Mexico’s government has stumbled through the mixed messaging of its security forces playing up their decommissioning of labs even while President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has asserted that fentanyl is not being produced in Mexico.

In congressional testimony Thursday, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram was pressed about whether Mexico and China are doing enough to cooperate with US.

“We want the Mexicans to work with us and we want them to do more,” Milgram said, adding that the DEA wouldn’t hesitate to go after public officials in Mexico or elsewhere should it find evidence of ties to the cartels.

Experts say López Obrador is one obstacle to slowing the cartels’ fentanyl production. After US prosecutors announced the concerted effort against the Sinaloa cartel, López Obrador reacted angrily. The president accused the US government of “spying” and “interference,” suggesting that the case had been built on information gathered by US agents in Mexico.

The president had already severely reduced Mexico’s cooperation with the DEA, experts said.

as water, and we should exploit these God-given wealth.

For comments, send e-mail to mbv_secretar-

tax Law for Business

A10

Tuesday, May 2,

MARCOS PRODS BEIJING

ON USING ‘DIRECT

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

FOLLOWING the recent close collision of the Philippines and Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. called for the adoption of the country’s “direct communication line” with Beijing.

I n an interview on board Flight PR 001 en route to Washington D.C., President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. disclosed the proposed “High-level Communication” is still not operational.

He noted the government has already completed its team of contact persons for the said purpose and submitted the names of its members and their contract details to Chinese authorities.

However, the President said China has yet to reciprocate the said move.

The [high level communication lines] is still incomplete.

We’re waiting for China to give details, who will be the team at their end,” Marcos said.  “

They agree [with the direct communication]—they’re work-

LINE’

ing on it,” he added.  He stressed the importance of establishing the communication lines to prevent possible misunderstanding between Philippine and Chinese forces in the WPS such as the near-collision in the Ayungin Shoal last month.

B oth the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard exchanged blame on which party is responsible for the incident.

And that’s exactly what we want to avoid, that is why I am imposing on them that we should establish high level communication,” Marcos said.

T he proposed direct communication line was first announced during Marcos’s visit to Beijing last January.   A nother measure, Marcos said, which the government is considering to prevent further tension in the WPS is to come out with a Philippine fishing grounds map.

Senator seeks clearer terms, cyberattack provision in 1951 MDT

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

LAWMAKERS are being asked to consider a timely remedial legislation to update and provide “a clearer definition of the Philippine territory” under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, as suggested by Senator  Francis Tolentino.

In a radio interview, Senator Tolentino confirmed options to propose the “inclusion of territories where the Philippine government currently exercises ‘sovereign rights.”

T he senator added: “Kung ako po ang mag a-amendya nito . . . hindi lamang sa metropolitan territory, sa land mass island territory (ng Pilipinas) sa Pacific Ocean, mayroon pang iba. Kung liliwanagin po iyan, pwede pong idagdag: where it exercises  sovereign rights.”

[If I were to amend this...it would not just be limited to metropolitan territory, or land mass island territory (of the Philippines) in the Pacific Ocean, there should be others. If we want a clearer definition, we can add: where it exercises  sovereign rights.]

T he incumbent vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Tolentino aired his remarks ahead of the meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and United States President Joe Biden during which issues of defense, security, and other geopolitical matters were expected to be discussed by the two leaders.

T he senator suggested the two leaders find time to consider a new provision in which, “any attack on a place where it exercises sovereign rights (for both parties) would trigger MDT,” referring to the 1951  defense pact between the two long-time allies.

“[That part] where effects on the exercise of sovereign rights, maybe that can be discussed and clarified so that if we are attacked in our  exclusive economic zone, that will clearly fall under the  Mutual Defense Treaty as amended,” the lawmaker added, speaking partly in Filipino.

Given the current geopolitical tension in the South China Sea region, Tolentino said the mere presence of the American military in the region is already “a psychological reinforcement itself of our historical ties with the United States.”

PHL e-commerce will keep thriving beyond ’23–PECA

Roderick L.

We did not see any decreasing growth of the industry. It will keep on increasing from 2023 [and beyond],” PECA Cofounder and President Jere Von Basa told reporters hours before their staging of e-Levate, the country’s grandest sectoral networking event held recently in Pasay City.

young” industry. Hence, he enjoined both the public and private sectors to back up the entire online selling community in so far as addressing the three challenges besetting the e-commerce players is concerned.

“ We are giving good revenue for the Philippine economy. But, unfortunately, we have [not] been given enough support from the government. That’s why we built the association to have this kind of voice of small online sellers be heard,” Basa said.

In parallel to the kind of changes is the need also to educate the online sellers. That’s why we also want to work with the DTI as well as with the Tesda [Technical Education and Skills Development Authority] to also give support for the education of our online sellers,” he said. Policy-wise, Basa underscored legislative reforms for the industry, such as laws that could help push for logistical support and consumer protection by way of certification of online traders to combat scam and fraud.

“Malaking bagay po iyon na alam natin na-andyan sila. So sa halip na gumatos po tayo ng malaki para ma improve yung sandatahang lakas, mayroon tayong kaalyado na handang tumulong,” he said.

Tolentino also suggested that Manila seek an upgraded compensation, not only under the MDT but also with other existing treaties with the world’s ‘super power,’ specifically the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the recently expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which will be given to local government units (LGUs) that will be hosting those non-permanent US bases in the country.

“We should augment and clarify the kind of assistance that can be given to the host local governments – perhaps help in their educational system by setting up schoolbuildings, or boost capacity for setting up small hospitals, since the US military has many doctors anyway,”  the senator said, in Filipino.

M eanwhile, at this turning point of the ‘modern warfare,’ era, Tolentino also seeks the inclusion of a ‘cyberattack’ provision under MDT considering that the battlefield right now is not just only about conventional armed conflict, but also includes skirmishes [in] cyberspace, noting reports of so-called ‘state-sponsored’ cyber-attack.

“I’ve asked the Coast Guard and the DFA to put together perhaps a map of these fishing grounds that —we will give them, these [areas are part] of the Philippines and we’ll see what they say when we give them our proposal,” Marcos said.  7 LGUs

I f for example, there is a cyberattack on the Philippine banking system “that will collapse—that’s akin to an armed attack. If our government institutions are attacked, like what happened to the data leaks in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), that should be armed attack also,” said Tolentino.

Tolentino wants an amendment of Article 5 of the 1951 MDT, to include provisions on attack on cybersecurity especially when it will be made on critical infrastructure of the governments and other vital installations. “If there is a  cyberattack, the banking system will be damaged. So with all critical government infrastructures—brownouts, blackouts nationwide, even telecommunications,” he added.   T he senator clarified that  a counterattack during a Statesponsored cyber-attack “should be commensurate” and doesn’t need a direct confrontation with the opposing party.

S ince the Covid-19 crisis started late 2019, the e-commerce vertical has seen a “dramatic” rise due to movement restrictions and lockdown enforcements. This, in turn, has made the Philippines the third in Southeast Asia, next only to Indonesia and Vietnam, with the highest e-commerce growth rate.

I n fact, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show that the industry generates an average of P2.3 billion sales a month. More and more people are being drawn to ply their trades on the web. At present, there are about 8 million online sellers nationwide.

So that’s how big the market is in the digital world,” Basa said, while noting that each of the leading e-commerce players Lazada and Shopee has around 2 million to 3 million virtual merchants, per industry data.

A mid the easing pandemic situation at present, he still expects a double-digit growth for the “still

Second, we want also to get access to financial institutions [through] loans, especially those who are just starting in online selling,” he added. “That’s one thing that we are really working on right now. We are in partnership with UnionBank and Good Loan.”

T he cofounder and president of PECA also pointed out the importance of educating further the cyber merchants in today’s digitalization era.

“ The third [challenge would be] the changes of technology in the Philippines that are really fast. It’s so volatile. It changes every month.

Good thing that we are in partnership with the DTI, especially the division for e-commerce. We have given them some of the possible legislations that could be enacted for us,” he stressed.

PECA was established in 2022 to create a unified body among online sellers all over the country. This nonprofit organization is envisioned to enable the further growth and advancement of e-commerce by making solidified programs that are regulated and recognized by actual practitioners. Its membership has so far reached more than 500.

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

SEVEN local government units

(LGUs) will be the pilot areas for the rolling out of the single ticketing system (STS) on Tuesday (May 2), expected to put an end to the complaints from motorists over varying traffic rules in the National Capital Region (NCR).

T he STS will be rolled out for pilot testing in Manila, Parañaque, Caloocan, Quezon City,  San Juan, Muntinlupa and Valenzuela and the agency itself, MMDA Spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said.

T hrough STS, Carunungan said a uniform penalty or fine will be in place, wherein violators of the STS will pay a standard amount of fine regardless of where the infraction was committed in the seven LGUs

where the system will be pilot-tested.

Eventually, the MMDA hopes to have the STS implemented in the entire metropolis, the MMDA official said.

T he 20 most common traffic violations and their corresponding fines under the Metro Manila Traffic Code are disregarding traffic sign (P1,000 fine), illegal parking both attended and unattended (P1,000 and P2,000, respectively), violation of number coding (P500), truck ban (P3,000), reckless driving (P1,000 for the 1st offense, P2,000 for the 2nd offense, and P2,000 and seminar for the 3rd offense), tricycle ban (P500), obstruction (P1,000), dress code for motorcycles (P500 for the 1st offense, P750 for the 2nd offense, and (P1, 000 for the 3rd

offense), overloading (P1,000) defective motor vehicle accessories (P1,000), unauthorized modification (P2,000, arrogance/ discourteous conduct (P500), loading and unloading zone in prohibited zones (P1, 000), illegal counterflow (P2, 000 for the 1st offense and P5, 000 for succeeding offenses) and P1,000 for speeding.

On February 1, the Metro Manila mayors only approved the resolution for its implementation.

C arunungan said the pilot testing would help MMDA and the LGUs address possible problems or adjustments before rolling the system in the entire NCR.

Payments

THERE are three options for payment of fine: *Through the traditional

method which is physical payment.

* Through digital platforms such as Gcash and online banking * Enforcers equipped with handheld devices by the third week of May and erring motorists can pay through digital wallet right there and then after they are accosted and the enforcer has explained their violation

T he MMDA and the LGUs will forward to the Land Transportation Office database, through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS), the violations committed for tallying.

