BusinessMirror May 22, 2023

Privatization goal in ’23 is ₧3B

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

THE Marcos Jr. administration aims to double its earnings from the sale of various government assets, including some mining rights and the Mile Long Complex, to at least P3 billion this year.

Finance Undersecretary for Privatization and Corporate Affairs Catherine Fong disclosed recently that the government earned P1.5 billion from the sale of various government assets, mostly real estate properties, last year.

“ We are aiming to sell more. We are aiming for higher than last year. At least double of last year or even higher,” Fong said in a recent press briefing.

Fong said the Privatization and Man -

agement Office (PMO) has been fasttracking the sale of government assets to generate revenues for the government upon the instructions of Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno.

At the same briefing, Diokno said that the Department of Finance (DOF) is on a “sell, sell, sell” mode this year.

Fong explained that the Privatization Council, which oversees the privatization program of the government, is now meeting monthly to fast-track the disposal of government properties.

There are a lot of government assets for disposal. A lot are slated for auction and for awards already. The [amount] of the approved [properties] for sale is close to our goal of doubling [last year’s earnings],” she said.

Two of the government assets that the administration seeks to dispose of is the Mile Long Complex in Makati and the Basay Mining Corp. in Negros Oriental province. The prospective proceeds from the sale of the Mile Long property were earlier identified by Diokno as the possible fund sources for the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

O ne of the means the government is looking at to bankroll the proposed sovereign wealth fund is the sale of idle government assets.

Fong said the government plans to sell four mining rights, which includes that of Basay Mining Corp. However, Fong explained that the three other mining rights are still under litigation and are not yet ready for auction.

BusinessMirror

REMITTANCES, $ LOANS TRIM APRIL BOP DEFICIT

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

REMITTANCES and foreign borrowings made by the national government buoyed the country’s Balance of Payments in April, trimming the BOP deficit, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

B SP data showed the position posted a deficit of $148 million in April 2023, lower than the $415-million BOP deficit recorded in the same month last year.

T he data showed the country’s BOP deficit in April 2023 reflected outflows arising mainly from the National Government’s (NG) payments of its foreign currency

debt obligations.

Notwithstanding the deficit in April, the cumulative BOP position registered a surplus of $3.3 billion in the first four months of the year. This level is markedly higher than the $79-million surplus recorded in the same period a year ago,” BSP said.

See “Remittances,” A2

‘EL NIÑO WON’T CAUSE FOOD PRICE SPIKES’

EXPLAINER

A CYBERSECURITY EXPERT EXPLAINS HOW A SCI-FI SERIES ILLUMINATES TODAY’S THREATS

THE anticipated weak-tomoderate El Niño this year will not lead to a “surge” in food prices since its impact on local food production would be muted amid foreseen minimal output reduction, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno disclosed that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) presented its latest forecasts on the impact of

El Niño during a recent Cabinetlevel meeting.

D iokno said, based on the Neda’s estimates, the weak to moderate El Niño—expected to start in the second semester and last until the first quarter next year—would not cause a “significant” reduction in local food output, particularly for rice and corn.

“As a result, we do not foresee a surge in food prices,” he said in

PBBM tells PMA grads: AFP better prepared now

AMID the ongoing reforms in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the country’s military is now better prepared to face the challenges posed by the country’s “evolving” security environment.

D uring the commencement exercise of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “MADASIGON” Class of 2023 in Baguio City on Sunday, Marcos assured the people of his administration’s continued commitment to the modernization and professionalization of AFP.

M ADASIGON stands for “Mandirigmang May Dangal, Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon.”

A mong the reforms, he said, was the signing of Republic Act No. 11939 that shortened the fixed term and adjusted the compulsory retirement age of several key military officials.

a press briefing recently, where he talked about updates regarding the first meeting of the Economic Development Group (EDG) of the Marcos Jr. administration.

B ased on latest government estimates, the DOF said rice production may “slightly” fall this year by 1.8 percent on an annual basis while yellow corn output could decrease by 1 percent yearon-year due to El Niño.

See “El Niño,” A2

T he new law, he earlier said, was meant to address the concerns raised by the younger officers of AFP on the maximum tenure of their senior officials, which are stipulated under RA 11709.

Because of this, you now join a modern and professional organization which is now a more effective and even more formidable vehicle for public service and nation building, and a continuing source of pride and selffulfillment for the individual personnel,” Marcos said in his speech before the graduating class MADASIGON.

See “PBBM,” A2

COMMANDER IN CHIEF AT PMA President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the commencement ceremony of the Philippine Military Academy “Madasigon” Class of 2023 at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City at the weekend. The event marks his first presence as Commander-in-Chief at a PMA graduation, honoring 310 exceptional graduating cadets, including 72 accomplished female cadets. Cadet 1CL Warren Leono, from Lipa City, Batangas. Leono achieves the distinction of being the class valedictorian, embodying the ideals of courage, excellence and resilience symbolized by “Mandirigmang May Dangal, Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon” (Madasigon). PNA/ROLANDO MAILO/REY BANIQUET

»B4

THE MALL OF BATAAN SM City Bataan, the 83rd SM mall and the first mall in the province of Bataan, opened on May 19. Leading the ceremonial ribbon cutting are (from left) SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. President Hans T. Sy Jr., SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, Bataan Vice Governor Cristina M. Garcia, His Excellency Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. Bishop of Balanga, Vice Mayor City of Balanga Vianca Lita Gozon, 2nd District Rep. Albert S. Garcia, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey C. Lim, and Super Value Inc. President Herbert T. Sy. SM SUPERMALLS

Govt eyeing ‘RTL’ model for more items like sugar

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

We will try,” Diokno responded when asked if it is possible that commodities like sugar would be liberalized under the Marcos Jr. administration in a recent press briefing.

D iokno emphasized that the goal is to have commodities governed by the system put in place under the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law, which allows freer entry of rice imports through streamlined import documents

Continued from A1

with little to no intervention from the state.

Actually, we will lower the [tariff] rates of some commodities but our model really is to have the commodities to be governed by the RTL [law] model,” he said, describing the present rice trade regime as a “successful” model in combating inflation.

“ That should be the model for all crops if possible,” he added.

I n March, Diokno resur

He also noted his administration will continue to pursue improving the social protection for military uniformed personnel (MUP).

rected the idea of relaxing the import rules on sugar as a measure to pull down the elevated price level of the commodity by allowing easier entry of foreign stocks. (Related story: https://businessmirror com.ph/2023/03/07/easing-ofsugar-import-rulesto-bringdown-inflation-sought/)

B ack then, Diokno noted that removing the quantitative restriction (QR) on sugar could be done through an executive order (EO). A QR is a non-tariff measure (NTM) that limits or restricts the volume of a given commodity or goods that can enter the country.

T he DOF also reiterated its

T hese measures include making their pension funds more sustainable, as well as establishing a better mechanism for them to avail

tack of reducing non-tariff measures through simplification of issuances of certain import documents like sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, and certificate of necessity to import, in order to allow freer entry of imported commodities. (Related story: https:// businessmirror .com.ph/2023/03/08/ntmeasing-part-of-dof-tool-kit-foranti-inflation/)

T he BusinessMirror earlier reported that the spike in the retail prices of refined sugar last year revived talks among pundits and industry stakeholders about finally opening up the domestic sugar market to foreign competition. (Related story: https:// businessmirror com.ph/2022/08/04/skyrocketing-sugar-prices-stoke-industry-liberalization-stakes/

I n 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) commissioned Brain Trust Inc. to conduct an assessment on the country’s sugar industry. The study showed that SRA’s “tight control” over the sugar industry impeded its growth.

themselves of housing units.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the readiness of the AFP as the country faces external and internal security threats.

Existing realities and the rapidly evolving security environment impel us to be always prepared for any and all threats that our country may face,” Marcos said.

Purveyors of criminality, insurgency and terrorism are the great interlopers in our peaceful aspirations that undermine our peace and our stability and our march to prosperity in our sovereign domain and its environs,” he added.

C lass MADASIGON is composed of 310 graduating cadets.

O f these, 158 will join the Philippine Army (PA), 77 will join the Philippine Navy (PN) and the remaining 75 in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

A mong those who will join the PAF is Cadet 1CL Warren Leonor, the valedictorian of Class MADASIGON.

Samuel P. Medenilla

Dataset...

Continued from A9

T he DOF data also showed the funding source for P24.04 billion is still being determined while the remaining P7.37 billion would be bankrolled via PPP/Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework.

T he DOF data showed that of 194 IFPs, about 119 would be in the sector of physical connectivity, with a total project cost of P6.768 trillion. The government has also approved 44 projects related to water resources amounting to P679.42 billion; and 14 agriculture-related projects worth P355.62 billion.

I n the health sector, six projects with a total cost of P198.06 billion were approved; for digital connectivity sector (P115.05 billion), there are five; and another five projects in other infrastructure (P43.04 billion). There is only one project in the power and energy sector, worth P10.19 billion.

“As of May 9, 2023, there are 68 ongoing projects, 25 for implementation, 9 for approval, 52 under project preparation, and 40 under pre-project preparation—for a total of 194 IFPs,” Diokno said.

T he DOF said 19 of the ongoing IFPs and those approved for implementation are expected to be completed by end-2023. Overall, 79 projects will be completed from 2023 to 2028.  Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Vergeire shares PHL experience in cardiovascular diseases forum

HEALTH officer-in-charge

Maria Rosario Vergeire highlighted at an international forum the social determinants of health and cited the Philippines’s Covid-19 experience, which led to some heart diseases due to several factors outside the realm of health.

A t the World Heart Summit 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, Vergeire stressed the need to address all other factors outside of health, which remains to be a significant root cause of ill health.

Hopefully the plateau we are seeing in non-communicable disease death risk will soon transition into a decline through our promotive, preventive, and curative interventions. We also aim to continue our collaboration with the WHO [World Health Organization] to learn from other countries’ best practices, as well as to share ours,” Vergeire said during the plenary.

Joining Vergeire on the panelist for the first plenary session were Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population of Egypt; Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, Minister of Health of Ghana; Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, Minister of Health of Barbados, among other policy makers.

Vergeire also underscored the

Based on preliminary data, the cumulative BOP surplus reflected inflows that stemmed mainly from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the NG, and foreign direct investments,” it added.

R izal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort expects this BOP performance to continue in the coming months on the back of strong remittance inflows, Business Process Outsourcing sector revenues, and tourism receipts, among others.

However, one of main reasons for this expectation is the proposed $2-billion US dollar- or euro-denominated retail bonds to be offered by the national government in the third quarter of 2023.

T his was deferred/rescheduled from the second quarter of 2023 and had a tenor of at least 5 years. This is expected to add to the country’s BOP and gross international reserves (GIR).

“ For the coming months, BOP data could still be supported by the continued growth in the country’s structural US dollar inflows such as OFW remittances, BPO revenues, foreign investments/FDIs, exports, foreign tourism receipts, among others,” Ricafort said.

O nion and garlic production, DOF added, are expected to remain unchanged since they are grown in the first half of the year while El Niño’s impact on pork and chicken production would be “negligible.”

“ For the fisheries sector, El Niño is beneficial for the capture fisheries but disadvantageous for aquaculture,” it said.

Nonetheless, Diokno revealed that Neda has proposed the creation of an El Niño team, following the instructions of President Marcos Jr., to lead the government’s response to the ill effects of the weather phenomenon.

T he government is now preparing to mitigate the impact of El Niño, with actions to retool and strengthen the disaster task force and weekly monitoring of local field conditions.

T he government will also conduct regional coordination meetings, training, assessment, consultation and reporting as well as provision of irrigation network services. A buffer stocking of agricultural inputs and prepositioning of pumps and engines are under way.

need to ensure ethical recruitment of healthcare workers.

“ This not only serves as an avenue to share long established effective interventions, but also new and innovative solutions, recognizing that the risk of NCDs [non-communicable diseases] is increasing due to technological advancements, including the invention of electronic cigarettes and increase in sedentary behavior among children at home or adults in the workplace due to technologies,” said Vergeire.

C arrying the theme “Cardiovascular Health for Everyone,” the Summit convened global health leaders to discuss pressing concerns and issues on cardiovascular health, especially in the aspect of policy making.

For the first day, key players in global health, including policy makers and strategic partners shared their views on World Heart Vision 2030, what it means for them in their work, and how they see it implemented going forward.

