BusinessMirror May 13, 2022 by BusinessMirror

PHL debt-to-GDP ratio soars to 63.5% in Q1 By Bernadette D. Nicolas

HE Philippines’s debt-togross domestic product (GDP) ratio soared to 63.5 percent in the first quarter, the highest in 17 years. This is also above the internationally recommended 60-percent threshold by multilateral lenders for emerging markets like the Philippines, and also the highest since the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio hit 65.7 percent in 2005 under the Arroyo administration, based on the latest data released by the Bureau of the Treasury.

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In 2021, the national government capped the year with a debtto-GDP ratio of 60.4 percent. As a share of the economy, domestic debt climbed to 44.4 percent by the end of the first quarter of this year from 42.1 percent as of end-2021. Likewise, external debt rose to 19.1 percent as of end-March this year from 18.3 percent as of the end of last year. As borrowings continued to pile up amid the Covid-19 pandemic to cover the cost of Covid-19 response and the drop in revenues amid the economic slowdown, outstanding debt of the national government

has already reached a new recordhigh of 12.68 trillion as of endMarch this year. This was higher by P586.29 billion or 4.8 percent from P12.09 trillion as of end-February this year. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday that the economy grew by 8.3 percent in the first quarter of the year, higher than market expectations. Economic managers said the strong economic performance in the first quarter “moves us closer” to hitting the government's growth target of 7 to 9 percent this year. By the end of this year, the gov-

ernment expects the country’s outstanding debt to further balloon to P13.42 trillion. Finance Chief Economist Gil Beltran earlier told BusinessMirror that they expect the debt-toGDP ratio to peak this year at 60.9 percent before tapering to 60.7 percent and 60.4 percent in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III earlier said this year would be a “critical” time for the country as it needed to outgrow its debt by stimulating robust economic growth. See “PHL,” A2

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Q1 GROWTH AT 8.3%, BUT FULL-YR DATA SEEN LOWER Duterte creates transition panel for transfer of power T www.businessmirror.com.ph www.businessmirror.com.ph www.businessmirror.com.ph

Sunday, December 2021 Vol. 17No. No. Friday,December May 13, 2022 Vol. 17Vol. No.17215 Sunday, 5,5,2021 5858

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By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE Duterte administration may have posted the highest growth rate in over three decades but economists are not optimistic that this performance is sustainable this year and in the medium term.

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

ITH only a few weeks left before the end of his ter m, President Duterte is now preparing for an “orderly exit” by officially forming a transition committee to facilitate the seamless transfer of power to the next administration. In his Administrative Order (AO) No. 47, Duterte created the Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) to “provide support” to the incoming Cabinet members. “There is a need to create a Transition Committee that will work closely with the representative of the President-elect to ensure a proper and orderly transition of government into the next administration,” Duterte said.

‘DIGITAL DIASPORA’ EJ Obiena, Asia’s pole vault record holder, is seen with POC President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino before the opening ceremonies of the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium, with “Let’s Shine” as its theme. Obiena was designated to carry the Philippine flag. More than 5,000 athletes from 11 National Olympic committees are aking part in the Games, postpopned by the pandemic. More SEA Games stories in Sports, page B7. NONIE REYES

On Thursday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the economy posted a growth of 8.3 percent in the first quarter of 2022. This is the highest GDP growth since the fourth quarter of 1988 when GDP grew 12 percent. However, economists believe ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipithat inflationary pressures which nas Governor Benjamin marked the skyrocketing oil prices Diokno has framed the in the second quarter, as well as the 8.3-percent GDP growth in the mobility restrictions that are still first quarter of 2022 as “further in place will prevent the country confirmation of the Philippine from posting higher growth after economy’s resilience.” This was the first quarter. achieved, he said in a state“As long as the Covid alert level ment hours after the release remains, the oil price settles at of the first-quarter GDP data, $100 per barrel and we don't en“by a whole-of-government apByManuel Manuel Cayon counter logistical problems the proach, which required bold and By T.T.Cayon West is going through, growth can decisive fiscal and monetary acbe sustained at 6.3 percent—not tions to remain in sync.” 8 percent,” Ateneo de Manila UniOn the monetary side, acversity John Gokongwei School of cording to Diokno, “the historManagement Dean Luis F. Dumlao ic-low key policy rate has suptold BusinessMirror. ported credit activities, while our time-bound regulatory and

Chaired by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, the PTC will also include the secretaries of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as its members. The PTC will primarily oversee and coordinate the initiatives of the Internal Transition Committees (ITC) of each department in the executive branch. Each affected departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, and other instrumentalities of the government were tasked to create their ITCs within five days from the effectiveness of AO 47 after it was issued on Tuesday. See “Duterte,” A2

‘ROBUST Q1 GROWTH SIGN OF RESILIENCE’

operational relief measures allowed banks to continue performing the important role of financial intermediation throughout the pandemic.” He noted that the “robust growth performance of the economy in the first quarter” had beaten “analysts’ expectations.” This, “along with other favorable macroeconomic indicators, helps fulfill the BSP’s vision of a post-Covid Philippine economy that is stronger, more technologically advanced, more inclusive, and more sustainable.”

For one, one, the the Southeast Southeast Asia Asia For Trender Report Report 2021 2021 byby Zalora Zalora Trender showsthat that40 40million millionAsians Asiansmade made shows theirdebut debutininInternet Internetuse useand and70 70 their millionhave havemade madetheir theirfirst firstonline online million purchasewithin withinthe the2020 2020and and2021 2021 purchase period, many many ofof them them attracted attracted period, anddrawn drawninto intoactual actualpurchase purchasebyby and productsales salespromotion promotionand anddisdisproduct countofferings. offerings. count

showsofofproducts, products,with withhosts hostsand and shows guestsproviding providingmore moredetails detailsand and guests givingtestimonies, testimonies,Zalora Zalorasaid. said. giving wouldalso alsohelp helpbrands brandsininItItwould novateon onflexible flexiblesales salespromopromonovate tions,such suchasasgiving givingdiscounts, discounts, tions, and offering offering easier easier and and attracattracand tivepayment paymentoptions optionssuch suchasasthe the tive See “Robust,” A2 buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) (BNPL) opopbuy-now-pay-later tion,which, which,ititsaid, said,emerged emergedasas tion, themost mostpopular popularoption optionamong among the Asian shoppers. Asian shoppers. n singapore 37.6130 n australia 36.2681 n EU 54.9692 n SAUDI arabia 13.9342 Source: BSP (May 12, 2022) Indonesia, for for example, example, InIn Indonesia, Google saw saw a a “10x “10x increase increase inin Google searchesfor fore-wallet e-walletservices servicesand and searches 15xrise riseininBNPL BNPLservices servicesininthe the 15x lastfive fiveyears. years.Other Otherappealing appealing last payment options options like like monthly monthly payment installments,toto00percent percentinterinterinstallments, estfees feeson oncredit creditcards, cards,provide provide est access toto quality quality products products and and talsavviness savvinessand andtaste tastefor forluxury luxury Internetand andelectronic electroniccommunicommuniaccess tal Internet serviceswhile whilealso alsoimproving improvingfi-fiandsustainability. sustainability. cationgadgets gadgetsbybytheir theirside. side.Google Google services and cation nancialinclusion. inclusion. “Thereport reportisispositioned positionedasasa a trendshows showsMalaysian Malaysianshoppers shoppers nancial “The trend Zalora,for forinstance, instance,offers offers21 21 referencepoint pointthat thathelps helpsZalora’s Zalora’s spendclose closetoto99hours hoursonline onlineon on Zalora, reference spend paymentmethods methodsacross acrossthe therere900brand brandpartners partnersnavigate navigatethe the average,“and “andare arethe themost mostlikely likelytoto payment 900 average, gion, including including cash-on-delivery cash-on-delivery region’sdiversity diversityand andevolving evolvingrerevalue-driven.” gion, region’s bebevalue-driven.” andBNPL BNPLoptions optionsacross acrossthe themarmartaillandscape,” landscape,”Zalora’s Zalora’sCEO CEOGunGunSingaporean shoppers shoppers are are and tail Singaporean kets.ItItlaunched launchedits itsfirst firstco-brandco-brandjanSoni Sonisaid. said. mostlikely likelytotoinvest investininluxury luxurypurpurkets. jan most creditcard cardininpartnership partnershipwith with Aside from from digital digital partners partners chases, with with Google Google search search data data ededcredit Aside chases, RCBCand andMastercard Mastercardininthe thePhilPhillike Google, Google, Mastercard, Mastercard, H&M, H&M, showinga a21-percent 21-percentyear-on-year year-on-year RCBC like showing ippines,the thefirst-ever first-everfashion fashionand and Lush,Paula’s Paula’sChoice, Choice,HABIB, HABIB,AtAtincreaseininSingaporeans’ Singaporeans’searches searches ippines, Lush, increase BANG OLAND | DREAMSTIME.COM BANG OLAND | DREAMSTIME.COM

AVAOCITY—A CITY—Aleading leading AVAO onlinebrand brandretailer retailerin inAsia Asia online seeingaasharp sharpbehavioral behavioral isisseeing shiftSee among consumersand andbrand brand shift among consumers “Q1 Growth,” A2 makersthat thatmay mayreinvent reinventand andinnovate innovate makers approaches, especially from thelatter, latter, approaches, especially the PESO exchange ratesfrom n US 52.2670 n japan 0.4022 n asdata dataanalytics—since analytics—sincethe theonset onsetof ofthe the as pandemic—indicatethe theemergence emergenceof of pandemic—indicate morediscerning discerningconsumers consumersadaptive adaptiveto to more electronic,or oronline, online,shopping shoppingexperience. experience. electronic,

“The BSP supports the implementation consumers become more discernconsumers become more discernofand non-monetary measures by seeing the ingand connected, weare are seeing ing connected, we government to address supplyincredible innovations happening incredible innovations happening sideretail pressures, suchthat as boosting the retail sector that completely ininthe sector completely importation of specific food items reimagine the shopping experireimagine the shopping experiexperiencing price and direct ence,” GunjanSoni, Soni,spikes chief executive ence,” Gunjan chief executive subsidies toZalora vulnerable sectors.” officer the ZaloraGroup, Group, toldan an officer ofofthe told —BSP GovernorofBenjamin Diokno onlinepresentation presentation ofits itsTrender Trender online Report2021. 2021. Report Shedescribed describedthe the“shoppers “shoppersofof She tomorrow”asas“digital “digitaland anddiverse diverse tomorrow” across Southeast Asia.” across Southeast Asia.” UK 64.0532 n HK 6.6583 n CHINA 7.7737 “It’s a a digital digital diaspora,” diaspora,” she she “It’s said,citing citingGoogle Googletrend trendmonitormonitorsaid, ingthat thatshows shows40 40million millionnew newInIning ternetusers userscame cameonline onlineinin2021, 2021, ternet “bringingthe theinternet internetpenetration penetration “bringing SoutheastAsia Asiatoto75 75percent.” percent.” ininSoutheast “Infact, fact,eight eightout outofof10 10InterInter“In netusers usersininthe theregion regionare aredigidiginet talconsumers. consumers.Recognizing Recognizingthis this tal shiftininadoption, adoption,brands brandsquickly quickly shift expandedtheir theironline onlinepresence presencetoto expanded reachthese thesenew newdigital digitalconsumconsumreach ers,and andZalora Zalorareported reporteda a19-per19-perers, centincrease increaseininnew newbrands brandsthat that cent joinedthe theplatform platforminin2021,” 2021,”she she joined added. added. Withmore moreSoutheast SoutheastAsians Asians With browsingnow nowand andgetting gettingthemthembrowsing selves more more online, online, the the average average selves

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News

BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, May 13, 2022

PHL... Continued from A1

The finance chief has since said the next president should prioritize outgrowing the country's debt at the soonest possible time to bring down the debt-to-GDP ratio. To help the next administration bring down the debt and deficit levels that have risen amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Dominguez said the fiscal consolidation that they will be turning over to the next economic team is already “almost finished.” Dominguez earlier said they will recommend a list of measures under the fiscal consolidation plan, including those that were not passed under the Duterte administration, such as the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act and the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act which were both under their Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.

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PHL among top destinations for end-of-Ramadan travelers By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

HE Philippines is one of the markets benefitting from Muslims traveling at the end of Ramadan.

Data provided by ForwardKeys showed the tradition of traveling at the end of Ramadan made a significant revival this year. Citing data as of April 13, outbound flight bookings from the Middle East for travel covering the last 10 days of the festival, from April 22 to May 2, “reached 64 percent or prepandemic levels,” which is equivalent to a 220 percent jump in travel in the same period last year. Flight bookings to the Philippines by Middle Eastern holidaymakers increased by 155 percent from the same reference period last year, although this was still 21 percent behind the same period in 2019. The increase in flight bookings this year put the Philippines at number six among the top 8 destinations for Middle Eastern travelers at the end of Ramadan, tying with Turkey. They come after other “stand-out”

destinations such as Maldives, with flight bookings up 178 percent from 2019; followed by France, up 2 percent; Pakistan, down 2 percent from 2019; Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, down 3 percent; and the United Arab Emirates, down 12 percent. Thailand and Spain rounded up the rest of the top destinations at 24 percent and 26 percent below their 2019 levels. In a news statement, Olivier Ponti, ForwardKeys Vice President Insights, ForwardKeys said, “As Covid-19 travel restrictions are being removed, the world is starting to travel again; and that trend is well demonstrated by the return to traditional travel at the end of Ramadan.” He added: “Throughout the pandemic, the Maldives has done exceptionally well at attracting visitors and the reputation it has created for

itself is evidently paying off, most notably in the UA E and Saud i A rabia, which together account for 83 percent of arrivals from the Middle East.”

Recovering outbound markets

According to ForwardKeys, Bahrain’s outbound market is set to recover most strongly during the end-of-R amadan travel, as booked departures significantly increased by 90 percent from 2019 levels. It was followed by Jordan, at 86 percent; the UAE, 84 percent; Qatar, 75 percent; and Kuwait 68 percent. “Deeper analysis of the outbound markets reveals that a major feature is expat workers traveling home. For example, the top destinations from the UAE are Pakistan and India and from Bahrain are the UAE, India and Bangladesh,” said Ponti. During the 21st World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Manila, ForwardKeys data showed the Philippines

leading the inbound travel recovery in Southeast Asia, with flight bookings up 29 percent in April. (See, “Hot summer fun in PHL as flight bookings rise,” in the BusinessMirror, April 27, 2022.) A knowledge partner of the WTTC, ForwardKeys issues reports on aviation movements based on ticketing data covering the globe from online bookings to travel agencies and airlines. T he Ph i l ippi nes h a s been trying to get a piece of the pie of the halal tourism market offering Middle Eastern travelers sun and beach activities as well as world-class shopping opportunities. Its regular participation in the annual Arab Travel Market showed keen interest by Middle Eastern travelers in Boracay, El Nido, and Baguio. However, the country’s lack of Arabicspeaking tour guides may prove to be a hindrance in attracting more inbound tour ists from so-ca l led Gulf Coast Countries.

Robust... Continued from A1

Mov ing for ward, t he BSP, said Diokno, “will continue to work with the national government to keep the economy on a robust growth trajectory and to address headwinds such as price pressures.” T he central bank, he added, “supports the implementation of non-monet a r y mea su res by t he gover nment to add ress

supply-side pressures, such as boosting importation of specific food items experiencing price spikes and direct subsidies to vulnerable sectors. “For our part, the BSP stands ready to adjust our monetary policy settings, should we see material risk of these supply-side pressures spilling over to the demand side.” Bianca Cuaresma

Duterte... Continued from A1

No disruption

During his public address last Wednesday, Duterte said he is now eagerly awaiting for the proclamation by the Commission on Elections of his duly elected successor. “Once the will of the people has finally been made known, and all the winners have been officially proclaimed, we will begin the important process of transition of power to our new set of leaders,” Duterte said. “By noon of June 30, I invite the general public to join me in rallying behind our new elected leaders so we can continue the difficult but rewarding task of building a stronger and more progressive nation,” he added. Based from the partial and unofficial election results in the transparency server of Comelec, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is leading in the presidential race with a vote of over 31 million. Medialdea assured government operations will not be affected during the transition process for the new administration. “ T he e nt i re E x e c ut ive branch will continue to perform and dispense with its duties but ready to turn over the reins to the next president,” Medialdea said. “It is the goal of the PTC to ensure a smooth and seamless transition while ensuring the

continued and efficient delivery of public service,” he added.

Glitch probe

Duterte lauded Comelec, teachers, the military, the police, and the civil society sectors, for successfully conducting generally peaceful polls last May 9. However, he urged the poll body to investigate the reported glitches in some of the vote counting machines (VCM) to allay public concerns over possible irregularities in the election results. “I don’t see any cheating [in the polls]. I will not allow it. But just to satisfy the doubts of a few of them, there should be an investigation and its results should be presented to the public,” Duterte said. Acting Comelec spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco said they are already looking into the matter of 915 defective VCMs to prevent similar incidents in the 2025 polls. “Even before the President made that statement, we are already set to conduct an investigation,” Laudiangco said in a press conference last Thursday. “ We want to determine what were the reasons [for the defects], so that in the next elections we know what components fail and if it is purely because of procedural [reasons],” he added.

Q1 growth... Continued from A1

Dumlao said the country’s GDP growth may have already peaked in the first quarter of the year and will slow down starting in the second quarter when inflation pressures are greater. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist Cid L. Terosa said a shift to Alert Level 1 status in all provinces as well as allowing more schools to do face-to-face learning will increase consumption spending and accelerate GDP growth. However, this will not lead to faster GDP growth in the second quarter and onward as external market pressures will make it difficult for the country to post a better economic performance. “To sustain growth this year and in the medium term, we need to stabilize prices. This, however, will depend considerably on the resolution of geopolitical tension,” Terosa told this newspaper. “Also, the new administration needs to calm market jitters with clearly laid out economic plans and to enhance and sustain economic recovery programs and measures,” he added. Unionbank Chief economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion agreed with the gloomy outlook as they expect full-year GDP growth to settle at only 5.8 percent this year. If the situation improves, he said, the economy would post a slightly better growth of 6 percent. Asuncion said sustaining growth will depend on the decision of the incoming administration, particularly in choosing to continue the good policies of the Duterte administration. The choice of Cabinet members of presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is crucial, he stressed. If the Cabinet is composed of “credible people” particularly the economic team, this is already a step in the right direction. “If reforms are continued including the completion of the comprehensive tax reform program, this will further strengthen previous reforms and support further economic growth,” Asuncion told BusinessMirror. Based on the outlook of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, the country’s GDP may post higher growth if a new Covid-19 does not materialize. They expect “high-contact services” to recover and boost economic growth. BPI said the past five months have shown that consumers are more comfortable performing face-to-face economic transactions which would lead to a more brisk business environment. Despite headwinds such as high inflation, rising interest rates and supply chain issues, BPI said the economy may still be able to post growth of 6 percent to 7.3 percent this year. The high end of their forecast is within the 7 to 9 percent target of the government. “We expect a faster growth rate for investment spending given the rising demand from consumers. Businesses will likely invest more in the expansion of their capacity in order to meet the demand,” BPI said. “We continue to expect a 7.3-percent full year growth for the economy this year given the latest GDP print, but this may go down to 6 percent depending on the behavior of oil prices for the rest of the year,” they added.

Reopening

In a briefing on Thursday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the single biggest contributor to the economy’s growth in the first quarter is the reopening of the economy. With many more Filipinos willing to go out and report to their workplaces, more economic activities were made possible. However, he recognized that the lockdown in January due to the Omicron surge and the absence of face-to-face classes prevented the economy from growing faster. He noted that the economy lost P31 billion per week due to the Alert Level 3 status and another P12 billion per week due to the absence of face to face classes. “We are a strong economy thanks to successive administration’s macro-fiscal prudence. That is really the insurance we bring into this very difficult time of Covid, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China slowdown, and monetary normalization,” Chua said. In terms of sustaining the growth momentum, Chua said, the outgoing administration has and will continue to implement measures to cushion the impact of these headwinds. However, Chua said, the government has “exhausted” economic policies in terms of its responses. Policies that have helped the country in these trying times include cash transfers during the pandemic, as well as subsidies for those who have been negatively affected by the surge in oil prices. Chua said the tax reform program and the passage of liberalization bills will allow the economy to continue growing. These will also increase the potential of the Philippine economy to weather future shocks. “The bold policy reforms we instituted over the past six years will drive our economy forward with vigor. We have set the sails for the next administration to achieve rapid and more inclusive growth in 2022 and beyond,” Chua said. “The Philippine economy is a strong and steady ship ready for whatever storms that might lie ahead.”

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DENR chief to pols: Clean up your mess By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

OTH winners and losers in the May 9, 2022, national and local election should clean up their mess, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna said on Thursday. “Win or lose, these candidates must consider the long-term consequences of their campaign materials in the environment. Therefore, they must encourage their supporters and volunteers to take down these materials, especially those made of plastic, and dispose of these properly,” Sampulna said in a news statement. Together with local government units (LGU), the DENR chief said his agency would push for the passage of a measure that will require candidates to remove election materials after every campaign. “We will make sure that the existing environmental laws, such as RA 9003, will strengthen the resolution,” Sampulna vowed. Sampulna said candidates should assemble their teams to “clean up voluntarily instead of being intimidated by possible violations after the election season.” “Candidates could show how sincere they are in serving the country this way,” he added. The DENR chief suggested to candidates to do recycling and upcycling

of their used or even excess campaign materials to lessen the by-products that will be disposed of in dumpsites. The Department of the Interior and Local Government, a member of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, has already disseminated an advisory to all LGUs to remind them to strictly enforce the pertinent provisions of RA 9003. Under the advisory, which was disseminated to the regional offices of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), several initiatives have been recommended, including strict enforcement of local ordinances and regulations against illegal dumping, open burning and littering, and utilization of materials recovery facilities of LGUs to collect and store reusable materials. Coming up with innovative and safe strategies to recycle and upcycle reusable campaign waste materials; imposing the responsibility to the organizers of political activities to ensure that the waste generated will be properly disposed of; and encouraging the citizenry to take part in initiatives of LGUs in ensuring a clean and litterfree environment, prior to, during and after elections were also included in the recommended initiatives for postelection activities of the candidates. In April, the DENR took down over 114,000 campaign materials posted on trees nationwide pursuant to RA 3571.

NUP backs Romualdez as next House Speaker By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HENationalUnityParty(NUP), one of the major political parties in this year’s elections, on Thursday endorsed Rep. Martin G. Romualdez of Tacloban City to be the next Speaker of the 19th Congress. In a news statement, NUP spokesman Reginald Velasco said members of the political party “unanimously” agreed to endorse Romualdez as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. “In a consultation with the NUP members of the House of Representatives, it was unanimously agreed to endorse Rep. Romualdez as the Speaker for the coming Congress,” Velasco said. “This decision was arrived at in recognition of his exemplary service as Majority Leader of the 18th

Congress and his proven ability as a consensus builder for the different political parties in the House of Representatives,” Velasco added. Romualdez, first cousin of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been reelected for his fifth term as representative of the 1st district of Leyte after garnering 181,480 votes. Romualdez ran unopposed in this year’s elections. Romualdez is the president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the political party where presumptive Vice Presidentelect Sara Duterte-Carpio joined to be able to run for a national position in the May 9 elections. Duterte-Carpio is currently the chairman of the Lakas-CMD. Both the NUP and Lakas-CMD endorsed Marcos Jr. and Duterte’s presidential and vice presidential bids in the elections.

DTI chief urges IATF to place entire Philippines under AL 1 By Andrea San Juan

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Thursday to place the entire country under Alert Level (AL) 1 to sustain economic recovery. In a message to reporters on Thursday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the nationwide shift to lowest AL was among the recommendations the department presented to put the economy back on track. Lopez also urged the IATF early this month to implement the inoculation of second booster shots across all categories to strike the balance between saving lives and livelihoods.

As for labor and employment, Lopez cited that in March 2022, the Philippines tallied a 5.8-percent unemployment rate, the lowest since the start of the pandemic. Likewise, the country’s labor force participation rate increased to 65.4 percent in March 2022, the highest since the pandemic. Overall, this brought the net employment to 4.4 million exceeding pre-pandemic levels. As the Philippine economy aims for 7- to 9-percent growth, the country needs to strengthen its domestic economy against external risks, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, higher global commodity prices, the slowdown in China’s economic activity, and monetary normalization in western countries.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.3 percent from a 3.8-percent decline in the same period last year. Lopez also cited the recommendation of increasing domestic demand by fully implementing Executive Order No. 166, which enumerates 10 strategies to accelerate economic recovery. In terms of education, the recommendation from DTI’s economic team noted that although “we are making significant progress in most indicators, we are lagging behind in reopening face-to-face classes.” Amid the recent price increases due to the global supply chain crisis, Lopez noted that the welfare of public utility drivers and agri-

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DUCATION Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones on Thursday said they would schedule a series of briefings for presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte who is expected to assume the post as the next education chief. “We are also putting the finishing touches to our transition report,” Briones told the BusinessMirror. The briefings will also include the team of Duterte, she added. Briones also said she has been making the rounds in Regional Offices “to say goodbye and assess their final reports.”

Presentation of Duterte’s plans

WHILE the general sentiment of the teachers is for the President to appoint a Secretary from their ranks—a classroom teacher or someone who has previous experience as part of the education sector—the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) acknowledged that they recognize Cabinet appointments as a “prerogative” of the incoming Chief Executive. “Now with the pronouncement

of presumptive President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to appoint presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte as DepEd [Department of Education] Secretary, we want to share with her the concrete experiences and problems faced by our educators, instead of merely waiting for the presentation of her plans for the DepEd, which may come from the outside looking in to say the least. Hence, we look forward to the opportunity of presenting our 13-point teachers’ Dignity Agenda,” the TDC said in a news statement. The TDC said that the agenda needs both executive and legislative actions and focuses not only on the rights and welfare of teachers but for learners and the school system as well. “It includes a better compensation package, implementation of the 1966 vintage Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, compensation for those affected by Covid-19, free post-graduate education, provision of free laptop computers and Internet services and the creation of a separate insurance system and hospital for teachers among other long overdue benefits. As well, we have programs on learning itself, such as reduction of class size, pro-

cultural producers should also be taken into consideration. “Temper rising prices and manage supply through tariff measures for key commodities and fuel subsidies to public utility drivers and agricultural producers,” the economic team said. External risks such as the global supply chain crisis and the Eastern Europe conflict will make it more challenging to reach the 7- to 9-percent growth this year, “but we have made significant headway in the first quarter of 2022,” Lopez pointed out. However, Lopez reassured that the Duterte administration would continue working hard until the last hour of office to rebuild a stronger and more inclusive Philippine economy.

3 down 1 more to go: Comelec junks another MR to disqualify Marcos Jr. By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

NLY one of the four motions for reconsideration (MR) for the disqualification of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is now pending with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). With a vote of 6-0, with one inhibition, the poll body junked the MR filed by Danilo A. Lihaylihay, which seeks to declare Marcos as a “nuisance candidate.” “In view of the foregoing, the Commission [En Banc] Denies Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration dated 22 December 2021 and Affirms the Resolution of the Commission [Second Division] promulgated on 16 December 2021,” the Comelec en banc said in a five-page resolution promulgated on Wednesday. In its five-page decision, the Comelec en banc said the petitioner failed to raise any substantial new evidence, which would merit the reversal of the decision of the Comelec Second Division on the case. “A careful review of the Motion for Reconsideration reveals that it contains merely rehash of Petitioner’s averments and arguments,” the Comelec en banc said. Lihaylihay filed a petition on October 12, 2021, which seeks to have Marcos declared as a nuisance candidate and have the former senator’s Certificate of Candidacy canceled for having similar name with another candidate, as well as

PRESUMPTIVE President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. in one of his campaign sorties for the recently concluded elections. FILE PHOTO

allegedly having no bona fide intention to run for office. The Comelec Second Division decided to junk Lihaylihay’s petition for insufficient evidence to prove his claim. Aside from Lihaylihay’s MR, the Comelec also earlier junked the MRs filed by Bonifacio Ilagan et. al., Akbayan Party, and Abubakar Mange-

len as well as the separate appeal of Fr. Christian Buenafe. Currently, only the MR on a case against Marcos filed by an Ilocano group led by Margarita Salandanan is still pending with the Comelec en banc. The parties with dismissed MRs may still file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

Magtolis-Briones readies briefing for incoming DepEd chief Duterte By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, May 13, 2022 A3

vision of books and other materials and facilities and adequate funding for the safe return to normal school operation,” the group added. Finally, the TDC said a curriculum that strengthens national development not just catering to the needs of foreign labor market, but one that includes sense of patriotism and promotes peace and human rights, a curriculum that will produce Filipinos who are proud of their history and culture. “We hope that the incoming administration will not ignore our call to uphold the dignity of teaching profession,” they added.