C arunungan stressed that during the pilot testing,  the demerit system in which motorists found to have violated traffic regulations 10 times would have their drivers’ license suspended, will not be implemented yet.

to pilot NCR single-ticketing system

Abad @rodrik_28

E-COMMERCE is here to stay as online trade is seen to sustain growth post-pandemic, according to the Philippine E-Commerce Association (PECA).

IT’S HOT, AND WATER IS SCARCE Parts of Metro Manila and Cavite area are experiencing a week-long interruption in water services following an advisory from Maynilad Water Services Inc. Water supply in parts of Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas, Parañaque City and Pasay City will also be affected. Maynilad said in its advisory that the turbidity level of the raw water in Laguna Lake has been gradually decreasing since the amihan season ended, but the process is taking longer than expected. Due to this, Maynilad said it had to extend the schedule for maintenance activities in plants. ROY DOMINGO

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

B1

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Exec: ACEN will back only renewable energy projects

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

Nonetheless, the power firm said it wants the 1,100 megawatt (MW) combined cycle gas turbine project of eNe X energy Corp. to succeed.

“This is a clarification that while ACeN has supported eNe X to help develop this joint venture company, ACeN has already committed to only invest in 100 percent R e I just want to make it clear that it is not the intent of ACeN to invest in the construction equity of a gas-fired power plant because we already committed to become 100 percent R e generation by 2025.

What it means is that eNe X will have to source, together with its part-

ner, for the capital once the project gets to financial close. We are not yet in financial close,” said ACeN President er ic Francia.

The project proponent is Batangas Clean energy Inc., a joint venture between eNe X and Singaporebased Gen X energy LLC, which is a subsidiary of United States-based Blackstone Group.

Based on Department of energy (DOe) filings, Batangas Clean energy is expected to reach a final investment decision this year and targets commercial operation of the gas plant by last quarter of 2026 to first quarter of 2027.

The gas plant will rise on 24 hectares of onshore land and 15 hectares of foreshore area in Barangays Libjo and Malitam, Batangas City. The project’s estimated cost is P60 billion.

“We have a joint venture which is a 1,100 MW gas-fired plant that’s under development in Batangas. That’s in very advanced stages of development and we believe it can participate in the upcoming CSP [Competitive Selection Process] of Meralco (Manila electric Co.], for instance,” said Francia. he said a power supply contract is vital to the project’s success given the volatility of fuel and gas prices in the world market.

“We would like the project to win a long-term contract. It is very risky to invest in a merchant, uncontracted gas power plant. It would need a contract with a reasonable pass-through mechanism and so forth.”

The way to balance ACeN ’s goal vis-à-vis the success of the gas project of eNe X is for ACeN to make sure that eNe X secures the needed funding without ACeN having to shell out any amount.

“So, its still yet to be determined

PSE brings back investor program

where the particular source of funding will come from but we have various sources for that, notwithstanding the fact that ACeN will not be the source of construction equity. We would like nevertheless for the project to succeed, we will exert all efforts to make sure the project gets fully funded and that would be the role of eNe X to play and we have various options. For that, details of which I cannot go into at this point,” Francia said.

“So, we really are working hard making this project successful and real and we will ensure it will get the proper funding when the time comes.”

Batangas Clean energy said the power plant will source natural gas from a nearby liquefied natural gas import facility. The plant would have the flexibility to burn up to 50 percent clean hydrogen as a supplemental fuel when hydrogen becomes commercially available and supply five to 10 percent of Luzon grid’s power requirements.

The plant has been certified as an energy project of national significance by the DOe

MGreen plant to start operations soon

The 75-megawatt (MW) solar power project of MGen Renewable e n ergy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), is scheduled for commercial operations within the month.

MGreen’s 75MW solar power project in Baras, Rizal, in partnership with Mistui’s local unit MitRenewables Philippine Corp., has energized 67.5MW of the project, and has started generating power since March 27 this year, MGen

President Jaime Azurin said during a recent news conference on Meralco’s first quarter financial and operating results.

“The plant is expected to declare commercial operations date in May 2023,” Azurin added.

This is going to be MGreen’s third solar plant. The first two are the 55MW solar plant of PowerSource First Bulacan Solar Inc. (BulacanSol) in San Miguel, Bulacan and the 68MW solar plant in Currimao, Ilocos Norte of Nuevo Solar energy Corp.

(NSeC ), a joint venture between MGreen and Vena energy Solar Ph Pte Ltd. BulacanSol delivered 30 gigawatt hour (GWh) of energy in the first quarter, slightly lower than the 31GWh posted in the same period a year ago due mostly to cloudy weather in the early months of the year.

NSeC , meanwhile, delivered a total of 36 GWh of commissioning energy to MPower and the Wholesale electricity Spot Market.

All three solar power projects of MGreen will bring its capacity to al-

most 200MW. “More renewable energy projects can be expected in the coming years, as we strive to fulfill our commitment to deliver cleaner and more sustainable energy in the market,” Azurin said.

MGen, the power generation arm of Meralco, delivered a total of 3,577GWh at end-March this year, 12-percent higher than the 3,194GWh posted in the same period last year.

It targets to have 1,500MW of renewable energy by 2027. Lenie Lectura

The investor day program of the Philippine Stock exc hange Inc. (PSe) dubbed PSe STAR (Strengthening Access and Reach) will return for its 2023 edition on May 9 and 10.

PSe said the virtual program will serve as a platform for select publicly listed companies (PLCs) to discuss first quarter 2023 financial results, projects for the rest of the year and their short to medium term growth strategy.

“PSe STAR is free of charge and is open to equity analysts, fund managers and institutional and retail investors.”

The event is co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P. with the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines and Trust Officers Association of the Philippines as event partners.

“PSe STAR had two runs last year and both were well-received. We are continuing this activity to provide more PLCs an avenue to share their earnings performance and growth

prospects to a bigger audience. We also want to give investors and analysts access to the top executives and investor relations teams of the featured PLCs through this activity,” PSe President and CeO Ramon S. Monzon said.

The participating PLCs are Aboitiz Power Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., Cebu Landmasters Inc., Filinvest R eI T Corp., JG Summit holdings Inc., MacroAsia Corp., Manila electric Co., Raslag Corp., and Wilcon Depot Inc.

Aside from the company briefings, talks on economic Prospects and Sector Outlook will be given by Bloomberg analysts.

Details on PSe STAR (Strengthening Access and Reach): Investor Day, including the registration page, can be accessed through event website, https://star.pse.com.ph/

For more information about the event, please contact PSe s Marketing Services Department through marketingservices@pse.com.ph.

DAVAO City—The Securities and e x change Commission (SeC) has given companies and other establishments until June 30 to apply for amnesty for the late submission and nonfiling of financial statements and general information sheets.

In a statement on Friday, the SeC said the deadline for filing of applications for amnesty for late and nonfiling of annual financial statements (AFS), general information sheets (GIS), and official email addresses and mobile phone numbers was moved to June 30. el igible companies now have until June 30 to finish their amnesty applications. Moreover, applicants now have 90 days, instead of 45 days, from the date of payment to submit their latest due financial statements.”

The SeC granted the extension as contained in SeC Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2023, issued on April 25.

The SeC launched the amnesty program “for noncompliant corporations, as well as those whose certificates of registration have been suspended or revoked, for their failure to submit their AFS and GIS on time, in the middle of March through SeC Memorandum Circular No. 2, series of 2023.” Manuel T. Cayon

ST Luke’s Medical Center, the premier healthcare institution in the Philippines, ushers in a new leadership that would allow the hospital to continue to deliver highquality health services to its patients while remaining at the forefront of medical innovation.

On April 26, 2023, in Taguig City, St. Luke’s board of trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Dennis P. Serrano as the new President and Chief e xecutive Officer, effective May 1, 2023. Prior to this appointment, he was the hospital’s executive Vice Presi-

dent for One healthcare System.

h e is one of the key individuals behind the success and continuous innovation at St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he spearheaded the Institution’s Robotic Radical Prostatectomy program in 2010. Other than his contribution to the medical center, he held leadership roles in various medical associations, both local and international.

h i s expertise, experience, and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in leading St. Luke’s Medical Center to provide the best

care for its patients and community. he plans to focus on enhancing the patient experience and the culture of care for its employees. This will involve creating a more supportive environment for patients, implementing better tools for staff efficient workflow, and increasing communication between patients, their family members, and physicians. All these efforts would ensure that all patients get the best possible care in a safe and supportive environment while also creating a culture of appreciation among its employees.

ACEN Corp., which is transitioning its generation portfolio to 100 percent renewable energy (RE) by 2025, declared that it will not provide funding for the planned gasfired power plant of its oil and gas unit.

Rules vs investment fraud, abuses issued

By VG Cabuag @villygc

treatment, to disclosure and transparency in the marketing of financial products and services, to protection of consumer assets against fraud and misuse, to data privacy and protection, and to timely handling and redress of complaints of consumers,” SEC Chairman Emilio B. Aquino said of the issuance of the IRR.

“In turn, the IRR reinforces the commission’s mandate of, and unwavering commitment to, protecting financial consumers, and inculcating in financial service providers the values of fairness, transparency, accountability and ethics,” Aquino added.

ment actions that may be conducted by the SEC, which shall include the restriction on the ability of the financial service provider to collect excessive or unreasonable interests, fees, or charges; disqualification and/ or suspension of directors, trustees, officers, or employees; and disgorgement, among others.

The rules also allow the SEC to issue an order requiring accounting and disgorgement of profits obtained or losses avoided, as a result of a violation of the FCPA and other existing laws, including reasonable interest, in addition to penalties it may impose for such violation.

implementation face imprisonment of not less than one year, but not more than five years, or by a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P2 million or both, at the discretion of the court.

Should the violation be committed by a corporation or a juridical entity, the directors, officers, employees, or other officers who are directly responsible for such violation shall be held liable.

The

to the broad range of

“True

The IRR for the FCPA reinforces the SEC’s power to exercise authority over issuers of securities in tokenized or digital forms. This is in line with the updated definition of securities under the rules, which cover the tokenized or digital forms of securities defined by the Securities Regulation Code.

The rules also expand the enforce-

The Commission, under the IRR, may further adopt additional rules and regulations concerning the creation and operation of a disgorgement fund, payments to financial consumers, rate of interest, period of accrual, and other matters related to the disgorgement fund.

Persons who violate provisions of the FCPA or the rules pursuant to its

Persons found responsible for investment fraud may also be subject to administrative sanctions, from a fine of P50,000 to P10 million for each instance of investment fraud plus not more than P10,000 for each day of continuing violation, in addition to other administrative sanctions under Section 54 of the SRC.