Vergeire went to Switzerland with Health Systems Development Team (HSDT) Undersecretary Dr. Lilibeth David, Management Services Team (MST) Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Taiño and other Department of Health officials and staff. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

T he BSP said given the latest BOP data, the GIR level increased to $101.8 billion as of end-April 2023 from $101.5 billion as of end-March 2023.

T he latest GIR level represents a more-than-adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. M oreover, it is also about 6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

T he BSP explained that the GIR level increased month-on-month, notwithstanding the BOP deficit in April 2023, due mainly to the upward revaluation adjustments in BSP gold holdings and foreign currency denominated assets.

I t added that the impact of non-economic transactions such as revaluation adjustments is excluded from the computation of the BOP position.

T he central bank also noted that short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months.

E arlier this month, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe M. Medalla said the severity of the El Niño, and not its timing, will be a greater factor to consider in terms of its impact on inflation. (Related story: https:// businessmirror com.ph/2023/05/04/bsp-flagsel-ninos-inflation-impact/)

T he Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier warned there is an 80-percent chance that an El Niño will start sometime in June to August and continue until the first quarter of 2024.

M eanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has advised Manila to ensure unhampered entry of food imports in light of the expected El Niño to protect vulnerable sectors from supply and price shocks. (Related story: https:// businessmirror com.ph/2023/05/08/adb-nixfood-import-curbs-to-ensuresupply-in-el-nino/)

THE government “will try” to liberalize more commodities, including sugar, within the term of the current administration, with the goal of converting its trade rules into something akin to the present rice trade regime, Finance

Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

Group sees healthcare industry growth driver

THE Philippine healthcare industry is a “very bright spot” for the information technology (IT) and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, according to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

“

The Philippines is very strong in healthcare because of our large number of registered nurses,” IBPAP President Jack Madrid said.

“We’re the second-largest supplier of US-registered nurses.”

Madrid said he wishes the country had “more because they’re all getting hired to the point that we don’t even have enough nurses in our country. That is a very bright spot for the IT-BPM industry.”

In line with this, Madrid recalled his visit to the United States for the healthcare investor roadshow held in Chicago from April 17 to 2021. He said “prospects are quite positive.”

A statement issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) two weeks ago revealed that the participation of Philippine Healthcare Information Management Services (HIMS) companies at the trade and investment show as well as the HIMS System (HIMSS) exhibition resulted in initial sales amounting to $72.9 million.

The DTI also noted that the 6th participation of Philippine HIMS companies at the HIMSS Global Conference and Exhibition 2023 generated potential direct investment amounting to $13 million.

Last April, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga expressed hopes to attract big-ticket investments and strategic industries that will make the Philippines a leading industry player in HIMS and other frontier technologies.

“With the phenomenal rise onto post-global Covid-19 pandemic in the demand for HIM and remote telehealth services, the Philippine IT industry stands a stronger chance across [the] Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations region] in attracting HIMS-related FDI [foreign direct investments] into call center and BPO [business process outsourcing] operations,” Panga’s social media post read.

Apart from healthcare, Madrid said the targets of the ITBPM industry “will continue to be driven by North America. I think the contact center will still lead the way.”

Madrid expressed optimism that the Philippine IT-BPM industry can reach 1.7 million full-time employees (FTEs) and $35.9 billion in revenues this year.

“I think the targets at the beginning of the year are within reach,” the IBPAP chief said adding, however, that, “I don’t think we will exceed it. It will be within that range.”

Last March, a survey carried out by the IBPAP showed 83 percent of IT-BPM companies expect to post growth in 2023 despite a potential global recession, while 17 percent remained neutral with their forecasts.

According to the study, the organization said, investments are projected to come from the following sectors: animation and game development; contact center; cybersecurity; financial technology (fintech); healthcare; internet service providers; and, IT solutions and IT-shared services.

BusinessMirror Economy

D.T.I. ON SRP AND PRICE INCREASE REQUESTS

No need to update SRP bulletin–DTI

By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) doesn’t see a need to release an updated Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin “in the near future,” as there are only around 20 out of 214 shelf-keeping units (SKUs) that have pending price increase requests.

DT I-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo told reporters on the sidelines of the “Global Anti-Illicit Trade Summit” last Thursday they don’t see prices rising “anytime soon.”

“At least for the basic necessities and prime commodities in our list,

they’re not a lot. So hindi muna [not yet],” Castelo added. According to Castelo, manufacturers of canned sardines, milk and salt are seeking an increase in the prices of their products. She added the reasons cited for the price increase include “the packaging, importation, foreign exchange and, of course, logistics [and] distribution costs.”

Meanwhile, when asked if it’s possible to release a new SRP bulletin by August, Castelo said the DTI has allowed incremental increases in the SRP of some SKUs. The last time the DTI did so was last February, when the agency greenlighted the price increase requests of man-

ufacturers of bread, sardines and luncheon meat.

Prior to the issuance of the SRP bulletin in February, manufacturers had been requesting for the adjustments in the SRP for months. The latest bulletin, however, reflected tempered price increases.

In an interview with reporters last February, Castelo said the DTI issued an updated SRP bulletin that month as the trade department believed some manufacturers were already in a “danger zone” even after the DTI issued an updated SRP bulletin in August last year.

If they didn’t allow price increases, Castelo said manufacturers could have suffered losses, forcing some

of them to close down or streamline production; ultimately impacting the economy.

Castelo said that last February, the DTI allowed an increase in the price of canned sardines by P1.50, half of the P3 being sought by canned sardines makers. Meanwhile, one brand of luncheon meat increased by P3.50 to P39 from P35.50.

Based on the latest price list, the SRP for canned sardines ranges from P13.25 to as much as P19.58.

Last year, Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) Executive Director Francisco Buencamino said the petition to increase the SRP for canned sardine by P3 was filed by his group in July, months

before the group warned of a “looming” shortage in raw materials in the latter part of 2022.

Castelo said the DTI did not yet consider the requests of other manufacturers for price adjustments as the agency is trying to balance the interest of consumers and manufacturers.

Based on the price list issued in February, DTI also approved the price increase requests of bread manufacturers.

The SRP list showed that the price of the “Pinoy Tasty” went up by P2 to P40.50 from P38.50 while one pack of 10 “Pinoy Pandesal” pieces rose by P1.50 to P25 from P23.50. Bread manufacturers had initially asked for an increase of P4 in 2022.

Labor backs solons’ views on wage-increase proposal

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

NO less than the Senate has debunked the claims of employers opposing the pending legislation granting workers a P150 pay hike, according to labor groups.

C iting data from Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Jose G. Matula said the recent claim made by major business groups that the country has the highest minimum wage in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was “misleading.”

“One notable case highlighted in the last senate hearing is Indonesia, where the minimum wage exceeds P800 per day, in contrast to the P570 minimum wage in the Philippines,” Matula said. “Remarkably, despite the higher wages paid to Indonesian workers, Indonesia has emerged as a more attractive investment destination compared to the Philippines.”

Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) Secretary General Josua Mata pointed out the factors, which are more likely to discourage potential investors in the country, is the high cost of electricity and transportation.

Joint position

THE labor leader issued the statement in response to the joint letter submitted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), Federation-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCCI), IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (ITBAP), Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) and the United Port-users Confederation of the Philippines Inc.

In the said letter addressed to Senator Jose Pimentel “Jinggoy” E. Estrada, who heads the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, the group urged lawmakers to reconsider the legislated wage hike.

Instead, the business groups noted they “feel more” comfortable if the government allows regional tripartite wage boards to tackle wage increase proposals.

The business groups also argued the legislation will only benefit 16 million of the country’s 50 million workforce but negatively impacting micro-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The higher wages, they said, will also drive away potential investors in the country.

Zubiri’s Senate Bill (SB) 2002, which grants a P150 across-the-board increase to salary rates of workers, is currently pending at the Committee of Estrada.

Poor performance

MATA opposed the call of business groups for lawmakers to defer wage fixing to the wage boards.

He noted most wage boards have failed to grant pay hikes, which will uplift workers from the poverty threshold.

“ Wage increases granted by wage boards have been less than the value lost by workers due to inflation in all the regions, except for 4 regions,” Mata said.

T his was echoed by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairman Elmer C. Labog, who said the wage boards have failed to restore the lost value in nominal wage since they were created in 1989.

Real wage is the value of nominal wages adjusted for inflation or consumer price index. “ We have a computation that if we take the

average nominal wage level of all 17 regions and compare its real value to the wage levels in 1989, the amount that comes out needed for wage recovery would be P165,” Labog said. Sentro and KMU together with other members of the All Philippine Trade Unions (APTU)

have been demanding for the abolition of the wage boards.

Business impact

THE labor leaders also questioned the pronouncements by their business counterparts

on how the legislated pay increase will be detrimental to the latter’s operations.

M ata said the additional pay increase can help in pump-priming the economy, which is still recovering from the pandemic, by creating demand.

The Nation

DENR freeze order to impact renewable energy projects

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

T he “freeze order” signed by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga has been in effect for four months now.

“It has been reported that the EMB Regional Offices have already been accepting, processing and approving applications for ECC guidelines indicating a well thought, evidence and science-based criteria, parameters and requirements to appropriately assess the impacts of these projects on the coastal and marine environment,” read the order dated January 6, 2023, and addressed to the Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and all EMB Regional Directors.

In her order, Yulo-Loyzaga said the DENR has an ongoing discussion with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for possible technical assistance to help in the crafting of these guidelines “to make sure that all possible impacts can be looked

into and adequately considered in the event that these types of projects are pursued.

Lastly, the offices of the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change and Director of the EMB are directed to closely coordinate with the ADB on the requirements of the technical assistance and commence the discussion on the crafting of the guidelines.

Yulo-Loyzaga’s order runs contrary to the provision of Section 13 of Republic Act 11234 (Act Establishing the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop for the Purpose of Streamlining the Permitting Process of Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Projects). The section provides a time frame for actions by government agencies on applications for RE projects.

T he DENR, its attached bureaus (except for the National Water Re -

sources Board or NWRB), offices and agencies at national and local levels and GOCCs, the time frame is 120 calendar days.

DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs

Jonas R. Leones confirmed to BusinessMirror the order would potentially affect billions-worth of RE projects investments.

Offshore wind energy, he said, is an environmentally-critical project because of the threat to coastal and marine biodiversity in installing such a facility.

In the same breath, floating solar energy has a potential adverse environmental impact on water bodies, because it makes use of huge solar panels that will cover the surface of the water, preventing sunlight from doing its thing to ensure a healthy underwater environment.

He said the DENR is in close coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) and that Yulo-Loyzaga has been reporting to Malacañang to give the President updates on crafting the said guidelines. We don’t have a guideline yet for these RE projects. We need a guideline first,” says Leones. “We have already formulated the interim guidelines. It is now with the DOE.”

In February last year, the Laguna Lake Development Authority issued a memorandum circular outlining the implementing rules and regulations of the “Laguna de Bay RE Resources Utilization of 2022.” The MC said an initial pre-determined area of not more than 2,000 hectares in the country’s largest inland freshwater body is allocated for RE utilization projects.

A signatory to the Paris Agreement, in 2021, the Philippines committed to reducing 75 percent of its emissions by 2030 and scaling up efforts to adapt to a changing climate, setting itself a very ambitious target for a developing nation with one of the lowest carbon emissions in the world.

Environmentalists have been pressing the government to promote the development of RE in the Philippines and phase out coal in the face of the climate crisis. While its greenhouse gas emission is relatively nil, the Philippines is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. It receives an average of 20 typhoons a year. The archipelago is also prone to landslides and flash floods. Manila is also still struggling to make communities resilient to natural calamities.

The delay in the acceptance, processing and approval of ECCs for RE projects somehow derails targets of private sector investors as well as the Marcos administration’s own thrusts to promote RE.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been pushing for the development of RE to increase its share in the current energy mix, which is currently dominated by coal.

Under his watch, Executive Order 21 dated April 19, 2023, established the policy and administrative framework for offshore wind development and cited that the Philippine Energy Plan for 2020-2040 targets to increase the RE contribution in the power generation mix from the current share of 22 percent, to 35 RE share by 2030 and 50 percent share by 2040.

BARMM beefs up Maguindanao emergency-response capability

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

DAVAO CITY—The Bangsamoro government moved to enhance the emergencyresponse capability in Maguindanao with four additional police cars to the fleet of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) and building an additional fire station.

T he police cars, each of which costs P3.5 million, were received during ceremonies by PRO-BAR Brigadier General John G. Guyguyon. The fund was taken from the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of the Member of the Parliament Raissa H. Jajurie.