DepEd employees’ welfare, projects

THE DepEd-National Employees’ Union (DepEd-NEU), meanwhile, is hoping and anticipating that Duterte will continue the good program and projects of the agency, especially on the aspect of DepEd employees’ welfare and benefits under the 8th education agenda of Briones during her term. “As a union, we welcome and support her as concurrent Vice President and Secretary of DepEd. We have trust and confidence Vice

President Sara Duterte can be a great DepEd Secretary and that she will look into the plight of the DepEd personnel not only on the teaching group but to the non-teaching group too, considering her exemplary experience as full-blown politician,” said Atty. Domingo Alidon, DepEdNEU president. The union is also anticipating partnership with the new DepEd management on the advocacy for public sector unionism and continuity of good programs and projects of the department towards quality education. On Wednesday night, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on he will appoint Duterte as the Secretary of DepEd, after they take office on June 30. Marcos said Duterte’s appointment to head the DepEd is one of the issues they have agreed during their meeting on Wednesday night. Duterte immediately agreed, he said. Both Marcos and Duterte won landslide victories on the May 9 elections, according to partial, unofficial tallies in the Commission on Elections transparency server, with 98 percent of results counted in.

Marcos is poised to be proclaimed as the winner of the 2022 presidential race based on the result of the partial and unofficial results in the Comelec transparency server, which shows the former senator and namesake of the late strongman former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. garnered 31.1 million votes.

A4 Friday, May 13, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

Concepcion sees ‘golden opportunity’ for PHL economic reforms under BBM By Andrea San Juan

HERE is a “golden opportunity” for successful economic reforms under a Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leadership, according to Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria A. Concepcion. The Go Negosyo founder, in a news statement issued on Thursday, said that “with such a strong, historic mandate, there is a golden opportunity for successful economic reform, now that both the public and Congress are united behind a single leadership.” Concepcion specified that presidential frontrunner Marcos Jr.’s leadership is relevant to the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make

up 99.5 percent of enterprises in the country and employ almost 60 percent of Filipinos. “Many of our countrymen continue to be underrepresented and unheard. Many of them see entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty. It is where industry, ingenuity, and grit can get you further than you would as an employee,” Concepcion said. Concepcion noted that entrepreneurship gives people a fair chance at social economic mobility. He added that just like entrepreneurship, elections level the playing field of the people where a poor man’s vote counts as much as a rich man’s. “Judging from how the country voted, it would be safe to say that many MSMEs believe Bongbong Marcos can help them,” he said.

222,787 policemen to receive mid-year bonus on May 17

DAR awards 560 hectares of agri lands to ARBs in three Cagayan Valley towns

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

OLICEMEN will receive this month their mid-year bonus following the release of funds to cover for the monetary benefit. National Police Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. announced on Thursday the release of P7,321,377,087 that was allocated for the mid-year bonus for some 222,787 police personnel. “The dedicated funds are from the regular PNP [Philippine National Police] appropriations itemized under the organization’s budget this year,” Danao said. The mid-year bonus is given annually and is part of the PNP’s budget every year. PNP Finance Service Director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said PNP personnel would receive the bonus on May 17 through their ATM payroll accounts enrolled with the LandBank of the Philippines. The amount to be given to each personnel will be equivalent to a month base salary. Pursuant to the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion law, any pay that will exceed P90,000 will be subjected to withholding tax.

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently distributed 560 hectares of agricultural land to farmers in three towns and turned over a P33.3 million worth of bridge project in Allacapan town in the Cagayan Valley region during a simple ceremony on Wednesday, May 11. In a news statement, DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz said the distributed lands would benefit 546 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) from the municipalities of Solana, Lallo, and Baggao. Cruz, who led the ceremonial distribution of the certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) in Lal-lo, said farmers have played important roles in saving the community in Lal-lo, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We owe a lot to our farmers. With all the challenges they faced during the pandemic, they have provided food for the country, and they are still doing that up to now,” Cruz said. A total of 132 hectares were distributed under the agency’s

Marcos Jr. was interviewed during Go Negosyo’s Kandidatalks series a few weeks prior to the elections. The Presumptive President said MSMEs deliver the most impact on society, because any effort to help them will be felt immediately even by the big corporations. Marcos Jr. added that many Filipinos are willing to work and become entrepreneurs, but he pointed out that they will need assistance. He also acknowledged how organizations like Go Negosyo can help mentor small entrepreneurs and how the government can allocate a portion of the International Revenue Allotment for MSMEs. Further, Marcos Jr. noted that taxes must be rationalized for the benefit of small entrepreneurs. On agriculture, Marcos Jr. said

land acquisition and distribution (LAD), 404 hectares under the President’s Executive Order (EO) 75, and 23 hectares under DAR’s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project. Cruz said that the 404 hectares under EO 75 are governmentowned lands (GOLs). The DAR chief explained that the distribution of GOLs was made possible with President Duterte’s signing into law of Executive Order (EO) 75, Series of 2019, on February 1, 2019, which prompted DAR to quickly facilitate the process of subjecting the said lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). “Acting upon the executive order of President Duterte, we were able to identify the Cagayan State University, a government-owned land, that is suitable for agriculture for distribution to qualified beneficiaries in the municipality of Lal-lo,” Cruz said. The DAR also distributed one hectare of land each to 30 agricultural graduates to encourage other youth to take up farming. “We are also proud to award today 30 hectares to 30 agricul-

that if the sector is supported in terms of loans, research and development (R&D) and infrastructure, the agriculture sector could succeed in its role as a foundation of the country’s industrialization. Meanwhile, in relation to infrastructure, Marcos Jr. vowed to continue President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program and extend its scope to improve the country’s information and power infrastructure. According to partial and unofficial count of the Commission on Elections transparency server, Marcos Jr. has already garnered 31 million votes. Concepcion highlighted that Marcos Jr.’s majority vote represents the voice of the underprivileged and underrepresented.

tural graduates, most of them g raduated f rom t he Cagayan State University, to encourage young people to engage in farming. We hope that through this, the country’s food security will be achieved,” Cruz said. The DAR also issued CLOAs to 35 ARBs from a landholding located in Baggao. The land titles covering a combined area of 23 hectares of agricultural land were taken from collective CLOAs that were subdivided recently by DAR under Project SPLIT. Also turned over was a metallic bridge worth P33.3 million located in Barangay Pacpac in Allacapan town. DAR Regional Director Samuel Solomero said the bridge would help some 2,000 residents, 352 of which are ARBs. “With this bridge, our farmers can now easily transport their agricultural products from various markets and trading centers,” Solomero said. The bridge is implemented under “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo,” a joint project of DAR, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Allacapan.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Salceda dishes out economic solutions to incoming admin

L B A Y Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Wednesday said the next administration must dedicate its first few days addressing numerous economic issues, particularly ensuring the country’s food supply and fighting “aggressively” inflation that has accelerated to 4.9 percent. In a news statement, the lawmaker reiterated his major recommendations to the next administration following the release of the country’s first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report that showed the economy grew by 8.3 percent. “First, we need to focus on agriculture and food supply. This will require aggressively fighting inflation through yield-promotion, biosafety [especially given African swine fever and avian flu] and climate resilience,” he said. Salceda, who has been reelected as representative of the 2nd district of Albay, emphasized that the agriculture sector continues to lag behind other sectors of the economy, noting that it shrank by 0.7 percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis. “This continued underperformance will bear down on the price and availability of food, with implications on general prices and living conditions,” he said. Salceda also recommended the strengthening of the government’s safety nets “to ensure that the most vulnerable among our population remain protected from shocks and are capacitated to remain productive.” He also proposed that the administration should work on investor confidence to “fund capital formation with private investments” given the government’s P12 trillion debt and domestic fiscal constraints. “A commitment to the Duterte administration’s fiscal and economic liberalization reforms, prudent fiscal management strategies, and a competent and widely-respected economic team will be essential to providing the incoming administration with the kind of adrenaline rush needed to offset this deficit of foreign investor confidence,” Salceda said. Salceda noted that the first quarter GDP figures are “very strong” despite “intermittent lockdowns on

the demand side, and supply-chain issues, higher input costs, and other supply-side challenges.” “Together with FDI [foreign direct investment] data in February, which shows a surge of 46.3 percent year-on-year from last year, this development is indication that there are tailwinds in our economic fundamentals that the next President can maximize,” he said. Salceda, who endorsed losing presidential candidacy of Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo before the May 9 elections, also renewed his call on the government to lift the existing restrictions on public transportation to further spur the growth and contribution of transportation and storage to the economy. “Among the major contributors to growth, the fastest grower was Transportation and Storage, which grew by 26 percent. I remain convinced that further lifting of existing restrictions on public transportation will boost this momentum and yield positive results for the overall economy,” he said. “I reiterate my call for the lifting of bans and restrictions on provincial buses in Edsa. Provincial buses transport not only people, but also some volume of goods to and from Metro Manila. In the provinces, we call this the ‘factora’ system. Some of these goods are used or sold by small businesses—which were and continue to be saviors of the economy,” Salceda added. The next administration should also encourage overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to invest in “safe, secure and productive private sector investments to further increase the country’s GNI [gross national income],” Salceda said. “GNI also increased by 10.7 percent, which indicates that our OFWs and exports are beginning to recover. This should be maximized: we should continue to encourage OFWs to invest in safe, secure, and productive private-sector investments. This will be crucial given the fiscal constraints of the government,” he added. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

DENR trains 22 wildlife enforcers for Calabarzon

TOTAL of 22 individuals from various local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and pet shops recently completed a two-day training for wildlife enforcement officers in Region 4A, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. After training held in Calamba City recently, these individuals will get the opportunity to become deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers and help the DENR combat illegal wildlife trade. The 22 individuals who took the training will also represent the batch of volunteer wildlife enforcement officers (WEO) in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. The DENR-Calabarzon through its Enforcement Division headed the training orientation for the prospective WEOs. Because WEOs do not receive a salary and only work voluntarily, the DENR screens prospective applicants before putting them under training. During the two-day event, a strong emphasis was placed on the equal importance of both wild flora and fauna and their role in the natural processes in the ecosystem was reminded by Laguna Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Eriberto B. Saños.

Further, Chief Enforcement Division Annabelle M. Barquilla stressed the importance of wildlife law enforcement in ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources. Meanwhile, the salient features of RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Cyber Crime Investigation on Illegal Wildlife Trade, Wildlife Law Enforcement Protocol Techniques, Manual Forms, and other documents on Apprehension, Seizure, and Confiscation of Wildlife were discussed during the orientation. The identification of commonly traded flora and fauna, basic wildlife handling techniques, and actual wildlife handling and restraining were also conducted to further capacitate the prospective WEOs. The actual handling and restraint activity was facilitated by Nielsen Donato, Wildlife Farm Permit Holder and the co-host of the TV Show, Born to be Wild. The DENR-Calabarzon also called for direct involvement of the citizens through recruitment, training, and deputation as Environment and Natural Resources Officers (ENROs) and WEOs. The conduct of WEO training is one of the requirements in the deputation of WEOs, as stated under section 30 of RA 9147. Jonathan L. Mayuga

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, May 13, 2022 A5

Groups ask SC to void mandatory vaccination issuances

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

PETITION was filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday seeking to stop the implementation of all government issuances and policies imposing mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 for being unconstitutional.

The 173-page petition was filed by an alliance from various civic groups including Covid Call to Humanity (CCH), Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDCPh), Legal Lightworkers for Life and Liberty (L4) and Juan Dakila (JD) Movement. The petitioners, which include a Covid-19 vaccine-injured employee, doctors, scientists, religious leaders, government and private sector employees, and public school teachers, are also asking the Court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or a writ of preliminary injunction as an immediate relief. Former University of the Philippines College Law Dean Pacifico Agabin, one of the country’s leading experts on constitutional law, will lead the 11-person legal team that the petitioners tasked to defend the petition. Named respondents by the petitioners were the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Executive Secretary Salvador

Medialdea, Interior and Local Secretary Eduardo Año, Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Makati City represented by Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay. The petitioners singled out IATF Resolution 148-B as among the government’s issuances that should be declared null and void. Based on IATF Resolution 148-B issued on November 11, 2021, on-site workers are required to be fully vaccinated. Under the resolution, on-site workers who remain unvaccinated should not be terminated but must take RT-PCR tests regularly at their own expense. The said IATF resolution also bars unvaccinated individuals from boarding and riding public transportation subject to certain exceptions. Also being sought to be nullified are IATF Resolution No. 148-G November 17, 2021;IATF Resolution No. 149 dated November 18, 2021; IATF Resolution No. 150 dated November 25, 2021; IATF Resolution No. 155 dated December 31, 2021; IATF Resolution No. 163 dated February 24, 2022; IATF Reso-

Local execs told: Shun drug trade By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—President Duterte urged newly elected local officials to stay away from the illegal drug

trade. While he clarified that his appeal was not a warning saying that he was already an outgoing President, he admonished though that he would be active in the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign when he becomes a private citizen. “I hope that these new officials would not engage in illegal drug trade. This is not a warning though, because I am already going out,” Duterte said during his Talk to the People program aired on Thursday. “My request to the mayors to be

true, [also] to the governors and all of the officials, especially those elected by the people, do not violate the trust that the people has reposed upon us, especially on illegal drugs,” he added. Tackling the proliferation of illicit narcotics is an uphill battle for the government considering the huge amount of money involved, he pointed out in a statement posted on Thursday by the Presidential Communications Operations Office. He said the problem of illegal drugs trade can not be addressed by simple police or military operation. “It’s difficult. I said the market involved millions of pesos before, now it has gone up to billions of pesos. That is why it has to be a war. This is not only a special operation of the police or military,” he said.

Biden, Xi congratulate BBM, affirm robust ties with PHL continued from a16

The US is the Philippines’s traditional ally and their friendship was cast in stone in 1946, right after they emerged victorious against Imperial Japan during the 2nd World War. Biden is hosting leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Washington DC this week, but President Duterte begged off from attending, as the event comes a day after elections. He is being represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.

China hails polls, BBM

THE government of China joined the growing number of members of international community, in commending the country for conducting smooth and credible conduct of the May 9 national and local elections. “I am honored to forward the congratulatory message from H.E. President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on your elections as president of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China to the Philippines in a letter addressed to Marcos. “Again, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and in my own name, I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations on Your Excellency’s election as the 17th President of the Philippines,” the letter added. The official added that they are looking forward to working with the new administration to “bring our relationship of comprehensive strategic cooperation to new heights.”

Strong mandate: 31-M votes

MARCOS Jr. had more than 31 million votes in the unofficial count from Monday’s elec-

tions in what’s projected to be one of the strongest mandates for a Philippine president in decades. His vice presidential running mate, Sara Duterte, appeared to have also won by a landslide. Marcos Jr. declared victory Wednesday, saying his electoral triumph is a boost to democracy and promised to seek common ground across the political divide, his spokesman, Vic Rodriguez, said. “To the world: Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” Rodriguez quoted Marcos Jr. as saying. The election outcome was an astonishing reversal of the army-backed but largely peaceful “People Power” uprising that ousted Marcos’s father in 1986—a democratic triumph in Southeast Asia where authoritarian regimes flourish. Marcos Jr., 64, campaigned on a vague national unity theme while avoiding volatile issues in an effort hard-line leftist groups and survivors of the elder Marcos’s dictatorship likened to whitewashing of his father’s crimes. On Tuesday, he appeared overcome with emotions while visiting his father’s grave—which was moved to the national heroes’ cemetery under current President Duterte. Several of Marcos Jr.’s key election rivals have conceded defeat, though the closest challenger, Vice President Leni Robredo, has only acknowledged his massive lead. The US State Department said the elections and subsequent vote count followed international standards without any major incident. The tabulated results still must be confirmed by Congress. With a report by AP

lution No. 164 dated March 11, 2022; IATF Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for Covid-19 Response as of February 27, 2022 dated February 27, 2022; DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2022-002 dated January 18, 2022; DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2022-008 dated January 31, 2022; Department of Transportation Order No. 2022-001 dated January 11, 2022; Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Memorandum Circular No. 2022-001 dated January 12, 2022; Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Resolution No. 22-01, series of 2022; Departments of Health and Education Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2022 issued on April 6, 2022; DOH Department Memorandum No. 2022-0013; DOH Department Circular No. 2022-0131; Makati City Ordinance No. 2022-005 enacted on January 12, 2022. The petitioners also asked the Court to issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to ensure that persons who submit

for vaccination do so “freely, voluntarily, and intelligently” after a written acknowledgment that they have been advised of all the possible side effects of the vaccines on their health. Likewise, the petitioners said the respondents should be ordered to take public all the officially recognized side effects of the vaccines and all adverse events reported after vaccination, and to ensure that such information is widely disseminated through various forms of media. The assailed regulations, according to the petitioners, violate the provisions of the Constitution that guarantees due process, right to equal protection of the law, right to security and privacy, right to religious freedom, and right to freedom of movement and travel. “These freedoms are not suspended just because there is an existing public health emergency. All citizens are still entitled to attend religious gatherings, political rallies, and organizational activities, to the extent allowed by the prevailing alert level classification and

subject to the observance of reasonable health protocols,” the petitioners said. “By allowing the unvaccinated only to procure essential goods and services outside their residences, the assailed regulations and ordinances fail to account for these other freedoms, which are essential to the enjoyment of a life lived with dignity,” they added. A similar petition was earlier filed by the Passengers and Riders Organization (Pasahero) party-list seeking to declare the “no vaccination, no ride” policy and other government measures that tend to discriminate against Filipinos who remain unvaccinated against Covid-19 as unconstitutional. “We hope that the Supreme Court will be open and take judicial notice of the massive amount of legal evidence against mandatory vaccination that we have presented. If the people feel that the government leaders have failed them, they should still be able to rely on the courts to uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” the petitioners argued.

BusinessMirror

Friday, May 13, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4, Near Kay Buboy Bridge, San Dionisio, City Of Parañaque

MA, JIANLI Project Coordinator 1.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

YUAN, JUN Account Manager 11.

SAI KYAW LIN HTWE Burmese Customer Service Representative 2.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries THANT ZIN PHYOE Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

12.

Brief Job Description: Analyze data gathered and develop solution, highly organized and able to multitask.

WU, MINGHUA Quantity Surveyor Supervisor 5.

Brief Job Description: Material submission, ordering procurement, measure and value work done on site.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

YIN, TAO Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients) 13.

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

BUI TRUNG SON Customer Service Representative 14.

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

CINDY SUTEJA Customer Service Representative 15.

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

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

DANG THE ANH Customer Service Representative 16.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 17.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

DANG VAN BINH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

DO HONG NHUNG Customer Service Representative 18.

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

NGUYEN THI THUY Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

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

DA PROSPERITAS HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

HE, KONGSHENG Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer

Brief Job Description: Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs; implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

DO VIET TRINH Customer Service Representative 19.

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

EFINANCING INC. Unit 11d-2 Ety Bldg., 484 Quintin Paredes St., 027, Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila

GIP THANH BINH Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 9.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

LIN, CHIEN-CHUN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 10.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects recommend to Senior Management

HOANG THI QUYEN Customer Service Representative 20.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects recommend to Senior Management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

No.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JEMMI Customer Service Representative 22.

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

JIMMY Customer Service Representative 23.

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months experience with the above position; can multi-task and keen to details; any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

IWAN Customer Service Representative 21.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

JULIJANTO Customer Service Representative 24.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

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

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Ri Rance Ii Bldg., Block 2 Lot 3 Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

DANG PHUONG THAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Bldg. Newport Blvd., Newport City Vab St., Barangay 183, Pasay City

BIGCON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 3b, 2nd Floor, Rayco Tower, Doña Soledad Ave., Don Bosco, City Of Parañaque

CHEN, YU-ZUO Management Support Analyst

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

WANG, HAO Project Manager

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

LE DANG AN Customer Service Representative 25.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LE VINH LOC Customer Service Representative 26.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

27.

28.

29.

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN THI MY PHUNG Customer Service Representative 30.

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

NGUYEN NHU QUYNH Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

MINA Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LE XUAN MANH Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN THI QUYNH HOA Customer Service Representative 31.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN THI THU THUY Customer Service Representative 32.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

NGUYEN THI THUY AN Customer Service Representative 33.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN THI THUY QUYNH Customer Service Representative 34.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

NOVIREIN LAUW Customer Service Representative 35.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

PHAM THI HUONG THUY Customer Service Representative 36.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

PHAN VIET DUNG Customer Service Representative 37.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

RATNA KANIA Customer Service Representative 38.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

ROSTAM Customer Service Representative 39.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

SHELLIN FRAN CENNE Customer Service Representative 40.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

SHELLY Customer Service Representative 41.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

SURIYANTO Customer Service Representative 42.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TO THI THUY Customer Service Representative 43.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TO VAN HOAN Customer Service Representative 44.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TRAN MAI PHUONG DUNG Customer Service Representative 45.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TRAN THI THU THUY Customer Service Representative 46.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

No.

47.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

TSAN CHONG MANH Customer Service Representative 48.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

49.

50.

51.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

VU MINH TUAN Customer Service Representative 52.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

VU DINH VY Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

VONG THI KIM YEN Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

VO THI HANG Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

VU VAN DUONG Customer Service Representative 53.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

ZUL EFENDI Customer Service Representative 54.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

55.

Brief Job Description: Manage the delivery in time, quality and cost of the engineering design input by the digital team.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

VAN DE VIJVER, BASTIAAN GUSTAF Technical Director, Water And Maritime 56.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

No.

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

61.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

62.

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

Brief Job Description: Overall responsible for the technical deliverables for all water and maritime projects.

Basic Qualification: Five years of experience in digital design engineering.

SHAIKH, AL ASGAR Fund Servicing Manager Iii 63.

TAN ZYN GIE Equipment Installation Specialist 57.

Brief Job Description: Working as per the requirements of the clients and performing all kinds of general installation; Programming and setting up the machineries and equipment along with experimenting on the same

64.

KINAN, ORIN Multilingual - Product Development Specialist 58.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving and transmitting text data and graphics from English to other language such as Hebrew, Malay and Mon-Khmer

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language.

59.

65.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Strong technical-driven project management and process improvement background. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Make and change rules and regulations consistent with the by laws for the management of the corporation’s business and affairs.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in both Japanese and English. More than 10 years’ experience in managing the department. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: This position manages a team of Factory Automation Supervisor, and Technical Support Engineers who support a variety of Mitsubishi Electric products and technologies, including Melsec PLC, GOT HMIs, Melservo Motion Systems, FreqRol VFDs. In addition to the managerial responsibilities, this role will oversee the necessary product related departments to schedule training, handle escalations, and prepare for new product release

Basic Qualification: Bilingual – Must be fluent in Japanese or Nihongo and English Languages. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City EI EI PHYO Burmese Customer Service Representative 66.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

KYU KYU LWIN Burmese Customer Service Representative 67.

68.

69.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SEIN PHYO PAING Burmese Customer Service Representative

72.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SEIN WAILYAN SOE Burmese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries SOE MOE KYAW Burmese Customer Service Representative

74.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

MYO NAING WIN Burmese Customer Service Representative

SAI WAI LIN Burmese Customer Service Representative 71.

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

SAI SAN PHYO HAN Burmese Customer Service Representative 70.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

NILAR MOE Burmese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language.

OTAKE, KEIZO Manager, Factory Automation Center

73. LITVINOFF, ROTEM Multilingual - Product Development Specialist

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

MELCO FACTORY AUTOMATION PHILIPPINES INC. #128, Lopez-rizal, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

JP & L BEAUTY PRODUCTS INC. 22 The Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing operational service related to fund accounting and administration.

MORI, NORISHIGE Director And Treasurer

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English Language Both in Written and Verbal; With Working Knowledge in Construction

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language.

KOBELCO MACHINERY PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1, 15th Floor, 2251 It Hub, 2251 Chino Roces Avenue, Barangay Bangkal, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in civil engineering; native-level dutch speaking skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 25f Jpmorgan Chase & Co Tower, 9th Avenue Cor. 38th St., Uptown Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, Preferably With Customer Service or Sales Experience, Fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PORAT, ANAT Multilingual - Product Development Specialist

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

JIANGSU DIBANG CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2106-a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

HUSSAIN, HAMZA Digital Design Lead

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TRAN TRUNG CUONG Customer Service Representative

Friday, May 13, 2022

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

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

BusinessMirror

Friday, May 13, 2022

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION THEINT NA DI SWE Burmese Customer Service Representative

75.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries THIDA AYE Burmese Customer Service Representative

76.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. THIHA Burmese Customer Service Representative

77.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. WAI YAN HTOO Burmese Customer Service Representative

78.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAN GWE FEN Burmese Customer Service Representative

79.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. YAN LANT YE Burmese Customer Service Representative

80.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. YE MYINT OO Burmese Customer Service Representative

81.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries DUAN, ZHUANGZHUANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

82.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUO, ZELUN Chinese Customer Service Representative

83.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NIE, XU Chinese Customer Service Representative

84.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. QIN, WENLIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

85.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SHAO, WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative

86.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SONG, ZIXIAO Chinese Customer Service Representative

87.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SUN, QINGYI Chinese Customer Service Representative

88.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. WANG, YIXIN Chinese Customer Service Representative

89.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. WU, JIBIAO Chinese Customer Service Representative

90.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, JIJUN Chinese Customer Service Representative

91.

92.

93.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

TING KEE WEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

YANG ZIHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

SURYANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 94.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

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

No.

TJAM JIU JI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 95.

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

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

105.

106.

107.

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

108.

109.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English.

110.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

NGUYEN THI CHIEM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 111.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

NGUYEN THI HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 112.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language.

No.

115.

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

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

127.

128.

113.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

NGUYEN THI NGOC HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 114.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VU THI THE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

129.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VU THI THAO THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VONG VINH KIET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN VAN SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN VAN MINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN TRUNG DUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN THI MINH PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAN THUC DINH HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAN DUC THINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAM XUAN THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAM THI LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN VAN HAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN THI QUYNH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN THI NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

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

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

CHEN, ZHIBING Chinese Customer Service 130.

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

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

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

WANG, PEIYU Chinese Customer Service 131.

NGUYEN THI LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

NGUYEN NGOC DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LE VAN CHIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THI TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HU THI NHU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI THAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HOANG THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HOANG THI EM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HOANG THI DANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HA VAN QUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries DO NGOC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DINH BAT TAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WEN, CHANG-I Taiwanese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHUAH SZE HAU Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. CHONG CHIA PAW Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. TRUONG THI THU HUE Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

WEI, XIAOHUI Chinese Customer Service 132.

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

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

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YUAN, JIANYING Chinese Customer Service

133.

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

ZHANG, SHANSHAN Chinese Customer Service 134.

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

SAECHANG, WANNA Customer Service Representative 135.

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

SONGSATPARINYAWONG, THAKSINA Customer Service Representative 136.

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

WONGTOE, NICHA Customer Service Representative 137.

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

CLEMENT CHIN YUNG CHEE Malaysian Customer Service 138.

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

HO CHAN YEW Malaysian Customer Service 139.

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

LOW BOON CHEUNG Malaysian Customer Service 140.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language)

No.

HONG MINH QUOC Vietnamese Customer Service 147.

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

148.

141.

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

TEO MING YEE Malaysian Customer Service 142.

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

NANG THEIN KHIN HTAR NWE Myanmari Customer Service 143.

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

SAI LAIN TE Myanmari Customer Service 144.

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

SAI THEIN NAING OO Myanmari Customer Service 145.

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

SANDAR WIN Myanmari Customer Service 146.

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

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

NGUYEN THANH LUAN Vietnamese Customer Service 149.

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

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

TRAN VIET LAM Vietnamese Customer Service 150.

SUN, TONG Mandarin Speaking It/customer Support 151.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language).

152.

153.

154.

156.

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

157.