The rules also provides the SEC the authority to regulate persons engaged in the business of or acting as an investment adviser in the country, as well as those who represent or

identify themselves as investment advisers or make use of the words investment adviser or financial adviser or variations, unless they are registered with the SEC. An investment adviser shall refer to any person who engages in the business of advising others as to the value of investment products or as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling investment products, or a person who issues or promulgates analyses or reports concerning investment products.

All persons acting as investment advisers may continue functioning, provided that they will file with the SEC an undertaking signifying their intent to register as investment adviser within 90 days from the effectivity of the IRR.

The SEC’s memorandum circular on the IRR will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.

By Andrea San Juan

to sustain their operations.

On marriage and personal finances VAT zero-rating rules a fillip to local sourcing–PEZA

MOnEy matters are one of the most common reasons married couples get annulments and separations. you would often see these in financial literacy group chats where one of the couples complains about his or her partner not contributing enough for their finances. One of them would anonymously complain that they are tired of working for long hours only to see their partner not doing a thing or relying on them entirely.

With the right financial planning and communication skills, couples can avoid financial stress or at least minimize it and achieve their goals together, making their bonds stronger than ever. In this article, we will explore the importance of personal finance in marriage and offer some practical tips for a better and happier married life.

The first step is to understand your financial situation. list down all your sole and joint expenses, debt and assets. Be open and transparent with your spouse about your finances to avoid trust issues down the line. you should know how much you spend on dining out, on groceries, on luxuries, on car maintenance and the like. note that no two families have the same type of expenses. Some families spend more on travel and don’t prioritize food experiences. Others value a beautiful home rather than spending on travels. There are no right or wrong answers in how you spend your needs and wants, except only when you are overspending.

The second step is to accept your financial situation. Sometimes in life, there will be abundant days and periods of famine. These moments will test the strength of your commitment to one another. If things are looking bleak, you need to create solutions as a couple so that you can overcome adversity. Finish off paying your debts especially where your spouse is a co-guarantor. Save together for a joint married fund, invest in your respective retirement accounts. Work together as a team to achieve these goals.

The third step is to create a working budget. list down all your family expenses and sources of income. Plan out how much you can actually spend on groceries, tuition, transportation and the like. Be strict in following said budget. If you are overspending, cut down on the wants. If you are unable to cover all your needs, then getting a sideline is a good idea.

The fourth step is to manage

debt. Home loans, car loans and even loans brought forth by overspending and gambling can bring enormous stress on your family and finances. Settle first the high-interest debts and make advance payments to expedite finishing the debts. Avoid the mistake of paying existing debts by making new debts. The cycle will never end if you do this. Work on increasing your income streams. Take up some freelancing, learn to sell various kinds of products online. Start a small food business with an established system so you do not have to start from scratch, especially if food development is not your strength.

The fifth step is to save for your future together. life is not all about paying debts or basic survival. It is about living life as well and making a positive change to your community. Whenever you achieve a major savings goal, treat your family to a well-deserved vacation (and set aside a budget for this). If your finances are not enough, support each other by taking new learnings and skills. Save money for a second-hand car for your family trips. Or perhaps save to build a bigger home for your growing family. Each family has their own goals and you need not follow the path of other couples. life is not a race; it is a journey.

The sixth step is to pursue your goals. As you track your budget, think about your life goals. What dreams did you have for yourselves and for your married life? Where are you at this point in life? yes, money is important, but money without purpose is not the ideal. your goals should define what you want to invest in over the years.

If you wish to learn more about side hustles you can take to reach your goals, check out my official web site: https:// www.ohmyfinance.pro/freesidehustlescourse.

Raymond Anthony Quisumbing is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. Follow him on Twitter via @OhMyFinancePH. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 101st RFP program this May 2023. To inquire, e-mail info@ rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

THE guidelines by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the value-added tax (VAT) zero-rating of goods and services directly used by locators will encourage locators to source more from the local market instead of importing, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

“With the revised guidelines, this will encourage locators to localize their outsourcing of goods and services,” PEZA director General Tereso O. Panga told reporters last Monday.

“This will increase value-adding in the country and facilitate the integration of local suppliers of goods and services into the [economic] zone value chain.”

According to Panga, given the wider coverage of allowable goods and services for VAT zero rating, registered business enterprises (RBEs) will be encouraged to source more from the local market instead of importing inputs from other countries

The PEZA chief explained that before the revised guidelines, RBEs were exposed to VAT payments because the Revenue Memorandum Circulars (RMCs) limited the goods and services to be covered by the zero VAT-rating incentive.

As such, Panga said, this “increased the cost of doing business for locators,” prompting some of them to outsource their service requirements abroad to avoid exposure to VAT.

He also divulged that some locators had resorted to importing their materials as it was easier to avail of tax perks and duty-free incentive than sourcing the materials from the local market given the “gray area” in the BIR’s definition for direct and exclusive use in a registered activity.

l ast April 26, the BIR issued its Revenue Regulation (RR) 3-2023 2023 to clarify the list of goods and services that will be zero-rated.

The services that are in the nega-

tive list—those deemed not “directly and exclusively” used by the registered project or activity of a registered export enterprises—are: janitorial services; security services; financial services; consultancy services; marketing and promotion; and, services rendered for administrative operations such as human resources (HR), legal and accounting.

Those considered “directly and exclusively used” are “costs that are indispensable to the project or activity, i.e., without which the project or activity cannot proceed, and these include expenses that are necessary or required depending on the nature of the registered project or activity of the export enterprise.”

“With the restoration of our ecozone export-oriented locators’ incentives, including VAT zero rating/exemption on goods and services that are directly and exclusively used in their registered activity, will improve their bottom line and capacity to reinvest in the country,” Panga said.

The PEZA chief added that “as we manage the cost of doing business to enhance our competitiveness, this will also attract new investors in the ecozones to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered by the [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act] Create law [Republic Act 11534].”

As the RBEs are now “spared” from the VAT refund process, Panga said it will benefit as well their local suppliers who are no longer required to apply with the BIR for the VAT-zero rating of their transactions.

The PEZA chief added the BIR ruling “will strengthen the role of IPAs [investment promotion agencies] in investment facilitation and exercise of regulatory functions over RBEs” as the IPAs would be tasked to issue the VAT zero-rating certification.

Panga clarified that the negative list is “not absolute” as RBEs may appeal to their respective IPA for reconsideration of their specific case for VAT zero-rating application.

Is it OK to fib in loan applications, insurance claims?

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

ACOnSuMER fraud survey by analytics software provider Fair Isaac Corp. revealed that almost half of Filipinos polled are willing to commit fraud to obtain a loan or file an insurance claim.

However, the study also highlighted that financial institutions can generate increased revenue and drive sales through a successful fraud protection function. When asked about their attitudes to giving false information for financial or material gain—known in banking as first-party fraud, half of Filipinos supported these behaviors, Fico said in a statement issued on April 27.

The firm said that around 35 percent of respondents said there are circumstances when it’s OK to exaggerate income on a loan or mortgage application, while 15 percent thought it was normal to do so. The survey revealed similar proportions of consumers would exaggerate an insurance claim or add items to a claim.

for their “continued support and loyalty.”

“We continue to work hard to become the bank of choice of SMEs [small-scale and medium-sized enterprises],” she added.

“These findings underscore the importance of robust fraud prevention strategies that not only safeguard customers’ interests but also strengthen the bottom line of businesses,” C.K. l eo. FICO’s lead for fraud, security and financial crime in Asia Pacific, was quoted in the statement as saying. “While many think that people should never take these fraudulent actions, the survey sheds light on the concerning willingness of almost half of Filipinos to commit fraud in pursuit of financial gain.”

Desperate measures

THE sentiment noted by Fico is consistent with Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand and Indonesia (50 percent) and interestingly even more pronounced in Malaysia where over 60 percent of the respondents said such behaviors are normal, the firm said.

FICO said the results indicate that banks in the Philippines may be making inaccurate risk assessments as a result of false information on applications, potentially leading to financial losses from inflated insurance claims. Additionally, customers

may not be aware that providing incorrect information on applications or claims is illegal, the firm added.

“The economic situation, compounded by the increasing cost of living, has forced some Filipinos to take desperate measures to obtain credit and other means to make ends meet,” l eo said. “However, misrepresenting information constitutes fraud. Financial institutions can improve their ability to detect anomalies that suggest exaggeration or misstatement of information, enabling them to take positive action to safeguard against losses resulting from customers’ inability to repay. By doing so, they can also assist customers in avoiding regrettable paths.”

Fraud protection

ACCOR dInG to Fico, financial institutions frequently possess the evidence required to distinguish between fraudulent and legitimate applications.

“However, fraud teams are frequently unable to utilize this data because it is siloed. These inefficiencies result in inadequate fraud protection

and compromise the customer experience,” the company’s statement read. “Banks prompt customers with arduous and time-consuming identity checks, resulting in increased costs and duplications that cause frustration for customers.”

According to leo, “in the competitive banking landscape of the region, having the wrong fraud strategy is expensive.”

“Successful fraud teams balance both fraud protection with the legitimate needs of customers. Taking a holistic approach to an applicant’s data will help the fraud team effectively distinguish between fraudulent and legitimate applications,” leo added. “The application of analytics and machine learning models will further bolster a bank’s defenses while generating higher levels of customer satisfaction.”

Conducted in late 2022, the report surveyed a thousand people each in 14 countries: The Philippines; the uSA; Canada; Brazil; Mexico; Colombia; Peru; Malaysia; Thailand; Indonesia; South Africa; Germany; the united Kingdom; and, Sweden.

A. Almirez was quoted in a statement as saying. Almirez thanked the bank’s clients

PBB also raised a total of P1.75 billion capital via private placement and stock rights offering. As a result, equity expanded by 19.18 percent to P16.8 billion in March 2023.

“This will better position the bank to

capitalize on market opportunities and enhance its ability to grow its loan and investment securities portfolio to act as a foothold in generating higher income for 2023,” the bank’s disclosure read. The bank’s core income reached P718.5 million.

PBB also said its pre-tax pre-provision profit increased 41.9 percent to P827.2 million in the first quarter of this year from P582.9 million last year. The bank

said pre-tax pre-provision profit is net revenues less non-interest expenses.

Meanwhile, total loans and receivables reached P103.6 billion as of the first quarter of 2023, a 15.98 percent increase year-on-year. Total resources stood at P134.7 billion as of end-March 2023. On the funding side, deposit liabilities were at P111.1 billion as of the first three months of the year.