In her short message, Jajurie said the regional government “recognized the pivotal role of the men in uniform particularly in the maintenance of peace and order in the region.”

“ We see the logistical support needed by the PNP and all other institutions that do not exist organically in the Bangsamoro government, but it is important that we should help each other to promote the development agenda of ministries through peace and order,” the lawyer added.

Jajurie said she believes that

“peace and order are the most pressing requirements or conditions for us to move forward, so we are very happy to be a part of it.”

Eleven patrol cars were earlier donated to the PRO-BAR in December 27 last year.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro government also constructed a new fire station in Pura village, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo said that the BARMM’s “only request is that you improve the services of your constituents.” “ We don’t care about politics, we still have a long time to do good and let’s just do everything we can to make the Bangsamoro government’s promise happen which is to serve,” the lawyer Sinarimbo added.

Newly-appointed OIC Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof A. Macacua said his goal was to make the province one of the most dynamic provinces in BARMM.

The national government commits that they would really help Maguindanao del Norte because that was one of the conditions I sought; that I would only accept the governorship if they would help me improve the lives of the people of Maguindanao del Norte,” Macacua said.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the complaint for estafa and fraudulent health claims against several doctors and hospital staff filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

REGIONAL and provincial offices of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) can proceed with the registration of electronic Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) under the “Support to Parcelization of Land for Individual Titling” (SPLIT) even without the owners’ duplicate copies of land titles.

Joey G. Sumatra, DAR Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning and Research who is also the SPLIT national project director in a concurrent capacity, said an affidavit of loss is enough.

In a memorandum addressed to all DAR regional directors and provincial agrarian reform program officers, Sumatra advised them to execute affidavits of loss and insert them as attachments among the documents required for the subdivision of collective CLOAs.

T he submission of affidavits of loss in lieu of the owner’s duplicate copies of land titles was recommended by Gerardo P. Sirios, the administrator of the Land Registration Authority, during a meeting with the DAR Undersecretary

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House is in order, the leadership of the Lower Chamber said last Sunday amid a buzz of plot to oust Rep. Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker. R omualdez said this same level of order is what allowed the House of Representatives to approve on third and final reading at least 29 of the 42 bills that comprise the legislative agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Romualdez issued a statement following the alleged coup plan against him. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo denied involvement in such move.

“There is still much work to do; so occasional moves to destabilize the

for Foreign-Assisted and Special Project Jesry T. Palmares last April 28.

T he DAR is exhausting all means to expedite the processing of e-individual titles for distribution to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), who are members of farmers’ cooperatives to whose names the collective CLOAs are referred to.

Previous DAR administrations had preferred the distribution of collective CLOAs in their efforts to save time and beat the expiry date of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which initially had a 10-year implementing period.

T he enormous job of distributing more than 4 million hectares of farmlands to some 3 million ARBs resulted in the extension of the program’s land distribution component for another 10 years and, again, for five years.

DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said accelerating the subdivision of collective CLOAs into individual titles is the key to empowering farmer-beneficiaries as it enables each of them to direct their individual aspirations as new landowners.

House should be nipped in the bud,” Romualdez said.

“The House cannot be distracted from finding legislative solutions to issues that affect the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Rather than engaging in politicking, I would rather that we, in the House of Representatives, remain focused on more urgent matters,” he added.

According to the Speaker, the House leadership must continue to focus on finding immediate solutions to problems of ordinary Filipinos.

“The House chooses to focus on addressing low power supply, high electricity rates, telco issues and unstable commodity prices, instead of political destabilization,” Romualdez added.

One of the measures that the House will prioritize, the Speaker said, is the proposed law seeking to

Cleared were doctors Enrico Cruz, Gjay Ordinal, Froilan Antonio de Leon, and Lourdes Rhoda Padilla and hospital staff Cherry Flores, Arlene Sebuc and Svend Rances of TriCity Medical Center in Taguig City.

The respondent doctors were able to sufficiently establish that they did not participate in the falsification of claim documents submitted to PhilHealth [Philippine Health Insurance Corp.],” the DOJ declared.

According to the DOJ, the doctors were able to prove their signatures in the claim documents were forged.

“Hence, they did not commit any fraudulent representations in the falsified documents submitted to PhilHealth,” the resolution added.

On the other hand, the DOJ gave merit to the defense of good faith and lack of intent to defraud on the part of Flores, Sebuc and Rances.

T he resolution was signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Marmarie Satin-Vivas, Assistant State Prosecutor Ma. Richelle Q. Oliva and Prosecution Attorney Eugene Q. Yusi. It was approved by Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento.

extend the Charter of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which will expire in 2025, to help the President build a million new houses per year to meet the total 6.15 million housing backlog.

“It is our commitment to ensure the success of [the President’s] housing program that would bring a meaningful change and significant impact to the lives of ordinary Filipino people,” Romualdez said.

Political ‘tampuhan’

THIS “political tampuhan” (acrimony)

in the House shall pass, Deputy Speaker Ralph G. Recto said last Sunday.

“ This is a tempest in a teacup that will not wash away a strong alliance between close partners who share a common vision of a prosperous and peaceful country,” Recto said. “The

Contrary to the NBI’s claim, the DOJ said the elements of estafa under Article 315 (a) of the Revised Penal Code with respect to Doctors Ordinal, De Leon and Padilla were absent as they were able to “sufficiently establish that they did not participate in the falsification of claim documents submitted to PhilHealth.”

The doctors had no knowledge that the professional fees they received were from the fraudulent claims filed with PhilHealth since the professional fees were paid in lump sum.

Upon learning of the fraudulent claims, the doctors conducted their own investigation, discovering that fraudulent claims were also filed for at least 12 other former patients, all of whom were already deceased at the time they purportedly received treatments. They immediately reported all of these findings to Philhealth.

The complaint against the respondents were filed following intelligence information received by the NBI-Anti Graft Division (NBIAGD), alleging that Tricity has been fraudulently facilitating or claiming reimbursement from PhilHealth for hemodialysis patients which turned out to be non-existent or already deceased at the time of the supposed hemodialysis treatment.

While the DOJ said that there was no probable cause to indict Rances for estafa, it said that there’s sufficient evidencetoindicthimforfalsificationunder Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

fog of miscommunication will soon clear, the vow of cooperation will be renewed and attempts to drive a wedge between them shall have failed.”

The Deputy Speaker said the presidency has been served well by this working partnership, two House leaders pooling their expertise and experience in providing valuable counsel to the leader of the land.

“This tandem is instrumental in the House’s prodigious output of bills, and the vigilant exercise of its oversight powers,” the lawmaker added.

According to Recto, the country has so many problems. Congress is focused on solutions.

“It will not feast on intrigues. The uninformed will say that unity has cracked. Nothing is farther from the truth. No wound needs healing as none was inflicted,” he said.

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) has suspended the acceptance, processing and approval of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for offshore wind energy and floating solar energy projects pending the approval of a new guideline for these renewable energy (RE) projects.

DOJ junks NBI’s complaints against TriCity hospital staff

‘Affidavit of loss’ in lieu of lost CLOAs acceptable–DAR

‘The House is in order,’ Romualdez says, calls for unity among lawmakers

Agriculture/Commodities

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Monday, May 22, 2023

DA: Repeat of ’22 onion price spikes unlikely

By Raadee S. Sausa @raadeeboy

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) may release before the end of the month an order that will authorize the importation of onions, according to the agency’s spokesperson.

DA Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez said the import order must be released this month to prevent a repeat of the onion price spikes seen last year. In December, onion prices soared to P700 per kilogram, or higher than the daily minimum

wage in the Philippines.

“Our senior undersecretary [Domingo Panganiban] already said that it will not happen again, and we’re trying to address it,” he said. “It won’t happen again [price spikes]. We are assuring that.”

According to the DA’s latest price monitoring, prices of both local red and white onions range from P160 to P200 per kilo.

Estoperez, however, said the DA is still finalizing the volume that should be imported.

He said there is a need to specify

Govt aims to boost aquaculture output via green water tech

THE Fishfarmers’ Field School (FFS) has improved the Brackishwater Polyculture System using green water technology (GWT) currently being conducted in selected small-scale fishpond operators in Bulacan, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“

The FFS training is conducted with the support of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bulacan, BFARCentral Luzon and municipal agriculture offices in Paombong and Calumpit,” Ma. Gloria Carillo, provincial agriculturist of Bulacan said over the weekend.

The training for the fishing technology is a season-long training with 16 sessions.”

T hrough actual exercises, she said, the correct methods and technologies in fishing can be demonstrated.

T he FFS kicked off on March 22 and 23, in Barangay Pinalagdan,

THE arrival of El Niño and its potential to bring hotter, drier weather to Southeast Asia will be a crucial test for the global palm oil industry to prove it’s no longer at fault for causing forest fires and choking haze.

Haze is a recurring problem in the region, disrupting tourism and costing local economies billions of dollars. It originates from natural or man-made fires in Indonesia and Malaysia, such as when land is cleared for agriculture, and is often linked to palm oil as both countries are the world’s biggest producers.

T hat’s a perception the industry’s fighting to fix. Palm oil is found in half of supermarket products around the world, but its association with deforestation has fueled consumer campaigns calling for its boycott.

The European Union has also come up with regulations that reduce market access for palm oil.

T he El Niño weather pattern is set to return this year, bringing drier conditions and increasing the risk of forest fires in Southeast Asia. This will be a test for the industry as it tries to repair its image, said Joseph D’Cruz, chief executive officer of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, a certification body.

Either we prove that the improvements that have been made over the last few years have allowed us to become more responsible stewards of the lands and environment that we have been entrusted with—or we simply prove our critics and our detractors correct in saying this industry hasn’t changed and all the efforts around sustainability are a facade,” he said in an interview.

Paombong which was participated by 25 individuals and in Barangay San Jose, Calumpit which had 30 participating fishers.

T he 55 students enrolled in FFS are expected to graduate in July.

C arillo said, “FFS aims to increase aquaculture production in the province; and spread the natural farming of shrimp and fish [bangus and tilapia] through GWT which will serve as a fight against shrimp diseases, in addition to the benefits it brings to the fishery such as maintaining a lot of natural food and high oxygen levels in the fishery.”

S he added that this is done by greening the water with the right amount of fertilizer and dropping fish (tilapia or bangus) along with shrimps.

T he fisheries technologists of BFAR and PAO are the resource persons or trainers in the lectures and hands-on activities of FFS.

Raadee S. Sausa

the target volume of white onions for institutional buyers to ease the pressure on the red onion supply.

T he preliminary figure for importation is estimated at 8,800 metric tons, equivalent to two months’ worth of consumption, Estoperez said.

Meanwhile, the official said that while they are considering the setting of the suggested retail price (SRP) for onions, the supply inventory in cold storages must be released. “ We are considering all strategies to compel them to sell the onions in

their cold storages. Because this is abusive,” Estoperez said.

T he Bureau of Plant Industry has made an assurance that the Philippines currently has enough supply of red and white onions.

T he attached agency of the DA said the country will have white onions until mid-July while the supply of local red onions will last until November.

A side from calibrating imports and setting a suggested retail price for onions, the DA is keen on collaborating with the local price coor -

dinating councils and the Philippine Competition Commission to prevent price manipulation.

T he House Committee on Agriculture and Food has recently concluded its three-month probe into the sudden increase in onion prices last year. The panel found that that an onion cartel is allegedly “very much alive” in the country.

Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Mark Enverga formally asked law enforcement agencies to “smash” the onion cartel.

That’s why we are calling on the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation], PCC [Philippine Competition Commission], and DA [Department of Agriculture]: Please work together to expose the Onion Cartel,” Quimbo told reporters in a press briefing.

“ With the push of Speaker Martin Romualdez and the diligence of Chair Mark Enverga, the committee worked hard to investigate and completely break the onion cartel that little by little brings torture to our farmers and people.”

Pests, postharvest losses hurting mango industry–Villar

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SEN. Cynthia Villar vowed to support farmers and help them overcome challenges that prevent them from producing more quality mangoes.

A s presiding chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Villar is keen to boost the local mango industry known to produce the “best-tasting mangoes” in the world.

A ddressing members of the AANI Mango Industry Association Inc. during two-day 19th National Mango Festival over the weekend, Villar guaranteed she will push for its development and promotion.

T he festival with the theme, “Creating a Growth Strategies for the Mango Industry,” aims to promote the productivity, marketability and the viability of the Philippines’s national fruit.