158.

159.

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

160.

161.

162.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language).

No.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

164.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. VAY THI KIM HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

165.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NG KHAI MUN Software Development Specialist 166.

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

PENG, KAIHUA Software Development Specialist 167.

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

Brief Job Description: Serve as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering including maintenance repair and development of mandarin based software.

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

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

163.

EE ZHI JIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

EUGENE E KAI YEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider.

LIM TECK WAY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

LIM WENG FATT Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

NG HOON CHEEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

NG HOON KIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

NG SWEE THIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

SIN PENG SHIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

TAN JIA HUEY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

TEE SIONG KIAT Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

WONG CHEUN NENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

XIONG, AJUN Software Development Specialist 168.

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

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

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

XIONG, YIMING Software Development Specialist 169.

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

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

XIONG, ZHIJUN Software Development Specialist 170.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin, both oral and written.

YUAN, GUIBO Software Development Specialist 171.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written

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

172.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least two (2) years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Marketing communication with clients and/or team members understanding needs, resolving challenges and exceeding expectations

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree; Atleast 1-2 Years of Experience in Similar Role; Cantonese Native Speaker Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

UNITED FLUSH PRETTY DOOR CORPORATION 53 8th Ave.,, West Grace Park, Barangay 58, City Of Caloocan HUANG, DONGXING Technical Advisor 173.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

BENJAMIN, GOLDIE Associate Manager - Account Management

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written

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

SUTHERLAND GLOBAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 12th Floor Philplans Corporate Center, Kalayaan Avenue & Triangle Drive, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Both Oral and Written

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

SUPREME CHENGHAO MANAGEMENT OPC Level 26-a Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DINH QUOC DIEP Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

Brief Job Description: Serve as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering including maintenance repair and development of mandarin based software. ZHANG, SHUAISHUAI Mandarin Speaking It/customer Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write (native language).

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SEQUOIA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. 37f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

155. TAN WAI KIN Malaysian Customer Service

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

LO KHAI SENH Vietnamese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, May 13, 2022

Basic Qualification: skill and competence for the nature of the work

Brief Job Description: Develops design into projects in line with the Chinese traditions and ethnicities;

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

HUANG, TIEN-HSIUNG Technical Advisor 174.

Basic Qualification: skill and competence for the nature of the work

Brief Job Description: Develops design into projects in line with the Chinese traditions and ethnicities;

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City

EFRI LIONGGONO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 175.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service question; suggesting information about other product and services

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing English and their respective native language for the position applied for Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZYDUS HEALTHCARE PHILIPPINES INC. Units 903 & 904 Ecotower, 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig JAIN, VIKAS President/country Manager 176.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in managing the overall business of the company

Basic Qualification: Experience in management in an international business setting Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

*Date Generated: May 12, 2022 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLENCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

TheWorld BusinessMirror

A10 Friday, May 13, 2022

Biden hosts Asean as he looks to show Pacific commitment By Aamer Madhani

The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden is hosting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as his administration makes an extended effort to demonstrate that the United States hasn’t lost focus on the Pacific even while dealing with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden will begin his talks over dinner Thursday evening with leaders from the eight Asean nations attending the two-day summit. It will be the group’s first meeting at the White House. Leaders will take part in more formal talks at the State Department on Friday. The Asean nations include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Leaders from the other two Asean members, Myanmar and the Philippines, are not expected to attend the summit. The special summit in Washington comes before Biden departs next week for a whirlwind visit to South Korea and Japan—his first visit to Asia as president—for talks with those two countries’ leaders. He’ll also meet during the trip with leaders from the IndoPacific strategic alliance with the US known as the Quad: Australia, India and Japan. Biden has sought to put greater focus on the Quad and improving relations with Pacific nations in

the early going of his presidency as he sees a rising China as the most threatening economic and national security adversary to the United States. Biden, who vowed to make the Pacific a greater focal point of US policy, has seen his attempt at an “Asia pivot” complicated by the most serious fighting in Europe since World War II, which has consumed much of his foreign policy bandwidth in recent months. A top White House Asia policy adviser said the administration remains committed to stepping up relations with Southeast Asian nations to address climate, economic and education initiatives. “There has been a sense that in previous administrations that we had set off with a determined pace to focus on East Asia or in the Indo-Pacific and then find ourselves with other pressing challenges that perhaps draws (us) away a little bit,” Kurt Campbell, coordiNator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the White House National Security Council, said at an event

President Joe Biden speaks about inflation in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington on May 10, 2022. Biden is hosting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Washington on Thursday, May 12. AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta

on Wednesday hosted by the US Institute of Peace. “I think there is a deep sense that that can’t happen again.” Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is skipping the summit. The bloc has barred Myanmar—it has been gripped by crisis since the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021—from sending all but nongovernmental leaders for the meetings. The Biden administration condemned the military coup that led to the ouster of Suu Kyi. She was convicted by a military court last month of corruption and sentenced to five years in prison in the first of several corruption cases against her. Suu Kyi has denied the charges. Biden is also expected to address the situation in Myanmar with Asean leaders, as well as discuss China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Campbell said the administration expects the private talks will

be “direct, polite, but maybe a little bit uncomfortable at times” as the US and Asean members are not on the same page on all issues. Biden has called for Russia to be disinvited from November’s scheduled Group of 20 summit because of its invasion of Ukraine. Asean member Indonesia, which holds the presidency of the Group of 20 this year, has resisted the calls to pull Moscow’s invitation. At a virtual summit with Asean leaders last year, Biden said Washington would look to start talks with Pacific nations about developing a regional economic framework. Campbell said that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework would be under discussion during this year’s summit, though it was unclear how substantive the talks would be. Japan’s Washington ambassador, Tomita Koji, said at another forum in Washington earlier this week that the framework could be launched during Biden’s upcoming visit to Japan.

North Korea confirms 1st Covid outbreak, Kim orders lockdown By Kim Tong-Hyung & Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—North Korea imposed a nationwide lockdown Thursday to control its first acknowledged Covid-19 outbreak after holding for more than two years to a widely doubted claim of a perfect record keeping out the virus that has spread to nearly every place in the world. The size of the outbreak wasn’t immediately known, but it could have serious consequences because the country has a poor health care system and its 26 million people are believed to be mostly unvaccinated. Some experts say the North, by its rare admission of an outbreak, may be seeking outside aid. The official Korean Central News Agency said tests of samples collected Sunday from an unspecified number of people with fevers in the capital, Pyongyang, confirmed they were infected with the omicron variant. In response, leader Kim Jong Un during a ruling party Politburo meeting called for a thorough lockdown of cities and counties and said workplaces should be isolated by units to block the virus from spreading, KCNA said. He urged health workers to step up disinfection efforts at workplaces and homes and mobilize reserve medical supplies. Kim said it was crucial to stabilize transmissions and eliminate the infection source as fast as possible, while also easing the inconveniences to the public caused by the virus controls. Kim insisted that the country will surely overcome what he described as an unexpected outbreak because its government and people are “united as one.” North Korea, which continues to employ one of the world’s most restrictive border controls, didn’t provide further

details about its lockdown. But an Associated Press photographer on the South Korean side of the border saw dozens of people working in farming fields or walking on footpaths at a North Korean border town—an indication the lockdown doesn’t require people to stay home or it exempts farm work. The measures described in state media and Kim’s declaration that economic goals should be met possibly indicate that North Korea isn’t strictly confining people to their homes and is focusing more on restricting travel and supplies between regions to slow the viral spread, analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at South Korea’s Sejong Institute said. The North’s government has shunned vaccines offered by the UN-backed COVAX distribution program, possibly because those have international monitoring requirements. Kim Sin-gon, a professor at Seoul’s Korea University College of Medicine, said North Korea likely is signaling its willingness to receive outside vaccines shipments, but wants many more doses than offered by COVAX to inoculate its entire population multiple times. He said North Korea would also want Covid-19 medicines as well as medical equipment shipments that are banned by UN sanctions. The Omicron variant spreads much more easily than earlier variants of the virus, and its fatality and hospitalization rates are high among unvaccinated older people or those with existing health problems. That means the outbreak could cause “a serious situation” because North Korea lacks medical equipment and medicine to treat virus patients and many of its people are not well-nourished, Kim Sin-gon said. Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH. ORG, a website focusing on health issues in North Korea, said North Korea may want

an international shipment of Covid-19 treatment pills. But he said the North’s admission of the outbreak is also likely designed to press its people harder to guard against the virus as China, which shares a long, porous border with the North, has placed many cities under lockdown over virus concerns. Despite the elevated virus response, Kim Jong Un ordered officials to push ahead with scheduled construction, agricultural development and other state projects while bolstering the country’s defense postures to avoid any security vacuum. The North will likely double down on lockdowns, even though the failure of China’s “zero-Covid” approach suggests that approach doesn’t work against the fast-moving omicron variant, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Seoul’s Ewha Womans University. “For Pyongyang to publicly admit Omicron cases, the public health situation must be serious,” Easley said. “This does not mean North Korea is suddenly going to be open to humanitarian assistance and take a more conciliatory line toward Washington and Seoul. But the Kim regime’s domestic audience may be less interested in nuclear or missile tests when the urgent threat involves coronavirus rather than a foreign military.” North Korea’s previous coronavirusfree claim had been disputed by many foreign experts. But South Korean officials have said North Korea had likely avoided a huge outbreak, in part because it instituted strict virus controls almost from the start of the pandemic. Early in 2020—before the coronavirus spread around the world—North Korea took severe steps to keep out the virus and described them as a matter of “national existence.” It quarantined people with symptoms resembling Covid-19, all but halted cross-border traffic and trade for

two years, and is even believed to have ordered troops to shoot on sight any trespassers who crossed its borders. The extreme border closures further shocked an economy already damaged by decades of mismanagement and US-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile program, pushing Kim to perhaps the toughest moment of his rule since he took power in 2011. North Korea had been one of the last places in the world without an acknowledged Covid-19 case after the virus first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 spread to every continent including Antarctica. Turkmenistan, a similarly secretive and authoritarian nation in Central Asia, has reported no cases to the World Health Organization, though its claim also is widely doubted by outside experts. In recent months, some Pacific island nations that kept the virus out by their geographic isolation have recorded outbreaks. Only tiny Tuvalu, with a population around 12,000, has escaped the virus so far, while a few other nations— Nauru, Micronesia and Marshall Islands— have stopped cases at their borders and avoided community outbreaks. North Korea’s outbreak comes as China—its close ally and trading partner—battles its biggest outbreak of the pandemic. In January, North Korea tentatively reopened railroad freight traffic between its border town of Sinuiju and China’s Dandong for the first time in two years, but China halted the trade last month due to an outbreak in Liaoning province, which borders North Korea. The Associated Press journalists Lee Jinman in Paju, South Korea, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.

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

Ukraine plans to hold first war crimes trial of captured Russian By Elena Becatoros & Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

APORIZHZHIA, Ukraine—Ukraine’s top prosecutor disclosed plans Wednesday for the first war crimes trial of a captured Russian soldier, as fighting raged in the east and south and the Kremlin left open the possibility of annexing a corner of the country it seized early in the invasion. Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said her office charged Sgt. Vadin Shyshimarin, 21, in the killing of an unarmed 62-year-old civilian who was gunned down while riding a bicycle in February, four days into the war. Shyshimarin, who served with a tank unit, was accused of firing through a car window on the man in the northeastern village of Chupakhivka. Venediktova said the soldier could get up to 15 years in prison. She did not say when the trial would start. Venediktova’s office has said it has been investigating more than 10,700 alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces and has identified over 600 suspects. Many of the alleged atrocities came to light last month after Moscow’s forces aborted their bid to capture Kyiv and withdrew from around the capital, exposing mass graves and streets and yards strewn with bodies in towns such as Bucha. Residents told of killings, burnings, rape, torture and dismemberment. Volodymyr Yavorskyy of the Center for Civil Liberties said the Ukrainian human rights group will be closely following Shyshimarin’s trial to see if it is fair. “It’s very difficult to observe all the rules, norms and neutrality of the court proceedings in wartime,” he said. On the economic front, Ukraine shut down a pipeline that carries Russian gas across the country to homes and industries in Western Europe, marking the first time since the start of the war that Kyiv disrupted the flow westward of one of Moscow’s most lucrative exports. But the immediate effect is likely to be limited, in part because Russia can divert the gas to another pipeline and because Europe relies on a variety of suppliers. Meanwhile, a Kremlin-installed politician in the southern Kherson region, site of the first major Ukrainian city to fall in the war, said officials there want Russian President Vladimir Putin to make Kherson a “proper region” of Russia—that is, annex it. “The city of Kherson is Russia,” Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Kherson regional administration appointed by Moscow, told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency. That raised the possibility that the Kremlin would seek to break off another piece of Ukraine as it tries to salvage an invasion gone awry. Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, which borders the Kherson region, after a disputed referendum in 2014, a move denounced as illegal and rejected by most of the international community. Kherson, a Black Sea port of roughly 300,000, provides Crimea with access to fresh water and is seen as gateway to wider Russian control over southern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it would be “up to the residents of the Kherson region after all to decide whether such an appeal should be made or not.” He said any move to annex territory would have to be closely evaluated by legal experts to make sure it is “absolutely legitimate, as it was with Crimea.” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak mocked the notion of Kherson’s annexation, tweeting: “The invaders may ask to join even Mars or Jupiter. The Ukrainian army will liberate Kherson, no matter what games with words they play.” Inside Kherson, people have taken to the streets to decry the Russian occupation. But a teacher who gave only her first name, Olga, for fear of Russian retaliation said such protests are impossible now because Moscow’s troops “kidnapped activists and citizens simply for wearing Ukrainian colors or ribbons.” She said “people are scared of talking openly outside their homes” and “everyone walks on the street quickly.” “All people in Kherson are waiting for our troops to come as soon as possible,” she added. “Nobody wants to live in Russia or join Russia.” On the battlefield, Ukrainian officials said a Russian rocket attack targeted an area around Zaporizhzhia, destroying unspecified infrastructure. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The southeastern city has been a refuge for civilians fleeing the devastated port city of Mariupol. Russian forces continued to pound the steel plant that is the last bastion of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, its defenders said. The Azov Regiment said on social media that Russian forces carried out 38 airstrikes in the previous 24 hours on the grounds of the Azovstal steelworks. The plant has sheltered hundreds of Ukrainian troops and civilians during a monthslong siege. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Ukraine has offered to release Russian prisoners of war if Russia will allow the badly injured fighters to be evacuated. An adviser to the Mariupol mayor said Russian forces have blocked all evacuation routes out of the city. Petro Andriushchenko said there are few apartment buildings fit to live in and little food or drinking water. He said some remaining residents are cooperating with occupying Russian forces in exchange for food. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested Tuesday that Ukraine’s military is gradually pushing Russian troops away from Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city and a key to Russia’s offensive in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region whose capture the Kremlin says is its main objective. Ukraine is also targeting Russian air defenses and resupply vessels on Snake Island in the Black Sea in an effort to disrupt Moscow’s efforts to expand its control over the coastline, according to the British Ministry of Defense. Separately, Ukraine said it shot down a cruise missile targeting the Black Sea port city of Odesa. Elsewhere, the governor of a Russian region near Ukraine said at least one civilian was killed and six wounded by Ukrainian shelling in the village of Solokhi, near the border. Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov’s account couldn’t be independently verified, but he said the village will be evacuated. Ukraine’s natural gas pipeline operator said it moved to stop the flow of Russian gas through a compressor station in part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists because enemy forces were interfering with the station’s operation and siphoning off gas. The hub handles about one-third of Russian gas passing through Ukraine to Western Europe. But analysts said much of the gas can be redirected through another pipeline from Russia that crosses Ukraine, and there were indications that was happening. In any case, Europe also gets natural gas from other pipelines and other countries. It was not clear whether Russia would take any immediate hit, since it has long-term contracts and other ways of transporting gas. Still, the cutoff underscored the broader risk to gas supplies from the war. “Yesterday’s decision is a small preview of what might happen if gas installations are hit by live fire and face the risk of extended downtimes,” said gas analyst Zongqiang Luo at Rystad Energy. In other developments, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry accused Russia of stealing Ukrainian grain and trying to sell it on global markets. The ministry estimates Russia may have already stolen up to 500,000 metric tons of grain valued at more than $100 million. And US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said a ban on sales of semiconductors and other technology to Russia by the West is limiting Russia’s ability to manufacture military equipment. Ukrainians who have found Russian equipment reported that it was “filled with semiconductors that they took out of dishwashers and refrigerators,” Raimondo said. Gambrell reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Yesica Fisch in Bakhmut, David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington, Kelvin Chan in London and AP’s worldwide staff contributed.

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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WHO’s European countries say Moscow office should be moved

US fights with China, Russia over North Korea sanctions

ONDON—Members of the World Health Organization’s European region have condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, which could result in moving one of the agency’s offices out of Russia and suspending all meetings there until Moscow pulls its troops out of Ukraine. In a statement after a resolution passed on Tuesday, countries in the WHO’s European region said they were “ highly concerned” over the situation in Ukraine that was “triggered by the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” More than 40 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK, voted in favor of the statement, while Russia, Belar us and Tajikistan voted against it. The resolution said the WHO should do “whatever is possible to support the government in Ukraine” and to consider the possible relocation of the United Nations health agency’s Moscow-based European Office for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases to another country. It also asked the WHO’s European director to consider temporarily suspending all meetings in Russia until the country withdraws its military forces from Ukraine. To date, the WHO has confirmed more than 200 attacks on health facilities and first responders in Ukraine, resulting in at least 75 deaths. After a recent trip to Ukraine where he spoke with health workers and victims of the invasion, WHO director-general Tedros

Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday that “what Ukraine really needs more than anything else is peace,” and appealed to Russia to stop its war. Still, some academics doubted the European resolution would have much impact. Lawrence Gostin, director of the WHO’s Collaborating Center on Public Health Law and Human R ights at Georgetown Universit y, ca l led it “a wea k rebuke that won’t bother” Russian President V ladimir Putin. He called instead for the WHO to remove Russia’s voting rights at the World Health Assembly, the WHO’s annual meeting of its member countries, scheduled for later this month. “It’s absolutely w ithin the World Health Assembly’s powers to suspend Russia’s vote,” Gostin said, saying the suspension should be based on Russia’s violation of international law by attacking health facilities and blocking humanitarian corridors. “ T his would not be political, but it would be related to WHO’s core mission of protecting health,” he said, adding that the agency has previously suspended countries’ voting rights, most notably South Africa’s during its apartheid era. Gostin said the move would not stop the war, but was still worthwhile. “It would be a very powerful statement by the entire global community and might at least give Putin pause to continue so blatantly attacking hospitals and health workers and not allowing humanitarian corridors.” AP

US overdose deaths hit record 107,000 last year, CDC says

Egg-sized diamond fetches over $21M with fees at Geneva sale

EW YORK—More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, setting another tragic record in the nation’s escalating overdose epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Wednesday. The provisional 2021 total translates to roughly one US overdose death every 5 minutes. It marked a 15 percent increase from the previous record, set the year before. The CDC reviews death certificates and then makes an estimate to account for delayed and incomplete reporting. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the latest numbers “truly staggering.” The White House issued a statement calling the accelerating pace of overdose deaths “unacceptable” and promoting its recently announced national drug control strategy. It calls for measures like connecting more people to treatment, disrupting drug trafficking and expanding access to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone. US overdose deaths have risen most years for more than two decades. The increase began in the 1990s with overdoses involving opioid painkillers, followed by waves of deaths led by other opioids like heroin and—most recently— illicit fentanyl. Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids surpassed 71,000, up 23 percent from the year before. There also was a 23 percent increase in deaths involving cocaine and a 34 percent increase in deaths involving meth and other stimulants. Overdose deaths are often attributed to more than one drug. Some people take multiple drugs and inexpensive fentanyl has been increasingly cut into other drugs, often without the buyers’ knowledge, officials say. “The net effect is that we have many more people, including those who use drugs occasionally and even adolescents, exposed to these potent substances that can cause someone to overdose even with a relatively small exposure,” Volkow said in a statement. Experts say the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem as lockdowns and other restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get. AP

ENEVA—Christie’s says “The Rock,” an egg-sized white diamond billed as the largest of its kind to go up for auction, sold Wednesday for more than 21.6 million Swiss francs ($21.75 million), including fees—though at the low end of the expected range. The 228-carat pear-shaped G-Color stone, with its platinum pendant mounting, has a gross weight of 61.3 grams (2.2 ounces) and dimensions of 5.4 centimeters by 3.1 centimeters (2.1 inches by 1.2 inches)—making it about the size of a medium hen’s egg.

NITED NATIONS—The United States clashed with China and Russia on Wednesday over their strong opposition to the US push for new UN sanctions on North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs. The debate at a UN Security Council meeting put a spotlight on the enormous gap between the two sides and the near impossible task the Biden administration faces in trying to get the council to adopt a new sanctions resolution. China and Russia both have veto power and say they want to see new talks and not more punishment for the North. US Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield, this month’s council president who called the meeting, said the Security Council can’t wait until North Korea conducts “additional provocative, illegal, dangerous acts—like a nuclear test.” She said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea—the country’s official name—has conducted 17 ballistic missile launches so far this year. Assistant UN Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the council that North Korea “has launched more missiles in the past five months than in the prior two years combined.”

G-Color is not the highest grade, but fourth on the letter rung below the topgrade D-Color diamonds. An unspecified private buyer acquired The Rock, for which the pre-auction estimate was between 19 million and 30 million francs. Max Fawcett, head of jewelry at Christie’s Geneva, hailed a successful sale in “uncharted territory” for a stone of its kind. Also going under the hammer Wednesday was the “Red Cross” diamond, a 205.1-carat fancy yellow stone, which

The council imposed sanctions after the North’s first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years seeking to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cut off funding. But Thomas-Greenfield said that for the last four years, two members—a clear reference to China and Russia—“have blocked every attempt” to enforce the sanctions and update the list of individuals, companies and other entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans. In the sanctions resolution adopted in December 2017, the Security Council committed to further restricting petroleum exports to North Korea if it conducted a ballistic missile launch capable of reaching intercontinental ranges, Thomas-Greenfield said. This year, North Korea has launched at least three ICBMs, and the council has remained silent, she said. A proposed US draft resolution would halve oil exports, among

fetched nearly 14.2 million francs, double the pre-sale estimate. The diamond was cut from a rough stone unearthed from South Africa’s Griqualand mines in the early 20th century, and went up for auction for the first time in 1918. Fawcett testified to a “huge amount of interest” in the Red Cross diamond, saying that an unspecified “7-figure sum” from the proceeds of the sale to an unspecified private buyer would be donated to the international Red Cross Movement, the Geneva-based humanitarian aid group. AP

Britain pledges military help to Sweden, Finland if attacked

ELSINKI—Britain pledged to come to the aid of Sweden and Finland, including with military support, if the two Nordic nations came under attack under security deals Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed Wednesday with his Swedish counterpart in Stockholm and the Finnish president in Helsinki. Sweden and Finland are pondering whether to abandon their historic neutrality and join Nato following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Johnson said in a statement that Wednesday’s agreements will allow Britain, a major, nuclear-armed Nato member, “to cooperate with key Nordic partners and their armed forces, in all domains, including cyberspace.” Sweden’s eastern neighbor Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) land border with Russia. Wednesday’s agreements also cover closer collaboration on new technology and intelligence-gathering between Britain and the two Nordic countries. Johnson said he would offer to increase British military deployments to the region, including with air force, army and navy assets and personnel. Wednesday’s agreements will “fortify northern Europe’s defenses, in the face of renewed threats,” Johnson said in a statement, adding that they are symbols “of the everlasting assurance between our nations.” “These are not a short-term stop-gap, but a long-term commitment to bolster military ties and global stability, and fortify Europe’s defenses for generations to come,” Johnson said in the statement. “And whether it’s in the event of a disaster

Friday, May 13, 2022 A11

or a military attack, what we’re saying today is that upon request from the other party, we would come to the other party’s assistance,” Johnson told a joint news conference in Sweden with Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson. He called the war in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s bloodthirsty campaign against a sovereign nation.” Andersson said: “Putin thought he could cause division, but he has achieved the opposite. We stand here today more united than ever.” In Finland, Johnson held talks with President Sauli Niinisto, who has a significant role in the nation’s foreign and security policy decisions, at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The Finnish head of state said Moscow could only blame itself should his nation of 5.5 million become a Nato member. “You (Russia) caused this. Look at the mirror,” Niinisto said pointedly, “So in my thinking, this is quite simple, actually. We increase our security and we do not take it away from anybody. It is not a zero-sum game.” The Kremlin has warned of “military and political repercussions” if Sweden and Finland decide to join Nato. Andersson said that Russia would increase its “military presence in this region if Sweden and, or, Finland sends in an application.” Should they apply, there will be an interim period lasting from when an application has been handed in until all 30 Nato members’ parliaments have ratified it. The two Nordic countries are expected to announce their positions on Nato membership in the coming days.

“If Finland makes this historical step it is for the security of our own citizens,” Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin told a news conference after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo Wednesday. “Joining Nato will strengthen the whole international community that stands for common values.” Johnson met with Andersson in Harpsund, the country retreat of Swedish prime ministers, which is located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Stockholm. “In times of crisis, cooperation becomes even more important. And this applies not least for our international defense partnerships. And Sweden’s partnerships with the U.K. and with Nato have been crucial during these exceptional times,” Andersson said. Britain is already present in the Baltic Sea areas with the Joint Expeditionary Force, which consists of 10 Northern European nations: the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway. In 2017, Sweden and Finland joined the British-led military rapid reaction force, which is designed to be more flexible and respond more quickly than the larger Nato alliance. It uses Nato standards and doctrine, so it can operate in conjunction with Nato, the United Nations or other multinational coalitions. Fully operational since 2018, the force has held a number of exercises both independently and in cooperation with Nato. Olsen reported from Copenhagen, Denmark. Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Japan contributed to this report.

other sanctions. The US ambassador said the council needs to speak “with a strong and unified voice” to condemn North Korea’s behavior. Thomas-Greenfield told reporters last week the US would like the council to vote on the resolution in May, and she urged members on Wednesday to support the measure and show that the council will respond “to threats to international peace and security and to blatant violations of its resolutions.” Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun expressed regret that the United States “remains enamored superstitiously of the magic power of sanctions.” He said that the direct talks between the US and North Korea in 2018 produced positive results and a de-escalation of the situation on the Korean peninsula, but that the United States created the current impasse by not reciprocating to what he said were Pyongyang’s positive initiatives. Zhang said the US “holds the key to breaking the deadlock” and should take “concrete actions” to respond positively to North Korea’s concerns and create conditions for an early resumption of dialogue. The US draft resolution “is centered on furthering sanctions, which is not an appropriate way to address the current situation,” he said. Asked by reporters later how China will vote on the US draft

resolution, Zhang replied: “We have proposed other options, and we have told them that we will not support the current US draft resolution.” Last fall China and Russia circulated a draft resolution urging the Security Council to end a host of sanctions on North Korea, and Zhang expressed hope Wednesday that council members will give “serious consideration” to it. R u s s i a ’s d e p u t y U N a m bassador, A nna Evst ig neeva, ec hoed Zha ng’s opposit ion to new sa nct ions. “Unfortunately, so far the council has only tightened restrictions ignoring the positive signals from North Korea,” she said. She expressed regret that over the last four years the council didn’t react to North Korea’s dismantling of its nuclear test site and compliance with the moratorium on nuclear testing. She said there is a need for political and diplomatic solutions to peacefully resolve the issues on the Korean peninsula. Khiari, the UN assistant secretary-general, told the council that “there are indications of resumed construction activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, which was declared shut down in 2018.” Zhang said Beijing wants to avoid a new nuclear test explosion, “so that’s why we do not want to have additional sanctions that might force one of the parties to take more proactive” measures. AP

Hong Kong nabs 90-year-old cardinal in wider crackdown

ong Kong’s national security police detained four prominent democracy activists on Wednesday, including a senior member of the Catholic Church, prompting condemnation from the US and “extreme attention” from the Vatican. T hose a r reste d i nc lude d 90-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng, 74, and Canto-pop singer Denise Ho for allegations of colluding with foreign forces, according to local media reports. A ll four were released on bail pending an investigation, according to a police statement late Wednesday night. The Nationa l Secur it y Depar tment used a court order to require them to surrender their travel documents to the police, the statement added. The arrests are the latest move against democracy activists in the former British colony, which has seen most prominent political opponents jailed or threatened with charges following unprecedented street protests in 2019. The police operation also comes shortly after John Lee, Hong Kong’s former security chief and a vocal supporter of the China-imposed national security law, was selected to be the city’s new leader in a contest where he was the only candidate. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre called for the immediate release of the activists, as did State Department spokesman Ned Price. “In arresting these veteran activists, scholars, and religious leaders under the so-called national security law, Hong Kong authorities have again demon-

strated that they will pursue all means necessary to stifle dissent and undercut protected rights and freedoms,” he said.