Shareholders’ equity was at P16.8 billion, equivalent to a book value per share of P19.79 net of preferred shares. Annualized returns on assets and equity improved to 1.45 percent and 11.62 percent owing to better profit margins. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio was 13.56 percent and minimum liquidity ratio at 21.77 percent in the first quarter of 2023, above the adjusted statutory requirement of 20 percent. Cai U. Ordinario

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, which seeks to have stronger regulation and enforcement against investment frauds and abuses.

IRR covers all financial products and services, and financial service providers under the SEC’s jurisdiction. These financial products and services include credit, securities and investments. digital financial products or services that pertain

financial services accessed and delivered through digital channels are also within the IRR’s coverage.

to the objectives of the FCPA, the IRR advances financial consumers’ right to equitable and fair

PBB’s bottomline grows 57.7% in 1st quarter despite global, domestic challenges

personal Finance

raymond anthony Quisumbing

A FUNERARY stele, conventionally referred to as “Bride of the Desert” and illegally excavated in the ancient Roman archaelogical site of Zeugma in eastern Turkey. AP

B&B Italia Manila celebrates anew the ties between design and art

“[The idea was to present] vignettes that are inspiring,” said Cuevo, whose 30-odd years of exposure and experience in art developed in him a keen eye for aesthetics, proportion, balance. “The style is intended to be welcoming, very sleek and streamlined, not that all very stiff or contrived. It's also evoking a sense of subtle contemporary elegance.”

Cuevo added that his concept for the second installment of Art & Space Serie 02 was “Due” or “gemello,” which is Italian for “two” or “twin.” It relates to how the furniture and artworks are arranged in such a way that one creatively mirrors the other.

and the theatrical arts. With it in the space was B&B Italia’s Eileen Console, a timeless piece that dramatically accentuated Luz’s signature style of geometric abstraction.

Aside from masters, also under the spotlight in Art & Space Serie 02 were modern contemporary artists. Jigger Cruz’s large-scale abstract painting was engaged in dialogue with a rare Lor Calma sculpture, as both shared the space with the forever-iconic crowd favorite Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini and the Mini Papilio Chair by Naoto Fukasawa.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Gaius Charles, 40; Ellie Kemper, 43; David Beckham, 48; Dwayne Johnson, 51.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Protect what you’ve worked so hard to acquire. Don’t trust others to look out for your interests or investments or handle what’s important to you. A demonstrative attitude will ward off outside interference. Show confidence in all that you do and say, and you’ll customize your life to ensure you reach your goals. Be honest with yourself and others to avoid emotional overtures. Your numbers are 7, 18, 22, 24, 30, 39, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Observation will offer insight into someone’s motives. Understanding what you must give up will ensure you get what you want. Keep personal information to yourself to avoid an uncomfortable position. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Home improvement projects will pay off. Decluttering your space will ease stress and motivate you to take better care of yourself and your possessions. A compassionate attitude will help you address personal issues tactfully, and you’ll save yourself grief and money. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Walk away from drama. Opportunities are apparent if you focus on what’s important and beneficial. A chance to expand your interests will help shape the way you work and live. Question the emotional intentions of others before you share your secrets. ★★★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Invest in something solid and lasting, not in someone else’s dream. Helping others can improve your relationships, but if money is involved, you are likely to experience the opposite outcome. A unique approach to your responsibilities will bring positive results. ★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Communication will make you aware of what’s possible. Ask questions, collaborate with people you can learn from and be quick to take advantage of a rare opportunity that comes your way. ★★★

CONTEMPORARY home furniture brand

B&B Italia (www.bebitaliamanila.com) recently transformed its 814-sqm Manila showroom into a space where design and art intertwines with the second run of its Art & Space exhibition.

The creative convergence features the imaginative vignettes by art curator and interior stylist Glenn Cuevo, showcasing B&B Italia pieces alongside artworks from noted Filipino visual artists Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zobel and HR Ocampo, among others. The exhibit, titled Art & Space Serie 02: The Collector’s Edition, was on display at the B&B Italia Manila showroom until April 30.

The Amorsolo Room, for instance, featured two iconic paintings from the renowned maestro. Complementing the pieces that display the National Artist’s mastery of light was B&B Italia’s Bend Sofa by Patricia Urquiola, Pianura Small Table, and Pochette Armchair by Piero Lissoni, the latest addition to the brand’s Manila showroom.

Meanwhile, in the Lao Lianben Room, a textured masterpiece by the Filipino assemblage trailblazer brought the space to life alongside the limited-edition Blitz Table by Mario Bellini, numbered 7th out of 100 in the world. Then, highlighted in the same room are Arturo Luz’s Performer Series, a collection of paintings that feature the artist's fascination with performers

ITALY RETURNS ANCIENT STELE, ILLEGALLY EXPORTED, TO TURKEY

ROME—Italy on Friday returned to Turkish authorities a funerary stele, dating from the second century and carrying a loving inscription to the dead woman’s spouse, after investigation determined that it was illegally excavated from southeastern Turkey. Italy’s specialized Carabinieri paramilitary police art squad said it had determined after extensive investigation that the object was illegally exported, eventually winding up in a private home in Florence, Italy, after being purchased in France.

The art squad for decades has been in the vanguard of efforts to ensure that artistic and archaeological works are returned to their rightful country of provenance if exported without permission. Its efforts have resulted in hundreds of artworks and artifacts being returned to Italy from prestigious museums

and from private collectors worldwide.

The stone work depicts a noblewoman, wearing a veil and a tunic. Her right hand is placed on her left breast. Under the bust refiguring the deceased is an inscription in ancient Greek reading, “Satornila, the wife who loves her husband, farewell!”

The stele was illegally excavated near the ancient city of Zeugma, in what is near Gaziantep, in presentday southeastern Turkey, the police said. It dates from the mid-to-late second century, the Carabinieri said.

Zeuguma, on the Euphrates River, was first an ancient Greek settlement and later became part of the Roman Empire. It was founded around 300 BC by a general of Alexander the Great.

The stele was handed over to the Turkish ambassador to Italy for return to Turkey. AP

In the 10th floor B&B Italia Manila showroom, the main display featured a monochromatic room with an assortment of pieces by contemporary glass sculptor, Ramon Orlina, alongside select works from HR Ocampo, Fernando Zobel, Arturo Luz and Ang Kiukok. These treasured pieces were paired with B&B Italia classics, including the Mart, Atoll and the Le Bambole Armchairs with the Alanda ‘18 Small Tables, all displayed in sets of twos.

Spotlighted as well were Juvenal Sanso and Annie Cabigting pieces. One side of the room was bathed in the warmth of Sanso’s Low Tide (Matabungkay) painting that paired perfectly with the Husk Armchairs. On

SEE

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Proceed with an open mind and a will to learn. Your discipline and hard work will pay off if you don’t let your emotions and personal life interfere with your responsibilities. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look for ways to lower your overhead. Avoid impulse buying and taking on more debt than you can afford. Spend more time working on presentation and personal gain. Update your qualifications and resume to fit the position that interests you. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep the ball rolling. Don’t lose sight of your goal or your personal or professional associates. Maintaining balance and integrity will be necessary if you want to form strong alliances with like-minded people. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Spend more time getting to know someone who interests you, and you’ll gain insight into who you are and what you want. Strive for perfection, and pay attention to detail instead of taking on so much that you fall short of your expectations. ★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): How you earn and handle your money is crucial. Consider your living arrangements and how they affect your life and daily routine. A flawless seam between professional and personal life will ease stress and help you set a budget you can sustain. ★★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll find a safe way to make your money grow. How you invest, budget and put an end to overindulgence will determine the outcome. Shared expenses or joint endeavors will lead to disappointment and sorrow.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do what comes naturally. Don’t second-guess yourself or trust someone else to take care of your interests. Change your fitness routine to suit your lifestyle. Say no to temptation and offers that lack substance. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are tactful, disciplined and organized. You are ambitious and demonstrative.

It’s in the genes, and more, for Nicole Laurel Asensio

IN a recent chat with the exquisite Nicole Laurel Asensio, who will very soon breathe life to the amazing character of Sisa in the musical theater production of Ibarra, we learned that her paternal grandmother, National Artist for Music Fides Cuyugan Asensio, also played Sisa during her younger years.

“My grandmother Fides first played Sisa 65 years ago when she was pregnant with my father (who she named Noli). I was told by some of her colleagues and friends who saw the production that her portrayal was iconic, and she went on to play Sisa many, many more times. I think the crazed character also inspired many of her future roles especially in her original librettos, because she was brilliant at playing the ‘mad woman’ and she was never afraid to always go out of the box, dig deep and even go dark with her many role choices,” Asensio shared.

MeDia giant GMa Network shows everyone that the summer season can be the perfect time to make someone’s day brighter with its official summer plug “summer of love.”

Making viewers feel the love and fun under the sun, the latest summer campaign features some of the network’s current programs that further highlight why people love summer: spending time together wherever they are. as the sun shines brights, viewers are treated to GMa afternoon dramas that portray acts of love and kindness in various forms. some of these shows that make them love summer more include Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, Arabella and Underage

The prime-time shows Mga Lihim ni Urduja, Hearts on Ice and The Write One, on the other hand, manifest that summer is about being hopeful amid every challenges in life.

summer days are also definitely made brighter with some of the network’s most entertaining weekday shows TiktoClock, Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Family Feud and Bubble Gang.

Weekends are extra special when shared with loved ones while watching the Sarap Di Ba, Amazing Earth, Magpakailanman, Pepito Manaloto, Ibilib, All-Out Sundays, The Boobay and Tekla Show, The Clash and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.

Featured also in the summer plug are the fresh faces of the sparkada and sparkle Teens who will make the biggest splash this summer and will surely be the next favorites of fans.

The GMa summer plug jingle titled “summer of love” was performed by the talented sparkle artists sean lucas, Tanya ramos, lexi Gonzales, and Matt lozano. The catchy upbeat tune was composed and arranged by Natasha correos, with beautiful and captivating lyrics written by Jann Fayel lopez and cristine autor.

The summer campaign can be viewed on GMa www. gmanetwork.com, and the official social-media pages of the network.

Continued from B4

the other, Cabigting’s Destroyed Painting worked well with the deep colors of B&B Italia’s Tufty-Time Sofa by Patricia Urquiola.