V illar said that aside from the challenges being faced by the industry, she noted that the mango industry, composed of small farmers are not in organized plantation farms like the banana and pineapple industries.

T he Philippines ranks 10th in mango production in the world. The senator added that “our mango variety ‘Carabao,’ known in the international market as ‘Manila Super Mango’ is acclaimed as one of the best varieties globally.”

The industry is faced with de -

clining yield and quality attributed to pests and diseases, poor nutrient and water management, low adoption of improved technologies, and high postharvest losses.”

T he senator related that other industry problems include difficulty in farm operations, and high cost of production due to inefficient pesticide application.

It is important that mango owners have a good grasp of orchard management to produce good fruits

with proper pruning, fertilizer and sprayed, to avoid pests and diseases,” she said.

Now I heard that the biggest problem is the management of mango twig borer [MTB] and cecid fly or ‘kurikong,’ two of the most serious insect pests of mango.”

By adopting Good Agricultural Practices, she said farmers can produce higher yields of good quality fruits at a lower cost.

T he senator remains optimistic

that with the meeting of mango practitioners and the support of government through the High Value Crops Development Program of the Department of Agriculture, she believes “the gathering of stakeholders in the mango industry will produce very good and workable solutions to their problems.” Villar said mango is important in the Philippines “because it is the second largest most used fruit [28.2 percent] after banana [29.4 percent] in the world.”

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked World Bee Day 2023 last May 19 with a global ceremony in which participants emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices that respect the vital role pollinators play in nature.

FAO said pollination is essential for the maintenance of plant biodiversity, the survival of ecosystems. About 75 percent of the world’s crops—which produce fruits and other seeds for human consumption—depend, at least in part, on pollinators including bees.

Under the theme “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production,” World Bee Day 2023 draws attention to the threats endangering these insects and the need to address them.

M ajor producers in Indonesia and Malaysia have in recent years committed to zero-burning, and increased resources for monitoring hotspots and putting out fires. But local communities have a long history of setting fields ablaze as a cheap way to clear the land for growing oil palm, pulpwood and rubber trees.

T he likelihood of fires is “almost inevitable” during an El Niño, D’Cruz said. A lightning strike or a cigarette stub tossed in dry grass could ignite peatlands. During a hot and dry spell, fires can very easily burn out of control.

T he RSPO has started sending weather alerts to warn members of the risks of haze. It will provide guidelines in the coming days on how plantations can mitigate fires and ensure workers’ safety during the dry season.

We have the experience, we have the systems in place to know how to respond,” D’Cruz said. The industry should be prepared this time, he added.

Alberta wildfires

THE wildfire situation in Canada’s top energy-producing province of Alberta remained volatile Saturday,

while the disruptions to oil and gas production now have buyers facing supply cuts.

A t least two buyers were notified this week of force majeures and cuts of 5 percent or more to their receipts of low-sulfur Canadian crude this month, according to people familiar with the matter. Pembina Pipeline Corp. also declared force majeure on its Peace Pipeline system, which carries natural gas liquids from western oil and gas fields to the Edmonton area, according to two people who received the notice. Bloomberg News

Protecting bees and other pollinators is essential to guarantee agricultural production, food security, ecosystems restoration and at large plant health,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in his opening remarks at the event held on the eve of the official day, which annually falls on May 20 as designated by the UN.

Pollinator-friendly practices “include crop rotation and diversity, reducing the use of pesticides, and restoring and protecting the habitat of pollinators,” Qu added, noting that “even the adoption of precision agriculture tools and innovation can protect bees. Using technology and data to optimize fertilizer and irrigation practices can reduce excessive nutrients and chemicals in water, which harm pollinators and their habitats.”

“World Bee Day has contributed significantly to raising awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators and

to promoting international cooperation to protect them,” said Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, the country to initiate the establishment of a World Bee Day in 2016 at the FAO Regional Conference for Europe. “Slovenia alone has co-created more than 300 pollinator projects with partners on all continents. Pollinators have made their way into many more school curricula, political debates, research agendas, business plans and agricultural practices.”

In a panel discussion, bee and pollinator experts from around the world highlighted how unsustainable agriculture and pesticide abuse contribute to bees’ and other pollinators’ reduced access to food and nesting sites, exposing them to harmful chemicals that weaken their immune systems, sometimes going so far as to kill them. They also noted how intensive monoculture production often leads to the elimination of natural areas rich in flowering plants, which are replaced by a single large crop, making significant damage to biodiversity and ecosystems.

FAO’s commitment

LAST May 18, FAO hosted and coorganized together with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Apimondia, and the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana the second International Symposium on Biosecurity in Beekeeping, bringing participants up to date on the latest developments in bee biosecurity and the initiatives that the international organizations involved are applying in different areas of the world to ensure bee health.

SEN. Cynthia A. Villar (center), chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, inspects mangoes during the 19th National Mango Festival which kicked off last May 19 in Quezon City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

El Niño may bring smog and a chance of redemption for palm oil

‘Bees, pollinators need responsible agri that supports their role in nature’

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

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

ING PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Ortigas Ave. Ext., San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal/Laguna Technopark, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

42 PHILIPPINE MANUFACTURING CO. OF MURATA, INC.

Lot 2A, Phase 1B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Pantay Bata, City of Tanauan, Batangas

43 PHILKO TECH CORP.

Block 2, Lot 7, Calamba Premiere International Park, Batino, City of Calamba, Laguna

44 ZAMA PRECISION INDUSTRY MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES, INC.

Lot 6, First Philippine Industrial Park II, Santa Anastacia, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas

MOTOI, HIROYA

Business Division Sub Head of Washing Machine/Electric Fan Business Division

Brief Job Description:

Formulate annual & mid-term business plans, objectives and targets in line with corporate directions & ensure its implementation to achieve the department’s target

YOSHIMURA, KAORU Specialist

Brief Job Description:

Solving medium- and long-term procurement issues and facilitating procurement activities

KIM, YE JIN Director

Brief Job Description:

Oversee the company’s needs in terms of Financing and control the decision making

DREXLER, KEVIN MICHAEL Project Engineer

Brief Job Description:

Responsible of the project, follow up of new product development, and support the Industrialization Manager in his/her tasks when necessary.

Basic Qualification:

Excellent command of Nihongo (speaking, reading & writing) and have minimum 20 years work experience in WM/ Laundry manufacturing business as Supervisor/ Manager

Salary Range:

Php90,000 - Php149,999

Basic Qualification:

2-year work experience in Murata affiliates as a procurement specialist.

Salary Range:

Php90,000 - Php149,999

Basic Qualification: Must have knowledge in Financing strategy, business handling, production planning, business operations

Salary Range:

Php60,000 - Php89,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate

Salary Range:

Php150,000Php499,999

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 Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

By authority of the Regional Director:

The World

G-7 urges China to press Russia to end war in Ukraine, respect Taiwan’s status

By Elaine Kurtenbach The Associated Press

HIROSHIMA, Japan—

The Group of Seven wealthy democracies united in urging China to pressure its strategic partner Russia to end its war on Ukraine and resolve territorial disputes peacefully, and China lashed back.

In a joint statement, the G-7 leaders emphasized they did not want to harm China and were seeking “constructive and stable relations” with Beijing, “recognizing the importance of engaging candidly with and expressing our concerns directly to China.”

“We call on China to press Russia to stop its military aggression, and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine,” said the statement Saturday. “We encourage China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” including in direct talks with Ukraine.

Cooperation with China is needed given its global role and economic size, the group said, in appealing for working together on challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, debts and financing needs of vulnerable countries, global health concerns and economic stability.

But the leaders expressed “serious concern” about the situation in the East and South China seas, where Bei

jing has been expanding its military presence and threatening to use force to exert its control over self-governed Taiwan. They called for a “peaceful resolution” of China’s claim to Taiwan, which has remained unresolved since the communists gained power on the Chinese mainland in 1949.

The statement said there was “no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s militarization activities in the region.”

“A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest,” the statement said, alluding to charges that Beijing is undermining the “rules-based international order.”

The G-7 also united in voicing concerns about human rights in China, including in Tibet, in Hong Kong and in the far western region of Xinjiang, where the issue of forced labor is a perennial issue.

But the statement also sought to counter accusations that the G-7 is seeking to prevent China’s rise as a global power.

“Our policy approaches are not designed to harm China nor do we seek to thwart China’s economic progress and development,” it said. The statement highlighted a consensus that

efforts to diversify manufacturing supply chains and ensure stable access to strategically vital minerals and other resources is not aimed at unraveling trade ties with the world’s second-largest economy.

“We are not decoupling or turning inwards,” the statement said. “At the same time, we recognize that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying. We will take steps, individually and collectively, to invest in our own economic vibrancy. We will reduce excessive dependencies in our critical supply chains.”

At the same time, the G-7 members vowed to take a stand against various types of “economic coercion,” saying they “will counter malign practices, such as illegitimate technology transfer or data disclosure,” while also avoiding “unduly limiting trade and investment.”

China reacts with outrage

C H INESE o fficials have reacted to various G-7 statements about economic coercion and other issues with outrage.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the G-7 “used issues concerning China to smear and attack China and brazenly interfere

in China’s internal affairs. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has made serious démarches to the summit’s host Japan and other parties concerned.”

“The G-7 needs to stop pointing fingers at China on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet and take a hard look at their own history and human rights record,” it said. Taiwan, meanwhile, thanked the G-7 for its support.

“Taiwan will stand alongside with democracies and communities of the world to cooperate in defusing the risks,” its president, Tsai Ing-wen, said Saturday. “Nowadays, the consensus around the world is very clear, which is the fact that cross-strait issues have to be solved in a peaceful manner. War is not an option,” she said at a news conference.

Apart from Japan, this year’s host of the leader’s annual summit, the G-7 includes the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and Italy and the European Union.

The G-7 statement was released on the second day of a three-day summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Hiroshima on Saturday to participate in meetings planned for Sunday.

Pope tasks cardinal to pave ‘paths to peace’ in Ukraine

ROME—Pope Francis has tasked a leading Italian cardinal with a mission in hopes it can “ease tensions” in the Ukraine war and lead to a path of peace, the Vatican said Saturday.

In a brief written statement, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that Francis had entrusted the mission to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who is close to the pontiff.

Bruni said the timetable and the mechanics of the mission “are currently under study.”

Just a week earlier, Francis held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican. Afterwards, Zelenskyy, when asked about their meeting, indicated he thought that any mediation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was impossible.

At the end of April, flying back to Rome from a pilgrimage in Hungary, Francis indicated to reporters

aboard the plane that the Vatican was involved in some kind of peace mission but declined to give details.

“I can confirm that Pope Francis has tasked Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president

of the Italian Bishops Conference, with conducting a mission, in agreement with the (Vatican) Secretariat of State, that would contribute to easing the tensions in the conflict in Ukraine, in the hope, never given

up by the Holy Father, that this can launch paths of peace,’’ Bruni said.

“The timings of such a mission, and its ways, are currently under study,’’ the spokesman said.

Earlier in the week, an Italian website that focuses on Vatican issues indicated that the pope had tapped personal envoys to talk to both Zelenskyy and Putin in hopes of brokering a cease-fire.

The brief statement Saturday evening by the Vatican made no mention of Russia.

Francis has repeatedly denounced the war, warned against a buildup of weapons in the conflict and prayed for the suffering Ukrainian people. He generally has shied away, in his many comments on the war, from blaming Putin.

The pontiff has said he would go to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, if the pilgrimage would help bring peace, but said that could happen only if he could also visit Moscow. AP

Israelis protest govt plans to weaken Supreme Court

TEL AVIV—Thousands of Is -

raelis protested on Saturday against contentious plans by their hardline government to overhaul the judiciary, as the protest campaign showed no signs of abating nearly five months on.

The main protest took place in Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic hub on the Mediterranean, with smaller other rallies across the country. Last Saturday, organizers of the grassroot demonstration cancelled the weekly

for progress

By Kevin Freking & Seung Min Kim The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Debt

limit negotiations be -

tween the White House and House Republicans hung over the weekend with tough talk but little action, as President Joe Biden and world leaders kept watch from afar hoping high-stakes discussions would make progress on avoiding a potentially catastrophic federal default.

The Biden administration and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., are racing for a budget deal that would pave the way to increase the nation’s debt limit.

Republicans are demanding steep spending cuts that Democrats oppose as too severe. The two sides are up against a deadline as soon as June 1 to raise its borrowing limit, now at $31 trillion, so the government can keep paying the nation’s bills.