‘Ominous sign’

Matteo Bruni, a spokesman for the Vatican, was cited by Italy’s Ansa news agency as saying “The Holy See has learned with concern the news of the arrest of Cardinal Zen and is following the evolution of the situation with extreme attention.” The cardinal and the other two were among five trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was established to provide financial assistance to those involved in anti-government protests in 2019 and came under intense scrutiny by the authorities over the past year, according to the report, citing people it didn’t identify. A fourth trustee, Hui Po Keung, was arrested Tuesday as he was about to leave for Germany, according to the South China Morning Post. “Arresting a 90-year-old cardinal for his peaceful activities has to be a shocking new low for Hong Kong, illustrating the city’s free fall in human rights in the past two years,” Maya Wang, a senior China researcher at the advocacy group Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. The arrests are “an ominous sign” that China’s crackdown on Hong Kong “is only going to escalate,” she added. The arrests come a day before President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Washington, where they are set to discuss “regional and international issues of common interest and concern.” Bloomberg News

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Protesters vent fury at French company for staying in Russia By Vanessa Gera

The Associated Press

ARSAW, Poland—A man in a Russian military uniform stood at the entrance of a large home improvement store in Poland’s capital, saluting shoppers and thanking them for funding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

His chest bedecked with medals, Polish activist Arkadiusz Szczurek was protesting at a French-owned retailer Leroy Merlin store in Warsaw as shoppers flocked to buy plants and gardening equipment with spring’s arrival. Some shoppers turned around to go elsewhere. Others were indifferent or irritated. “Millions of Ukrainians are forced to f lee the bombs and shooting, (and) people are dying,” Ukrainian activist Natalia Panchenko said at the rally last weekend. “But they keep doing business and see no problem with financing the war.” It marked the latest protest in Poland over Leroy Merlin’s decision to keep operating 112 stores in Russia, even as many other Western companies have suspended operations there. Leroy Merlin wouldn’t comment other than to say it’s not responsible for the war. It’s among the foreign companies with a large footprint in Russia that have had to choose between taking the financial hit of leaving or face damage to their reputation by staying. It is a painful choice for companies based in countries like France and Italy, which do extensive business in Russia and are keeping their sights on future trade once the war is over. However, many corporations with big stakes in Russia have pulled

Google strikes content deals with 300 European publishers

ONDON—Google said Wednesday that it struck licensing deals with 300 news publishers in Europe in its latest effort to comply with a recently introduced European Union copyright law. The tech giant signed the agreements with national, local and specialist news publications in Germany, Hungary, France, Austria, the Netherlands and Ireland and said discussions with many others are ongoing. It didn’t disclose how much it’s paying or give names of the news outlets. European Union countries have been adopting into local law a 2019 EU directive granting publishers additional rights over their content. The new law allows search engines like Google to link to and use snippets of news content, while giving publishers new rights when extended previews are used online. It doesn’t, however, specify where the line between the two lies. The agreements are aimed at avoiding costly and lengthy lawsuits over that distinction. Google last year announced copyright deals with several large German publications and a group of French news publishers. The company also said it’s rolling out a new tool to offer licensing agreements to thousands of other European publishers, starting in Germany and Hungary. AP

out and are enduring the hit to their bottom lines. McDona ld ’s closed its 850 stores in Russia in March, but is still paying its 62,000 employees. The fast-food chain said it’s losing $55 million per month in sales from Russia and expects to lose $100 million worth of inventory because of store closures. Energy company Shell says it’s taking a $3.9 billion charge to cover the cost of exiting investments in Russia, while rival BP said it’s taking $25.5 billion in pretax charges to exit its holdings in Russian energy producer Rosneft. Other companies are still partially operating in Russia. PepsiCo, Nestle and drugmaker Johnson & Johnson are still supplying essentials like medications and baby formula while halting nonessential sales. Italian tiremaker Pirelli and Danish brewer Carlsberg say they are operating just enough to support their Russian workers. Leroy Merlin, with stores similar to Home Depot, is among the foreign companies with the highest revenue in Russia. It says it has helped Ukrainian refugees, including its workers. Parent company Adeo Group in Paris didn’t reply to multiple requests for comment. Such French companies with

significant operations in Russia have been singled out by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as aiding Russia’s war effort. In an address to the French parliament in March, he mentioned carmaker Renault, Leroy Merlin and two other retailers belonging to Adeo Group: supermarket chain Auchan and sporting goods chain Decathlon. Soon after, Renault and Decathlon said they would suspend Russian operations, but Leroy Merlin and Auchan stayed. To many in Ukraine, where Leroy Merlin shut its six stores amid bombings, that feels like a betrayal. In Poland, which borders Ukraine and has accepted more refugees than another other country, many people are highly critical of the French company. Poland is a member of NATO, but there are still fears it also could become a target of the Kremlin’s revived colonial ambitions, particularly if Russia claims victory in Ukraine. Dominik Gąsiorowski, top organizer of the Polish Leroy Merlin Boycott movement, believes withholding business to a company that’s a major taxpayer in Russia is one of the few concrete things regular people can do to influence the outcome of the war. “If we, as Western nations, support businesses staying in Russia, we are paying Putin to invade us eventually,” he said. “I refuse to believe that my people, Polish people, cannot make such a small gesture of solidarity during a genocide as choosing another shop a few kilometers away.” During last weekend’s picketing, activists held a poster of a container alongside Leroy Merlin’s green logo, calling it a “bin for a corpse” with the message “Leroy Kremlin supports the Russian invasion.” It wa s desig ned by a r t ist Bartłomiej Kiełbowicz, who also has created fake labels people have been sticking on shelves inside Le-

roy Merlin stores, including one for a broom and dustpan “for sweeping away guilt.” There is another for hammers—“for killing.” Andrzej Kubisiak, deputy director of the Polish Economic Institute, said it’s too soon to know the full effect of the protests but that an app monitoring movement on streets has showed less traffic going to Leroy Merlin, Auchan and Decathlon stores. A Polish bank analysis of card payments also shows a fall in purchases. But Kubisiak said historically boycott movements lose steam over time, and he expects this one will, too, as Poles, facing inflation of over 12 percent, will be guided by consumer prices above all else. All three French retailers are known for their competitive prices. Polish shoppers’ reactions to the protests have been mixed. Wiesław Bobowik, a 64-yearold teacher, said he found the boycott ridiculous and wasn’t persuaded to shop elsewhere. “I would be hurting the French, and they are our friends,” he said, loading potted plants and large bags of soil into his car trunk. “Why would I do that?” T he act iv ists a lso a re encouraging people not to shop at Auchan. But Gąsiorowski said the movement is focusing mostly on Leroy Merlin because it was the foreign company with the second-highest revenue in Russia in 2020, following cigarette maker Philip Morris International, which has suspended investments. Auchan was No. 6. But the movement, he stresses, is larger than Leroy Merlin. “Every other company is looking at them as an example,” he said. “If they succeed while collaborating with Putin, all the major players will return to Russia.” Colleen Barry in Milan, Anne D’Innocenzio in New York, Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, and Kelvin Chan in London, contributed to this report.

EU lifts mask recommendation for air travel as pandemic ebbs

ER LIN—T he Eu ropea n Union will no longer recommend medical masks be worn at airports and on planes starting next week amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions across the bloc, though member states can still require them, officials said Wednesday. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it hoped the joint decision, made with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, would mark “a big step forward in the normalization of air travel” for passengers and crews. The new guideline “takes account of the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries,” the two agencies said in a joint statement. “Passengers should however behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them,” EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said. “And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.” While the new recommenda-

tions take effect on May 16, rules for masks may still vary by airline beyond that date if they fly to or from destinations where the rules are different. Germany’s Health Ministry said it will continue to require all passengers over the age of 6 to wear medical masks on flights to, from or within the country, though they can be removed during meals. Last week, German carrier Lufthansa denied a large group of Jewish travelers board a plane because some had refused to wear masks. The airline has since apologized for the incident. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control director Andrea Ammon said washing hands and social distancing should still be practiced, but airport operators are advised not to impose distancing requirements if these are likely to lead to a bottleneck. The agencies also recommended that airlines keep systems for collecting passenger locator information on standby in case they are needed in future, for example if a new dangerous variant emerges. Airlines welcomed the change in guidance and called for a consistent approach to mask mandates.

“We believe that mask requirements on board aircraft should end when masks are no longer mandated in other parts of daily life, for example theaters, offices or on public transport,” said Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association. The decline in reported Covid-19 cases over the past weeks has prompted countries across Europe to roll back pandemic-related restrictions. Germany said Wednesday that it was disbanding a crisis task force appointed to lead the official response. And the French government announced separately Wednesday that people will no longer have to wear facemasks in any forms of public transport starting from Monday. Health Minister Olivier Veran, speaking after a Cabinet meeting, said that the decision is part of policies to lift most restrictions as the pandemic is slowing down in the country. French authorities reported this week about 39,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 each day on average, down by 30 percent compared to last week. The numbers of patients in hospitals have also been steadily decreasing in recent weeks. AP

Sri Lankan army soldiers patrol during curfew in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Sri Lanka’s defense ministry ordered security forces on Tuesday to shoot anyone causing injury to people or property to contain widespread arson and mob violence targeting government supporters. AP/Eranga Jayawardena

Sri Lanka president vows to shed powers, appoint prime minister

OLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Sri Lanka’s president on Wednesday promised to appoint a new prime minister, empower the Parliament and abolish the all-powerful executive presidential system as reforms to stabilize the country engulfed in a political crisis and violence triggered by the worst economic crises in memory. In a televised address, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that without taking sides he condemns attacks on peaceful protesters by mobs that came to support his brother and the former prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who resigned Monday. “I am taking steps to appoint within this week a new prime minister who has the trust of a majority in Parliament, who can win over the confidence of the people and a new Cabinet to control the current situation, to stop the country from falling into anarchy and to continue the government’s functions that are at a standstill,” Gotabaya Rajapaksa said. “I will make way for the new prime minister to present a new program of work and implement it.” Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he will also give away much of his powers to Parliament and when some normalcy returns, take steps to abolish the country’s powerful executive presidential system. The president’s speech came as authorities deployed armored vehicles and troops in the streets of the capital Wednesday, two days after pro-government mobs attacked peaceful protesters, triggering a wave of violence across the country. Security forces have been ordered to shoot those deemed to be participating in the violence, as sporadic acts of arson and vandalism continued despite a strict nationwide curfew that began Monday evening. Anti-government protesters have been demanding the resignations of President Rajapaksa and his brother, over a debt crisis that has nearly bankrupted Sri Lanka and left its people facing severe shortages of fuel, food and other essentials. In the past few days, nine people have died and more than 200 have been injured in violent attacks in which mobs set fire to buildings and vehicles. Armored trucks with soldiers riding on top rolled into some areas of Colombo. Defying the curfew, some protesters regrouped opposite the president’s office to continue demonstrations that began over a month ago. Police announced over loudspeakers that it is illegal to stay in public places during the curfew. Videos posted on social media showed lines of military trucks moving out of the capital, along with soldiers riding on motorbikes and setting up checkpoints across the country amid fears that a political vacuum could pave the way for a military takeover. The Defense Ministry’s top official, Kamal Gunaratne, denied speculation of a military takeover at a news conference held with the country’s army and navy chiefs. “None of our officers has a desire to take over the government. It has never happened in our country, and it is not easy to do it here,” Gunaratne said. President Rajapaksa is a former top army officer and remains the country’s official defense minister. Gunaratne said the army will return to its barracks once the security situation normalizes. The US State Department expressed concern over the military deployment, with spokesman Ned Price saying it was “closely monitoring” the situation. The prime minister’s departure has created an administrative vacuum with no Cabinet, which dissolved automatically with his resignation. Navy commander Nishantha Ulugetenne said the former prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is being protected at a naval base in Trincomalee on the northeastern coast. After Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned, he and his family were evacuated from his official residence through thousands of protesters trying to break into the heavily guarded colonialera building. The Indian Embassy denied social media speculation that “certain political persons and their families have fled to India,” and also rejected speculation that India was sending troops to Sri Lanka. India’s Ministry of External Affairs affirmed its support for Sri Lanka on Tuesday, saying it had extended $3.5 billion to help overcome the economic crisis and had sent essential items such as food and medicine. On Monday, supporters gathered at the prime minister’s official residence to urge Mahinda Rajapaksa to stay in office. After the meeting, mobs backing the government beat peaceful protesters who had camped out near the prime minister’s residence and president’s office demanding their resignations, as police watched and did little to stop them. Across the country, angry citizens responded by attacking government supporters and ruling party politicians. Nine people including a ruling party lawmaker and two police officers were killed and 219 were injured in the violence, the defense ministry said. In addition, 104 buildings and 60 vehicles were burned. Pro-government mobs were chased, beaten and stripped. Homes of government supporters were attacked, and some businesses were set on fire. Pope Francis in a Tweet called for peace in Sri Lanka. “I address a special thought to the people of Sri Lanka, especially the young,” he said. “I urge everyone to maintain a peaceful approach, without giving in to violence. I appeal to all those with responsibility to listen to the aspirations of the people, respecting human and civil rights.” The European Union called on the authorities to initiate an investigation into the events and hold accountable those who instigated and carried out the violence. Sri Lanka is nearing bankruptcy and has suspended payments on $7 billion in foreign loans due this year out of $25 billion due by 2026. Its total foreign debt is $51 billion. The Central Bank on Wednesday urged the president and Parliament to quickly restore political stability, warning the economy faces a threat of further collapse within days. “Even for us to make progress on debt restructuring, we need a stable kind of a government. A Cabinet, a Parliament, a prime minister, a finance minister are all needed,” Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said. “Without that kind of an administration, it is very difficult for us make any progress.” AP

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

30.

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

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31.

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

32.

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

33.

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May 13, 2022

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

Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s. Name and Address of Employer: ARTNATURE PHILIPPINES INC. Brgy. Nueva, San Pedro, Laguna

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

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DIRECTOR, TREASURER AND PRODUCTION DIVISION SENIOR MANAGER Oversee the financial affairs of the company and operations in the production.

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

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QUALITY ASSURANCE SR. MANAGER Formulate strategies to increase productivity. Design, implement and improve company quality standards

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: USHIO PHILIPPINES, INC Fcie, Langkaan II, Dasmarinas, Cavite

Name and Address of Employer: KINPO ELECTRONICS (PHILIPPINES) INC. Lot 11, H.Y. Damicali Avenue, FPIP II-SEZ Brgy. Sta. Anastacia, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

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PIMLUCK RIEWPRASERT Thai

PLANNING ADMINISTRATOR Create, maintain and review program of work.

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

AUTOMATION DESIGN ENGINEER Support existing automation technology with component and process upgrades.

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

SUTAD ANUSORNCHAROEN Thai

Name and Address of Employer: MOA CLOUDZONE CORPORATION Brgy. Binakayan Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

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NHIN GIA HUY Vietnamese

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

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KAUNG MYAT Burmese

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10.

11.

12.

13.

HUANG PI SAI Burmese

SAI NAW KHAM Burmese

SUWANDI Indonesian

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

14.

MAY THANT ZIN TUN Burmese

BURMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

15.

MYAT HNIT THET Burmese

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

16.

THI PHUONG NGUYEN Vietnamese

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Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

17.

NAN MWE HLAING SANG Burmese

BURMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at the DOLE Regional Office within 30 days from the date of publication. Please inform the DOLE Regional Office if you have an information of any criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph

A14 Friday, May 13, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Urgent need to revise the party-list system

he 1987 Constitution created the party-list system for underrepresented community sectors, including labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous, women, youth, and other such groups as may be defined by law (except the religious sector). However, a 2013 Supreme Court decision clarified that the party-list is a system of proportional representation open to various kinds of groups and parties, and not an exercise exclusive to marginalized sectors. On March 3, 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law Republic Act No. 7941 or the Party-List System Act, mandating the state to promote proportional representation in the House of Representatives through a party-list system. The law provides that a group has to get at least 2 percent of the total votes cast in a party-list election to get one congressional seat. The top party list groups may have a maximum of three seats each. The incoming 19th Congress will have 316 representatives—63 for party-list and 253 for legislative districts. For the allocation of seats, party-list groups are ranked from the highest to the lowest based on votes garnered. The groups garnering at least 2 percent of the total votes cast are guaranteed one seat each. Those garnering a sufficient number of votes, according to the ranking, shall be entitled to additional seats in proportion to their total number of votes—a three-seat cap is imposed such that a party-list cannot hold more than three seats regardless of the votes garnered. Then, one seat to each of the parties next in rank shall be assigned until all 63 representations are completed. The determination of what parties are allowed to participate—who their nominees should be, how the winners should be determined, and the allocation of seats for the winning parties—has been controversial ever since the party-list election was first contested in 1998. For the May 9 elections, the Comelec has listed a record 177 party-list groups. Poll watchdog Kontra Daya said that far from representing marginalized sectors, the majority of the 177 party-list groups seeking at least one sectoral seat in the House of Representatives are linked to powerful interest groups. Kontra Daya said at least 120 (or 67 percent) of the 177 party list groups accredited by the Comelec were either connected to political clans, big business, incumbent politicians, the government or the military; have pending court cases or criminal charges; or have dubious backgrounds. “The country’s party-list system continues to be hijacked by the rich and powerful. Around 70 percent of party list groups are being used as a backdoor to further entrench their political and economic interests,” the poll watchdog said. In the May 9 polls, only six out of 177 party-list groups were able to make it in the party-list race, as the record number of groups accredited by the Comelec had also served to lessen the number of votes. The six winning party-list groups are ACT-CIS (5.76 percent of the votes), 1-Rider (2.74 percent), Tingog (2.42 percent), 4Ps (2.32 percent), Ako Bicol (2.25) and Sagip (2.14 percent). But, as we said earlier, parties next in rank—from seventh place downwards—will be assigned one seat each until all 63 party-list seats are completed. The farce that the party-list system has become is now a full-fledged tragedy after the May 9, 2022 elections. “The Comelec should explain why it continues to allow dubious groups to hijack the party-list system, depriving marginalized groups from having a voice at the House of Representatives,” Kontra Daya said. The intention of the 1987 Constitution to provide space for the democratic representation of marginalized sectors in the House of Representatives has been taken over by political dynasties, big business and other powerful individuals. Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban said that the current party-list system can be “manipulated” to serve the interests of a select few. He called for the urgent revision of the law. Indeed, the past three decades have seen the party-list system steadily transmogrify into yet another monster in our dysfunctional political system. It’s time for real change.

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Enhancing our pandemic resilience

To address these concerns, the DOH initiated talks with both public and private labs to create a consortium that would pool their resources towards expanding the country’s bio-surveillance capabilities. The DOH also recently established its Office of Health Laboratories in response to the need for improved health diagnostics in the country.

The Senate Committee on Finance conducted one of these meetings in early April. Various government agencies and private organizations, including the academe shared their key observations, initiatives, and recommendations on enhancing our pandemic resilience. The DOH Epidemiological Bureau (DOH-EB) first discussed the difficulties of transporting Covid-19 samples. Apparently, limited manpower and resources hampered the Bureau’s bio-surveillance activities such that laboratories outside Luzon still preferred to send samples

to the need for improved health diagnostics in the country. This new office is mandated to establish the Philippine Health Laboratory System—a network of public health laboratories that would deliver diagnostic services towards achieving universal health care and responding to future public health emergencies. Meanwhile, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) underscored the need for a health emergency playbook or a National Preparedness and Response Plan and recommended that all Covid-19 related (i.e. pandemic preparation) investments should be regularly reviewed and updated. Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go from the Ateneo School of Government

Sonny M. Angara

Better Days arlier this year, we filed Senate Resolution 974 calling for an inquiry on the state of health financing in the country to determine needed legislation for strengthening our health-care system. While Congress was on recess for the national campaign, our office conducted numerous consultative meetings with government agencies, private sector proponents and stakeholders to follow through on the resolution’s objectives.

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EAGLE WATCH

T. Anthony C. Cabangon Lourdes M. Fernandez

to Manila despite having Philippine Genome Center hubs in Visayas and Mindanao. The DOH-EB also reported how there is no existing courier to regularly collect samples from the regions, especially those from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. To address these concerns, the DOH initiated talks with both public and private labs to create a consortium that would pool their resources towards expanding the country’s biosurveillance capabilities. The DOH also recently established its Office of Health Laboratories in response

S basic economics textbooks spell out, the government has six legitimate roles to play in the economy: 1) provide for a stable set of rules and institutions, 2) maintain competition, 3) correct for externalities, 4) provide for public goods and services, 5) correct undesired market outcomes, and 6) ensure economic stability and growth. Of particular interest in today’s column is the last role, which is typically gauged by the so-called “PiTiK” test. The “PiTiK” test—capturing presyo (prices), trabaho (jobs), and kita (incomes), hence P-T-K—is an apt gauge for how well the economy is doing. These three, after all, are the indicators that directly impact on every Filipino’s life and welfare. Rapid increases in prices, high rates of unemployment, and falling incomes are triggers for social unrest and instability. The government aims to keep inflation and unemployment rates down, while maximizing income growth to support the growing population and uplift the standard of living. To ensure economic stability and growth, two types of policy tools are at the disposal of the government:

fiscal policy and monetary policy. Fiscal policy would refer to the use of taxation powers and public expenditure management to influence economic outcomes. The Department of Finance (which collects taxes and other government revenues) and the Department of Budget and Management (which sets levels of public spending) are primarily in charge of fiscal policy. The National Economic and Development Authority also determines the levels of spending by various government entities via its planning and public investment programming functions. Raising taxes, on the one hand, tends to slow down economic activity, as it takes money from people

The choice of economic managers by the incoming administration will be crucial. It will have farreaching implications on restoring confidence among businesses and consumers under the new normal, and also on ensuring policy reform continuity, which is necessary to sustain long-term development plans. It is hoped that the incoming administration, which the Filipino people have chosen emphatically, will, in turn, choose its next set of economic managers wisely. who would otherwise spend it to buy goods and services and, hence, create demand to stimulate production. Hiking government spending (financed from taxes or loans), on the other hand, stimulates the economy if the proceeds are spent on economic activities that create the most benefits for the domestic economy through the widest network of linkages. Economic instability could result when public spending far outstrips revenues, and government debt becomes overly burdensome (from various other effects like surging imports leading to currency depreciation, which, in turn, could lead to rising prices). Indeed, fis-

and former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General then pressed the need for improved management to efficiently distribute human resources for health for better response. Moreover, Dr. Hartigan-Go called for a review of procurement procedures to be competitive in a fast-paced emergency and a re-evaluation of rules on unproven therapies considering the lack of regulatory actions on the same. For its part, the DTI shared its programs targeting local manufacturers of critical products. Among these are the Manufacturing Repurposing Program and the Mask Para sa Masa where Filipino firms were urged to repurpose their existing manufacturing capacity to produce medical-grade PPEs and other critical equipment and supplies. Another was the Domestic Bidders Preference Certification Program where local firms participating in government procurement projects are given a certificate of preference including a 15-percent price advantage over foreign bidders. However, the Confederation of Philippine Manufacturers of PPEs argued that some of these initiatives See “Angara,” A15

cal policy is a delicate balancing act that is best entrusted to competent economists. Regarding monetary policy, it refers to the management of the supply of money circulating in the economy, exclusively exercised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). With its supervisory role over all banks and its sole authority to print and issue money, the BSP can use several tools to manage the money supply. Money supply management is critical for maintaining price stability and influencing economic activity (job generation and income growth). Injecting more money into the economy, which goes with lower interest rates, induces more production activities and more jobs. However, having an excessive amount of money could push up prices (i.e., having too much money chasing too few goods). If the BSP controls inflation by tightening the supply of money, it could choke economic activity and dampen income growth. Indeed, there is also a delicate balancing act that must be done constantly, so it is equally important to put the right people in the BSP. Having presided over the Philippine economy during a period of turbulence (i.e., the pandemic years), the current economic team, indeed, deserves heaps of praise for preventSee “Eagle Watch,” A15

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, May 13, 2022 A15

Chronicling the peripheries: Personal dispatch from Bikol Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

Y last good memory of this 2022 election was the photo of Leni Gerona Robredo, standing in line to vote. To nonBikolanos, the public school where her precinct was located looked similar to the other voting places—nondescript, low-roofed buildings, unused for some two years because of the pandemic. But journalists both local and foreign noted how she became once more this ordinary citizen, dressed in a blue, simple blouse, demanding no privilege at all. She waited as the rest waited in an electoral process that highlighted once more the inadequacies of the organization running the political exercise. To people outside Camarines Sur, the name of the barangay, Carangcang, did not matter at all. But those who know this place can say it is located in Magarao, a town so near the city of Naga that boundaries between the urban and the rural hardly matter. But Carangcang has maintained an isolation because of the small roads that connect it to the town and some parts of the city. Outside of its name, which amuses no end the Bikolano for its funny sound, the place has women entrepreneurs who supply the city and other areas with native delicacies. There is also a back-story in Leni residing in that place long after living in Naga City: there was a talk that she wanted to run for a provincial position, as a governor, it was rumored. But destiny had something greater for her. Thus, she was back in the barangay to exercise her right as a citizen, as she was also running for

Angara. . .

continued from A14

did not flourish as expected given that actual orders for PPEs were far fewer than the demand projected by the manufacturers who were tapped. This translated to such a huge loss, as CPMP shared that its partner-firms invested some $35 million (or about P1.8 billion) and re-assigned 7,450 workers for the repurposing initiative amid the pandemic. As a way forward, the CPMP pushed for the passage of the Pandemic Protection Act (SBN 2311) that we filed, as the measure seeks to create a system of stockpiling that would benefit local manufacturers. They also called for the creation of a local facility that can test local PPEs to comply with medical regulations. The issue is in line with the observation of former health secretary Dr. Manuel Dayrit who said that the Philippine health system is operating in silos with an apparent lack of integration among national government agencies. Dr. Al Serafica concurred and reiterated the need for more communication between all stakeholders to initiate cooperative discussions and enable the health ecosystem to develop local products needed for future pandemics. On the other hand, the National

Eagle Watch. . . continued from A14

ing what could well have been a catastrophic meltdown. These economic managers have fully understood fiscal and monetary policies and have known exactly which lever to push or pull under such difficult circumstances. On top of ensuring economic stability and growth, the current economic team has also instinctively pushed for reforms that will create the most benefits for the most people. Prime examples of such reforms are the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, the Philippine Identification System Act, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, the Real Estate Investment Trust Act, the Rice Tariffication Law, and, of course, the Build, Build, Build Program. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III,

the highest post in the land. She was back in this small town, a peripheral land to the bigger and mightier districts and towns around it. And yet, Magarao hides its expanse. It spreads to the west and reaches a tributary of the Bikol River, where the water is deeper. Out there, the epic, Ibalon, comes alive with Ponong, where the three-necked monster resides. Are these the other smaller bodies of water flowing from the main one and traveling back to the land? Magarao is also known for healers noted for folk chiropractic traditions, or hilot, which uses coconut oil in abundance in the area. This is also the town of the famed poet, Luis Cabalquinto, New York-based now but still engaged in many local cultural projects. “Beauty unreserved holds down a country’s suffering,” Cabalquinto writes of his Magarao in Depths of Institutes of Health of the University of the Philippines (UP-NIH) called for the convening of a Post-Pandemic Commission, which will oversee various independent assessments to review how the laws and regulations were implemented during the pandemic, and determine how the country’s system can be further improved and reformed. Among the areas that should be reviewed, the UP-NIH argued, is the implementation of PhilHealth’s Covid-19 packages, particularly on the prevailing claims filing and payment system to explain the accumulation of substantial arrears to hospitals. While the current Congress is already coming to a close, we aim to advocate and to deliberate on all these recommendations with the next administration that the Filipinos have already elected. Clearly, the Covid-19 pandemic has been the greatest humanitarian crisis we’ve faced in recent history. We need to learn from the real suffering our people have endured and build back a better a more resilient Philippines. Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 15 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 6 as Senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 250 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

the economic team leader, has publicly acknowledged that all of these reforms cannot be attributed exclusively to the efforts of the outgoing administration. These reforms are the logical continuation of decades of reforms arduously passed by previous administrations. So, the choice of economic managers by the incoming administration will be crucial. It will have farreaching implications on restoring confidence among businesses and consumers under the new normal, and also on ensuring policy reform continuity, which is necessary to sustain long-term development plans. It is hoped that the incoming administration, which the Filipino people have chosen emphatically, will, in turn, choose its next set of economic managers wisely. Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes is the Associate Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