Finally, a special area was dedicated to Chinese artist Lv Shanchuan, acclaimed for his expressive and bold brushwork. The space featured Spectacle II, which embodies Shanchuan’s enduring fascination with the ideologies of politics, power and social relations. Its bright, evocative colors work worked harmoniously with Orlina’s Foresight, a glass sculpture in carved pink crystal. Both pieces complemented B&B Italia’s striking Beverly ‘14 Chairs by Antonio Citterio.

Cuevo said his selection process for the featured artists was based on his favorites, which are mostly “more abstract, very quiet pieces that are very calming.” These, he added, go perfectly with the timelessness of B&B Italia pieces.

The B&B Italia Manila showroom is located at the Twenty-Four Seven McKinley Building, BGC. Focus Global Inc. serves as the exclusive distributor of B&B Italia in the Philippines. n

She added, “I think I got those traits from Lola Fides in many ways, but I am also aware that I cannot fill her very, very big shoes, so I think my portrayal in Ibarra will definitely be a little different, and more contemporary. Vocally, I am also more of a rock and blues singer, so my singing will have a different flavor, maybe a hybrid of the familiar infused with something new. Let’s see.”

Asensio grew up with both sides of her family very immersed in the theater world. ‘Both Lola Fides and my late maternal grandmother Lola Celia Diaz-Laurel were my first influences. I will be by the side of the piano, listening to them sing and rehearse their parts, while I play with their scarves and whatever was there that I could turn into costumes and hair ornaments. I also enrolled in summer workshops with Repertory Philippines, a theater company which my family was very active with and supportive of,” she recalled.

Other family members who have strongly influenced Asensio’s artistic pursuits are her mom, Iwi Laurel, and her uncle, Cocoy Laurel, who first taught her how to sing. “From what I can remember, the first and most memorable musical theater production I saw was Miss Saigon, where Tito Cocoy was part of. Tito Cocoy and my mom were also great influences to me, it was them who helped me develop my voice and be more comfortable onstage. Many tell me what I have must be in the genes, but I say it’s

more—focus, discipline, hard work, commitment, and passion. I’m just blessed to be part of really gifted families who continue to thrive and grow in the fields of music and the arts. Up to this day, Tito Cocoy and Mom support my every undertaking, and pray for me every time there’s a show I’m part of, like this upcoming Sisa role in Ibarra.”

Ibarra is Asensio’s theater comeback of sorts. “It’s my first in 13 years. My last theater production was Rent where I played the role of Mimi, and I also did other shows before that, before channeling all my energies in the music industry. To be back onstage with a wonderful production like Ibarra is such a thrill.”

For Ibarra, Asensio will be performing three solo spots from the libretto of Jomar Fleras and the music of Joed Balsamo, and she will also be participating in some of the group numbers. “The best part of rehearsals is that I get to learn with and from my cast mates. My coactors and the creative team are simply

brilliant. I also love my stage kids JD Tena and Elian Santos, who will play Basilio and Crispin. These kids inspire me so much.”

She added, “And then there is Piolo Pascual, who will play Ibarra. He is a brilliant artist with a whole lot to give. Besides the obvious handsomeness and natural charm, Piolo strikes me as incredibly kind, generous, very grounded, and easy to communicate with. I look forward to sharing this stage journey with him and the entire team.”

After Ibarra, Asensio will continue to set her sights in becoming a good and happy musician. “I guess I’ll be creating more original songs throughout the second half of the year and beyond. I have also fallen in love with the few experiences I have had in acting for film and television, and I hope to do more of that. If I could continue to do all three mediums as a performance artist, I would be eternally grateful to God and everyone who gave me a chance and opened doors for me.” n

French actor eva Green wins $1M in spat over ‘B movie’

LONDON—Eva Green was awarded $1 million on Friday by a British court in a sensational dispute over the collapse of a film project she feared was destined to become a “B movie” that could ruin her career.

The film in question was a sci-fi thriller but the case played out in court like a melodrama. The producers of A Patriot portrayed the French actor as a diva. She had called one of the executive producers a “devious sociopath” and “pure vomit” and said the production manager was a “moron.”

A High Court judge cut through the vitriol that he said threatened to complicate the case and deemed it “relatively straightforward,” awarding Green the fee she had been promised for the production that folded in 2019. Green, 42, who played Vesper Lynd in the 2006 version of the James Bond thriller Casino Royale, said her professional reputation had been upheld after she stood up to a small group of rich men who employed “bully-boy tactics” to use her as a scapegoat for their own failures. Her lengthy statement, however, exposed her fragility in the face of criticism and the hurt she felt from what she claimed was misreporting in the press that “has been more painful than I can say.”

“There are few things the media enjoys more than tearing a woman to pieces,” Green said. “It felt like being set upon by hounds; I found

myself misrepresented, quoted out of context and my desire to make the best possible film was made to look like female hysteria. It was cruel and it was untrue.” Justice Michael Green dismissed a countersuit brought by England-based film production company White Lantern Film that had said the actor made “excessive creative and financial demands” and torpedoed the production.

The judge said Green hadn’t renounced or breached her obligations and was entitled to her £810,000 fee.

White Lantern Film said Green’s claim of “gender-based bullying” was “completely unwarranted.”

“Eva Green filed a lawsuit to be paid $1 million for a film which was not made and for which she did not provide any acting services,” it said in a statement with fellow litigant SMC Specialty Finance. The firms said they were “carefully considering our options as to potential next steps, including appeal.” Green said she “fell in love” with the script for A Patriot and its environmental message, but became increasingly concerned as corners were cut and production was moved from Ireland to England.

“When an actor has appeared in a B movie, they are labeled as a B actor,

you never get offered quality work ever again,” she testified.

During the trial, the court was told that Green used an expletive when describing potential crew members as “peasants.” She had said executive producer Jake Seal was “evil” a “devious sociopath” and a “madman,” and dubbed production manager Terry Bird a “moron.”

She downplayed her biting words as her “Frenchness,” which the judge dismissed as inadequate and not credible. While Justice Green found in favor of Eva Green, he gave poor reviews to both sides in his 71-page ruling. “For such a perfectionist in her art, she was surprisingly underprepared for her evidence,” he wrote, calling the actor “in some senses a frustrating and unsatisfactory witness.”

The judge said that the unpleasant things that Green said about Seal were out of a genuine concern that the film wouldn’t do the script justice, and he didn’t altogether disagree with her criticism.

“I have to say that, having heard him give evidence, I can see how it might be possible to take an instant dislike to him,” the judge wrote. “He was at times patronizing, sarcastic and denigrating. I found him to have an innate aggression and can understand why Ms. Green and others might have been displeased to be told that they had to make the film under his full control.” AP

Nicole laurel aseNsio (left) and her lolas: celia Diazlaurel (top right) and Fides cuyugan asensio (bottom right).

‘summer of love’ inspires to brighten up summer days

MAGPAKAILAnMAn

FAST Talk with Boy Abunda

Bellevue Resort rescues hundreds of endangered giant clams in Bohol

endangered native giant clams. Giant clams or taklobos are the world’s largest living mollusks. They generally occupy tropical coral reefs and coastal areas in Bohol where they are ecosystem engineers, influencing everything from water flow to the physical structure of their habitat. Their feces are also a nourishing food source for some sea creatures that live on coral reefs. However, they are quickly declining in number due to the impacts of climate change and dangers from their natural predators. These threats have led to the urgent need to conserve them.

Since its opening in November 2012, The Bellevue Resort has consistently spearheaded meaningful initiatives – leading responsible tourism in Bohol and continuing to highlight the importance of actively promoting sustainability and helping the community.

Asterra intensifies hiring initiatives for Labor Day 2023

ON Labor Day, Filipinos will once again express their appreciation for the country’s workforce and their significant contributions to their respective industries. They will be called upon to continue ensuring fair working conditions for all Filipino laborers and professionals and safeguard their welfare.

In this spirit, highly promising property brand Asterra is affirming the value of a competent, competitive, and motivated workforce in the real estate industry. Having emerged last year as a pet project of Vista Land and Golden MV Holdings Inc. Chairman Manny B. Villar, Asterra is putting together a winning team for 2023 and beyond.

Asterra is thus offering exciting career opportunities to ambitious fresh graduates seeking to make their start in the world. Those who aspire to apply their skills sets at a rising brand like Asterra are enjoined to check out the various positions that are currently open in the company: Property Specialist, Digital Marketing agents, Graphic Artist, and more.

A strong interest in property sales as well as a deep understanding of digital marketing will be the applicants’ portal to the company, as such will be invaluable in promoting the Asterra brand of high-quality affordable condominium units to aspiring homeowners and investors.

THE Bellevue Resort as champion of sustainability continues to roll out more green campaigns to raise awareness for environmental protection and conservation in Bohol.

On Earth Day, the five-star sanctuary in Bohol teamed up with Department

of Tourism’s DIVE 7, local government of Panglao and partners to launch the Native Giant Clams Rescue Project in Momo Beach, Panglao and to safeguard the future of giant clams as part of its sustainable tourism advocacy. This noble conservation effort saved over 200

For more information on The Bellevue Resort’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, contact (+6338) 422 2222 or email info@ thebellevuebohol.com.

To know more about the resort, visit www.thebellevuebohol.com.

Lexus Manila to build a new, bigger and more luxurious showroom in Bonifacio Global City

TO welcome more customers into the luxurious world of Lexus, a new Lexus Manila Showroom will soon rise still within Bonifacio Global City. This address will be able to accommodate Lexus’s growing clientele as the brand further expands its business in the country, showcasing Lexus’ unique design language while providing increased service capacity to better serve valued customers better.

Anticipating the needs of guests is a hallmark of Lexus. This unique form of Japanese hospitality is known as “omotenashi” and it was first embodied in the current Lexus Manila Showroom located at 34th Street. When it opened in 2009, the establishment was built to deliver the finest luxury experience in the Philippines. Soon, the upgraded Lexus Manila showroom will further embody that philosophy with integrated new technologies to fit the changing luxury

market. The new Lexus Manila will be located at 8th Avenue, Grand Central Park, BGC Taguig.

Just like the newest brand and guest experience center of Lexus at Mitsukoshi BGC which was opened earlier this year, the design of the facade follows the Lexus L-Finesse philosophy. This signature style draws heavily on the deeply rooted principles of Japanese hospitality and aesthetics, while simultaneously having the ability to expand into a highly dynamic, evolving concept. The design is distinctly Japanese: formal and minimalist with horizontal and clean lines. This straightforward approach evokes beauty and simplicity.

A relaxing sensory experience is at the heart of every Lexus showroom. The ground floor area where the main showroom is located will have a fullheight curtain wall glazing accentuated by wood-finished elements.