With talks frozen on Saturday as each side accused the other of being unreasonable, Biden was frequently briefed on the status of negotiations and directed his team to set up a call with McCarthy on Sunday morning, after he concludes meetings at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

The decision to set up a call came after another start-stop day with no outward signs of progress. Food was brought to the negotiating room at the Capitol on Saturday morning, only to be carted away hours later, and no meeting was expected. Talks, though, could resume on Sunday after the two leaders’ conversation.

“The Speaker’s team put on the table an offer that was a big step back and contained a set of extreme partisan demands that could never pass both Houses of Congress,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement late Saturday.

“Let’s be clear: The President’s team is ready to meet any time,” said Jean-Pierre, adding that Republican leadership is beholden to its extreme wing in threatening default.

McCarthy tweeted that it was the White House that was “moving backward in negotiations.”

He said “the socialist wing” of the Democratic party appears to be in control, “especially with President Biden out of the country.” Biden, attending the meeting of the world’s most powerful democracies, tried to reassure them on Saturday that the United States would not default, a scenario that would rattle the world economy. He said he felt there was headway in the talks.

“The first meetings weren’t all that progressive, the second ones were, the third one was,” he said. The president added that he believes “we’ll be able to avoid a default, and we’ll get something decent done.”

For months, Biden had refused to engage in talks over the debt limit, insisting that Congress must not play political games by trying to use the borrowing limit vote as leverage to extract other policy priorities.

But as the deadline approaches as soon as June 1 when Treasury says it could run out of cash, and Republicans put their own legislation on the table, the White House launched on a budget deal that would unlock voting on the debt limit.

policies to raise revenues in order to further increase deficit savings, but McCarthy’s representatives are refusing to consider them.

The proposal likely falls short of what McCarthy wants for a deal as he faces a restive hard-right flank demanding budget cuts. House Republicans passed their own bill that would roll back spending to fiscal 2022 levels and impose a 1% cap on spending going forward for a decade.

In negotiations, House Republicans have called for defense spending to increase for the coming 2024 fiscal year, even as they want overall spending to decrease, the person said. The person said education, health care, Meals on Wheels and other programs would then “bear the entire burden of harsh cuts.” Republicans have refused to roll back the Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and wealthy households as Biden’s own budget has proposed.

Negotiations heading into the weekend had been dizzying. McCarthy said Friday it was time to “pause” talks but then the two sides convened again in the evening, only to quickly call it quits for the night.

“We reengaged, had a very, very candid discussion,” Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., a negotiator on McCarthy’s side, said Friday evening.

As the White House team left the nighttime session, Biden counselor Steve Ricchetti, who is leading talks for the Democrats, said he was hopeful. “We’re going to keep working,” he said.

McCarthy had said resolution to the standoff is “easy,” if only Biden’s team would agree to some spending cuts Republicans are demanding. The biggest impasse was over the fiscal 2024 top-line budget amount, according to a person briefed on the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them. Democrats contend the steep reductions Republicans have put on the table would be potentially harmful to Americans, and they are insisting that Republicans agree to tax increases on the wealthy, in addition to spending cuts, to close the deficit.

Wall Street turned lower Friday as negotiations came to a sudden halt. Experts have warned that even the threat of a debt default could spark a recession.

Republicans argue the nation’s deficit spending needs to get under control, aiming to roll back spending to fiscal 2022 levels and restrict future growth. But Biden’s team is countering that the caps Republicans proposed in their Housepassed bill would amount to 30% reductions in some programs if Defense and veterans are spared, according to a memo from the Office of Management and Budget.

Any deal would need the support of both Republicans and Democrats to find approval in a divided Congress and be passed into law. Negotiators are eyeing a more narrow budget cap deal of a few years, rather than the decade-long caps Republicans initially wanted, and clawing back some $30 billion of unspent Covid-19 funds.

Still up for debate are policy changes, including a framework for permitting reforms to speed the development of energy projects, as well as the Republican push to impose work requirements on government aid recipients that Biden has been open to but the House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York has said was a “nonstarter.”

protest due to security concerns as Israel traded fire with militants in the Gaza Strip.

The protesters want the plans that were proposed by the most hardline government in Israel’s history to be scrapped rather than delayed as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in March.

Earlier this week, Israel’s president hosted representatives of the government and opposition parties for talks about the legal changes as parties tried

to reach a compromise.

The plans plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises, ripping open longstanding societal rifts and creating new ones. While the freeze in the legislation eased tensions somewhat, Netanyahu’s allies are pushing him to move ahead on the overhaul.

Proponents of the plan, which would weaken the Supreme Court and limit judicial oversight on legislation and government decisions, say it is necessary to rein in what they say is

an interventionist court and restore power to elected lawmakers. Opponents say it would upset Israel’s delic ate system of checks and balances and imperil its democratic fundamentals.

Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, faced a barrage of criticism over the legal plan from a broad swath of Israeli society, including business leaders, the booming tech sector and military reservists, who threatened not to show up for duty if the plan was approved. AP

The latest proposal from the White House would keep discretionary spending flat from the current 2023 levels into fiscal 2024, according to a person familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

That would essentially cut spending in real terms, when adjusted for inflation, the person said. The spending changes offered by the White House would produce roughly $1 trillion in deficit savings. Biden’s team has pushed for

McCarthy faces pressures from his hard-right flank to cut the strongest deal possible for Republicans, and he risks a threat to his leadership as speaker if he fails to deliver. Many House Republicans are unlikely to accept any deal with the White House. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Josh Boak in Hiroshima, Japan, and AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and AP writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington contributed to this report.

Debt limit talks freeze as Biden, world leaders watch

Po P e Francis leaves after an audience with the dioceses of Spoleto and Norcia in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Lea D er S and delegates, including US President Joe Biden, right, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, center left, attend the G-7 o utreach Session during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

TRANSPORT ADVOCATES

MOTORBIKE TAXIS

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

TRANSPORT advocacy

network The Passenger Forum (TPF) want lawmakers to certify the Motorcycle (MC) Taxi Bill as urgent, given that this new mode of transportation has proven to be a viable alternative to other transport modes.

P rimo Morillo, the convener of TPF, said the legalization of MC taxis “will help commuters cope with the current deficit in public transport options.”

Legalizing MC taxis must also include provisions that ensure passenger safety, proper training of riders, and accident insurance. We are pinning our hopes on the 19th Congress to act with urgency,” he said, noting how  “commuters truly appreciate MC taxis, as we’ve seen how the demand for it is high especially during rush hours and paydays.”

T he bill was nearly approved during the 18th Congress, with 20 authors crafting similar versions of the bill in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

However, after the elections, the bill has yet to move forward, leaving the legalization of motorcycle taxis hanging.

Motorcycle taxis are currently operating under a pilot

study, as they have yet to be legally recognized as a form of public transportation.

Lawmakers from the previous Congress have started the ball rolling to legalize them but their effort was halted due to the pandemic.  For now, the government has limited the operation of motorcycle taxis to three companies, which are required to provide the government necessary data to prove that they are a safe mode of transportation for the public.

T he three companies are Angkas, JoyRide and Move It.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said he is asking Congress to hasten deliberations on crafting a law that will enable the government to regulate motorcycle taxis.  Morillo noted that the law will help the government’s aim to minimize unemployment without costing the government anything, while also widening the government’s tax base.

The economy will significantly benefit from MC taxi legalization. Commuting workers and small business owners will enjoy faster travel time, thousands of motorcyclists will be employed, and of course, the government will collect taxes from all MC taxi transactions,” he said.

After dataset cleanup, infra cost cut to ₧8.2T

THE total estimated amount of the government’s approved infrastructure project is down to P8.167 trillion from P9 trillion after officials cleaned datasets containing projects with “redundant” funding sources.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno explained that the total amount of the 194 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) was lowered after the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) found the “redundancies.”

D iokno explained in a recent press briefing, “Sometimes what is listed is GAA/PPP [General Ap -

propriations Act /Public-Private Partnership]. They now have a better handle of the funding sources.”

B ased on data released by the DOF, the bulk of the funding source for the IFPs or about  P4.51 trillion would come from Official Development Assistance (ODA) while P2.51 trillion will be bankrolled via PPP scheme.

T he government through the GAA will finance P850.58 billion of the IFPs costs while P95.42 billion will be a mix of GAA and PPP. About P64.92 billion of funding source would come from combined ODA and PPP.

DOLE-led meet yields no pay-hike consensus

LABOR and employer groups failed to forge a consensus on proposed  wage hikes during the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) held by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last week.

I n an SMS, Nagkaisa labor coalition chair and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula said additional pay was among the issues discussed.

“No common agreement specific on wages but workers raised the issue of reviewing the regional wage mechanism including its abolition.”

Nagkaisa and other members of the All Philippine Trade Unions (APTU) support the pending bill for a legislated across-the-board wage hike of P150 to workers.

T hey said it will help workers cope with rising cost of living and prime the economy at the same time.

M ajor employer groups rejected the bill, saying it will drive away investors and worsen inflation.

M atula said another highlight of the meeting was the commitment of Labor Secretary Bienvenido E.

Hurt by inflation, retailers resort to cost-cutting–PRA

By Andrea E. San Juan

Some retailers will probably, to improve the bottom line...engage in cost reduction probably in this case for most unprofitable stores, reduce operating hours, maybe reduce employees...that’s the last option,” PRA Chairman Paul A. Santos told reporters on the sidelines of the Global Anti-Illicit Trade Summit organized by Economist Impact recently in Taguig City.  S antos noted that now that the pandemic restrictions are gone, people have come back to shopping

and “a lot of reports suggest that retailers have enjoyed an increase in sales, but have yet to achieve sales levels matching that in 2019.” He said some forecasts of local retailers may be reached by yearend. However, he stressed that the “biggest damper” to economic recovery in the retail sector is inflation.

S antos illustrated the trend in the behavior of consumers as inflation prompted them to be mindful of how they spend their money.

“ We’re seeing a lot of consum-

ers, apart from the initial wave of big spending, the period when the lockdown was relaxed, people are realizing that stuff is more expensive than it used to be and they are now prioritizing what to spend, how much to spend,” the PRA chairman said.

“ So inflation is probably the 600to 700-pound bear in the room that puts a damper on the prospects of economic recovery, improvement in retailing business,” Santos quipped.

Meanwhile, the PRA chairman unveiled strategies that local retailers “will probably” adopt as they respond to the threat of inflation.

O ne of these is engaging in “more promotions throughout 2023 to attract lost business,” he said.

A t the same time, Santos said some retailers may explore other revenue streams like improving their online business or expanding in “previously unserved” markets in the Philippines; some will probably look for alternate sources of supply. However, he noted that “with inflation being what it is around the world, maybe that’s

not possible.”

A nother strategy is to introduce different packaging sizes. Instead of offering a product that weighs a hundred grams, retailers could opt to reduce it to 95 grams to be able to retain the price point, he said.

So [there are many] techniques. There are a lot of techniques to be able to at least regain some of the lost business and maybe grow it somewhat. There are both techniques to improve sales or techniques that will reduce your cost.

It will devolve around these two general directions,” he said.

T he Philippines’s headline inflation slowed to 6.6 percent in April, the slowest in eight months and the third consecutive decline for the year, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). P SA data showed inflation slowed from 7.6 percent in March but was still higher than the 4.3 percent posted in April 2022. The rate in April was the slowest since August 2022 when inflation was at 6.3 percent.

Laguesma to consult stakeholders on the report which they will present to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

T he report will contain updates on the government response on the recommendation of the ILO-High Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) that visited the country in January to look into the alleged mass labor violations.

“ We discussed that before the submission of [DOLE’s] final report to ILO, it will be first tackled in the NTIPC,” Matula said.

O ther matters tackled in the NTIPC meeting were the DOLE’s pending Labor and Employment Plan and updates on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11551 or the Act Integrating Labor Education to Tertiary Education.

“DOLE said it will facilitate TU [trade union] dialogue with CHED [Commission on Higher Education], which is in charge of drafting the IRR,” Matula said.

T he NTIPC is the consultative advisory council of the DOLE, with representatives from the government, employers and workers.  Samuel P. Medenilla

TECH-FREE HAPPINESS In the picturesque setting of Barangay Inarawan, Antipolo City, the essence of childhood bliss thrives as children immerse themselves in the timeless joys of physical play. Unaffected by the enchantment of technology, their hearts are captivated by the simple pleasures of running, tagging, pushing, and extending helping hands, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with happiness and unbreakable bonds of camaraderie. BERNARD TESTA

File raps vs onion cartel–Speaker to agencies

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday urged concerned authorities to pursue the leads uncovered by the lower chamber’s probe into an alleged onion cartel and file charges to end their illegal scheme.