Fields. It is a line about the power of departure and the equal strength of arrival even in memories. Leni Robredo, it appears, knows this is her heart. She leaves the place, the comfort of her home, if she could, as in Campbell’s journey of a hero, gather the boons that she would in turn share with those she left at the margin. She understood the peripheries because she comes from a region the development of which has been stalled because of geography and politics. In the ’70s, Naga and the huge part of the Bikol region was a known opposition. The older Marcos punished the land by stopping or controlling the aids that were supposed to be funneled to the region, its provinces, cities and towns. “Surumpay an tubo” was an expression that literally meant “the pipes are connected.” The pipes stood for the conduits where development capital could pass but as the local and regional leaders then were against the administration, the pipe continued only to those cities or towns where the bosses kowtowed to the national leadership. It was no surprise then that Leni Robredo was relentless in her use of the word “laylayan.” Some admirers were saying she should stop the usage of the said concept but she would not. She was keen about the truth: only when the peripheries have been lifted up and the marginalized linked to the powerful central source can real development take place. I believed her. Like many others, I was for her not as a leader but as this purveyor of thought bringing radical changes. There was hope in a government that would emphasize helping

the farmers and the workers. I truly believed in the minimum wages being increased and contractualization addressed. Or, we could at least work on the removal of the “end-of-contract” phenomenon. Or Endo. I did not care if cultural work took second place to this most basic need. But fate can play tricks upon us. If the science of politics can be seen as a game, then can we aspire to a

Virgin of Peñafrancia is addressed endearingly but with piety. Dispersed at midnight, the people of this old city prepared for a Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral the next day. The streets were once more filled with young men and women in pink. Online, there were splendid photos of the sky at dusk the day before the election. The haze of the horizon had by then produced the gentlest

miracle when events do not turn out in our favor? Can the supernatural be categorized as strategy? That night of May 9, 2022, in Naga City, there was a call to gather at the Plaza Quince Martires, the monument to the 15 Martyrs of the Philippine Revolution in the 19th century. Two icons that are only taken out of their Shrine by the river were brought to the said place. The Bikolanos and Bikolanas prayed, and then sang the hymns to Ina, as the

of pink, the clouds were old roses. The grays were on the lower part of the sky, down where the mountain ranges began. People were divining the universe, anything at all to bring change. The nights when the results were coming in unrealistically fast were sleepless nights for everyone. On one night, at two in the morning, I stepped out of the apartment where I live and stayed in the coolness of the morning air, gazing at

Vindicating the Marcos name Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

t’s Friday the 13th after the presidential election. To many who are unhappy with the results, the travails of the last campaign still hound and torment them. When one has given his heart and soul to make his or her candidate win, defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Losing is one thing; getting steamrolled is another. Buoyed up by the massive record attendance at VP Leni’s campaign rallies, it was hard to accept the one-sided early returns fed on TV screens. One wondered if they were all coming from Ilocos and Davao. But as more and more results were pouring in, a clear trend, maybe the better term is avalanche, was established. This time, VP Leni’s supporters went to sleep without expecting any pleasant surprise when they woke up just like in 2016. The lead widened and became insurmountable overnight. It was a total juggernaut. BBM’s landslide victory leaves no doubt that he was the overwhelming choice of the people. It merely confirms what the pre-election surveys have been telling us all the time—that BBM was miles ahead of his opponents. All the poll surveys were consistent in claiming that BBM votes would exceed the combined votes of all his nine rivals for the presidency. With over 98 percent of the votes covered by the early count, although they are still unofficial, it would seem that BBM has replicated his father’s feat in 1969 when Ferdinand, Sr. walloped Serging Osmena, Jr. and was installed as the last majority-elected president until this presidential election. The people have spoken decisively. Barring any massive cheating or fraud, the results should be respected if we want a closure to this electoral contest. We cannot be engaging in politics forever and constantly cutting each other’s throat. This is the time to cast aside partisanship and move forward as one nation. Let’s not deny the fact that the Marcos-Duterte tandem ran a smart campaign. BBM had a clear campaign strategy—Unity. It was a well-chosen tagline, which elevated his campaign

to a high moral ground. It was a builtin shield against licit condemnation of his family’s wrongdoings and his lack of experience, leadership and personal qualifications. And he was very disciplined, ignoring disparaging attacks against his person and conducted himself above the fray by deploying his troll farm as his attack dogs instead of personally going down the gutter in retort. He refused to join the debates where he would open himself up to questions and expose his vulnerabilities to his opponents and the public. He only accepted interviews by “friendly” hosts and “hospitable” stations. During the campaign, BBM personified the old adage that “less talk, less mistake; no talk, no mistake.” BBM obviously lost some points here but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. His campaign was most organized and well funded. Logistics was not a problem. Unlike most of his adversaries, looking for funds did not distract him from looking for votes. His campaign was awashed with cash. The Marcoses showed extraordinary grit and determination to recover their lost glory. Their efforts to recapture Malacañang began as soon as they stepped back into the country after years of exile. First it was former First Lady Imelda Marcos who attempted to seek the presidency in 1992, but it was a crowded contest that split the votes of the anti-Cory elements. Furthermore, supporters of the deposed president, Ferdinand E. Marcos, was divided between Imelda and Danding Cojuangco who did not give way to Imelda. Fidel Ramos was elected with a slim margin

After claiming victory in the May 9 polls, BBM visited his father’s graveyard and said: “To the world, judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.” BBM can do no less if he wants to unite our people, heal our nation’s wounds and, most of all, vindicate the Marcos name.

and the smallest winning plurality votes of 23 percent. Obviously, the Marcoses learned from that experience. Initially, BBM ran for local elective positions in his home province of Ilocos Norte—a safe and secured political haven where he and his sibling virtually ran unopposed. Meanwhile, as the only direct male heir of the late dictator, it was obvious that BBM would be groomed to follow his father’s political odyssey and to regain their lost prestige. BBM ran for the Senate in 1995 but he only placed 16th. The winning 12 were mostly from the Lakas-Laban Party of President Fidel Ramos who was enjoying tremendous popularity at that time and they included GMA, Raul Roco, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. Franklin Drilon, Juan Flavier, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Serge Osmeña, Francisco Tatad, Gringo Honasan, Marcelo Fernan, Juan Ponce Enrile and Dominique Coseteng. Even Ramon Mitra Jr., Rodolfo Biazon and Arturo Tolentino lost in that election. The Marcoses realized that it was not yet their time and they needed to refurbish their image to enhance their public appeal. Revising the dark years of martial law became a priority to deodorize the Marcos brand. A massive and highly organized social-media campaign had selectively highlighted the few positive aspects of the Marcos regime. Then they tested the waters again in 2010 when BBM ran for senator. This time he landed No. 7 in a tough field, which included favored reelectionists and three popular actors—Ramon Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Lito Lapid. The BBM senatorial triumph confirmed that the Marcos name had regained its national following and they were now ready to go for the bigger plum—the vice presidency. But he was opposed by a candidate who

the heavens and wondering if they could foretell messages for people dreaming of a good life and hoping against hope. As a student of social sciences, I had not stopped being rational. I knew politics was an art and a science. Logic demands that we stand ready to analyze elections, disinformation and power struggle. Academic engagement encourages us to expect corruption as an element of governance. But in the afternoon of that day in Carangcang, Leni was documented as having gone to another shrine—that of the Amang Hinulid in the town of Calabanga. Amang Hinulid, literally, the “Father Laid to Rest/Sleep” is the icon of the Interred Christ. For those who believe in the efficacy of extrasomatic powers, the Christ who never dies is rightfully the most important icon for healers and shamans. And leaders. What foreboding did the visit to that Shrine bring to this democratic act of choosing our leaders? Is the notion of “rebounding violence” by Maurice Bloch operative here? Is that visit, which is religious, implies the political outcomes of religion, which involves violence and conquest? Violence here does not mean killing but rather the strong transformation— the ritual death or disappearance— of the person into a different, and powerful persona. Has Leni Gerona Robredo now become the true leader of the opposition? The assent of those who follow her will guide us through these six years that loom large, dark and seemingly endless, even as we speak. E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

stood for everything that BBM was not—an honest, hardworking public servant, oozing with unassailable integrity. Now they know who would be the stumbling block that could foil their efforts to achieve, in the words of the late Senator Jovito Salonga when he was the Chairman of the PCGG, a “reconciliation with the Filipino people without really coming to terms with the enormity of the wrongs they had committed while in power.” He protested VP Leni’s victory until the very end and refused to acknowledge her victory despite the Court’s decision upholding her win. And study had shown that VP Leni Robredo had become the object of disinformation and vicious propaganda, which had hounded her during the entire campaign. In 2022, they ensured that they got the support of Presidents Arroyo, Estrada and Duterte, through his daughter Mayor Sara, and all the prominent political clans in the country. It’s the biggest alignment of political forces behind a powerful and moneyed candidate who is the son of the longest serving president of our Republic. It’s the complete consolidation of political power from the North to the South and from the East to the West. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be our 17th President. Great power comes with great responsibility. Almost 6 decades ago, a man entrusted with the same position said on his inaugural address: “This nation can be great again. This I have said over and over. It’s my article of faith, and Divine Providence has willed that you and I can now translate this faith into deeds. I have repeatedly told you: each generation writes its own history. Our forebears have written theirs. With fortitude and excellence we must write ours.” Big words from the namesake of our presumptive president, BBM. The torch has been passed from the father to his only son who has now the burden to deliver his father’s unfulfilled promises. After claiming victory in the May 9 polls, BBM visited his father’s graveyard and said: “To the world, judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.” BBM can do no less if he wants to unite our people, heal our nation’s wounds and, most of all, vindicate the Marcos name.

A16 Friday, May 13, 2022

BIDEN, XI CONGRATULATE BBM, AFFIRM ROBUST TIES WITH PHL

NITED States President Joe Biden called presumptive Philippine president Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the two men discussed a common wish to strengthen ties in trade and diplomacy, among others, the office of Marcos Jr. and the White House separately confirmed. Also on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Marcos and called him the “17th president” of the republic. “I am honored to forward the congratulator y message from H.E. President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on your elections as president of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China to the Philippines in a letter addressed to Marcos. As for the Biden phone call, “It was a brief phone call, but US President Joe Biden’s telephone conversation with Philippine President-elect Ferdinand could be one of the most important messages for his incoming administration,” said a press statement from Marcos’s camp. Biden called Marcos around 9 a.m. (local time) and congratulated him on his overwhelming victory that saw him garnering more than 31 million votes, in a near-complete unofficial tally validated by the ongoing official count. “President Biden told him Washington is looking forward to working with him and cited the shared history of the long-

time treaty allies,” Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press, adding the two spoke for more than 10 minutes. Marcos was grateful for the acknowledgement of his victory by the American president, said his office, which added that the two leaders spoke of strengthening of ties in trade and diplomacy, as well as their common interest in democracy, self-determination, economic recovery. Marcos assured Biden that “the Philippines has always held the United States in high regard as a friend, an ally, and a partner.” “I have also invited President Biden to my inaugural on June 30, which could further fortify the relationship of the two countries,” he said. A statement released by the White House later confirmed the conversation between Biden and Marcos. “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines to congratulate him on his election,” the statement said. It added that President Biden underscored that he looks forward to working with the President-elect to continue strengthening the US-Philippine Alliance, while expanding bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including the fight against Covid-19, addressing the climate crisis, promoting broad-based economic growth, and respect for human rights. Continued on A5

Neda chief: Revise ‘obsolete taxes’ to raise more funds

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE country’s outgoing Socioeconomic Planning Secretary believes the next administration would do well to target the revision of “obsolete taxes” to help raise revenues. According to National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Director General Karl Kendrick T. Chua, one of the features of a good tax system is for them to be regularly reviewed. This will help maintain the value of these taxes and maximize their impact on the government’s revenues. Chua was the architect of the country’s tax reform system prior to his appointment to the Neda 25 months ago. “When we do a tax reform, we program over the medium term, three to five years, that’s why we have indexation. Now, if you don’t go back to it, the price will fall relative to the general price,” Chua told

reporters on Thursday. “You need to consider some tax rates that are obsolete. And that’s really what I think the next administration could revisit immediately. Especially tax rates that are not indexed to inflation,” he also said. Chua said raising tax rates is just one option in shoring up public funds through the tax system. He said collecting existing taxes is important as well as the removal of exemptions. He noted that in the Philippines, some Filipinos pay the full 12 percent value added tax while others pay zero. That, to him, was unfair and must be addressed in the next

administration. Chua cited a need to maintain exemptions only for raw food, health, education, and the agriculture sector. The rest of the exemptions should be removed in order to broaden the tax base. “For me, the best tax system is a low-rate and broad-based [one]. That’s why originally we were proposing that we’re okay with a lower VAT rate but keep exemptions limited to raw food, health, education and agriculture. But now, we still have so many exemptions,” Chua said.

Hits and misses

INTRODUCING reforms, Chua said, are best done at the start of a new administration when there is still less pressure. This early start could also benefit the vital pending reforms that were not passed under the current administration. Chua said these include Packages 3 and 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) which, he said, aim to address inequality. These are essentially “wealth taxes” that will somehow reduce the gap between the rich and poor. Other reforms that the next administration should consider, he said, are the National Land Use Act, which has been deemed a priority bill every year by the President in the past six years, but has not been passed by Congress.

Chua also said another “miss” are efforts that placed greater emphasis on climate change as well as those that could have “connected the dots” when it came to education. He said the Neda is proposing an Apprenticeship bill to address limitations in the Labor Code that placed restrictions on apprenticeship. If passed, this will be of great help to graduates of the K-12 program. Apart from passing pending legislation, efforts to maintain the country’s fiscal prudence must be observed by the incoming administration. Chua said fiscal prudence has been maintained for the past three administrations and it would be ideal to continue this. Chua also said game changing reforms such as the Build, Build, Build must be continued. He said by the end of the Duterte administration, some 17 projects would be completed. However, there 77 projects that are ongoing construction and are beyond shovel-ready and some 25 projects that have not yet been approved. These 25 projects, Chua said, already have feasibility studies that only need to be evaluated. “In other words, the next administration is going to start on a very solid foundation for infrastructure. They don’t need to spend over three years doing procurement and feasibility studies,” Chua noted.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, May 13, 2022

Pilipinas Shell income soars as fuel demand surges in Q1 By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

ilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.’s (PSPC) net income soared by 245 percent in the first quarter, buoyed by higher sales in January to March, when pump prices rose steadily.

The company told the stock exchange Thursday that net income stood at P3.52 billion at end-March this year from P1.02 billion in the same period a year ago. Net sales increased by 48 percent to P59 billion during the period primarily due to higher pump prices driven by the general increase in global oil prices. Gross profit went up by 32 percent to P8 billion mainly due to high petroleum fuel penetration and inventory gains as a result of increase in

the world oil market. EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization went up by 62.9 percent to P6.2 billion at end-March mainly due to the impact of post-tax inventory holding gains. Core earnings, however, fell by 48 percent to P528 million, mainly driven by weaker marketing volumes from new government-imposed mobility restrictions to combat the Omicron surge at the beginning of

the year, and price exposures borne by marketing businesses due to increasing product prices. “Pilipinas Shell remains steadfast and committed to our strategy of powering progress for the country, as opportunities are opening with a recovering economy,” said Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, PSPC president and CEO. “Customer-centricity, innovation, agility, and our initiatives for sustainable energy are all designed to meet our expanding customers’ current and future needs with the resurgence of safe mobility.” Cash conservation measures remain a priority for the oil firm particularly with increasing global oil prices. Borrowing levels remain controlled despite the increase in working capital requirements driven by a significant build-up in inventory cost. The oil firm maintains a high fuel premium penetration of 29 percent,

sustaining the strong position of its Shell V-power brand as the most preferred fuel brand in the country. PSPC is the country’s secondlargest oil company with over 1,100 retail stations nationwide. It plans to put up 40 to 60 stations this year. Company officials said last week that PSPC has programmed P3 billion to P4 billion in capital expenditure this year. “Sixty percent of this will be dedicated on the expansion of mobility footprint, while the other 40 percent will be dedicated to further strengthening our supply chain network,” said PSPC Vice President for Finance Rey Abilo. Osial said the company’s current and future marketing plans that are intended to bring growth include building structural additions over the next three years in Shell’s three medium-range-capable import terminals in Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, and Subic.

Costly power cuts Holcim profit By VG Cabuag @villygc

ement firm Holcim Philippines Inc. said its income in the first quarter fell 53 percent to P420.61 million from last year’s P909.34 million due to soaring energy costs. The company said its revenues fell 1 percent to P6.73 billion from last year’s P6.8 billion. Holcim said the surge in energy prices resulted in a higher cost of production and distribution in January to March. “Our long-standing focus on cost and operational excellence provided us a solid foundation to weather the impact of unprecedented spikes in energy prices. Additionally, our

thrust to deliver more innovative and differentiated building solutions allowed us to deliver better value to our customers,” Horia Adrian, the company’s president and CEO said. “We are also committed to integrating sustainability in our business for a positive environmental and social impact.” The company said it is ramping up customer engagements, product innovations, and service improvements to better capture business opportunities. To manage the adverse impacts of energy inflation, Holcim said it is focused on operational efficiency across all aspects of the business. “The deployment of digital tools in the production process, optimization of raw materials and increasing use

of alternative fuels and raw materials is helping cushion the cost inflation impact.” Holcim also strengthened its ability to support partners in building better structures in the country with the recent accreditation of its Bulacan plant by the Department of Public Works and Highways as having a facility that can test the fitness of construction materials for government infrastructure projects. The facility passed an audit on its compliance with the department’s standards on laboratory competency, quality management system, customer reliability and products. Such facility is the second for the leading building solutions provider that is certified by the agency for testing construction materials for

state projects. The first was the Technical Services and Product Development laboratory in its Parañaque site in 2017. Holcim Philippines’ cement plant in Davao City has also applied for such certification for its concrete and applications laboratory as a construction material testing facility for infrastructure projects of the government. Aside from its plants’ material testing facilities, the firm also has mobile laboratories, specifically used in road projects at the countryside that can support customers on site. These labs are deployed to project areas to conduct material testing of concrete, aggregates, and soil to help contractors maximize materials and ensure quality construction.

PAL to boost operations in Bohol, Batanes

egacy carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said on Thursday it is boosting its operations in Bohol (Panglao) and Basco (Batanes) this month, as demand for travel continues to grow. PAL said beginning May 17, its Manila-Tagbilaran-Manila services will be increased to thrice daily, from two times per day. Meanwhile, starting May 20, PAL will also open a new Friday frequency to bring its Manila-Basco-Manila services to three flights per week. “We expect travel demand to rise further as more families seek to travel to key provincial destinations such as Bohol and Batanes, which are also fabulous tourist des-

Photo from www.philippineairlines.com

tinations with world-class appeal,” PAL Senior Assistant Vice President for Philippines Harry Inoferio said in a statement. PAL is beefing up its domestic operations, as the country relaxes pandemic restrictions. Currently PAL’s domestic operation is at 80 percent

of its pre-pandemic level. “PAL is thoroughly assessing the options to add more flights on other domestic routes, while always addressing the vital concern of safety and public health,” Inoferio said. He noted that PAL highly encourages its passengers to check

the provincial government website of their arrival point for the latest travel updates and other important information. In April, PAL announced that it partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to promote air travel between the Philippines and Singapore, with a ranking Singaporean official saying that the Philippines is a key market for the city state. PAL President Stanley K. Ng and STB Chief Executive Keith Tan signed a memorandum of understanding to provide PAL passengers with exclusive “boarding pass privileges” including deals and perks across Singapore’s tourist attractions. Lorenz S. Marasigan

JG Summit incurs losses in Jan-March

G Summit Holdings Inc., the holding firm of the Gokongwei Group, said it posted a consolidated core net loss of P689 million in the first quarter, from last year’s P232-million income on the continuing weakness of its airline business. Coupled with peso depreciation and mark-to-market losses, the company said it ended the quarter with a net loss of P2.8 billion from last year’s P122.18-million income. Revenues grew 7 percent from last year’s P67.63 billion, as it saw growth across its units, with the exception of Robinsons Land Inc., which reported lower revenues due to the recognition of its China project last year, which created a high base effect this quarter. While the reopening of the economy fueled significant improvements in topline and substantially trimmed Cebu Air Inc.’s core net losses, unprecedented volatility in oil and input prices weighed on the group’s margins, particularly in JG Summit Olefins Corp., the company said. “For the first quarter of this year, we have seen that the reopening of the economy has positively impacted most of our subsidiaries, with our overall revenues exhibiting quarter-on-quarter and yearon-year improvements,” said JG Summit President and CEO Lance Gokongwei. “However, market volatility with the increasing prices of oil and key input costs, coupled with peso depreciation have affected our profitabil-

ity and we expect these to linger and put pressure on our margins. To mitigate these risks, we are proactively managing pricing and product mix, and at the same time, implementing productivity initiatives and cost management measures.” Universal Robina Corp. income rose 16 percent to P3.47 billion from last year’s P3 billion as revenues rose on record sales of its branded foods unit. Robinsons Land’s income fell by half to P1.4 billion from last year’s P2.89 billion. Revenues plunged 61 percent to P6.4 billion from last year’s P16.66 billion. The company said the fall was due to the high base effect, boosted by the lumpy contribution from Chengdu Ban Bian Jie Phase 1 last year. Cebu Air Inc., which operates Cebu Pacific airline, narrowed its core net loss to P5.1 billion from P7.5 billion last year, as revenues more than doubled given the continued travel demand recovery. JG Summit Olefins Corp.’s revenues rose 37 percent to P12.4 billion, driven by increased polymer sales as well as fresh contributions from Aromatics and Butadiene sales and LPG trading. Robinsons Bank Corp.’s revenues rose 5 percent year-on-year to P2.4 billion on higher interest income, partially offset by lower trading gains. Its loan portfolio expanded 10 percent year-on-year versus the industry average of 8 percent. VG Cabuag

‘Workers outside of NCR keen on CBD rentals’

ollowing the resumption of on-site work setup, residential for lease demand from January to March came from property renters within and outside the National Capital Region (NCR). Data from real estate portal provider Lamudi showed that nearly 20 percent of all leads for the assessed central business districts (CBDs) in the first quarter of this year were from cities beyond Metro Manila. Four out of the top 10 inquiries for each of Makati, Pasig and Taguig were from potential CBD condo leasers from outside the metropolis, with consistent leads from those coming from Antipolo. Property seekers from Lipa, Batangas and Calamba, Laguna were among those looking to rent condominium units in both the country’s financial capital and Taguig. Makati and Pasig were the targets of renters from Angeles City in Pampanga. Meanwhile, those from Cebu City inquired about leased residentials in Taguig, as prospective lessees from Bacoor and Baguio completed the leads for Pasig. The three Metro Manila local government units in review were attractive from their neighboring cities, with Quezon City and Manila accounting for the most leads

in each, respectively, per Lamudi’s report. The remaining four in each CBD assessed varied, with consistency from Makati and Parañaque. Makati drew leads together with Taguig from Pasay house hunters, while it shared inquiries with Pasig from the latter’s residents. Apart from within their city, Taguig renters were also keen on Pasig. The information technologybusiness process outsourcing (ITBPO) industry continued to be a major driver of rentals. Around 1.3 million employees in this sector were ordered to go back to their workplaces, following the Fiscal Incentives Review Board’s calls for ecozone locators to return to full office operations by April 1 in order to avail of tax incentives. This contributed to the surge in residential rental inquiries for CBD listings on Lamudi as most of them did sought rentals that are nearer to their office. “While this offers promising opportunities for real estate players, it also presents challenges, primarily in making commercial spaces appealing to employees who have become used to working from home,” Lamudi Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Stern said. Roderick L. Abad

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, May 13, 2022

DTI: Nidec to spend ₧40B for expansion of operations

By Andrea E. San Juan

@andreasanjuan

apanese electric motors maker Nidec Corp. will invest P40 billion in the expansion of its production facilities in Subic, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said Thursday that Nidec plans to increase the production of strain wave gears by an additional 50,000 units per month. The additional investments will bring the factories’ total combined monthly exports to the United States, the European Union, India, Korea, China, and Brazil to 80,000 units. The DTI said in a statement that Nidec is set to break ground

for a new facility covering an area of over 35,000 square feet in the third quarter to complement its current 3.5-hectare production space. The leading Japanese electric motors manufacturer said it is targeting to ride on the increased market demand for harmonic systems. Nidec first established a factory in the Philippines in 1995. Its two factories in Laguna and one in Subic make motors and reducer gears.

Ayala Land posts higher income in Q1

The company is considered a leading producer of motors found in hard disk drives, automobiles, consumer, and industrial equipment. Nidec said the additional investments will create 400 new jobs and will bring its total workforce in the Philippines to 1,000. The firm’s operations in the Philippines were previously devoted mainly to the production of spindle motors and related products. It has since expanded its manufacturing activities to cover more high-tech gear products used in the aerospace, robotics and solar tracking industries. Dita Angara-Mathay, lead officer of DTI’s field office in Japan, Special Trade Representative and Commercial Counselor of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, said the company had initially planned to increase the production of components for hard disk drives. However, a contraction in the

global market for small-sized spindle motors resulted in a shift in corporate strategy. Angara-Mathay noted that the company has relocated all its planetary gear business to the Philippines from China. On robotic components, subsidiary and sister company Nidec Shimpo, one of the biggest global innovators for precision gearing solutions, started mass producing robotic components developed in Japan in the Philippines. The developers described the components as extremely silent with zero backlash and smooth rotation. As the only country in the world producing high precision gear components, the DTI said it will extend support to Nidec’s aspiration to reach number one status as global specialist in harmonic drive systems. Lopez said Nidec’s investment is “timely” as robotic systems and automation related technology are also emerging globally.

mutual funds

May 12, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

213.76

4.64%

-6.15%

-4.7%

-8.29%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.4419

14.79%

-3.27%

-1.28%

-13.36%

5.37%

-9.86%

-7.25%

-8.89%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.9498

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7255 0.79%

-7.74% n.a.

-4.1%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6822 1.11%

-7.37% n.a.

-11.51%

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

4.8136

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

yala Land Inc. said its net income for the first quar ter reached P3.16 billion, up 14 percent from last year’s P2.77 billion. Revenues came in slight ly lower to P24.61 billion from last year’s P24.64 billion, as it saw a contraction in property development and the resurgence in commercial leasing during the period. Stripping out the sale of its stake in Qualimed to Ayala Corp. in the first quarter last year, revenues and net income grew 6 percent and 77 percent, respectively. Property development revenues reached P15.9 billion, a 2-percent dip from P16.2 billion last year. The company said it had a strong take-up for commercial lots but recorded lower residential bookings during the quarter. Sales reservations totaled P24.1 billion which is equivalent to monthly average sales of P8 billion, higher than P7.7 billion in 2021. The first-quarter sales takeup is also 9 percent more than P22.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Ayala Land launched seven projects with a total value of P17 billion in the first quarter. Commercial leasing revenues totaled P6.4 billion, up 26 percent from P5.1 billion, as it benefitted from the reopening of the economy. Revenues from shopping centers accelerated 49 percent to P2.9 billion from P2.1 billion due to higher mobility and tenant sales as the country transi-

tioned to less strict quarantine restrictions. Office leasing revenues grew by 7 percent to P2.7 billion from P2.5 billion as tenancy and operations remained stable. Meanwhile, hotel and resort revenues improved 29 percent to P823.4 million from P640.4 million because of increased domestic travel and higher room rates. “The greater mobility in the first quarter resulted in an immediate positive impact on our overall business. Notable was the turnaround and higher customer patronage of our malls, hotels and resorts,” Ayala Land President and CEO Bernard Vincent O. Dy said. “We expect the positive trend to continue as the health crisis abates, people increasingly return to their pre-pandemic consumption patterns, and business and leisure travel gain momentum.” Capital expenditures reached P14 billion for the quarter, mainly for residential developments, followed by commercial leasing assets. More than half was spent on residential projects, 7 percent on commercial projects, 14 percent on land acquisition, 23 percent on estate development, and 2 percent on other purposes. The company said it remains confident in the market and is poised to launch P100 billion worth of residential inventory this year, equally split between horizontal and vertical offerings. VG Cabuag

Y-T-D Return

6.82%

-3.71%

-2.18%

-7.12%

0.715

11.34%

-6.03%

-5.58%

-12.92% n.a.