These treatments add up to the

lightness and softness of the façade, and are inspired by Lexus design.

At Lexus, everyone is treated as a valued guest. This elevated hospitality is integral to the brand and utmost effort is given in the name of customer satisfaction. This superlative service at its finest is all part of the luxurious experience and should be expected from the newest Lexus Manila showroom when it opens its doors in the 1st  half of 2024.

To learn more, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com.ph or visit our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lexusmanila

To arrange a consultation with your personal sales consultant, visit the Lexus Remote page at https://fal. cn/3eSWW

You may also download the MyLEXUS App available on both Android and iOS users to receive live updates and access other premium services.

Deborah Eria, a Division Head at BRIA Homes, speaks about the opportunities that await at Asterra. “With this latest project, Chairman Villar expects the company to replicate his past accomplishments in the residential property sector. Young,

NEW graduates have the chance to grow at Asterra, much like these employees of the south Luzon team.  enthusiastic graduates would do well to align with it early on and contribute to its growth as a potential leader in its field.” While hiring will be done all year round, Asterra held a job fair on April 18, attended by the human resources team of Asterra, along with those of other Vista Land brands. The event was organized in coordination with the Ateneo de Naga University, which traditionally assists their graduates find viable career options. The event was a great success and inspired many young and promising fresh graduates to line up and apply for the various posts available. Indeed, Asterra is currently all hyped up to promote its strategically located condo projects, with the property industry’s best and brightest at the helm.

For more information on Asterra, please check out its website:  https://www.asterra. com.ph/ or the official Asterra FB Page: https:// www.facebook.com/AsterraOfficial.

corned beef on potato hash and topped with garlic confit and garlic aioli dressing. Truly a delicious meal. It’s served with two eggs done your way. Garlic rice is an optional add-on.

2. Extra Yummy Breakfasts to Start Your Day

It’s always better to start your day with a happy, hopeful mindset and the delicious breakfast treats at Conti’s Tagaytay puts you at ease while opening up your heart and mind to positivity and possibility. They have the best breakfast choices you can enjoy as you plan and look forward to the day ahead.

TRY the new Breakfast Medley, a mini-menu consisting of three different dishes, each with a mouth-watering combination of two classic favorites: Perfect Filipino Plate serves up smoked boneless bangus and pork tocino; Really Meaty Plate pairs homemade beef tapa strips with bacon bagnet; and, Chef’s Special Plate has mom’s garlic longganisa and bacon bagnet. Each dish comes with sunny side-up eggs.

DINERS looking to indulge in something new and exciting, and yet, still bask in the familiar, familial comforts we’ve loved for 25 years, can get the best of both worlds at the new Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant in Tagaytay. The former takeout nook recently expanded and is now a full-service restaurant located at Lake Hotel.

Conti’s Tagaytay now serves the restaurant’s full menu plus several new gourmet dishes, breakfast combos, and flavorful drinks exclusively offered only at that venue.

Here are five reasons why you, your family, and your friends should relax, enjoy, and indulge yourselves at Conti’s Tagaytay, a place where you can create a lifetime of special memories:

1. New, exclusive gourmet dishes

Smoked Salmon Sourdough is smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese on top of toasted sourdough bread. Served with salad on the side.

Then there’s Queso Chorizo Fundido, which is sautéed chorizo baked in marinara sauce with sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella. This is served with a sunny side up egg on top and matched with toasted sourdough bread sticks.

For those who love sandwiches, there’s Croque Madame, forest ham and creamy hollandaise in-between brioche bread. Also served with sunny side up egg and tasty salad.

Another sandwich option is the Homemade Ham Croissant. It’s buttery, flaky croissant filled with Conti’s homemade ham roll, cheddar cheese and mozzarella. It comes with fresh salad on the side.

If the trip to Tagaytay has you famished, the heartier option is the Fresh Corned Beef and Potato Hash. Dig into homemade savory

It includes the new Breakfast Medley, a mini-menu consisting of three different dishes, each with a mouth-watering combination of two classic favorites: Perfect Filipino Plate serves up smoked boneless bangus and pork tocino; Really Meaty Plate pairs homemade beef tapa strips with bacon bagnet; and, Chef’s Special Plate has mom’s garlic longganisa and bacon bagnet. Each dish comes with sunny side-up eggs.

3. Coffees To Suit Your Mood, Rock Your World

Indeed, coffee is the drink that sets the tone for the rest of our day, boosting our mood to perform at our best. Conti’s Tagaytay offers diners a wider array of coffee flavors from the new coffee line selections-and these beverage items are also available exclusively in the Tagaytay branch.

4. Looks Great, Tastes Even Better! Conti’s Tagaytay makes sure that its foods are feasts for our eyes as well as our palates. These gourmet treats, especially the exclusive menu items, are all arranged and plated so that the customer achieves a peak dining experience through the colors, shapes, textures, and visual aesthetics on their plates. Conti’s Tagaytay provides homey indoor dining amidst pastel shades of the green, blue, and cream on its walls, plus beige furnishings and interiors of soft leather and warm wood, that regular Conti’s diners have come to expect with familiar fondness.

5. Most IG-Worthy, Shareable View of All

The beauty, mystery, and majesty of the Taal Lake and Volcano is best enjoyed from a select number of coveted vantage points in Tagaytay. More often than not, these ideal vantage points and viewing decks are available only by paying one’s way as a hotel, resort, or AirBnb guest.

But consider this: all Conti’s Tagaytay customers and diners have access to the Lake Hotel viewing deck, which opens to one of the best views of Taal Lake and Volcano. Imagine having that one-of-a-kind, internationally acclaimed natural wonders of the world in full view, while you are enjoying your breakfast and then while having your cake and coffee (or another refreshing beverage). And this viewing deck is provided free of charge to all Conti’s Tagaytay customers.

The Conti’s Tagaytay view deck dining area provides a cool and refreshing al fresco experience. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque world-famous Taal lake and volcano, diners will have lots of spots to take IG-worthy photos.

Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were, from left to right, Alvin Ty, Federal Land Vice President; Kazuhiro Nomura, Mitsui & Co. Philippines General Manager and Country Chairman; Atsuhiro Okamoto, Lexus Philippines President; Vince Socco, Lexus Manila Vice Chairman; Raymond Rodriguez, Lexus Manila President: Dr. David Go, Lexus Philippines Vice Chairman; Theresa Esquivel, President ASEC; and Stephen Comia, Federal Land Senior Vice President (Project Development Group).

Conti’s new outlet in Tagaytay offers heavenly cakes, an exclusive menu, a breathtaking view

Poll: Americans fault news media for dividing country

By David Klepper The Associated Press

Nearly three-quarters of US adults say the news media is increasing political polarization in this country, and just under half say they have little to no trust in the media’s ability to report the news fairly and accurately, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

The poll, released before World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, shows Americans have significant concerns about misinformation— and the role played by the media itself along with politicians and social media companies in spreading it—but that many are also concerned about growing threats to journalists’ safety.

“The news riles people up,” said 53-year-old Barbara Jordan, a Democrat from Hutchinson, Kansas. Jordan said she now does her own online research instead of going by what she sees on the TV news. “You’re better off Googling something and learn -

ing about it. I trust the Internet more than I do the TV.”

That breakdown in trust may prompt many Americans to reject the mainstream news media, often in favor of social media and unreliable websites that spread misleading claims and that can become partisan echo chambers, leading to further polarization.

While a slim majority of Americans say they have some degree of confidence in the news media’s ability to report the news fully and fairly, only 16 percent say they are very confident. Forty-five percent say they have little to no confidence at all.

The survey reveals the complicated relationship many Americans have with the media: A majority rate in-depth and investigative reporting as very helpful or extremely helpful for understanding the issues they care about, but they are more likely to say they regularly scan the headlines than read an in-depth investigative article. And while overall trust in the media is low, a majority of

respondents say the media is doing at least somewhat well in covering issues they care about.

Four in 10 say the press is doing more to hurt American democracy, while only about 2 in 10 say the press is doing more to protect it. An additional 4 in 10 say neither applies.

Partisan cable news outlets and social media platforms have driven the problem by conditioning many Americans to see one another as enemies, said Joe Salegna, a Republican who lives on Long Island, New York.

“I think it’s tearing this country apart,” Salegna, 50, told the AP. “Since the 2016 election I think it’s gotten a lot worse.”

Republicans view the news media less favorably than Democrats, with 61 percent of Republicans

saying the news media is hurting democracy, compared with 23 percent of Democrats and 36 percent of independents who don’t lean toward either party. Majorities across party lines say the news media fuels political division, but Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to say that’s happening a lot.

And more Republicans think the news is strongly influenced by the US government and the political views of journalists.

Coverage of recent presidential elections, the coronavirus pandemic, protests against police killings of Black Americans and other events convinced Janis Fort that the media can’t be believed. One station will cover a story that others ignore, she said, leaving viewers not sure whom to trust.

“Everyone tells a different story. The media does nothing but stir up fear,” said Fort, a retired 71-year-old Republican who lives in Navarre, Florida. “For me, and for most of the people I know, we feel like we’re totally in the dark.”

Research has shown that fragmentation of the media ecosystem, driven largely by the Internet, has contributed to polarization. Experts say America’s heightened political divisions have a number of causes—gerrymandering that reduces political competition, for example, or politicians who stoke fear and distrust—but media fragmentation and misinformation are making a clear impact, too.

“We should be concerned for the health of democracy,” said Joshua Tucker, a political scientist at New York University who studies partisanship and co-directs NYU’s Center for Social Media.

Concern about the threat posed by misinformation unites Americans of both parties, with about 9 in 10 US adults saying misinformation is a problem. A third of American adults say they see stories with false claims from politicians or misleading headlines every day.

“There still is good journalism, it’s just the Internet has made it so that anybody can be a quoteunquote journalist,” said Chris Nettell, of Hickory Creek, Texas, who said he leans Democratic. “We have some news media that only goes after a certain segment of society, and then those people think, because it’s all they read, that everyone else believes it too.”

Social media plays a key role,

with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying that when they see a news story on social media, they expect it to be inaccurate. Those who said they rely on social media regularly for their news were somewhat more likely to trust it than others.

Overall, about 6 in 10 said the news media bears blame for the spread of misinformation, and a similar percentage also said it has a large amount of responsibility for addressing it. Majorities also think others, including social media companies and politicians, share in the responsibility both for the spread of misinformation and for stopping it from spreading.