T he Speaker aired this call after Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo named interconnected personalities and business entities involved in the onion trade that—taken together with their op -

eration, resources and influence— bear the hallmarks of a cartel.

“ I call on the concerned authorities like the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Competition Commission and the Department of Agriculture to work together to stamp out this cartel and spare our people from further suffering caused by their unscrupulous trade practices,” Romualdez said in a statement.

The extensive hearings conducted by the House have already provided good leads which our authorities can follow to build an air

tight case and prosecute those involved,” he added.

R omualdez noted that, among others, unfair trade practices may be prosecuted under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), which penalizes businesses found to have engaged in anti-competitive agreements with a fine of up to P100 million, and imprisonment of up to 7 years.

T he fines may be tripled if trade of basic necessities, including agricultural products identified by the Price Act, are involved in cartel or abuse of dominance violations.

The Filipino people deserve to have access to affordable food. We will not rest until we achieve this goal,” he stressed.

It could be recalled that when prices of onion surged to over P700 a kilo in December last year Speaker Romualdez called for a congressional investigation in aid of legislation to address the issue.

In her statement, Quimbo tagged Lilia or Leah Cruz as “Sibuyas Queen” who is at the center of her onion cartel theory, as well as the Philippine VIEVA Group of Companies (PhilVIEVA) and its allied firms.

LOCAL retailers are resorting to cost-cutting strategies such as reducing operating hours as they bear the brunt of inflation, according to the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

editorial

If there’s onion cartel, what makes it thrive?

The house Committee on Agriculture and Food last week categorically declared that an onion cartel is “very much alive” in the country. The announcement came after the house body concluded its three-month probe into the ridiculous increase in onion prices last year. Through evil machinations, the price of red and white onions significantly spiked nationwide in 2022, reaching P700 per kilo in December from P100 six months earlier.

Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo asked law enforcement agencies to break the onion cartel: “We are calling on the NBI, Philippine Competition Commission, and the DA: Please work together to break the onion cartel. With the push of Speaker Martin Romualdez and the diligence of Chair Enverga, the committee worked hard to investigate and expose the onion cartel that brings torture to our farmers and people,” said Quimbo. (Read, “House probe confirms existence of cartel behind skyrocketing price of onions in 2022,” in the BusinessMirror, May 18, 2023).

“It did not help that many of the witnesses were not truthful with their testimonies. But the document does not lie. A careful scrutiny of numerous public documents, including General Information Sheets, registries of the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Trade and Industry; the income statements submitted to the SEC and the Committee, and the inventory reports submitted to the Committee led me to the conclusion that the onion cartel is very much alive in our country,” said Quimbo.

According to Quimbo, one Leah Cruz is allegedly the “reigning undisputed onion queen.” The solon added: “Leah Cruz operates the biggest onion cartel in the country. She does this through a SEC registered corporation called Philippine VIEVA Corporation. This was created at the time when she was first tagged as ‘sibuyas queen’ in a series of news reports in 2012. She is the effective majority owner of the company.”

Quimbo said three companies are also found under Cruz—Yom Trading, La Reina, and Vegefru Producing Store—the largest importers of yellow onions in 2022, with a total volume of 5,445.66 metric tons (MT) or 68.74 percent of total imported volume. Their 2022 imports of red onions reached 7,648.81 MT or 41 percent of total imported volume, the lawmaker said.

Quimbo explained that PhilVIEVA is a fully integrated corporation that covers almost all operations in the onion industry—from farming, trading, cold storage and trucking.

The lawmaker said although Cruz has been blacklisted in the DA as an importer, she could allegedly import through her partners in PhilVIEVA. Aside from PhilVIEVA, Quimbo said they also use dummy corporations, which she said includes onion importers Vegefru Producing Store and Rosal Fruit and Vegetable Trading.

“They are out of PhilVIEVA, but they also belong to Leah Cruz. When we asked her in the hearing if she knew the owner of these dummy corporations, Leah Cruz bluntly said that she did not know who the owners were. But the documents don’t lie. Based on the public documents submitted by these corporations, we discovered that the registered telephone numbers of these corporations are identical to the phone numbers of Ms. Lea Cruz’s office. How is PhilVIEVA being used to increase onion prices? To be able to manipulate the price, you must have control of a lot of supply of onions. This is where PhilVIEVA’s power comes from,” said Quimbo.

Despite all the issues on smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and agricultural cartels, no one has ever been convicted since the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 10845, Sen. Cynthia Villar said Thursday, as she pressed for the passage of a measure creating special courts against farm product smuggling. (Read, “Anti-agri smuggling courts pushed,” in the BusinessMirror, May 19, 2023).

Presiding over a Senate hearing of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform on measures seeking to amend RA 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law, Villar said the law was enacted for the purpose of protecting farmers and the local agricultural industry from smuggling. However, she lamented that “we could barely feel the positive impact of this law.”

Senator Villar is on the right track. It would do well for Congress to act on her proposals: Inclusion of acts of hoarding, profiteering, and cartel of agricultural products in the list of crimes involving economic sabotage, and the creation of an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force, Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Court, and a special team of prosecutors to assist the task force in the expeditious prosecution of cases. It’s about time we put economic saboteurs behind bars.

A celebration of books

RISING SUN

hAPPenIng next week in Manila is the “largest traveling Pinoy book festival in the Philippines”—the Philippine Book Festival (PBF). There will be two legs to this national event, the Manila leg from June 2 to 4 (World Trade Center) and the one in Davao from August 18 to 20, 2023 (SMX Davao).

There is a reason why it’s dubbed the largest traveling Pinoy book festival—there are more than 140 publishers participating, more than 80 events, three book exhibitions, and thousands of books for sale. There are also various sections/ areas that guests can visit: Kid Lit (children’s books), Komiks (Pinoy komiks), Booktopia (favorite fiction and non-fiction titles), and Aral Aklat (educational textbooks and materials).

As far as events go, the PBF will be hosting meet and greet events with

renowned authors and illustrators; exhibits, talks and workshops on topics such as writing, local publishing, cross-media adaptation, etc.; literary discussions and debates; and many more. For families, storytelling sessions, special tours, and other family-oriented activities and programs will also be showcased.

To view the updated list of events, please visit bit.ly/PBFManila

For many, the primary motivation for attending events such as the PBF would always be the wide array of titles available for purchase. The

As far as events go, the PBF will be hosting meet and greet events with renowned authors and illustrators; exhibits, talks and workshops on topics such as writing, local publishing, cross-media adaptation, etc.; literary discussions and debates; and many more. For families, storytelling sessions, special tours, and other family-oriented activities and programs will also be showcased. To view the updated list of events, please visit bit.ly/PbFmanila

National Book Development Board (NBDB), the government agency in charge of the book publishing sector and promotion of readership in the country, has made sure that exclusive deals and offers on Pinoy titles will please the audience. There will be new and diverse titles across all genres, and there’s even a special section where guests can browse and read—the Book Nook. Those who are interested in discovering the latest technology in digital publishing and exploring the world of e-books

will be happy to know that this will also be given the spotlight during the festival.

Finally, participants will be treated to live performances by actors and storytellers. All of these are accessible free of charge to guests of all ages. For PBF Manila, the celebration starts at 4:00 p.m. on June 2 and will end at 9:00 p.m. On June 3 and 4, the program starts at 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit the web site www.philippinebookfest.com n n n

HERE ’S a special invite to visit the booth of The Indie Publishers Collab PH at the PBF to check out the publications of LitArt Publishing as well as the other independent publishers under The Indie Pub Collab umbrella.

“The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright” (LitArt Publishing) will be available for sale. This book is a valuable resource and a must-read for freelance writers and other kinds of freelancers working in the country. To reserve or order a copy of the book, interested parties may send a message via facebook. com/litarthub

Pagcor warns licensees to abide by Philippine laws

LITO GAGNI

The Philippine Amusement and gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is continuing its mandate to ensure that offshore gaming firms and other service providers abide by the country’s laws lest their operations get suspended, and after due process, are cancelled. And what is notable about this is that the gaming agency has linked up with the authorities to ensure that its licensees toe the line.

So far, Pagcor is enjoying the benefits of this tie-up with authorities, especially with the advent of technology where offshore gaming firms come up with new modes of escaping the watchful eyes of Pagcor and the authorities. One such partnership with the authorities and even local eyes involved that of CGC Technologies whose operation was subjected to an inter-agency search operation on May 4.

What Pagcor found out revealed the extent of the illegal activities that offshore gaming firms resort to. First, CGC Technologies is accredited for two of its sites in the Clark Economic Zone. But it actually has six gaming sites scattered in the six buildings that it is renting. Now, more than 1,000 computers that were being used by CGC Technologies are being subjected to forensic investigation to determine what

other illegal activities the company is doing.

The suspension of CGC Technologies shows that Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco is determined to weed out the criminal elements in offshore gaming sites, even as the gaming agency itself tries to fulfill its mandate within the bounds of the law.

Thus, CGC was served a suspension order and later when subsequent investigations revealed other criminal activities, its license was revoked. Pagcor could have just closed the gaming facility and revoked its license immediately, but that move can be challenged in court. After all, that is what due process is all about, and it is notable of Tengco to abide by this legal doctrine.

With the suspension of CGC Technologies, which was found out employing citizens from Bhutan, China, Vietnam, Nepal and Indonesia,

Outside of updating the regulatory manuals and peering into the finances of Pagcor, Tengco has also set his sights on contributing to the country’s tourism push with a photo contest that will showcase the best places that local and foreign tourists can visit.

Tengco reiterated Pagcor’s warning for offshore gaming licensees and accredited service providers to strictly toe Pagcor’s rules and regulations, which incorporate the guidelines that authorities have drawn out for them to follow.

CGC, whose license was granted on September 2, 2021, was raided by a combined force that include the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Special Action Forces, the Intelligence Group of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking. The raid followed tips that it is engaged in credit card fraud, serious illegal detention and human trafficking activities.

Aside from a watchful eye for criminal activities that offshore gaming licensees resort to, Tengco is also embracing transparency and governance rules in his stewardship of the gaming agency. Recently, he announced the forthcoming sale of the agency’s own casinos so that Pagcor can concentrate on its regulatory function and in the process earn for the government at least P80 billion

when it bids out the Casino Filipino brand. That means additional dividends that Pagcor can chip into the national treasury.

In a way, Tengco will be able to concentrate on Pagcor’s regulatory function and in so doing he has already updated the agency’s junket licensing and casino operation rules and even established a regulatory framework for online poker. By ensuring a level playing field, Pagcor will be able to grow its business and contribute substantial dividends to the government. This he does while poring over the agency’s expenditures.

Tengco’s eye for detail was so focused that he even poked his nose into the rental payments that Pagcor is paying for the hotels and other establishments where Casino Filipinos are located. And he found out that some of the establishments are collecting more than the others, which runs smack into his transparency rules. We understand that what he found out surprised him and the other officials of Pagcor.

Outside of updating the regulatory manuals and peering into the finances of Pagcor, Tengco has also set his sights on contributing to the country’s tourism push with a photo contest that will showcase the best places that local and foreign tourists can visit. The contest has a great theme and it will allow budding photographers to submit photos of hitherto unknown places that tourists are enticed to visit.

Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

Rusu EugEn Catalin / DRE amstimE Com

Joel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT

The Official Receipt (OR) for sale tele-tax-novela now shifts to the episode of the investigation to be conducted by the Board of Accountancy (BOA) and a hearing Officer designated by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) previously filed an administrative case against the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for violating the Philippines Accountancy Act of 2004 and the various rules and regulations.

In the BIR complaint, the BIR sought to have the BoA revoke the professional license of the erring CPA. The CPA was charged with being grossly negligent in conducting his external audit of the financial reports and records of the Mastermind who defrauded the government of billions of pesos of tax revenues. This crime was perpetrated by the Mastermind who printed fake or ghost ORs and sold these to opportunistic Buyers who illegally used these to pad their business deductions and value-added tax credits.

The CPA’s participation in this OR for sale crime was his issuance of a clean unqualified opinion on the fairness of the financial statements of the Buyers of these fake ORs.