-13.52%

81.66

-13.23%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

43.7827

4.99%

-5.11%

-3.34%

-9.03%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

458.75

4.41%

-4.96%

-3.38%

-8.38%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2918

19.5%

-0.22%

-0.08%

-4.76%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

33.7029

7.2%

-4.09%

-2.07%

-7.9%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8656

6.61%

-5.32% n.a.

-8.05% -8.63%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.5329

6.07%

-4.41%

-2.71%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

754.72

5.61%

-4.49%

-2.78%

-8.9%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.6812

4.74%

-9.44%

-5.49%

-9.49%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.4153

4.94%

-7.15%

-4.06%

-9.54%

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

0.8594

5.31%

-4.8%

-3.02%

United Fund, Inc. -a

4.65%

-4.89%

-1.95%

-8.07%

3.1598

-8.72%

-9.01%

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

1.0953

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

8.26% n.a. n.a.

-5.8%

920.5 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 101.8589

6.23%

-4.24%

-2.34%

-8.63%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$0.9126

-27.11%

-2.93%

-1.04%

-18.99%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5105

-13.28%

5.72%

5.81%

-18.19%

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

1.5432

-4.79%

-3.19%

-2.78%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.1477

1.06%

-2.03%

-1.83%

-8.79% -5.86%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.565

3.52%

-0.64%

-0.14%

-4.68%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1993

7.44% n.a. n.a.

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

0.07%

0.18%

1.9135

1.97%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.5313

0.67%

-1.07%

-1.05%

-6.21%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

15.829

0.69%

-1.34%

-1.11%

-6.03%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0154

2.55%

-1.72%

-1.2%

-5%

-3.82%

-2%

-6.79%

8.62%

-3.21%

-1.53%

-6.87%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.3993 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.8886

-4.64%

-5.12%

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

0.9184

-3.37%

-2.54% n.a.

-7.21%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.8581

0.93%

-4.61% n.a.

-9.15%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.8459

1.63%

-4.97% n.a.

-9.42%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03305 -13.16%

-3.11%

-1.39%

-12.89%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

-1.73%

-0.42%

-13.08%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.066 -12.57%

3.26%

3.86%

-15.33%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.0404 -12.26%

-0.21%

0.85%

-13.2%

$0.9275

-19.14%

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

373.08

0.56%

2.32%

2.36%

-0.33%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8893

-1.23%

0.04%

0.18%

0.24%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2387

0.46%

2.26%

3.49%

-0.16%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.1989

-2.73%

0.53%

1.01%

-2.34%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4141 -0.79%

2.06%

1.75%

-0.49%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-3.36%

4.248

-5.21%

1.48%

0.97%

1.3172

-0.42%

3.15%

2.79%

-0.14%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.899

-1.77%

2.55%

2.3%

-1.68%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0122

-1.57%

3.14%

1.85%

-1.56%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1476

-1.38%

2.76%

2.88%

-1.25%

-2.1%

1.94%

2.16%

-1.5%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7046

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

$481.43

-0.56%

1.9%

1.93%

-1.66%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є213.33

-2.98%

-0.42%

0.24%

-3.04%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0562

-10.2%

-3.34%

-1.13%

-12.27%

-1.07%

-0.32%

-5.77%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0245 -5.41% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$0.8943

-15.1%

-5.68%

-3.46%

-12.56%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.2144

-10.93%

-0.83%

0.11%

-11.63%

$0.0609105

-2.95%

1.48%

1.32%

-2.22%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7272 -13.22%

-3.07%

-1.6%

-14.67%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

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

131.71

1.28%

2.37%

2.52%

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

1.062

1.03%

1.67% n.a.

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

1.53%

2.26%

2.49%

1.323

0.4% 0.41%

0.56%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0629

0.59%

1.22% n.a.

0.22%

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

43.3926 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.1832

-4.3% n.a. n.a.

-14.44%

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

$0.8557

-14.43% n.a. n.a.

-11.78%

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

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

May 12, 2022

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

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

122,430 515,332,268 3,817,534 295,620,877 6,591,780 2,856,847 140,445,673 979,898 3,300 40,170 133,344,578.50 1,375,568.50 2,391,020 85,110 13,350 20,300 690,958 49,880 35,880

100,510 -21,123,643 1,680,500 -36,489,407.50 -92,710 -1,631,117 -36,081,031.50 -12,650.00 3,300 -24,492,183 14,540 -3,600 111,194 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.56 6.6 6.92 6.92 6.5 6.6 33,898,000 225,854,413 ALSONS CONS 0.88 0.9 0.88 0.9 0.88 0.9 72,000 63,440 ABOITIZ POWER 29.8 29.85 31.05 31.45 29.8 29.8 3,188,700 96,587,500 BASIC ENERGY 0.37 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.37 0.375 2,430,000 904,300 FIRST GEN 22 22.5 22.6 22.6 22 22.5 403,300 8,983,100 FIRST PHIL HLDG 65.1 67.05 68.5 68.5 65 65 10,570 715,126.50 MERALCO 333 333.8 333.2 340 331.2 333.8 181,180 60,495,038 MANILA WATER 17.5 17.7 17.4 17.98 17.4 17.7 2,412,100 42,431,018 PETRON 3.26 3.28 3.24 3.3 3.24 3.28 648,000 2,122,390 PETROENERGY 5 5.08 5.1 5.1 5 5.08 28,400 143,679 9.83 10.1 10 10.1 9.8 10.1 44,200 438,263 PHX PETROLEUM SYNERGY GRID 11.78 11.8 11.82 11.86 11.74 11.8 939,900 11,078,600 PILIPINAS SHELL 17.1 17.3 17.3 17.5 17.3 17.3 268,200 4,657,136 SPC POWER 13.28 13.3 13.4 13.4 13.16 13.28 317,700 4,220,572 SOLAR PH 1.58 1.59 1.55 1.61 1.54 1.59 38,023,000 60,447,800 VIVANT 14.06 16 16 16 16 16 100 1,600 AGRINURTURE 4.53 4.67 4.74 4.74 4.45 4.67 172,000 783,250 AXELUM 2.41 2.47 2.39 2.47 2.39 2.47 80,000 197,380 CENTURY FOOD 20.35 21.5 20.1 21.5 20.1 21.5 370,400 7,587,750 DEL MONTE 13.1 13.38 13.62 13.62 13.02 13.38 330,000 4,375,844 7.06 7.08 7.15 7.2 7.05 7.08 1,056,600 7,524,845 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 19.82 19.84 20.1 20.2 19.82 19.84 4,238,700 84,273,486 SMC FOODANDBEV 63 63.2 63.4 63.5 62.5 63.2 52,990 3,347,857.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.495 0.51 0.5 0.51 0.49 0.5 3,525,000 1,749,740 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.6 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 61,000 37,820 FRUITAS HLDG 1 1.01 1.02 1.02 0.99 1.01 194,000 195,670 GINEBRA 110 110.7 108.8 111 108.8 110 45,930 5,049,970 210.2 211 219.2 220 210 210.2 726,510 155,799,358 JOLLIBEE KEEPERS HLDG 1.16 1.17 1.16 1.19 1.16 1.17 2,144,000 2,499,910 LIBERTY FLOUR 24.45 20.7 20.7 20.5 20.5 1,100 22,650 MAXS GROUP 5.67 5.89 5.85 5.9 5.66 5.67 83,900 479,481 MG HLDG 0.118 0.129 0.117 0.12 0.117 0.12 570,000 67,460 MONDE NISSIN 13.4 13.6 13.2 13.6 13.1 13.6 13,978,200 188,050,230 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.42 7.49 7.77 7.77 7.42 7.42 594,300 4,490,987 ROXAS AND CO 0.495 0.5 0.495 0.5 0.49 0.495 1,087,000 540,900 RFM CORP 4.1 4.25 4.1 4.29 4.1 4.24 287,000 1,178,730 SWIFT FOODS 0.1 0.103 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 60,000 6,000 UNIV ROBINA 109.8 110 113 113 109 110 1,444,930 159,410,953 VITARICH 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.64 0.61 0.62 28,000 17,480 VICTORIAS 2.52 2.82 2.87 2.87 2.83 2.83 27,000 76,610 CEMEX HLDG 0.76 0.77 0.77 0.79 0.76 0.77 706,000 546,620 EAGLE CEMENT 12.04 12.5 12.98 12.98 12.5 12.5 2,400 30,096 EEI CORP 3.82 3.84 4.12 4.12 3.84 3.84 988,000 3,844,140 HOLCIM 5.05 5.1 5.3 5.33 5.1 5.1 137,500 712,714 MEGAWIDE 4.54 4.65 4.8 4.8 4.51 4.54 799,000 3,728,360 PHINMA 19.74 19.9 19.9 19.9 19.74 19.9 4,200 83,020 TKC METALS 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.75 36,000 26,680 VULCAN INDL 0.82 0.83 0.84 0.84 0.82 0.83 1,179,000 982,000 CROWN ASIA 1.8 1.85 1.84 1.86 1.84 1.85 116,000 214,690 EUROMED 1.03 1.09 1 1.1 1 1.09 40,000 42,910 PRYCE CORP 5.5 5.71 5.53 5.6 5.25 5.6 502,100 2,688,080 CONCEPCION 18.6 18.9 18.9 18.9 18.9 18.9 1,400 26,460 GREENERGY 1.48 1.5 1.5 1.53 1.47 1.48 9,341,000 14,055,970 INTEGRATED MICR 6.78 7.18 7.15 7.2 6.75 6.78 87,100 617,031 IONICS 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.65 0.65 30,000 19,700 PANASONIC 6.12 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 600 3,816 SFA SEMICON 1.09 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.13 1,000 1,130 2.8 2.84 2.82 2.86 2.8 2.8 512,000 1,441,650 CIRTEK HLDG

-3,813,901 -24,676,565 -1,493,015 -251,225 635,044 -1,409,894.00 -16,400 -188,525 3,103,432 -71,314 -199,500 -3,712,370 -561,710 -110,910 -2,768,922 5,350,877 -228,303 14,210 -15,500 33,210 3,890,227 -39,641,404 -16,210 -22,650 -382,452 45,371,012 -3,240,179 -48,103,877 -5,660 21,770 2,596 161,920 -45,598.00 -532,700 37,000 38,600 9,450 -7,151,480 -11,338 -2,860

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

13,632,890 -104,046,425 -59,265,668 14,143,032 20,700 453,870 12,160,670 48,744 -1,135,260 33,500 -11,742,939 39,390.00 -5,826,851 18,934,290 35,705,885 848,282 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

43.7 126.7 11.76 91.9 27.9 7.39 50.75 18.2 55.5 19.5 94.1 77.1 2.05 3.41 0.8 0.29 199.8 2,252 0.78

1.2 3.6 693 50 11.38 9 0.85 0.445 0.45 4.69 8.14 6.77 499.8 3.32 51.5 6.63 0.455 3.04 8.28 0.335 3.8 1.68 0.86 828 100.9 2.41 111.3

43.9 128.8 11.78 92 27.95 7.48 50.8 18.58 56 20.3 94.15 77.2 2.07 3.73 0.89 0.3 202 2,484 0.82

1.21 4 696 50.1 11.48 9.19 0.9 0.455 0.465 4.83 8.22 7.12 500 3.76 52 9.89 0.52 3.05 8.29 0.365 3.81 1.75 0.87 829 101 2.69 112

43.75 129 11.74 94 28.05 7.41 51.8 18.3 55 20.3 98.55 77 2.32 3.8 0.89 0.29 207 2,494 0.78

1.21 3.9 710 50 11.2 9 0.86 0.455 0.455 4.7 8.1 6.77 511 3.35 52.95 6.63 0.5 3.02 8.33 0.365 3.78 1.84 0.88 824 100.5 2.69 112

43.9 131.9 11.8 96.25 28.1 7.52 52.95 18.6 55 20.3 98.95 77.95 2.32 3.8 0.89 0.29 207 2,494 0.78

1.22 3.9 717.5 50.8 11.48 9 0.9 0.455 0.465 4.83 8.22 6.77 511 3.35 53.3 6.63 0.52 3.03 8.35 0.365 3.81 1.97 0.88 839 101 2.69 112.1

43.7 126.7 11.74 91.9 27.9 7.38 50.8 18.2 55 19.5 94.15 76 2 3.4 0.89 0.29 199.8 2,494 0.78

1.19 3.6 691.5 49.9 11.04 9 0.85 0.445 0.45 4.64 8.08 6.77 500 3.32 51.3 6.63 0.5 3.02 8.23 0.34 3.76 1.64 0.87 820 100.5 2.69 112

43.9 126.7 11.76 91.9 27.95 7.39 50.8 18.58 55 20.3 94.15 77.1 2.05 3.75 0.89 0.29 202 2,494 0.78

1.21 3.6 693 50 11.48 9 0.9 0.445 0.465 4.83 8.22 6.77 500 3.32 52 6.63 0.52 3.03 8.29 0.34 3.8 1.74 0.87 828 101 2.69 112

2,800 3,979,150 324,200 3,157,180 235,300 383,800 2,721,620 53,500 60 2,000 1,383,310 17,830 1,120,000 23,000 15,000 70,000 3,430 20 46,000

18,601,000 14,000 406,490 2,461,170 2,378,400 3,900 201,000 1,360,000 40,000 239,000 4,553,700 10,100 116,340 23,000 1,499,690 200 100,000 73,000 1,465,600 70,000 19,205,000 2,087,000 95,000 352,560 62,330 1,000 1,720

22,407,300 54,050 284,431,680 123,121,862 26,953,654 35,100 171,050 611,100 18,250 1,134,980 37,202,858 68,377 58,321,380 76,720 78,649,606.50 1,326 51,590 220,690 12,157,420 24,750 72,984,000 3,744,560 83,100 292,375,690 6,289,237 2,690 192,648

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.54 0.55 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.54 74,000 39,140 ANCHOR LAND 3.75 7.45 5 5 5 5 21,100 105,500 29.15 29.2 30.5 30.5 29.15 29.15 24,154,500 714,311,870 AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG 3.98 4 4.01 4.08 3.98 3.98 3,180,000 12,878,530 ARANETA PROP 1.54 1.57 2 2 1.53 1.54 8,207,000 14,227,230 AREIT RT 38 38.2 38.8 38.8 37.15 38 499,200 19,102,250 A BROWN 0.81 0.84 0.81 0.84 0.81 0.84 81,000 65,700 0.092 0.095 0.092 0.096 0.092 0.095 290,000 26,810 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.66 2.68 2.62 2.7 2.62 2.68 316,000 838,260 CENTURY PROP 0.4 0.405 0.4 0.405 0.4 0.405 210,000 84,350 CITICORE RT 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.52 2.47 2.48 5,119,000 12,750,670 DOUBLEDRAGON 7.6 7.68 7.85 7.85 7.58 7.6 644,900 4,926,359 DDMP RT 1.54 1.55 1.54 1.55 1.53 1.54 2,319,000 3,575,350 DM WENCESLAO 6.78 6.8 6.88 6.88 6.78 6.8 45,300 308,333 EVER GOTESCO 0.246 0.248 0.24 0.249 0.24 0.248 3,200,000 789,150 FILINVEST RT 7.15 7.33 7.1 7.33 7.09 7.33 781,500 5,595,966 FILINVEST LAND 1 1.02 1 1.02 1 1.02 4,084,000 4,123,320 8990 HLDG 10.5 10.98 11.38 11.38 10.08 10.98 503,200 5,256,824 PHIL INFRADEV 0.86 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.88 0.88 419,000 368,980 0.77 0.79 0.76 0.83 0.75 0.8 92,000 69,900 CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD 2.74 2.75 2.79 2.81 2.72 2.75 6,723,000 18,516,580 MRC ALLIED 0.204 0.205 0.21 0.21 0.203 0.204 620,000 127,060 MREIT RT 16.78 16.8 16.8 16.8 16.7 16.8 2,723,600 45,734,296 OMICO CORP 0.34 0.395 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 210,000 71,400 2.53 2.62 2.62 2.64 2.62 2.63 1,189,000 3,130,300 PRIMEX CORP RL COMM RT 6.99 7 7 7.3 7 7 5,441,500 39,059,603 ROBINSONS LAND 18.54 18.66 18.7 18.9 18.28 18.54 5,163,600 96,321,892 ROCKWELL 1.34 1.41 1.34 1.34 1.33 1.33 24,000 32,090 SHANG PROP 2.5 2.59 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 152,000 380,000 SM PRIME HLDG 33.5 33.55 34.2 34.25 33.3 33.55 14,921,900 502,223,770 SOC RESOURCES 0.58 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.58 0.58 94,000 57,520 VISTAMALLS 3.19 3.45 3.31 3.45 3.31 3.45 31,000 105,080 SUNTRUST HOME 0.96 1.02 1 1.02 1 1.02 44,000 44,080 VISTA LAND 2.41 2.49 2.43 2.52 2.4 2.49 1,747,000 4,306,760 SERVICES ABS CBN 10.42 10.48 10.56 10.6 10.4 10.46 198,300 2,082,676 11 11.02 11.4 11.4 11.02 11.02 2,195,400 24,331,694 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.355 0.37 0.37 0.39 0.37 0.37 260,000 97,800 GLOBE TELECOM 2,338 2,360 2,362 2,436 2,338 2,338 81,740 192,694,090 PLDT 1,897 1,909 1,940 1,944 1,892 1,909 234,620 448,794,375 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 0.046 0.047 0.048 0.044 0.045 938,700,000 42,990,500 CONVERGE 26.5 26.6 27.2 27.25 26.35 26.5 17,272,900 460,554,440 2.75 2.76 2.88 2.95 2.76 2.76 302,000 857,210 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 5.19 5.3 5.62 5.62 5.15 5.3 12,733,900 68,209,175 1.14 1.33 1.15 1.15 1.14 1.14 14,000 16,030 IMPERIAL NOW CORP 1.31 1.32 1.4 1.43 1.32 1.32 6,935,000 9,435,530 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.285 0.29 0.295 0.295 0.285 0.29 3,390,000 978,250 6.84 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.84 6.84 9,000 61,578 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS 13.7 13.9 14 14 13.9 13.9 4,500 62,940 CHELSEA 1.52 1.58 1.63 1.63 1.52 1.58 521,000 809,350 CEBU AIR 43.95 44 45 45 43.75 44 230,900 10,196,755 INTL CONTAINER 213 214.8 216.4 217.8 212.2 214.8 1,092,740 235,259,280 LBC EXPRESS 22.55 23 22.1 23 22.1 23 9,100 202,235 4.71 4.75 4.87 4.87 4.7 4.71 376,000 1,791,320 MACROASIA PAL HLDG 5.99 6 6.1 6.1 5.91 5.99 11,800 70,904 HARBOR STAR 0.66 0.68 0.67 0.67 0.63 0.66 475,000 311,920 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.072 0.073 0.075 0.077 0.072 0.073 86,340,000 6,382,440 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.69 1.87 1.73 1.88 1.68 1.88 16,000 27,580 10.7 14.76 10.48 14.76 10.48 14.76 200 2,524 GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT 0.42 0.445 0.42 0.43 0.41 0.42 2,160,000 892,950 FAR EASTERN U 530 540 540 540 540 540 60 32,400 STI HLDG 0.335 0.35 0.335 0.35 0.335 0.35 730,000 246,250 BELLE CORP 1.26 1.29 1.25 1.3 1.25 1.29 220,000 281,260 6.53 6.54 6.61 6.64 6.45 6.54 6,851,000 44,704,180 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 1.31 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33 8,000 10,640 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.45 1.36 1.36 757,000 1,054,540 LEISURE AND RES PH RESORTS GRP 1.34 1.35 1.25 1.38 1.25 1.35 18,296,000 23,653,520 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.395 0.4 0.42 0.42 0.39 0.4 17,750,000 7,153,850 PHILWEB 3.25 3.32 3.46 3.66 3.24 3.25 12,711,000 43,715,910 0.41 0.415 0.42 0.42 0.405 0.41 9,200,000 3,772,850 ALLDAY ALLHOME 7.28 7.29 7.3 7.3 7.27 7.28 32,700 238,032 METRO RETAIL 1.34 1.36 1.37 1.37 1.36 1.36 8,000 10,890 PUREGOLD 32.05 32.1 34 34 32.1 32.1 1,243,200 40,270,805 ROBINSONS RTL 53 53.2 53.8 53.8 52.65 53 379,610 20,117,464 57.5 62.8 57 63 57 62.9 1,080 67,033.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.16 1.18 1.16 1.2 1.16 1.18 2,223,000 2,620,490 WILCON DEPOT 26.8 27 26.8 28.6 26.8 27 2,584,300 71,076,615 APC GROUP 0.221 0.23 0.223 0.23 0.22 0.23 210,000 46,960 EASYCALL 3.52 3.95 3.99 3.99 3.9 3.9 11,000 43,420 IPM HLDG 6.7 7 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.9 50,000 345,000 MEDILINES 0.74 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.73 0.76 545,000 406,580 0.42 0.43 0.45 0.45 0.42 0.42 2,720,000 1,165,700 PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP 3.76 3.91 3.76 3.78 3.76 3.76 9,000 33,890 MINING & OIL ATOK 7 7.06 6.87 7.15 6.6 7.06 1,380,800 9,673,954 APEX MINING 1.51 1.52 1.54 1.56 1.51 1.52 873,000 1,336,630 ATLAS MINING 5.76 5.89 5.73 5.93 5.71 5.89 89,200 512,617 BENGUET A 6.8 7.1 7.47 7.47 6.89 6.89 68,500 476,190 BENGUET B 6.71 7.1 7.2 7.2 7 7 36,100 253,663 CENTURY PEAK 2.6 2.68 2.6 2.68 2.6 2.68 62,852,000 163,416,400 FERRONICKEL 2.41 2.49 2.43 2.49 2.33 2.49 4,157,000 10,086,570 GEOGRACE 0.179 0.198 0.198 0.198 0.198 0.198 100,000 19,800 LEPANTO A 0.138 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.138 0.138 2,880,000 397,890 LEPANTO B 0.134 0.135 0.135 0.135 0.135 0.135 400,000 54,000 MANILA MINING A 0.0099 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.0098 0.01 2,100,000 20,900 MARCVENTURES 1.64 1.65 1.73 1.77 1.64 1.65 4,779,000 8,252,660 NICKEL ASIA 6.59 6.63 6.84 6.84 6.5 6.63 10,707,400 71,029,947 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.8 0.83 0.84 0.86 0.79 0.83 3,138,000 2,536,220 PX MINING 4.39 4.4 4.5 4.67 4.4 4.4 1,802,000 8,243,250 SEMIRARA MINING 29 29.2 28.5 29.35 28.2 29.2 3,917,200 113,521,955 UNITED PARAGON 0.0061 0.0065 0.006 0.0066 0.006 0.0066 2,000,000 12,600 ACE ENEXOR 13.02 13.14 13.98 13.98 13 13.02 406,400 5,346,756 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 3,800,000 41,800 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 500,000 5,500 PHILODRILL 0.009 0.0091 0.0092 0.0093 0.009 0.009 10,000,000 92,400 PXP ENERGY 4.23 4.34 4.35 4.4 4.16 4.35 399,000 1,689,470 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 98.5 101 98.5 98.5 98.5 98.5 1,500 147,750 HOUSE PREF A 100.5 101.3 100.5 101.3 100.5 101.3 170 17,141 AC PREF B1 500.5 514 500 500 500 500 3,780 1,890,000 ALCO PREF D 512 513 512 513 512 512 550 281,980 AC PREF B2R 499 508 498 498 498 498 100 49,800 BRN PREF A 104 109 109 109 109 109 900 98,100 CEB PREF 43.4 44.65 43.6 43.6 43.4 43.4 21,200 921,530 CPG PREF A 100.9 102.4 102.4 102.4 102.4 102.4 50 5,120 DD PREF 99.8 100 100 100 99.9 99.9 1,550 154,945 EEI PREF A 100.7 104 101 101 100.7 100.7 1,000 100,850 EEI PREF B 105.3 108.5 105.3 108.5 105.3 108.5 510 53,735 JFC PREF A 970.5 988 970.5 970.5 970.5 970.5 10 9,705 JFC PREF B 960 998.5 965 965 965 965 10 9,650 MWIDE PREF 2B 98.6 102 98.8 98.8 98.6 98.6 6,850 675,450 99.5 99.75 99.7 99.7 99.5 99.5 500 49,752 MWIDE PREF 4 PNX PREF 3B 100.1 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 180 18,162 981 996 990 996 989 996 960 950,110 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1,060 1,070 1,070 1,070 1,060 1,060 2,005 2,125,350 SFI PREF 1.47 1.96 1.47 1.47 1.47 1.47 11,000 16,170 SMC PREF 2F 76.3 77 77.6 77.6 77.6 77.6 6,670 517,592 SMC PREF 2H 75.05 75.1 75.3 75.3 75.1 75.1 7,080 531,738 SMC PREF 2I 78.6 78.9 78.5 78.5 78.5 78.5 30,020 2,356,570 SMC PREF 2J 74.6 75.95 76 76 74.6 75.95 1,900 143,460 SMC PREF 2K 73.85 75.2 74 74 73.8 73.8 3,400 251,120 52.8 52.95 52.8 52.8 52.8 52.8 5,000 264,000 TECH PREF B2C TECH PREF B2D 54.5 55 55 55 55 55 2,320 127,600 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 11 11.02 11.2 11.5 10.98 11.02 275,500 3,072,484 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.51 0.54 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.54 145,000 75,440

-401,491,985 -318,900 438,500 -6,225,855.00 121,400 -8,100 -6,299,540 -1,024,664 770,000 -6,850 22,870 1,647,855 -591,480 66,630 -5,321,830 7,258,564 -2,654,120 -1,899,277 -71,635,634 -301,271,715 10,030 153,680 -50,388,250 153,345,415 4,700 -111,410,355 374,400 -1,028,960 -99,810 31,400 -1,944,185 -53,767,854 99,790 5,910 1,880 14,120 -3,198,290 -10,640 -78,500 289,800 -614,250 -176,300 123,058 -14,787,180 -9,857,169.50 -5,279.50 1,651,320 -4,203,980 -52,500 -72,700 -284,420 -33,750 -7,709 35,000 -163,336,000 5,260,450 -8,760 1,461,287 60,750 175,350 15,938,080 -193,160 41,600 -197,200 49,500 -264,000 794,384 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART XURPAS

16.7 0.86 1.01 0.82 2.75 1.46 0.29

17 0.87 1.04 0.84 2.9 1.47 0.3

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

100.5

100.6

16.5 0.95 1.04 0.84 2.91 1.55 0.295

17.3 0.96 1.05 0.84 2.91 1.55 0.3

16.5 0.86 1.01 0.82 2.91 1.42 0.29

16.7 0.86 1.05 0.82 2.91 1.47 0.3

23,900 14,260,000 43,000 103,000 10,000 3,991,000 600,000

407,800 12,912,960 44,200 85,380 29,100 5,924,470 174,550

-92,350 -2,220 -87,000.00

102 102 100.5 100.5 42,790 4,334,500 -1,130,271

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BSP identifies pay systems key to strong bank sector

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that it has designated the Philippine Peso Real Time Gross Settlement Payment System (Peso RTGS), the Philippine Domestic Dollar Transfer System (PDDTS), and the Philippine Peso-US Dollar Payment versus Payment System (Peso-USD PvP) as systemically-important payment systems (SIPS). SIPS are payment systems whose critical operations pose, or may pose, systemic risk that could threaten the stability of the national payment system. “These designations were made to strengthen financial stability through the enhanced safety, reliability and efficiency requirements for SIPS,” the BSP said. SIPS are required by the BSP to adhere to the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures, which ensure that payment systems have safeguards that are at par with global standards. “SIPS are also subject to periodic assessment and closer supervision by the BSP to manage systemic risk and thereby better protect public interest and promote confidence in the use of payment systems,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said. The BSP-operated Peso RTGS enables inter-bank fund transfers and facilitates the settlement of various payment transactions using central bank money, or the demand deposit accounts maintained with the BSP. “By settling near real-time in central bank money, the Peso RTGS contributes to the efficiency and safety of payment services offered by participating banks and financial institutions to their depositors and customers,” the BSP said. On the other hand, the PDDTS enables inter-bank transfers and settlement of payment transactions, but this time for transactions denominated in US Dollars. The Peso-US Dollar PvP, meanwhile, serves as a link between the PDDTS and the Peso RTGS to facilitate more efficient and reliable trades or exchanges between the Peso and the US Dollar. The Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) is the operator of both the PDDTS and Peso-US Dollar PvP. Bianca Cuaresma

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, May 13, 2022

BSP to banks: Fortify vs cyberattacks

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has mandated local banks to adopt more robust fraud management systems, based on the Central Bank’s ongoing cyberthreat surveillance activities.