“So many people get their information from social media, and people believe whatever they want to believe,” said Araceli Cervantes, a 39-year-old Chicago woman and mother of four who said she is a Republican.

When it comes to protecting the freedom of the press in the US, 44 percent of respondents say the US government is doing a good job, more than the 24 percent who say it’s doing a bad job. Most Americans are at least somewhat concerned, however, when it comes to the safety of journalists, with roughly a third saying they’re very concerned or extremely concerned about attacks on the press.

The poll of 1,002 adults was conducted March 30-April 3 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the US population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

DEADLY HEAT WAVES THREATEN OLDER PEOPLE AS SUMMER NEARS

By Anita Snow

The Associated Press

PHOENIX—Paramedics summoned to an Arizona retirement community last summer found an 80-year-old woman slumped inside her mobile home, enveloped in the suffocating 99-degree (37 C) heat she suffered for days after her air conditioner broke down. Efforts to revive her failed, and her death was ruled environmental heat exposure aggravated by heart disease and diabetes.

In America’s hottest big metro, older people like the Sun Lakes mobile home resident accounted for most of the 77 people who died last summer in broiling heat inside their homes, almost all without air conditioning. Now, the heat dangers long known in greater Phoenix are becoming familiar nationwide as global warming creates new challenges to protect the aged.

From the Pacific Northwest to Chicago to North Carolina, health clinics, utilities and local governments are being tested to keep older people safe when temperatures soar. They’re adopting rules for disconnecting electricity, mandating when to switch on communal air conditioning and improving communication with at-risk people living alone.

Situated in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix and its suburbs are ground zero for heat-associated deaths in the US. Such fatalities are so common that Arizona’s largest county keeps a weekly online tally during the six-month hot season from May through October. Temperatures this year were already hitting the high 90s the first week of April.

A warming world PHOENIX really is the model for what we’ll be seeing in other places,” said researcher Jennifer Ailshire, a native of the desert city now at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology where she studies

how environmental factors affect health and aging. “The world is changing rapidly and I fear we are not acting fast enough to teach people how harmful rising temperatures can be.”

A 2021 study estimated more than a third of US heat deaths each year can be attributed to human-caused global warming. It found more than 1,100 deaths a year from climate change-caused heat in some 200 US cities, many in the East and Midwest, where people often don’t have air conditioning or are not acclimated to hot weather. Another study showed that in coming decades dangerous heat will hit much of the world at least three times as hard as climate change worsens.

Isolated and vulnerable, the heat victims last year during Maricopa County’s deadliest summer on record included a couple in their 80s without known relatives, an 83-year-old woman with dementia living alone after her husband entered hospice care and a 62-year-old Rwandan refugee whose air conditioner broke down.

While most of the county’s confirmed 378 heat-associated deaths were outdoors, those who died indoors were especially vulnerable because of isolation, mobility issues or medical problems as outside summertime highs hit 115 degrees (46.1 C).

Older people of color, with a greater tendency for chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are especially at risk.

In Chicago, three African American women in their 60s and 70s died in spring 2022 when the centrally controlled heating in their housing complex remained on and the air conditioning was off despite unseasonable 90-degree weather in mid-May.

An undetermined number of older people died during the summer of 2021 when an unexpected heat wave swept across the US Pacific Northwest. Canada reported that coroners confirmed more than 600 people died from the heat in neighboring British Columbia.

Checking on older people

MANY US cities, including Phoenix, have plans to protect people during heat waves, opening cooling centers and distributing bottled water.

But many older people need personalized attention, said Dr. Aaron Bernstein, who directs the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“If you are elderly and sick you are unlikely to get into an Uber or bus to get to a cooling center,” said Bernstein, who vividly recalls a 1995 heat wave that killed 739 mostly older people in Chicago, his hometown. “So many were socially isolated and at tremendous risk.”

Sociologist Eric M. Klinenberg, who wrote about the catastrophe in his book “Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago,” has noted social contacts can protect older people during disasters.

“Older people are more prone to live alone,” he said, “and they are the most likely to die.”

That’s true of all extreme weather.

When Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana in 2005, around half of the 1,000 people killed were 75 or older, most of them

drowned when their homes flooded.

Chicago encourages residents to check on older relatives and neighbors on hot days and city workers visit people’s home. But last year’s deaths at a Chicago apartment house shows more is needed.

hurricanes, flooding and wildfires.

At the nonprofit Mountain Park Health centers that annually serve 100,000 patients in greater Phoenix, nurse practitioner Anthony Carano has written numerous letters to utility companies for low-income patients with chronic conditions, asking them not to turn off power despite missed payments.

“This is such an at-risk population,”

Carano said of the overwhelmingly Latino patient population that suffer from diabetes and other ailments aggravated by warm weather. About one-tenth of the patients are 60 and older.

Francisca Canes, a 77-year-old patient visiting for back pain, said she’s fortunate to live with two daughters who take care of her during hot spells. In the summertime, she stays in shape by joining several women friends at 4 a.m. most mornings for a 4-mile (6.4 kilometers) walk.

Air conditioner replacement and repair

of low-income people like me,” said Silvas, who got her air conditioner in the middle of a sweltering summer several years ago through a program run by Tolleson, a suburb west of Phoenix.

Utility companies can also help protect vulnerable people by halting power disconnections during hot periods.

“In Arizona, air conditioning is a matter of life and death, especially if you are older,” said Dana Kennedy, the state director of AARP, which has fought for stricter regulations preventing summertime power cutoffs.

Stricter regulations

NEW rules for Arizona utilities were adopted after 72-year-old Stephanie Pullman died in August 2018 at her Phoenix area home as outside temperatures reached 107 degrees (41.6 Celsius).

The medical examiner’s office said Pullman died from “environmental heat exposure” combined with cardiovascular disease after her power was shut off over a $176.84 debt.

Community

health clinics can help BERNSTEIN’S center is working with relief organization Americares to help community health clinics prepare vulnerable patients for heat waves and other extreme weather.

A “climate resilience tool kit” includes tips like making sure patients have wall thermometers and know how to check weather forecasts on a smart phone. Patients learn simple ways to beat the heat, like taking a shower or sponge bath to cool off and drinking plenty of water.

Alexis Hodges, a family nurse practitioner at the Community Care Clinic of Dare in coastal North Carolina, said rising temperatures can cause renal failure in patients with kidney problems and exacerbate dehydration from medications like diuretics.

Hodges contributed to the climate kit from a region that experiences all the weather events it covers: extreme heat,

MARICOPA County in April used federal funds to allocate another $10 million to its air conditioner replacement and repair program for people who qualify, bringing total funding to $13.65 million. In greater Phoenix and several rural Arizona counties, older low-income people can apply for free repair or replacement of air conditioners through a separate non-profit program.

The Healthy Homes Air Conditioning Program run by the nonprofit Foundation for Senior Living last summer ensured about 30 people got new air conditioners or repairs and helped others with home improvements.

Priority goes to older people, those with disabilities and families with very small children, who are also vulnerable to the heat. A person living alone must earn $27,180 or less, said Laura Simone, program coordinator for FSL Home Improvements.

The program recently installed energy efficient windows in the 1930s home of 81-year-old widow Socorro Silvas.

“I am so grateful they are taking care

The Arizona agency that regulates utilities now bans electricity cutoffs for nonpayment during the hottest months.

After the three Chicago women died last year, residential buildings for older people in the city now must provide air-conditioned common areas and administrators no longer have to keep centrally controlled heat on during unseasonably warm weather.

The Illinois state Senate recently passed legislation requiring that all affordable housing have air-conditioning operating when the temperature is 80 degrees (26.6 C) or higher and must be operable by residents.

Kennedy said mobile homes are especially dangerous as high temperatures transform them into hot metal containers.

“A lot are not insulated,” said Kennedy, who has advised an Arizona State University group working to make mobile homes safer with more surrounding shade and on-site cooling centers. “These heat deaths truly are heartbreaking. But in many cases we can help prevent them.”

WASHINGTON—When it comes to the news media and the impact it’s having on democracy and political polarization in the United States, Americans are likelier to say it’s doing more harm than good.

FORMER Vice President Mike Pence, center, talks to reporters after speaking at a parents rights rally on Feb. 15, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Nearly three-quarters of US adults say the news media is increasing political polarization in this country, and just under half say they have little to no trust in the media’s ability to report the news fairly and accurately, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. AP/CHARLIE NEIBERGALL

NURSE practitioner Anthony Carano speaks with a patient at the Mountain Park Health Center on March 30, 2023, in Phoenix. As heat waves fueled by climate change arrive earlier, grow more intense and last longer, people over 60 who are more vulnerable to high temperatures are increasingly at risk of dying from heat-related causes. Heat related deaths are challenging community health systems, utility companies, apartment managers and local governments to better protect older people when temperatures soar. AP/MATT YORK

B8 Tuesday, May 2, 2023

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

NSAs thank POC for ‘personalized, hands on’ delivery of natl team kits

Mondilla seeking fightback at ‘home’ in PGT Luisita leg

CLYDE MONDILLA hopes

to put it all together back at “home” in pursuit of the elusive win when the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) swings to Tarlac for the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Luisita Championship beginning May 9.

“ Hopefully, I can recover at Luisita,” said Mondilla after losing steam in the final round of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship two weeks ago and ending up fifth.

The 2019 Philippine Open champion has also put himself in contention in Bacolod last month but was unable to a unleash a strong finishing kick that has marked his previous triumphs, the last at Pradera Verde in 2020 where he rallied from way back with a closing 67 then edged four others in a playoff to snatch the PGT Asia crown.

But back at Luisita, which he also calls home and where he won last in 2018, the Del Monte ace is confident he can make the most of his local knowledge of the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed layout to get back into the winner’s podium.

He also feels as though there is an unfinished business at Luisita after yielding the crown to Miguel Tabuena in sudden death last year.

But a slew of seasoned campaigners and rising stars are all primed for a crack at the championship, ensuring another

spirited title chase in the P2 million event serving as the fourth leg of this year’s PGT put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Tony Lascuña, for one, is brimming with confidence after snapping a pair of runner-up finishes in Bacolod and Iloilo with a big victory at Caliraya, making him the marked player next week, along with Bacolod leg winner Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa, who scored a breakthrough with an imposing triumph in Iloilo.

Dutch Guido van der Valk, the runaway back-to-back The Country Club Invitational winner, is also tipped to contend for the championship given his brand of play that could fit at the tight, water-laced layout.