The BoA now has to deliberate on the merits of the case and the submissions of the CPA respondent and his lawyer, and the complainant BIR. The BoA, in the conduct of its hearings, will have to assess the likely contention of the lawyer of the CPA that his client has dutifully complied with all the accounting and auditing standards in his external audit engagement and issuing the unqualified opinion on the fairness of the Buyers’ financial statements.

The lawyers will argue that the CPA auditor is not responsible for perusing each of the many voluminous documents and ORs of the Buyers to detect if there are fake ORs.The CPA will argue that detecting fraud arising from ghost ORs is beyond the scope of his audit engagement.

The BoA will have to assess the complaint of the BIR, by requiring

documents and processes, that were not included in the submission of the BIR. I have not yet read the BIR complaints, but I am quite certain that this contains general information on the alleged violations of the CPAs with details limited to documents and representations that are readily available. The BIR may not even present any witnesses to bolster its case.

It is in the best interest of BoA and the image of the accountancy profession for it to pro-actively exhaust all remedies and actions to ensure that there is a thorough and judicious investigation of this case. The BoA can invoke the Modes of Discovery provision of Section 6 of the PRC Resolution 2017-1033(A) during its conduct of the investigation. This will allow the submission or securing of previously undisclosed documents that will help the BoA assess the extent of the respondent CPA’s professional conduct, or the material lack of this, in this OR for sale episode. My article next week will dwell on this.

To be continued.

Joel L. Tan-Torres was the former Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business. Previously, he was the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, and partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He is now back to his tax practice with his firm JL2T Consulting. He can be contacted at joeltantorress@yahoo.com

Computare (The mess in RSBS)

Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

When we compute, we count. And when we count, we take an account, for purposes of accountability. hence, the term accountable originates from the Latin computare, “to count.” Since much has been discussed as to how a soldier’s pension in the Philippines has been “computed” these days, a historical reference should be drawn for a better understanding by those affected by the pension—the budget fiscal manager and the soldier-recipients of these funds.

It was by the dint of martial law that then President Ferdinand E. Marcos devised a funding scheme separate from the annual appropriations source to support the military pension system. His laudable intent more than half a century ago was to protect “the welfare of those who serve in the Armed Forces of the Philippines after their retirement or honorable separation.” Thus, Presidential Decree 361 providing for an Armed Forces Retirement and Separation Benefits System was created, pursuant to Republic Act 340. It had seed money from the government coffers of P200 million and was supposed to be funded by members’ contribution equivalent to 5 percent (formerly 4 percent) of the soldier’s basic pay, among others. Chaired by the Chief of Staff of the AFP, RSBS or the “System” proceeded to embark on an assortment of projects from lending enterprises to money market and stocks investments, to real estate purchases, to joint venture partnerships, and the like. The RSBS leadership pursued and managed an array of big ticket, if not imposing, investment blueprints supposedly “for the welfare” of the recipients of the fund. The grand plan was sound enough to merit amendments pertaining to membership and rate of contributions via PD 1656 (in 1979) and PD 1909 (in 1984). With all the laudable objectives of the System, however, the tangible results speak otherwise as the funds were grossly mismanaged throughout the years.

The pension for the soldiers remains fully subsidized by taxpayers despite the existence of RSBS, which was created exactly to relieve the national budget of such burden. When I was in RSBS, the actuaries

reflected a seemingly unreachable year as to when the System will attain self-sufficiency. Pension is funded through the government’s annual budget. The Commission on Audit submitted an audit observation report that basically said that all payments for said pension remain sourced, before and after the promulgation of the Charter, from the regular annual appropriations of the AFP as set out in the GAA. This led to the deactivation of the RSBS and the transfer of its assets in trust to a government financial institution (GFI) via Executive Order 590 and 590A (in the years 2006 and 2007).

Since RSBS has been in the process of winding down its business for several years now, this country is on the brink of financial implosion due to the growing pension needs of soldiers. Worth sharing is that this excruciating problem, which this current administration faces, was exponentially exacerbated when then President Duterte doubled the soldiers’ salaries a few years ago. Per 2021 GSIS report, government needed P848.39 billion annually for the succeeding 20 years just to fund the pension. As this endowment takes up more and more of the Defense department’s budget every year, especially since the retirees’ pensions are adjusted to current levels, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno sounded the alarm! He is wary of a “fiscal collapse,” if the issue is not resolved sooner. The same anxiety was actually shared by former Senator and police general Panfilo Lacson who referred to the pension scheme as a “fiscal disaster.”

The “collapse” or “disaster” has already creeped through the doors of the System long before the doomsday assessment of Secretary Diokno and

former Senator Lacson. Those who were entrusted to make the fund grow and attain self-sufficiency in paying the handsome pension of the AFP simply failed in their stewardship duties. Pursuant to the findings of the COA, there are unreconciled balances in the members’ contributions (MC) and estimated liability on MC earnings’ account, amounting to P7.268 billion and P2.294 billion. There are likewise no updated subsidiary ledgers, rendering as dubious the accuracy and correctness of the members’ data as presented. Add to this the dormant accounts receivables, as well as the lack of due diligence in the acquisition of certain real properties. Disturbingly, the leadership of the System, during those investment years, bungled its mission of self-sufficiency due to the lack of accountability as reflected in a few court cases against some of its supposed stewards. In due deference to the leaders of RSBS, the failure in stewardship reverberates in any individual or in some institutions as well. Apparently, “stewardship is often misunderstood, partially grasped, or not on anyone’s radar at all,” to borrow a marketing author’s words. For a believer, stewardship is a calling highlighted throughout the Bible. It influences the way he lives his life for the glory of his Creator—the one true spring of these resources. “Christian stewardship” is therefore distinguished as “the practice of selflessly managing everything we have—our talents, time, money, relationships, health, etc. for God’s glory.”

The leaders in RSBS were entrusted with the responsibility of managing the pension fund, just as God put man in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15 of the Bible). Both were expected to be good stewards. Similarly, all of us are invited to the same calling with regard to time, money and possession, especially with those belonging to others. We are expected to possess stewardship skills—“the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” Among the many eminent aspects of stewardship as ensconced in the Holy Scriptures, the concept of accountability stands out, especially having assumed positions of responsibility in the public and private sector. Accountability in the Bible is predicated on the Parable of the Talents where a wealthy man entrusted gold to servants he had left at home to travel.

Upon his return, the master calls his servants to give account for the treasure. Two of the servants doubled the gold they had received by making wise investments. The master commended them: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23). One of the servants, however, was anxious about losing what he had been given, so he hid the gold instead of investing it. His master condemned him for not being a good steward: “Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has 10 bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:27-30). Such is the story of some of the leaders of RSBS whose accountability has been judged by the courts.

The soldier in me shares the sentiment of many others who were hoping that RSBS would have leaders with steward-like qualities. RSBS would have accomplished its singular mission, if only its leaders pursued one of its Ten-Point-Agenda—“Transparency and Accountability.” Some of the characteristics of people with the virtue of accountability are that they desire to grow others, they are disciplined, and, most importantly, they have a code of ethics. True to the very essence of stewardship that whenever anything is entrusted, like those leaders in RSBS back then, there is a fiduciary duty of care and diligence for the gain of its beneficiaries. There is logic behind it being called a Trust fund. But alas, as my niece would say, anyare?

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.

Could the conflict in Ukraine have been prevented?

By Susie Blann & Zeke Miller

The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that Bakhmut was “only in our hearts,” hours after Russia’s defense ministry reported that forces of the Wagner private army, with the support of Russian troops, had seized the city in eastern Ukraine.

Speaking alongside US President Joe Biden at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Zelenskyy said he believed the city had fallen, but added: “You have to understand that there is nothing,” saying of the Russians, “They destroyed everything.”

“For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts,” he said. “There is nothing in this place.”

The Russian ministry statement on the Telegram channel came about eight hours after a similar claim by Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Ukrainian authorities at that time said that fighting for Bakhmut was continuing.

Zelenskyy’s comments came as Biden announced $375 million more in aid for Ukraine, which included more ammunition, artillery, and vehicles.

The eight-month battle for Bakhmut is the longest and probably bloodiest of the conflict in Ukraine.

Analysts said that Russia’s victory in Bakhmut was unlikely to turn the tide in the war.

The Russian capture of the last

remaining ground in Bakhmut is “not tactically or operationally significant,” a Washington-based think tank said late Saturday evening. The Institute for the Study of War said that taking control of these areas “does not grant Russian forces operationally significant terrain to continue conducting offensive operations,” nor to “to defend against possible Ukrainian counterattacks.”

Using the city’s Soviet-era name, the Russian ministry said, “In the Artyomovsk tactical direction, the assault teams of the Wagner private military company with the support of artillery and aviation of the southern battlegroup has completed the liberation of the city of Artyomovsk.”

Russian state news agencies cited the Kremlin’s press service as saying President Vladimir Putin “congratulates the Wagner assault detachments, as well as all servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces units, who provided them with the necessary support and flank protection, on the completion of the operation to liberate Artyomovsk.”In a video posted earlier on Telegram, Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said the city came under complete Russian control at about midday Saturday. He spoke flanked by about a half dozen fighters, with ruined buildings in the background and explosions heard in the distance.

Fighting has raged in and around Bakhmut for more than eight months. Zeke Miller reported from Hiroshima, Japan

NINE years ago in Odessa, Ukrainian neo-Nazis burned 42 people alive in the House of Trade Unions and killed six more in the street. I thought the whole world would be horrified by this event, condemning it, calling the organizers and the Kiev authorities to account. Yet the world remained silent, and only Russia appreciated the horror of what had happened. So far, no one has answered for this crime.

But why did it happen? In late February, Elon Musk wrote on his page on Twitter that in 2014 there was undoubtedly a coup d’état and a violent change of power in Ukraine.

After the Maidan in Ukraine in 2014, forces promoting the ideology of neo-Nazism came to power. Now, the Kyiv regime promotes neo-Nazism. Nationalist sentiments among people are cultivated in Ukraine through state policy and efforts by authorities of all levels to whitewash and glorify Nazism.

Ukrainian officials express support for Nazis openly and frequently. Some examples: In September 2018,

former Verkhovnaya Rada Speaker Andrey Paruby said on air in an ICTV show that “the greatest man who practiced direct democracy was Adolf Hitler.” On March 17, 2022, head of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service Sergey Deineko called for killing Russian women and children in a Facebook post, which was later deleted.

On January 1 of each year, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities host torch marches honoring the birthday of the Nazi henchman Stepan Bandera. Nationalist slogans are shouted and a show of Nazi symbols accompany the marches. Since 2019, Bandera’s birthday is celebrated as an official holiday. Supported by the authorities and with no accountability, the radical far-right forces use methods of violence and intimidation against their political opponents, activists, human rights advocates and journalists, putting pressure on government agencies to adopt decisions that suit their purposes. Neo-Nazi groups are openly active in Ukraine, the most famous being the Right Sector and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. The radicals act with impunity. The open aggressiveness of these forces, combined with the negligence and sometimes connivance of law enforcers, is creating a dangerous situation in which marginal groups intimidate the rational majority.

Despite these, Western media have kept mostly silent about the role of neo- and classical Nazi groups in the Maidan and the war in Eastern Ukraine, choosing to airbrush them out of the narrative about “Russian

aggression” they have created.

Still, the truth still comes out. After visiting Kyiv in May 2021, a group of French senators said the activities of neo-Nazi groups in Ukraine were a cause for concern. Attending a fair in central Kyiv during the Kyiv Day celebrations, they said they came across members of the Azov Battalion who taught children to assemble guns, a stand where volunteers were enlisted for a war in Donbass, and a shooting range where the far-right invited young people to shoot at a paper image of the Kremlin. In November 2020, the NGO Centre for Countering Digital Hate published a report naming Ukraine among the main promoters of the neo-Nazi ideology.

For the most part, neo-Nazi crimes are at best hushed up. In light of Russia’s special military operation, the Western media and NGOs are clearly ramping up their efforts to whitewash Ukrainian neo-Nazis whom they cast as fighters for freedom and independence in a “democratic” country struggling against the “aggression of a dictatorial regime.” The American IT companies provide tangible assistance to Kyiv. YouTube administrators and moderators do not object to dissemination of information by extremist organizations, primarily the Right Sector and Azov.

Nazism is also being promoted on UN platforms. Thus, the United States and Western countries ignore the resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism, thereby supporting the neo-Nazi regime of Ukraine. The countries of the former

Hitler coalition set out to revise the causes and results of World War II, which contradicts the UN Charter. I hope the world community gives its negative assessment of the actions of these countries, especially Japan and Germany, which seek to obtain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council in the case of reform of the organization, and Article 107 of the UN Charter will be the basis for rejection of these plans.