In a press briefing on Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said they have amended the information technology (IT) risk management rules for supervised entities to further strengthen the financial system’s cybersecurity posture and minimize losses from fraud and cybercriminal activities. “Based on its ongoing cyberthreat surveillance activities, the

BSP observed that the impact of cyber-attacks and fraudulent schemes affect two or more financial institutions simultaneously,” Diokno said. “To address this, the circular calls for complementary controls, as robust and effective fraud management systems for both originating and receiving institutions will serve as early warning mechanisms that can significantly reduce fraud

losses,” he added. Issued via Circular 1140, the new rules require BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) to implement automated and realtime fraud monitoring and detection systems to identify and block suspicious or fraudulent online transactions. “A holistic and coordinated approach among the industry players is necessary to ensure that funds cannot be easily siphoned off by fraudsters and cybercriminals,” Diokno said. The governor also said that the expected sophistication and capabilities of banks’ fraud monitoring systems “should be commensurate” to the risks associated with their digital financial and payment platforms. “The BSP shall continue to engage BSFIs and the wider financial community to ensure that policy frameworks and supervisory actions

are effective and responsive to the changing cyberthreat landscape,” Diokno said.

Positive correlation

LAST month, AO Kaspersky Lab said its research showed a positive correlation between the adoption of digital payment methods and the awareness of the risks and threats that are associated with them in Southeast Asia (SEA). Titled “Mapping a secure path for the future of digital payments in APAC,” the study discovered that nearly all respondents in SEA (97 percent) were aware of at least one type of threat against e-payment platforms, while almost three in four (72 percent) have personally encountered at least one type of threat associated with this technology. “In many ways, this awareness could be attributed to the volume of media coverage about cybersecurity incidents, especially last year, and

the combined efforts of governments and private sectors in boosting security awareness amidst the rise of mobile banking and e-wallet adoption in the region,” Kaspersky Lab said. The Russian cybersecurity solutions provider said its research also showed that more than a quarter of the respondents encountered social engineering scams via texts or calls (37 percent), fake websites (27 percent), fake offers and deals (27 percent); a quarter reported receiving phishing scams (25 percent). Remarkably, social engineering scams are the top encountered threat for most SEA countries, including Indonesia (40 percent), Malaysia (45 percent), The Philippines (42 percent), Singapore (32 percent) and Vietnam (38 percent). The only exception is Thailand where its top encountered risk is fake websites (31 percent), according to Kaspersky Lab.

SSS ST Member Loan Penalty Condonation program to end May 14

OCIAL Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino is urging members with past-due loans to avail of the ShortTerm Member Loan Penalty Condonation program or Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program 5 (PRRP 5) before it ends on May 14, 2022.

As part of the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Programs, PRRP 5 is being offered by SSS since November 15, 2021, to provide financial relief to its pandemic-hit members, according to a statement from the SSS. Outstanding loan principal and interest may be settled either through

one-time full payment or installment term while the accumulated penalties will be waived upon full payment of the restructured loan. Included in the program are those with outstanding salary, calamity, salary loan early renewal program, emergency loans and restructured

New member onboarding plan a must

only became familiar with association member onboarding midway in my career as an association executive. I knew much earlier the concept of onboarding is commonly used in human resource management, which refers to the process of fully integrating new employees into the workplace and to bring them “on board” to the company culture. Onboarding thus goes beyond what we knew as orientation as it takes longer and involves not only HR officers, but also co-workers, managers and mentors. In like manner, association member onboarding is a structured process of building member engagement from first contact until a member becomes well-versed about the organization. If an association wants to develop a solid relationship with a new member, having a new mem-

Association World Octavio Peralta ber onboarding plan guiding the way can help the member immediately get value from their membership in a way that works for them. Association surveys reveal that the most commonly cited reason for not renewing membership is “lack of engagement with the organization.” This explains why many associations now have a tactical onboarding plan to increase member engagement. Having a member onboarding plan helps an association learn about its new members and their interests, needs and goals. It can educate them

about different ways to get value from their membership such as in-person and online educational programs, website resources, newsletters, networking events and volunteering opportunities. By keeping a channel open for feedback, an association can also develop and deepen its relationship with new members, too. Gone are the days of merely sending a welcome email to new members. It is crucial for associations to develop and implement an onboarding program which should not be viewed as optional, but rather compulsory. As associations continue to evolve, their onboarding programs should also be adjusted to satisfy the changing needs of members. A case in point is the ongoing pandemic. Here are a few tips to share from MemberSuite, a software provider of association management and event

loan under the loan restructuring program implemented in 2016 to 2019. “We want our members to gain back their good standing with SSS through this condonation program that offers affordable and flexible payment terms. Also, they can conve-

niently submit their application online through their My.SSS account,” Regino said. Further information on the penalty condonation, payment schemes and other terms and conditions can be accessed through https://bit. ly/3kB4Ao8.

technology solutions for nonprofits: Welcome packet. This should be a “one-stop-shop” for new members, including all vital information they will need upfront. They should be as personalized as much as possible and may include, among others, calendar of events, contact information sheet, recap of membership benefits and association swag. Meet and greet. As a welcome event, this allows new members to meet other members, board members, association staff and committee members. However, because of the pandemic, this event has shifted to virtual. While the results are mixed, it can be an alternative to an in-person event when managed well. Online community. This creates a great way to connect with new members and as a “safe haven” for them to ask questions, express in-

terest and get to know more of each other. There has been an increase in using this engagement platform with good outcomes during the pandemic. Personal welcome call. This changes the way new members view the association. It does not only show that they are wanted but that they are appreciated, too. Whether it’s the association president, or a member of the membership committee, the new member will know that they are receiving an individualized experience. As they say, first impression lasts. Onboarding new members is not only exciting, but is extremely a must!

LandBank, government partners ‘spark hope’ for student

AUA-AN, Antique—In this rural town, the future shines bright for 21-year-old college student Marvie Ann Berdin. Only a few years away from attaining her dream of becoming a civil engineer, Berdin continues to brave through numerous hardships and financial difficulties, thanks to the support she receives from various government agencies. Berdin has had to face life’s challenges at a young age, with unemployed parents who could barely make ends meet, let alone finance the education of their eight children. But Berdin was not deterred from attending elementary school, even if it meant travelling by foot for two hours and crossing a river every day. She also took on several jobs to support her education, including being a part-time house helper and a student assistant. Augmenting their family income for daily expenses and medication for her ill father, Berdin’s mother, Maricel, regularly receives government subsidy as a beneficiary of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). When previously, Maricel had to wait in line at the covered court in their town for almost the entire day just to get the cash aid during payouts, digital innovation has now made it easier for her to receive the subsidy. Since receiving a prepaid card from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Maricel has been heading to the nearest LandBank branch in San Jose, Antique, to withdraw the cash subsidy conveniently and safely in just a few minutes.

This undated photo courtesy of Land Bank of the Philippines Inc. shows college student Marvie Ann Berdin of Laua-an, Antique, writing with a gas lamp as her only source of light. Photo courtesy of Landbank Photo Contest winner Marvie Ann Berdin

“Dahil hindi marunong si mama magwithdraw sa ATM, mas pinipili niya na magwithdraw over-the-counter sa LandBank branch. Palagi siyang inaalalayan ng mga staff doon,” Berdin narrates. [Since mama does not know how to withdraw at an ATM, she prefers to withdraw over-the-counter at the LandBank branch. She is always supported by the staff there.] Recently, Maricel prefers to cash-out their subsidy from the Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative, an agent banking partner (ABP) operating on behalf of LandBank, which caters to their town. Apart from cash withdrawal from Landbank branches and ATMs, CCT beneficiaries can also use the Landbank CCT

Prepaid Cards to make cashless purchases in groceries and drugstores, among others. The state-run Bank also recently converted the LandBank CCT Prepaid Cards into transaction accounts, which provides access to additional services such as cash loading via LandBank branches and cash deposit machines, receiving of funds from other agencies through institutional topup, from LandBank accounts through the lender’s mobile banking application, iAccess and ATMs, and from other bank accounts via InstaPay. Along with the cash assistance the family receives, Berdin also receives a stipend to support her studies as a grantee of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program

of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). Currently, Berdin goes to the Landbank Antique branch to encash the cheque she receives under the TES Program. Soon, she will benefit from Landbank’s partnership with CHED and UniFAST, with the ongoing distribution of LandBank CHED-UniFAST prepaid cards to TES beneficiaries. This prepaid card is a general-purpose reloadable card that functions as an electronic wallet and can be used as a debit or ATM card, allowing TES beneficiaries to conveniently withdraw their student allowance from LandBank ATMs, branches, and ABPs nationwide. They can also use the prepaid cards for cashless payments, electronic fund transfers and online account management, among others, the state-run lender said. Berdin expressed gratitude to Landbank for the support given to her and her family, especially during the pandemic. “Your product and service have been a great help for me to continue my education.” Just recently, Berdin won second runner-up in the photo contest of LandBank and CHED-UniFAST, where she photographed herself studying at home, with only a gas lamp as her only source of light. With the cash prize, she was able to buy a mobile phone that she uses for her online classes. As part of its commitment of serving the nation, LandBank is the main distribution arm of financial assistance under the National Government’s social protection programs, in partnership with various government agencies.

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

New GSave funds to get 7% interest

Cash operator G-Xchange Inc. announced last Thursday that new funds parked in its GSave product would receive a 7-percent interest rate. In a statement, G-Xchange said users who sign up for their first GSave account until June 30 will be eligible to the interest rate applied per annum. “It will be effective only for new users and will be applied to the first P100,000 average daily balance in the account for the first three months after successful account opening,” the statement read. A 4-percent per annum promo interest rate will apply to balances from P100,000 to P200,000, the statement added. A quick check on the GCash app revealed that existing GSave users are entitled to a 2.6-percent annual interest rate. “We continuously strive to realize our vision of financial inclusion for all, which is why we try to address the barrier between unbanked Filipinos and having a savings account,” G-Xchange executive Martha M. Sazon was quoted in the statement as saying. “With GSave, we are enabling more Filipinos to grow their finances and build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.” GSave is a savings account offered in the GCash app developed by G-Xchange and CIMB Digital Bank Inc. Citing internal data, Sazon said one out of every five banked adults has a GSave account. A total of 5.3 million users have registered to GSave by the end of the first quarter of 2022, she added. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is gunning to bring at least 70 percent of Filipino adults into the formal financial system by 2023. Currently, 47 percent of Pinoy adults are still considered unbanked. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Friday, May 13, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Candice King, 35; Lena Dunham, 36; Stephen Colbert, 58; Stevie Wonder, 72.

PHOTO BY ROY JAVIER ON UNSPLASH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Concentrate on being a good closer. Listen, assess and make counteroffers. Show compassion and understanding, and have an alternative suggestion to ensure you include something for everyone. Being a crowd-pleaser will help you control and designate what you want to manifest this year. Size up and sort out any differences that might slow you down or stand in your way. Your numbers are 14, 17, 22, 33, 38, 42, 45.

HE day after this year’s national elections, many of my friends posted on their Facebook accounts or messaged in our Viber chat groups how they felt devastated by the results in the presidential race. What was even more heartbreaking were their accounts of how their children felt. A number of their kids, not even of voting age, went so far as to go house-to-house campaigning for presidential candidate Leni Robredo. C: My daughter hugged me tight this morning when she saw me, no words. We know what’s being asked and what’s being said. We cried. G (in Filipino): My daughter couldn’t stop crying. She doesn’t even cry when she is reprimanded. But last night, she cried her eyes out. B: This morning, my daughter came to me with a piece of paper with some calculations. She was still crying. She asked if she could borrow money to leave the country. She made calculations for needing three months to find a job. I am heartbroken. I feel like I failed my children. The surveys called it. At the back of my mind, I knew these pollsters were correct, even if many had questioned their methods. After all, they had predicted (correctly) the outcome of several elections before. Somehow bravado and faith in a higher power and our fellow Filipinos carried me through this entire campaign season. While I didn’t join any of the Leni-Kiko rallies because I was still afraid of getting Covid (and, frankly, I doubt my bladder would be able to hold out for hours on end), I went out of my usual shell to talk with wet-market vendors, Grab drivers and riders, cabbies, and supermarket cashiers about Leni’s accomplishments and what kind of governance she was offering for all citizens. Close friends and family know I have a temper and can be short in dealing with certain people. But this campaign taught me incredible patience as I explained the what’s and why’s of Leni. Radical love. That’s what our candidate called it. And while I was sometimes on the receiving end of impertinence and out-ofthis-world reasoning from Marcos Jr. supporters (e.g. kasi mamimigay s’ya ng ginto), I would always end the conversations on a positive note. “All I’m saying is, research and think about it.” Some people ask: What the hell happened? I say, it all started when the Marcoses were allowed back into

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Follow through by acting on your words. Share your thoughts and intentions with someone you love, and it will lead you to sort out the best way to turn your goal into something tangible. Shared ideas, expenses and space look promising. HHH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Jealousy will set your emotions on fire. Separate yourself from whatever is happening, and try to be rational. Nothing is as you imagine or assume. Acting on assumptions will put you in a precarious position that can affect your reputation. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t wait until the last minute to make plans. An organized outing will allow you to enjoy your day and the people you include in your circle. Information shared among friends, colleagues or family will be valuable. Romance is encouraged. HHHHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Stop worrying about what others do or say, and put your energy into something that intrigues you. Explore venues and courses, and gain experience that will encourage you to expand your qualifications to include something you think you might enjoy. HH

sector, and the country would receive increased confidence from foreign investors. We don’t wish ill of the presumptive president, of course. He will have to deal with an economy still trying to recover from the pandemic, and face a humongous P12-trillion debt. So it won’t be easy to be in his shoes. Because he never joined any real public debate, we really don’t know what Marcos Jr.’s economic platforms are. The only pronouncement that stood out for me this campaign season was his promise to bring the price of rice down to P20 per kilo. Agriculture Secretary William Dar recently told business journalists that he “interpreted” it to mean farmgate palay prices, which are now at P19 per kilo. (Dar earlier expressed his support to Marcos Jr. and offered to stay on at his post.) Another guest panelist, Dr. Roehlano Briones of the PIDs, gave an extremely lengthy response to the question if the P20 per kilo of rice was possible. But his response were solutions that many previous administrations have already tried but mainly failed to undertake i.e., diversifying to higher-value

the country without apologizing to the Filipino people for their crimes, and without returning the monies they stole. We didn’t have concrete examples of the Marcos regime’s human-rights abuses and thievery, the likes of the Holocaust museum in Washington, D.C. History classes don’t teach how many of our kababayans suffered under the heavy hand of the dictatorship. And so here they are. They have been able to rehabilitate their name and history, investing funds parked in offshore accounts in social-media accounts that spit out fake news and lies. Many of the Marcos family members have run for higher office and won. They have been able to bury their dead patriarch in a cemetery meant for real heroes. And now, the dictator’s namesake will end up as the Philippines’s head of state, 36 years after his father was booted out of Malacañang in a popular uprising. The day after the elections, the stock market took a nosedive before clambering back up, though still lower than last Friday’s close. It was no secret that many business executives and CEOs favored Leni. Perhaps finally, there would no longer be any inconsistent government policies, we could have more transparency in state transactions with the private

Continued on B5

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stick close to home and what and who are familiar to you. Keep an eye on someone who is inconsistent or making unpredictable changes that can influence your earning potential or financial security. Speak up for your rights. HHHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t spend to impress someone. Choose to use charm and kind gestures, and the response you get will pay off. Mix business with pleasure, and you’ll make headway in a relaxed environment geared toward cooperation. A partnership looks promising. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’ll be right on target regarding ideas and putting your plans in motion. Time spent with people who share your beliefs and goals will help you broaden your vision. Try to work exclusively with someone who can help cut costs using shared expenses. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll get a good look at what’s possible if you attend a seminar, industry event or community project. Pitch in and help a cause, and you’ll make valuable connections. Push your ideas and stand behind your word. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Trust your instincts, not what someone wants you to believe. Push yourself to be more resourceful and to put time aside to take care of your needs. Enjoy a spa day, or just kick back and relax with someone you love. HHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Emotions will spin out of control if you get into a debate. Be kind and keep the peace without giving up too much. Look for a budget-friendly incentive, and it will bring you closer to loved ones. HH

Giving back to the environment with tree-planting activity YAKULT Philippines president Alberto R. Dy Sun led a tree-planting activity in partnership with the local government of El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental, as part of the company’s initiatives under its environmental commitment and corporate promise, at the Tuburan Spring Ecopark located in Zone 3, Poblacion, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental a day before the groundbreaking. In photo, from left: YPI engr. Eduardo de la Rosa, YPI vice president Michael Eric Ong, CLENRO pollution control officer Lorelai Dacu, CLENRO OIC engr. Lila Soquillo, YPI president Alberto Dy Sun, El Salvador City engineering office arch. Kirvy Villocillo, YPI executive vice president Hiroshi Suzuki, and YPI engineers Francisco Perlas and Crayton Enot.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Assess your expenses and revisit your lifestyle and what causes the most stress. Look for ways to keep yourself in tiptop shape and save for something you want. Don’t let anyone deter you from pursuing your dream. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Evaluate your relationships, consider who you have the most in common with and plan to spend more time together. Sticking to a routine will help ground you and encourage you to make time for something fun or creative you want to pursue. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are affectionate, generous and kind. You are wise and diligent.

‘revolutionaries’ BY DANNY REICHERT The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Bit of information 6 Their rock is an offshoot of post-punk 11 Flop 14 ___ acid (protein part) 15 Tennis great Sharapova 16 Lowest bingo number 17 Radio station employees 19 Code-breaking org. 20 Pass again on a track 21 Like Easter eggs and Halloween candy 23 Surrendered, as rights 26 Job consideration 27 They maintain images 32 Family Guy mom 33 Red ___ (emergency status) 34 Craft made with a plate, perhaps? 37 Apt guess from Aegean Airlines? 38 Testifies under oath 40 Filled with 30-Down 41 Place for lions or vipers 42 Black cats, to some 43 In the center of 44 Winter Olympians who may perform

ice dances Subway alternative Edmonton NHL team Explorer Amerigo Nintendo console Surname of a noted boxing family Band that sang “Then Came You” with Dionne Warwick, or how you might refer to 17-, 27- and 44-Across? 62 Seaside Brazilian city, for short 63 Bridal path 64 Online commerce 65 Dough in Tokyo 66 Twitter troll, often 67 Like dense fog DOWN 1 Parent honored in June 2 “___ losing my mind?” 3 Lead-in to “the season” 4 Removes, like a lapel mic 5 California desert 6 Yukon SUV maker 7 Acorn producers 8 Family picture? 48 49 50 55 56 57

9 10 11 12 13 18 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 35 36 38 39 43 45 46 47 48 50

Informal greeting Lip, or mouth off to She sang “On the Radio” Take back, as words Pass out cards Oil cartel letters Make a choice Penned Sushi burrito’s cuisine Changing requirement? Begged Home ___ (classic Christmas movie) Not as much Rage Roads, briefly Events known for fried food Chances Pet said to resemble its owner Bird that’s a fast runner Eroded Verizon, e.g.: Abbr. New Zealander Flared dresses Contradict “Your mileage may ___”

51 52 53 54 58 59 60 61

State whose motto is “Industry” ___ Pet (collectible that sprouts) “___ la vie” Bit of land in the sea For each Agua, across the Pyrenees Tear Crafty

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, May 13, 2022

Dreaming of gold, drone shots, corrupt mothers and receipts KEN CHAN SINGS ABOUT HIS ‘QUARANFLING’

VERSATILE GMA actor and singer Ken Chan bares his feelings during the quarantine with his newest single under GMA Music, “Quaranfling.” “It’s a love story na nabuo during the pandemic. Alam natin na maraming nabuong pagmamahalan while we are in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nakita natin na in spite of what’s happening ay may magagandang bagay pa rin na nangyari sa buhay natin. May silver linings na nangyari tulad ng time and love na nagawa ko ulit for myself, for my family, and for a special someone. So, itong bagong single ko, hindi lang ako ang naka-experience nito; maraming tao ang nakaexperience nitong ‘Quaranfling.’ Kaya I’m thankful and blessed na ang GMA Music ay nakaisip ng ganito kagandang konsepto at ganito kagandang kanta na I’m very excited to share with all of our Kapuso listeners at sa lahat ng supporters ko,” shares Ken. He also reveals how he missed singing and is thankful to GMA Music for giving him that opportunity again. This single is his comeback to the music scene since he released “1 Like” in 2019. “Na-miss ko talagang kumanta but because of GMA Music, nabigyan po ako ulit ng opportunity na magkaroon ng bagong single, itong ‘Quaranfling.’ For sure, marami ang makaka-relate dito dahil sa title pa lang, alam mo na agad kung ano ang kwento,” he concludes. “Quaranfling” is written by Lolito Go Jr. and is now available on various streaming platforms worldwide. Viewers can also catch Ken Chan in Mano Po: Her Big Boss and All-Out Sundays on GMA Network (www. gmanetwork.com).

WHAT NEXT, PHILIPPINES? Continued from B4 varieties, improving logistics, beefing up milling capacities and storage facilities. So I’m guessing, that answer was actually a hard “no.” It also appears that the Masagana 99 rice program of Marcos Jr.’s father was brought up in Dar’s meeting with the presumptive president two weeks before the elections. Marcos heirs have been trumpeting M99 as a successful program before Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez shot it down by telling Senator Imee Marcos it was a failure and bankrupted many rural banks. And no, ma’am, the Philippines didn’t export rice then. (As agriculture secretary during the Cory Aquino administration, Dominguez had to clean up the M99 mess.) Secretary Dar cleverly didn’t contradict his old boss, Dominguez, yet told his audience that there were “successful components” in M99 that could be kept. What these were, he failed to say. What’s imperative is that Marcos Jr. makes his choices of key cabinet secretaries—in finance, public works and highways, transportation, budget and management—immediately known, and they should be people who have credible track records in management, honesty and fiscal discipline. That is the only way to win the confidence of foreign and local investors. Fortunately, his network of friends and colleagues include many of such people. The question is: Are they willing to get out of retirement and help him out? If unity is Marcos Jr.’s schtick, then he should be able to reach across the political divide and ask the competent ones even from rival political parties to choose country and serve with him. The only issue is whether they would want to associate themselves publicly with his administration. What’s clear is that the majority have spoken. Like it or not, those of us who supported other candidates will have to live with their decision, as we did in 2016, when many chose Duterte. Yet, the people’s movement that Leni has inspired during the campaign remains a critical component of democracy. It can be an effective lobbying group for urgent government policies to assist those in need. We should also use it to keep building bridges to all sectors of society, and to keep the new administration on the straight and narrow path of honest, transparent and competent governance. All is not lost. This is only the beginning of what I hope will be an era of transformative change for the country. It will not be dependent on this new president but on all of us.

‘R

ECEIPT” is the newest word to enter the ordinary man’s lexicon in the electoral process recently held. It does not refer to that small sheet stores issue you when you buy a commodity (or it could also be that, which is not given to you in the market despite your purchase of anything from a store). Receipt, known more in the local language as “resibo,” is a proof of an act, dismal or admirable, that a candidate or a voter commits in the process of engaging in a political event. This could be a charitable work that a woman did in the past. This could also be an uncharitable rant a man had unleased in a long-ago moment but captured by an observer ever ready with his mobile phone to document any interestingly lurid or shamelessly vulgar action. The past few months saw the campaigns waged by candidates and their handlers to be not so much what these future leaders promise to do in the future but what they had committed in the past, now haunting them as they present a new template of their persona. Or, as they attempt to reinvent themselves. Many phenomena developed in the course of the 2022 presidential election. First on the list is the participation of actors and other entertainers. Suffice it to say that the world of show business was divided in terms of those who supported Leni Robredo and those who were conscripted to rally behind the Marcos resurgence. Or rebranding. Again, resibo was the dividing line between these two parties, with actors and singers for Robredo proudly claiming they were pure volunteers in the strictest sense of the word—unpaid and of their own volition going out to convince others for Leni. This bragging right swept the crowd who would chant with such vigor the phrase “Hindi kami bayad” (We are not paid). The massive crowds that gathered for every Robredo

sortie prompted the accusation from rival (mostly Marcos defenders) candidates that money was being used to attract these supporters. The sheer number of people which continued to swell for Robredo as the campaign was coming to an end negated the accusation. Where would this underdog candidate get the moolah? The student of mass communication had a field day analyzing the stage presentations of the two parties. Robredo’s stage had clean fun and sheer entertainment. The strong LGBTQIA+ positioning of Leni was evident in the fabulous presence of drag queens and impersonators opening the political meetings. With most of the topnotch singers and entertainers on the side of Robredo, the currently hot flash-mob style became a de rigueur attraction for the group. In front of public market stalls or in malls, the performers materialized one by one until a huge chorus was soon filling the space and rendering lines that were moving as they were impeccably sung. And, please, let there be the piano man (in the person of National Artist, Ryan Cayabyab). But not all good artists were on the side of Robredo. I would discover for myself that independent filmmakers from the regions became part of malicious propaganda against some candidates opposing Marcos. I can understand a comedian whose claim to fame is some shallow contests on TV but for a young filmmaker to display such ignorance of history was baffling. Having spent years doing film education and who became fond of the fresh, raw talents from the periphery, I took this as personal. How can a filmmaker who values truth and is able to present the compelling beauty of violence, oppression and bigotry in films participate in the distortion of histories, the very same narrative that has allowed him or her to grow into an artist able to depict realities? But such is the shame of histories that we have all inherited. With the actors divided, the writers, especially movie journalists, were also divided. You realize a genial man you knew was into erasures of history, and that some of your cousins were into Marcos and retired teachers believed in the Marcos gold! If believing in the preposterous story of the hidden gold was not dumb enough, some were giddy at the

thought that the return of a Marcos (perhaps they really never left) would bring back a real Age of Gold. Meaning, wealth would be distributed to all. And we would all be wearing golden rings and necklaces. 18 carat. Ready for pawning. And, yes, all these acts have been issued receipts. For all the resibo, however, counting became an art form for Filipinos. The sheer crowd captured by cameras was not enough for all candidates. Cameratoting drones were the favored mediator: drones soared above the crowd of a particular rally to show to the whole world how huge the assembly of people was. Filipinos of a particular generation though have an aversion, which was brought about by a lack of knowledge, of technology, the drone notwithstanding. And so in these documents, there were institutions that issued their own estimates of the crowd. Or, in cases of these organizations being not on the side of a candidate, they would deny the presence of a throng and declare the images seen from above as an arrangement of onions perhaps set up by a madman? A letter from a son to his mother was released as the campaign was winding down. The letter was written by a son exposing the corruption of his mother, who he despises. This time the country was divided, or at least the part of the Philippines that is online. Some cursed the son for hating his mother. Mothers bristled not at the alleged bad choices of the Mater Publicae but at the act against the being who gave birth to the son, a reasoning that cannot be disputed but at the same time irrelevant to the issue at hand. No one saw the big picture, which was a man who saw his mother so corrupt that he was willing to denounce her. No one appreciated the metaphor. Ultimately though, the final resibo for the season was in the result of the elections. There are the receipts for the jubilation of those who think electing an official is an individual act, that one’s vote is about one’s own happiness or security, forgetting that such a choice could impose a restriction to the dreams of those that had become the minority. As for me, my resibo is the feeling of waking up late this morning of the 10th of May, stepping out of the sofa which I used for bed the night before, feeling as if I had just been released reluctantly from an emergency room, and now graciously, gradually trying to recover, hoping against hope that I could function the next six years or more. n

Unauthorized video of naked Jesse Williams onstage prompts outrage NEW YORK—Video of a naked Jesse Williams captured onstage in a shower scene from a Broadway play has been posted online, prompting an outcry from the producers and the union that represents actors and stage managers. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the creation and distribution of photographs and videos of our members during a nude scene,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “Whoever did this knew not only that they were filming actors without their consent, but also that they were explicitly violating the theater’s prohibition on recording and distribution.” Williams is starring in a revival of Take Me Out, Richard Greenberg’s exploration of what happens when a Major League Baseball superstar comes out as gay, tracing the way it unsettles the team and unleashes toxic

prejudices. Williams earned a Tony Award nomination on Monday for playing the superstar. Second Stage Theater, which is producing the revival, has been using Yondr pouches to protect the actors. Audience members arriving at the theater surrender their phones which are then put in the locked pouches until the end of the show. The company said it would beef up security in the wake of the violation. “Taking naked pictures of anyone without their consent is highly objectionable and can have severe legal consequences,” Second Stage said. “Posting it on the Internet is a gross and unacceptable violation of trust between the actor and audience forged in the theatre community. We are actively pursuing takedown requests and ask that no one participates in the distribution of these images.” AP

It’s not clear if she did it because she fell in love with someone else but definitely, she fell out of love with the hunk. The two met on the set of a drama they co-starred in, and the sexy actress was dazzled by the guy because even before she became a celebrity, she already admired him. When he took an interest in her, the sexy actress did not say no. They fell in love and lived together until their break-up. The sexy actress and the hunk parted amicably.