O thers in the hunt are Reymon Jaraula, Michael Bibat, Jhonnel Ababa, Marvin Dumandan, Elmer Salvador, Mars Pucay and Jay Bayron and young guns Sean Ramos, Gabby Manotoc and Korean Rho Hyun Ho.

But no one comes into the event with as much confidence as Mondilla, who is using the tournament as part of his buildup for his Asian Development Tour campaign, starting with the Phuket Open on May 25-28 in Thailand.

I’m really preparing to compete again in the ADT with an eye on earning a shot at an Asian Tour card next year,” said Mondilla.

No other option for Gilas Pilipinas but to regain SEAG gold–Barrios

CHIEFSQUAD WINS

HEAD Coach Chot Reyes and his staff are tending to 15 players in a closed-door training camp in a facility in Laguna with one goal: put together the best brew that could win that men’s basketball gold medal at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

“ There’s only one goal in the SEA Games—bring home the gold, period,”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director spoke to BusinessMirror on Monday.

There’s no option B, no plan B and there’s no second place in the SEA Games,” the former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner stressed.

The Philippines lost the gold medal to Indonesia in Hanoi last year, the third time when what is considered as the “most important gold medal” was lost.

There are no excuses. I believe that we’re going to win the title, that’s what every Filipino is expecting ,” Sonny Barrios said. “It’s a must, even we win by one point as long as we win the gold.”

Behind closed doors at the Inspire Sports Academy facility in Calamba are naturalized player Justin Brownlee, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Christian Standhardinger, Arvin Tolentino, Jeremiah Gray, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Aaron Black, Chris Newsome, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Mason Amos, Jerom Lastimosa and brothers Michael and Ben Philips.

The pool went down to 15—from 28—due to different reasons, but the marching to win the gold stays,” Barrios said. “Coach Chot [Reyes] and team manager Butch [Antonio] are very serious in this campaign.”

The team flies to Phnom Penh on May 6 and will have two full days of training before facing Malaysia on May 9 in Group A action at the Morodok Techno National Stadium Elephant Hall 2. Gilas Pilipinas then takes on host Cambodia on May 11 and Singapore on May 13.

Defending champion Indonesia— handled by former Gilas coach Rajko Toroman—is in Group B with Vietnam, Thailand and Laos.

The Arellano University Chiefsquad rules the National Collegiate Athletic Associatoon cheerleading competition for the fourth straight season— its fifth overall in the league—on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The all-rookie squad scored 245.5 points, beating the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas Perp Squad—the winningest program with nine championships—which wind up second with 227.5 points. Letran Cheering Squad completes the podium with 215.5 points.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, GO GET CURRY S

ACRAMENTO, California— With his big-game swagger on display for the world and that signature mouthpiece dangling from a celebratory grin, Stephen Curry drove fearlessly to the basket with jaw-dropping acrobatics all afternoon and he fired with precision from way back in a Game 7 extravaganza for the ages.

He even playfully pretended to push the button and Light the Beam, Sacramento-style.

Curry scored a playoff career-high 50 points in the most prolific Game 7 performance ever and answered time and again to will the Warriors on in their quest for a repeat, sending Golden State into the Western Conference semifinals with a 120-100 win against the Sacramento Kings in Sunday’s winner-take-all Game 7.

Curry led a memorable comeback in the series, too, perhaps improbable even for the defending champions when they got down 2-0 and given their road woes all season.

It’s amazing ‘cuz you’re still in the fight,” Curry said. “Better than the alternative of on the outside looking in. Having been down 0-2 in this series, nothing was guaranteed, you don’t take anything for granted.”

Curry’s points are the most in National Basketball Association (NBA) history in a Game 7, topping former teammate Kevin Durant’s 48 for the Nets against Milwaukee in 2021.

For Steph to be the first player ever to get 50 in a Game 7, he’s sublime,” coach Steve Kerr said.

K evon Looney grabbed 21 rebounds for a Warriors team that needed to win twice on the road facing a hostile, cowbell-clanging crowd in the state capital to become the first reigning champion to drop the first two games and win any postseason series.

Now, bring on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals with

all that NBA Finals history between James and Golden State dating to his Cleveland days.

Game 1 is Tuesday night at Chase Center.

Sacramento’s special comeback season is over long before these young Kings had planned. After snapping a 16year playoff drought—longest in NBA history—under Coach of the Year Mike Brown, playoffstarved Sacramento missed advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004.

Curry shot 20 of 38 with seven 3s and delivered after almost every big play by Sacramento as Splash Brother Klay Thompson struggled on both ends again. But Thompson came through in some crucial moments.

What an incredible performance,” Thompson said. “This is a Game 7 I’ll forever remember as the Steph Curry game.”

M alik Monk’s putback and three-point play with 14.6 seconds remaining in the third pulled Sacramento within six only for Thompson to hit a long 3 and convert a four-point play to make it 91-81 heading into the final 12 minutes.

Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists but the Warriors held De’Aaron Fox in check as he scored 16 points on 5-for19 shooting in his third game playing with a broken index finger on his shooting hand.

Trailing 58-56 at halftime, the Warriors opened the second half with a 13-4 burst and held the Kings to 42 points after intermission. Sacramento had scored early on with a beautiful combination of classic give-and-goes and long jumpers off crisp passing around the perimeter.

But Curry kept coming, and Looney kept scrapping to create second and third opportunities to cap his brilliant

Ukraine to boycott judo worlds after Russians cleared to compete

BUDAPEST, Hungary—Ukraine is set to boycott the world judo championships next week after the International Judo Federation (IJF) signaled it will allow Russian and Belarusian competitors to enter the event, a key Olympic qualifier.

Ukraine has a policy of boycotting any international sports events that allow athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported Sunday that a boycott was planned, citing national team judo

coach Vitaliy Dubrova, though he added lobbying efforts would also continue.

The IJF said Saturday that it plans to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes without national symbols. They would undergo background checks, including an examination of their social media for “war propaganda,” the IJF said.

With the World Championships—Doha 2023 being held from 7th to 14th May, with significant points to be awarded, this decision allows the possibility for fair

series on the boards. They sent Kings fans to the exits late in the fourth.

Thompson began 1 for 10 missing his first five 3s before connecting at the 9:18 mark of the third and finishing with 16 points on 4-for-19 shooting—“disgusting,” he said— while playing smothering defense.

Golden State, playing just its fourth Game 7 under Kerr since the 2014-15 title run, was smart down the stretch after 18 turnovers in Game 6 led to 23 Kings points and Kerr calling his team “wildly undisciplined.”

K err had no doubt before the deciding game—and he went back to Draymond Green in the starting lineup for Game 7 with the season on the line after the fiery forward came off the bench the previous three contests following a Game 3 suspension for stepping on Sabonis.

Just before the final buzzer, Kerr offered a long embrace to Brown— Golden State’s former top assistant who once coached the Warriors on the postseason stage during Kerr’s extended health absence and just guided the Kings’ remarkable turnaround. AP

Jerusalem ready for title defense

REIGNING World Boxing Organization (WBO)

minimum weight titleholder

Melvin Jerusalem is on track in his preparation for his first title defense against Puerto Rico’s Oscar Callazo on May 27 either in Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) went the extra mile over the weekend to complete the distribution of national team kits to athletes in 44 sports and disciplines who are seeing action in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games whose opening ceremony is set Friday.

P OC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was hands on in the distribution process that had its staging area at the Sigtuna Hall of the Tagaytay City Atrium on Saturday and Sunday. The POC wants all national team kits to be in the possession of athletes and coaches as soon as possible,” Tolentino said. “We received the kits in batches last Friday and Saturday and we didn’t waste a minute to sort them and send to the preferred locations of national sports associations [NSAs].”

A total of 1,200 national team kits were disposed with the arduous task wrapping up with the final delivery to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP).

“Gymnastics supplies received! Thank you POC

President @Cong Bambol Tolentino and to your tireless team,” GAP officials told Tolentino in a text message via the POC-NSAs chat group at 9:25 p.m. Sunday.

The kits included track suits, tech shirts, socks, backpacks, caps, shoes, towels, string bags, shorts and luggage.

Karate just received all luggage, track suit and shoes,” the karate federation told Tolentino also via text message. “First time supplies are delivered and sent to NSA’s preferred location! Kudos to President Bambol and the POC team for all the hard work!”

“So many inclusions. The athletes are so happy. Thank you again,” said a message from athletes and coaches in Kun Khmer, an indigenous Cambodian martial arts that the hosts included in the Games program.

Supplies for athletes and coaches in cricket, sailing, chess, obstacle sports, volleyball and windsurfing, who flew ahead to the Games, got theirs in Cambodia.

A mong those who expressed gratitude to POC via the chat group for getting their supplies were floorball, arnis, weightlifting, tennis, billiards, jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling, boxing, sepak takraw and basketball.

THE national team kit includes track suits, tech shirts, socks, backpacks, caps, shoes, towels, string bags, shorts and luggage.

participation and equal chances to all judo athletes who are pursuing their Olympic dreams,” the IJF added.

Twenty Russians and Belarusians were on the entry list as of Sunday, including five who were listed as part of the Central Sports Club of the Army in a statement on the Russian Defense Ministry web site after they won medals at a competition last year.

Four were listed as holding the rank of staff sergeant although their current military status could not immediately be verified.

The 29-year-old Bukidnon native told BusinessMirror that he’s almost 100 percent ready against Callazo.

I feel I’m in better condition now than when I won the title in Japan,” Jerusalem said. “If it’s courage vs courage, there’s no problem because every boxer is born brave.”

“ But everything boils down to preparation and fight strategy,” he said. “My training in Cebu is fantastic. I know I can win but I don’t want to be complacent.”

Jerusalem scored a first-round knockout victory against Japanese Masataka Taniguchi in Osaka last

January to end the country’s fivemonth drought without a world boxing champion.

He improved his win-loss record to 20-2 with 12 knockouts.

We are doing very well, everything looks good and he’s as sharp as ever,” said head trainer Michael Domingo who’s supervising Jerusalem’s preparations at the Sanman Gym in Cebu City. “We will win the fight but we’re not taking the Puerto Rican lightly.”

Jerusalem has been sparring with Joey Canoy, a certified 108-pound fighter.

C allazo, 26, won a gold medal for Puerto Rico at the Pan American Games in 2019 and is unbeaten in six professional fights with four knockouts.

B oth Jerusalem and Domingo, however, have yet to secure their US visas. Josef Ramos

STEPHEN CURRY scores playoff career-high 50 points in Game 7. AP

BARRIOS