A HOT ONE

PEOPLE will probably be envious of the fact that this young actress was the ex of a beauty queen. She was also pursued by a very good-looking and promising young actor. Unfortunately, the young actor wasn’t her type and she turned him down, which resulted in the poor guy spiraling into depression. The guy has always had mental health issues but the object of his desire turning him down was a trigger he didn’t anticipate. At that time, the young actress was so into the beauty queen that she had no plans of getting involved with anyone else. The young actress and the beauty queen eventually split but the actor hasn’t moved on from the rejection.

GOOD INFLUENCE

IT’S not a surprise but many of those who know the young actress say that her boyfriend has been good for her because she is kinder and easier to work with. The actress used to have a diva-like attitude. She wasn’t full-on diva but she had this sense of entitlement that sort of said, “I am better than

NOT A POPULAR GUY you.” Her boyfriend, an actor-singer, seems to have brought out her silly side in a good way. She used to be snobbish but now, she cracks jokes on set and is more approachable. Her boyfriend is a very downto-earth guy and is generally likable, traits which are apparently infectious.

THE BIG SPLIT

SO according to reliable sources, it was the sexy actress who ended her relationship with the hunk.

IT appears that the actress’ politician husband is loathed in the place where he is a public official. He and his family are known to be ineffective public servants but people also don’t really like them. There have been a lot of issues about the actress’ husband in the past. It’s even believed that he married her to cover up some of those issues, and it worked—but only for people who have not yet been governed by the politician. In his locality, people say he and his family only win because of cheating. The actress’ presence has helped but not immensely.

B6 Friday, May 13, 2022

SP presents Sunshine Classics Series: Summer

Pag-IBIG Fund names TMP as top private contributor in South Luzon

ELEBRATE the return of live events with the second installment to the Sunshine Classics 2022 Series: Summer! Sunshine Place is pleased to announce that fully vaccinated audience will have the opportunity to hear the concert live on May 15, 2022 at 2 pm. Only 30 tickets are available for this live concert at the Sunshine Place Roof Deck, with discounted rates for online subscribers. Non-refundable tickets must be purchased in advance to reserve the limited slots available. The online concert meanwhile will be released on May 25 at the Sunshine Place official YouTube page. The concert features flutist Jay Gomez with pianist Katherine Fernandez Asis, with special participation of Daniel Asis. Katherine Asis graduated from UP College of Music Piano Performance 2001 summa cum laude, under Professor Carmencita Arambulo. After being awarded one of the Ten Oustanding Students of the Philippines in 2001, she pursued her Masters in Piano Performance at Towson University, Maryland. She graduated with distinction in 2003, under renowned concert pianist and pedagogue Reynaldo Reyes. On the other hand, GJ Herman Gomez

or Jay served as managing director for the Manila Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, Jay returned to his alma mater, the Philippine High School for the Arts at the National Arts Center in Mt. Makiling, Laguna as program coordinator. For further inquiries on the concert, please contact Mariel Ilusorio at: 00917709 2225 or email: marielilusorio@ hotmail.com. Check out Sunshine Place at www.sunshineplaceph.com, fb Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center or IG: @ sunshineplaceph.

Sun Life launches talk show for overseas Pinoys

I L

EADING automotive company Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) was recently awarded as one of the “Top Private Employers” for South Luzon by the PagIBIG Fund during its virtual Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (StAR) 2021. TMP, a large enterprise located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, is the first automotive company to be given such award. This award is given to top private and public organizations that contributed to the Pag-IBIG Fund’s net income target achievement. TMP gained the recognition by facilitating 100% PagIBIG membership of its employees and the timely remittance of their monthly savings. TMP’s remittance for the year

2021 exceeded the pre-pandemic level. TMP was also cited for its support to the Pag-IBIG Fund’s Regular Savings and Modified Pag-IBIG II (MP2) Savings programs. TMP provided assistance in the registration and remittance of its team members for their savings under these programs, while continuously promoting the importance of financial security company-wide. Through PagIBIG Fund’s programs, members are able to save up and use their funds for future housing plans. TMP’s workforce is comprised of over 1,800 regular employees whose employment was secured despite the pandemic. TMP contributes to the recovery of the Philippine economy through

employment opportunities in its entire value chain, support in the development of the automotive industry, as well as the introduction of new solutions for better mobility of the Philippine society. The Pag-IBIG Fund, also known as Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) and one of the key shelter agencies under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The PagIBIG Fund provides housing to Filipinos through effective savings and financing schemes. The StAR Awards program was first launched in 2019 to recognize the contributions of Pag-IBIG Fund’s stakeholders.

N a bid to help Overseas Filipinos (OFs) working abroad come home for good, Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life) recently launched “Shine On, Overseas Pinoy!”, a talk show focused on helping OFs and their families achieve a financially secured future through financial education. Hosted by Sun Life brand ambassador Charo Santos-Concio, the show is set to debut on May 14, 2022 on ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). Each episode will have Charo engaging a featured OF along with a financial expert, with the discussion revolving around the OF’s financial concerns and possible solutions. The show aims to enable OFs and their families to make informed choices, equipped with the wisdom from other OFs’ experiences and

Airbnb presents most wish-listed stays for summer

HE summer months are officially here! And with the easing of travel restrictions, travel just got a whole lot simpler. If you just started planning for summer and exploring where to go next, take some inspiration from Airbnb’s top wish-listed Philippine stays below! Tagaytay is the most popular destination amongst locals, with Airbnb Stays in this picturesque city comprising more than half of Filipinos’ top most wish-listed stays in the country. From a luxurious vacation house with a huge thermal pool to a charming farm stay perfect for families, unique Stays in Tagaytay are dominating the Airbnb Wishlists of Filipino guests. Cedara Thermal Pool: Cedara is a spacious vacation house boasting a special unique feature: it’s the only villa in the city with a thermal pool! Get the most out of Tagaytay’s cool weather at night and enjoy stargazing — all while dipping in a heated pool. John’s Hammock Vacation House: Perfect for musical enthusiasts, this house comes well-tuned with multiple musical instruments including a grand piano, ukulele, guitars, and a cajon. Take your pick from four spacious bedrooms that can comfortably fit a total of 16 guests. Overlooking Forest Cabin: Tucked in a secluded area of Tagaytay, this offgrid cabin offers great views of Taal Lake and the surrounding forests. The calm ambiance and quiet location make it an ideal spot for an intimate staycation with loved ones. Amberfield’s Farmhouse: Fancy waking up to a sprawling pineapple farm surrounded by greenery? This chic and minimalist farmhouse fits the bill. It also features a four-foot swimming pool, a patio, and a private garden. Around the world, this private island in a lake Airbnb Stay in Cavinti is the top most wishlisted Airbnb Stay in the Philippines by international guests. A short three-hour drive from Manila, this

rustic, tiny island is perfectly nestled in the middle of Lumot Lake and fringed by the Sierra Madre ranges on all sides. Accessible only by boat, this is a perfect getaway for travelers craving a change of scenery, fresh air, and uninterrupted privacy. From a fully solar-powered island to a bed & breakfast with sweeping views, here are some of the most wishlisted Stays in the Philippines by international guests. Floral Island in El Nido, Palawan: Located in the heart ofTalacanen Island, this luxurious beach hideaway offers guests sumptuous Palawan eats and exciting activities including snorkeling and kayaking. Narra Hill in Batangas: A boutique bed-and-breakfast located on a lush mountainside in Tagaytay with scenic

views of Taal Lake, Narra Hill makes for an ideal hilltop respite. Amihan Ecolodge in Palawan: For adventure seekers, this earthhouse in the southern part of Palawan offers local experiences like exploring local mangroves, mountain and jungle trekking, and fishing. Treehouse de Valentine in Cebu: Unconventional for all the right reasons, this treehouse is the perfect nest away from the busy Queen City of the South. Guests can luxuriate in their own wooden bathtub, read by the balcony, or take a dip in the river nearby. For details, check out Airbnb’s firstever Travel Guide to the Philippines for more extraordinary Airbnb Stays across the country. To become an Airbnb Host, visit https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.

PRIVATE island in a lake Airbnb Stay in Cavinti

AMIHAN Ecolodge in Palawan

TREEHOUSE de Valentine in Cebu

expert financial advice. “Overseas Filipinos are one of the most important sectors in our nation. There are 10.2 million of them located across the globe and they contribute up to 10% of the country’s GDP through their hard work,” says Alex Narciso, President of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. “They have made so many sacrifices to provide for their families. It is only fitting that for all they do, we also help them achieve a brighter tomorrow when they return home for good.” “Shine On, Overseas Pinoy!” will broadcast a new episode every Saturday and Sunday until June 25, 2022. The talk show is one of the many ways that Sun Life is helping OFs achieve their financial goals and look forward to a comfortable retirement. Shine Pinoy Overseas, the company’s banner program for OFs, continuously mounts activities and launches offerings to help them plot a path towards their homecoming, as well as enjoying a financially secure future. They can avail of any of Sun Life’s insurance and investment products before leaving the country to work abroad, while they are in the Philippines for a vacation, or upon their homecoming. Those who wish to know more about Sun Life’s Shine Pinoy Overseas program are encouraged to visit www.sunlife.co/ shinepinoy or by connecting with a Sun Life advisor through https://www.sunlife.com. ph/en/talk-to-an-advisor-form/.

Choose the best smartphone for your busy mom, Vivo gives exciting discounts until May 15, 2022

APTURE and preserve precious moments with your mom and the entire family anytime and anywhere with the vivo V23 5G. The phone’s highquality camera with 50MP autofocus front lens, dual-tone spotlight and AI Extreme Portrait guarantees professional-looking photos each time. Moms can adjust the ambience of the photograph from cold, neutral to warm to perfectly capture the desired mood. Measuring 7.41mm thick and weighing only 172g, the ultrathin V23 5G is so comfortable to hold and portable moms can fit it in their pocket to take with them anywhere. The vivo Y21T is an ideal companion for moms who work from home. Whether attending multiple video conferences in a day, creating and uploading content on video platforms, or casually trying or enjoying mobile gaming, the vivo Y21T’s Snapdragon 680 processor and Multiturbo 5.0 can handle it all. With 128GB ROM and 4GB RAM with an extended 1GB RAM, moms can expect no lags no matter how many apps or internet tabs they open all at once. This powerful yet stylish and slim smartphone comes with a largecapacity 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charge to keep up with all of your mom’s tasks for the day. Make it easier for mom to navigate her smartphone and manage all her tasks and apps with less hassle. The vivo Y15s provides mom with the option to unlock via facial or fingerprint recognition. This means faster, more convenient access to phone data or apps, especially when

she’s in a hurry. With a 6.51-inch Halo FullView™ display with 1600x720-pixel HD+ resolution, your mom can enjoy widescreen viewing without having to worry about eye strain with the phone’s built-in blue light filter. The built-in 32GB ROM and 3GB RAM and 5,000mAh battery ensure optimal performance anytime. The Y15A likewise delivers longer hours of phone use with its 5,000mAh battery and immersive entertainment with its 6.51-inch Halo FullView™ display. The large-capacity battery can even be used to charge other devices. The Y15A combines the power button and fingerprint scanner on the side, making it a lot easier to unlock the phone. Grab the best tech gifts for your mom from until May 15 at P100-P300 off from May 8 to May 15. Visit the vivo website and start adding to cart now.

Sports BusinessMirror

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao By Jun Lomibao

ANOI—There was no gold medal thrown into the Philippine coffers on Thursday when the 31st Southeast Asian Games opened with an elaborate ceremony in rainy conditions at the 40,000-seat My Dinh Stadium. But surely on Friday when competitions in 16 sports go full blast would Team Philippines potentially scoop gold medals from its favorite athletes led by world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo. Six kickboxers are poised to scoop medals—could be of the golden quality—to add to the lone gold won for the country so far by 18-yearold Mary Francine Padios in pencak silat’s women’s seni (artistic or form) tunggal single event the other day. Besides kickboxing, the campaign to bring back home the overall title from these postponed edition of the Games Vietnam is hosting for the second time could come from badminton, 3x3 basketball, billiards and snookers, bodybuilding, chess, esports, fencing, golf, gymnastics, sepak takraw, table tennis, tennis, wushu and volleyball. Asian men’s pole vault record holder Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was at the tip of a 30-member Philippine delegation

WORLD CHAMPION YULO STARTS GOLD CAMPAIGN

that took part in the traditional parade of athletes that highlighted the opening ceremony that showcased a mixed of state of the art technology and the culture and tradition of Vietnam which is hosting the Games for only the second time since 2003. Yulo, 22, and the most bemedaled Filipino in the Philippines 2019 Games, vies in pommel horse, rings, even bars, bars, floor exercise and vault, where he is the reigning world champion. Up for grabs is the all-around gold with the finals of the six apparatuses spread out on May 15 and 16. Also plunging into action are golfing teen sensation Rianne Malixi and teammates Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson, along with entries in esports where the country is among the favorites and wushu, which has been a solid source of gold medals for the country in the past. In his grand debut in the regional sports showcase at the refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum three years

ago, Yulo romped off with the men’s allaround and floor exercise gold medals and silvers in the pommel horse, vault, rings, parallel bars and uneven bars. Yulo had another round of training on Thursday with his longtime Japanese coaching staff and said he’s focused but refused to be called the “gymnast to beat” anew. “I may be No. 1 before, but this is another competition,” Yulo told BusinessMirror. “I’m sure there are better gymnasts than I am.” Gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion, before planning in here, said she is “counting on Caloy winning four golds, but coach Mune (Munehiro Kugimiya, the Japanese coach of the national team) said he could win more.” Also expected to deliver gold medals are kickboxers Jean Claude Saclag and Gina Iniong Aras, the defending champions, along with Renalyn Dacquel, Gretel De Paz, Zeph Ngaya and Claudine Veloso.

‘CALOY WILL WIN 4 GOLDS’ YULO

Obiena’s relentless in keeping top form

ANOI—World Champion Carlos “Caloy” Yulo aims to surpass performance three years ago when he starts competing in the gymnastics competitions of the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Friday at the Quan Ngura Sports Palace. The 22-year-old Tokyo Olympian, easily one of the favorites here, begins his campaign in the men’s all-around

starting at 10 a.m. But Yulo said he’s trying to shake off the favorite’s tag. “I refuse to think that I’m the favorite because there are so many good gymnasts here, too,” Yulo told BusinessMirror on Thursday. “I’m not thinking that I’m the best here.” Yulo won two gold and five silver medals at the Philippines 2019 SEA Games, a feat he described as rather significant now. “The last time, I was No. 1, but that’s already a thing of the past,” he said. “I’ll just focus on my strength and what I can do in the competition.” Yulo is in Hanoi with long-time Japanese Coach Munehiro Kugimiya

Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan believes the country can surpass the 2019 haul of three gold, two and one bronze medals here in Hanoi. “Our athletes have done a tremendous performance and exceptional job despite fighting in a hostile terrain after beating several Vietnamese athletes,” Chan said. “I predict we can be at 80 percent or 5-of-6 or maybe 4-of-6 in winning golds in tomorrow’s finals. We can surpass the three golds last time.” The Philippines slid from third to fourth in the medal standings on Thursday with Indonesia overtaking the Filipinos with three gold medals. Vietnam continued to show the way with 10, pursued by Malaysia with 9, while Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar also crashed the gold medal column with one each.

KICKBOXER Jean Claude Saclag eyes a gold medal on Friday.

SEAG COUNCIL MEETING Philippine

Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (seated, right) and his counterparts strike a pose with Vietnamese Sports Ministry officials during Thursday’s Southeast Asian Games Council Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hanoi. Tolentino says the council has approved the order of hosting for the succeeding SEA Games—Cambodia 2023, Thailand 2025, Malaysia 2027 and Singapore 2029. Tolentino also appeals during the meeting the nine-member Philippine bodybuilding team’s doping compliance issues.

Malixi in harness to square off with veteran foes in SEA Games

By Josef Ramos

INH PHUC, Vietnam—Young sensation Rianne Malixi will be the athlete to watch for Team Philippines in the golf competition of the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games that tees off Friday at the Heron Lake Course. Malixi, a 15-year-old spearhead of Team International Container Terminal Services Inc., is excited over what she describes as her biggest tournament so far and said she’s geared up to square off with the likes of Thailand’s Narkitta Wongthaveelap, a three-time Ladies

‘NO-TOMORROW’ UAAP FINALS EIGNING champion Ateneo and University of the Philippines (UP) clash for supremacy in a winner-takeall Game 3 of University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 men’s basketball Finals on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Blue Eagles pushed the best-of-three series to the limit scoring a 69-66 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday behind Season Most Valuable Player Ange Kouame’s dominating performance of 14

PHL dribblers open defense of 3x3 crown

and immediately plunged into hard training. “Heavy training for me, then I rest my tired body for recovery,” he said. Yulo will be pitted against 12 other gymnasts from five countries— four from host Vietnam, two each from Malaysia and Singapore and one each from Indonesia and Thailand— in the all-around. He will also be competing against compatriots Jan Gwynn Timbang and Juancho Miguel Besana Eserio. “I’m confident he will win at least a minimum of four gold medals,” Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton said. “Everybody here’s afraid of Caloy.” The women’s artistic competitions, meanwhile, start on Saturday. Josef Ramos

ANOI—A world-class athlete will always crave for world-class training—not to mention relentless training. Asian men’s pole vault record holder Ernest John “EJ” Obiena took a circuitous flight from his base in Formia, Italy, to get to the Vietnamese capital that took almost 24 hours. But rest was farthest from his mind. The Tokyo Olympian immediately hit the gym at the Daewoo Hotel to do some light training in the weight room. “It was a long journey, but okay overall,” said Obiena, who also plans to train on Friday at the My Dinh National Stadium after his flagbearing duty on Thursday. “I hope I get clearance to feel the venue.” The 26-year-old Obiena, the world’s sixth best pole vaulter but Asia’s best with a World Athletics score of 1374, is expected to shatter his own Southeast Asian Games record of 5.45 meters he set when the Philippines hosted the biennial meet in 2019. He currently holds the Philippine record of 5.91 meters, achieved during the Meeting de Paris at the Stade Charlety, Paris on August 28 last year. Josef Ramos

Friday, May 13, 2022 B7

points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks. But Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin is bracing for a tougher UP in the 6 p.m. encounter. The Fighting Maroons, he said, are expected to do whatever it takes to end a 36year title drought. “Heading into Game 3, we have to put everything that happened in Game 2 behind,” Baldwin said. “We have a whole new challenge in front of us, so whatever work we did, whatever

Professional Golf Association Tour winner; Pimkwan Chukaew, a King Rama VII Cup titlist; and fellow 15-year-old Ella Galitsky for the coveted gold. Lois Kaye Go, a member of the 2019 gold medal-winning squad, and Mafy Singson complete the women’s team billed as one of the teams to beat. Gone from the squad are Bianca Pagdanganan, who bagged the individual gold in 2019, and Abby Arevalo. Jet Hernandez, Jed Dy, Kristoffer Arevalo and Gab Manotoc make up the men’s team, all of sacrifices we made in the last few days, they’re no longer significant.” UP Coach Goldwyn Monteverde said they will fight with pride until the last second of the game just what they did in Game 1 on Sunday when they pulled off an 81-74 overtime win. “Our team takes a lot of pride and we never give up in games. Whatever the score is, we are fighting until the end of the game,” Monteverde said. “We’re going to work on solving our mistakes and definitely improve our game. Even though it’s a one-day break before Game 2, we still talk about things and really work hard for it.” Josef Ramos

who are primed-up for a faceoff with the fancied Thai squad led by the celebrated Ratchanon Chantananuwat, who at 15 became the youngest winner on the Asian Tour when he topped the inaugural Asian Mixed Cup in Siam last month. “We believe all are motivated intrinsically by being their best versions. This is the challenge we have given them—to be better every day, in all aspects both on and off the course,” women’s coach Miko Alejandro said. “I think it’s not necessarily pressuring but more inspiration to the players. We use these stories to

remind us we are capable.” Malixi is coming off a string of victories, including a couple of feats in the local pro circuit and one in the American Junior Golf Association. “It will be exciting. I’ll play my best for the team,” Malixi said. “This is the biggest for me so far, playing not for myself but for our country. By playing my best, it’s like I’m paying a tribute to our flag. I’m looking forward to hearing our national anthem at the end of the tournament.” Host Vietnam is out to spoil the highly-anticipated Philippines-Thailand

ANOI—The campaign to post another sweep of the basketball gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games begin on Friday as 3x3 action kicks off at the Thanh Tri Gymnasium. Limitless App, winner of the Philippine Basketball Association 3x3 First Conference, stakes its mettle starting at 11 a.m. (12 noon Manila) against Cambodia, followed by games against Thailand at 2 p.m. and Indonesia at 4:20 p.m. The team is composed of Brandon Rosser, Marvin Hayes, Jorey Napoles and Raymar Caduyac. Their task is to match the gold CJ Perez, Mo Tautuaa, Jason Perkins and Chris Newsome won in the Philippines 2019 SEA Games. The women’s squad, on the other hand, faces Cambodia at 12 noon (1 p.m. Manila), Vietnam at 3 p.m. and Thailand at 5:20 p.m. Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro and Afril Bernardino are back to defend the women’s crown with Angelica Marie Surada as the newcomer in the team. The Philippines swept the 3x3 tournament in 2019, with the men’s team beating Indonesia and the women’s squad outlasting Thailand in the finals. But the two coaches who supervised the preparations said retaining the gold medals will be more difficult this time. “The other teams revamped their lineup and they also have the players from other countries. They do the same thing as the Philippines,” men’s coach Willie Wilson said. “I think they are prepared to defend the crown,” women’s coach Pat Aquino said. “About the other teams, they prepared especially Vietnam. I expect stiff competition from them.” The preliminary round will continue on Saturday with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals, with the winners advancing to the gold medal match. Action in regular basketball gets going on March 16, with the men’s and women’s squads primed up to retain the crowns they won in 2019, both against Thailand in the finals. Jun Lomibao duel for the gold, along with Malaysia and Singapore, but the perennial regional rivals are expected to take center stage just the same with their depth and talent in both sides of the 54-hole tournament.

Ikeda up front by two strokes as Constantino fumbles in Lipa

HIHIRO IKEDA took a step closer to snapping a long title spell, wresting control in a wild, hot frontside skirmish then holding sway in a windy backside finish to move ahead by two over unfancied Pamela Mariano with a 72 after 36 holes of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Mount Malarayat Ladies Challenge in Lipa City on Thursday. Ikeda birdied the 10th and 14th

and parred the rest of the way to salvage an even-par card blemished by a frontside 38 that included a double-bogey and two bogeys against two birdies at the Mt. Malipunyo and Mt. Lobo nines of the sprawling Mount Malarayat golf complex. With a 143 aggregate, the former Southeast Asian Games individual champion posted a two-shot cushion over Mariano, who upstaged backto-back Ladies Philippine Golf Tour

leg winner Chanelle Avaricio with a gutsy 72 round of three birdies against the same number of bogeys that likewise moved her closer to annexing a breakthrough finish in the circuit put up by ICTSI. Mariano assembled a 145 to earn a spot in today’s (Friday) championship group with Avaricio and Ikeda, whose opening 71 and a 72 put her closer to nailing her first win since besting Pauline del Rosario in sudden death at Midlands in 2019.

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Friday, May 13, 2022

LAB TRAFFIC

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

CAPITAL OF THE WORLD A

FRIEND of mine has four vehicles with four different numbers for an ending in his car plates. He is a bit giddy with the recent plan of a twice-a-week grounding of vehicles being cooked up by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). “The new plan basically restricts

our freedom of movement,” my friend said. “In a sense, that makes it unconstitutional.” He has a point. The government has no right to stop human movement as the Constitution guaran-

tees freedom to travel—unless, of course, such action is contrary to national interest. Or, it runs counter to the common good. As in too many vehicles on the road could lead to monstrous traffic jams, causing irritation and inconvenience to the motoring public—and pollution that poisons the air we breathe. Thus, the government can step in, citing health reasons in imposing restrictions. Not to mention financial considerations, too, as more vehicle usage would mean more money to spend for gas. Thus, if MMDA’s new scheme is to be approved for implementation, my friend’s car ending in 0 (zero) is out of the road on Wednesdays and Fridays. His car ending in 3 is banned on the road on Mondays and Thursdays, ending in 4 grounded on Mondays and Thursdays and the last one ending in 7 to stay in the

garage on Tuesdays and Fridays. “I don’t know if the new plan, when finally implemented, would produce positive results,” he said. “As history tells us, no MMDA traffic plan has ever succeeded. Still, good luck!” Yes, we can only pray and hope that the new scheme would ease traffic at Edsa. As the saying goes, try and try until you succeed. Edsa, for its perennial traffic jams, has now been infamously known as the lab traffic capital of the world.

Veloz launch

HERE is the speech of Toyota president Atsuhiro Okamoto during the recent launch of the Veloz. “Welcome to the grand nationwide launch of the ALL-NEW VELOZ! “Today’s event gives me so much excitement, as it is one of the many signs that we have moved forward

to better days. “Right now, we have guests joining us live at the BGC amphitheatre in Taguig City. At the same time, our Toyota dealers all over the country are hosting this launch event for their respective customers. We also have you, our Toyota fans watching us online. “I thank all of you for being with us today so we can all welcome our newest vehicle together. “The arrival of the ALL-NEW Veloz is very timely. With the reopening of the economy and destinations all over the country already welcoming travelers, it is Toyota’s goal to address the evergrowing need of Filipinos to move together with thrill and joy. “And so we introduce this new sub-compact SU V perfect for families and friends seeking to discover new adventures. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you THE ALL-NEW VELOZ!

“Enjoy the striking new design, powerful performance, and an improved driving experience thanks to our modern design platform. And with a spacious interior, there’s definitely room to create more happiness for everyone while on the road. “Have a great day!”

PEE STOP I wrote this on Election Day, hours after I had cast my vote. The wonders of being a senior citizen were at work anew as my voting experience was a virtual breeze. Ushers literally escorted me to my precinct using the priority lane for seniors, overtaking long queues. My voting was over in minutes. What a relief. I felt sad in the end seeing our non-senior kababayans getting exposed to the searing sun as they inch their way to their respective polling places. It was organized confusion all over again. Onli in da Pilipins!

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Friday, May 13, 2022

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