And the real facts they try to hide and quickly forget. A report drafted by Amnesty International, which acknowledged that war crimes were committed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against civilians, in particular, the use of civilians as “human shields” highlights the collective West’s efforts to whitewash Kyiev’s crimes. In fact, Amnesty has revealed Kyiv’s true nature and its terrorist tactics. But this report, after numerous threats to its authors by the Nazis, was discredited.

In other words, Ukraine, enjoying the silent encouragement of the collective West, ignores the concern of the international community and continues to promote neo-Nazi ideology.

Returning to the events of September 2, 2014 in Odessa: if the international community had condemned this heinous crime, perhaps there would not have been a conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Nazis continue to march with torches and poison Ukraine with their ideology of racial and national hatred.

Gary Bauzon

Zelenskyy: ‘Bakhmut is only in our hearts’ after Ukraine loses control of destroyed city to Russia

45th CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARDS

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PROFESSIONAL LEVEL :

Entries may be submitted by any person or organization wishing to direct the attention of the CMMA to a meritorious program, series, article, material and the like. A person or a company may submit more than one entry in each category. Entries need not be Christian and nominees need not be Catholics. All entries must be those media works released from May 2022 to April 2023.

STUDENT LEVEL:

All bona fide students enrolled in any of the participating schools, colleges and universities within the school year 2022-2023.

ADVERTISING

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Best Children’s Magazine

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Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

Monday, May 22, 2023

NGCP’s track record shows franchise compliance–SGP

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

“The National Grid Corporation of the philippines relies on its overall good performance and service track record to defend against allegations of violations. NGCp has been investing hundreds of billions to strengthen the transmission system,” SGp, which indirectly holds 60 percent of NGCp, said in a statement.

Since taking over in 2009, SGp said the transmission rates have gone down. It cited the energy regulatory Commission’s (erC) findings on its performance metrics and transmission services, which have significantly

improved.

Also, NGCp has doubled substation capacity and constructed substantial transmission lines all over the country including interisland connection projects.

“NGCp believes and is confident that it has complied with its obligations under its franchise and the Concession Agreement and it shall continue to comply with all lawful directives and pursue its mandate faithfully,” SGp said.

The grid operator has once again caught the ire of lawmakers after ro-

tational brownouts occurred in some parts of Luzon and Visayas recently.

Senator Grace poe, who serves as chair of the Senate public services panel, has said her panel is open to a review of the 50-year congressional franchise of the NGCp

The committee will thoroughly scrutinize the performance of the NGCp and see if it has remained faithful to its signed franchise or if violations have been committed,” she commented during a recent hearing.

The State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has a 40-percent stake in NGCp Sen. r affy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate energy committee, said the ownership structure of the power grid could be put at risk.

“Chinese ownership of NGC p poses serious national security threat considering the current conflict between China and the philippines over the West philippine Sea,” said a statement from Tulfo’s office.

Separately, NGCp said it is fully aware that its franchise is a privilege granted by government and that it welcomes an audit that is being carried out regularly by the erC “Our stakeholders can be assured that we

remain committed to improving and delivering reliable power transmission services.”

For this year, NGCp has committed to finish more critical transmission projects that are part of its massive p4 40-billion investment in the next 13 years.

The grid operator will complete the Hermosa-San Jose 500-kilovolt transmission line project, Cebu-Negros-panay Stage 3 backbone project, Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line project and Cebu-Bohol interconnection project. It will also start new projects, including the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project, recently approved by the erC

“We continue to be hopeful that improvements in all three sectors of the power delivery system are in sync with each other, so that one sector is not made to be the sole or principal solution to challenges in the other sectors.”

For the past 14 years, NGC p said it has put up a total of 3,729 circuitkilometers of transmission lines, 28 new substations, and an additional 31,190MVA of transformer capacity.

B1

Grab asks users to claim refund

Super app Grab said on Sunday it has taken the “necessary steps” to immediately comply with the order of the philippine Competition Commission (pCC) to notify affected riders of their unclaimed refunds.

In a statement, Grab philippines said affected riders may opt to claim their refund from the in-app Grabrewards Catalogue. According to Grab, some of the rebates, sent three years ago, have yet to be claimed by affected users.

The reminders were sent to users via in-app notifications, emails, and SMS, and were also posted on Grab’s social media platforms and published in major newspapers. refund beneficiaries were likewise reminded that the rebates will expire on July 18, and unclaimed amounts will be remitted to the philippine National Treasury per the pCC resolution dated February 2, 2023.

“We never abandoned our obligation to return the p25 million to the passengers affected. The challenge for us was to refund the remainder to Grab users without Grabpay wallets,” Grab philippines Director for public Affairs Sherielysse Bonifacio said.

To recall, Grab was ordered by the pCC to reimburse users for GrabCar

bookings in 2018 and 2019 for failing on some of its voluntary commitments, after it merged with lone competitor u ber.

In total Grab had to reimburse p25.4 million to users. To date, p6.66 million has yet to be refunded due to issues with the mechanism by which the refund will be coursed through. Grab told the anti-trust body that it had difficulty in the disbursements, as some users were not using Grabpay, a native e-wallet within the Grab app.

Bonifacio added that the platform “had been in constant communication with the pCC and had filed several motions requesting the pCC for guidance as to how to return the remaining p6.66 million to Grab users.”

In its resolution, the pCC has directed Grab to refund affected users within 60 days from the initial publication of the first notice to claim their refunds.

Within 10 days from the lapse of the 60-day period to claim refunds, Grab shall submit a report on the claimed and unclaimed amounts. Should there be remaining unclaimed amounts, Grab will convey the said amounts to the p CC for remittance to the National Treasury. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Power grid holding firm Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. (SGP) said the track record of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) “will speak for itself” amid the security concerns and performance issues raised by lawmakers.

Bill wants workers taught in managing finances, biz

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House Committee on Labor and Employment has approved a bill that would require employers to provide financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to their employees.

“As we try to cope with rising prices of goods, the prevalence of financial scams and predatory loaning, such programs could be a big help to employees,” House Committee on Labor and Employmen Chairman Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles said. He expressed hopes fellow lawmakers “will recognize the need for this measure and pass it.”

Nograles’s committee has recently approved and consolidated various bills (House Bills 1633, 4389 and 4752) that would mandate employers to provide financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to their workers.

The financial literacy programs would include behavioral finance, savings, emergency resilience fund development, debt management, investment, insurance and retirement planning.

The lawmaker emphasized the

importance of financial literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset, as he touted that the measure would also provide a platform for aspiring and deserving employee-entrepreneurs to avail of grants or loans to fund their enterprise.

“Financial literacy will help them identify areas that they can tap to stabilize and improve their family’s finances and avoid crippling debt,” Nograles said.

The lawmaker’s view echoes Republic Act 10922, which lapsed into law on July 22, 2016, without the signature of President Benigno S. Aquino 3rd.

In it, the “state recognizes the growth potential of the country through a financially-literate people who make sound financial decisions, mobilize savings and contribute ideas on improving economic and financial policies and programs.”

The law mandated the Philippine Economic Society “to plan, initiate and encourage knowledge-expanding activities [during the “Economic and FInancial Literacy Week” in November of every year] on economic and financial literacy, which may be adopted by the private sector and civil society in their respective offices.”

Diokno flags wage-increase proposal to hasten inflation

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

Diokno noted that both analyses by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) point to a faster inflation rate if the legislators’ wage increase proposal becomes a reality.

A wage hike of P150 would add at least 1.4 percentage points to the country’s inflation rate, the Finance chief added citing Neda estimates. Diokno further explained that as-

sumptions of monetary authorities for the country’s inflation already include an implied 4-percent salary increase. If the wage hike goes beyond four percent, Diokno noted, it will have a “positive impact on higher inflation.”

“That is the implication. And you have to explain that to the policy makers: what are the expected implications of having higher than expected wage increase,” the

Bill to give Ombudsman share from forfeited assets

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

THE Office of the Ombudsman stands to keep 30 percent of ill-gotten assets sequestered by the government, as proposed in an enabling legislation authored by Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero.

Escudero’s Senate Bill (SB) 292, once enacted into law, will allow the Office of the Ombudsman to retain it least 30 percent of the value of the ill-gotten assets acquired from the forfeiture cases that government won in courts against corrupt public officials in what was billed to augment the financial resources of

the country’s graft busters. Under SB 292, Escudero sought to “raise hopes to give more funds to the Office of the Ombudsman to help its employees effectively perform their function and mandate,” underscoring the importance of the role they play in weeding out corruption in public office.

The senator noted that “funding is a major limitation to the Office of the Ombudsman when fulfilling its mandate of combating corruption,” pointing out that the budget of the Office of the Ombudsman pales in comparison with those allocated to its international counterparts.”

Consequently, he deplored that “corruption goes unhampered

Solons raise possibility of abolishing estate tax

SENATE deliberations on a counterpart measure to extend the period for the estate tax amnesty prompted solons to raise the possibility of altogether abolishing the tax.

The latter, however, also prompted Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay to offer cautionary words, believing the time is right for the Marcos government to consider the merits and demerits of abolishing estate taxes in the Philippines.

At the hybrid hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means last Friday regarding bills proposing to extend the amnesty availment of paying estate taxes, Binay highlighted the arduous experiences of citizens, especially the middle class, in settling their estate taxes.

“Maybe we need to discuss and study to do away with estate taxes, not only because the government finds it burdensome to collect but also, in a way, heirs of properties will pay capital gains tax when they take ownership of their inheritance,” the veteran lawmaker said. Binay also observed many taxpayers found it hard and stressful to comply with paying the required estate taxes, especially if heirs find out they have to dole out cash when their inheritance is real estate and is illiquid.

This developed as Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, presiding chairman of the Ways and Means Committee hearing, proceeded to tackle various options extending the period of availing the estate tax amnesty.

While he supports the proposed measures, Gatchalian pointed out that “the essence of amnesty diminishes if the government will keep on

extending its deadline.”

As the presiding chairman, Gatchalian was keen to “know the difficulties and complications” that taxpayers experience in availing the estate tax amnesty and solutions to these problems.

“The reason why the first round of the estate tax amnesty program was successful was because people thought this was the only amnesty,” the senator said. “So, if we extend it now, the whole essence of the amnesty will not be there anymore because we keep on extending.”

Gatchalian added “there must be a valid and compelling reason why we are extending for the second time.”

At the same committee hearing, Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla pressed for a clarification from the Bureau of Internal Revenue on related bills filed to extend the availment of estate tax amnesty, asking if the proposals would benefit the family of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Padilla proceeded to specify he was referring to the decision of the Supreme Court on the unpaid estate taxes of the Marcoses since 1991 that ballooned to an estimated P203 billion.

“Will the family of President Marcos benefit from this bill, as critics have been claiming?” Padilla asked Assistant Commissioner Larry M. Barcelo of the BIR Legal Service.

Barcelo noted that the current bill carries the same restrictions and limitations provided under Republic Act (RA) 11213 or the Tax Amnesty Act and RA 11568 or an Act extending the Estate Tax Amnesty, including the basis for availment.

Butch Fernandez

eventually leading to massive losses in government revenues, further draining our coffers.”

“This bill intends to augment the financial resources of the Ombudsman by giving it a share in any property forfeited in favor of the State under Republic Act [RA] 1379 [Forfeiture Law] and, thus, increase its funding,” the senator said. “It provides a mechanism wherein 30 percent of the value of forfeited assets shall be used as funding for the Ombudsman which will assist the continued progress of cases.”

Escudero stressed that institutionalizing the fixed percentage by amending RA 1379 will “ensure additional funding to the Ombuds-

man and eliminate the need to reallocate funding from an “already stretched national budget.” He said SB 292 recognizes “the importance of helping the Ombudsman in fulfilling its mandate of combating corruption by giving them a share of the government properties acquired from the Forfeiture law.”

The Escudero bill further proposes that the forfeited asset shall be sold at public auction and the proceeds, after deducting the 30 percent for the Ombudsman, shall accrue to the General Fund. It, however adds that the enabling measure is still pending before the Committee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by Sen. Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino.

finance chief said during a news briefing.

Diokno told reporters it is better to keep the current system of the country when it comes to increasing wages, which is through the mechanism of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards. He pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cited that, compared to other countries, the Philippines’s regional wage board system as a “superior” system in determining wage increases.

In an end-of-mission to the Philippines statement earlier this year, members of a team sent by the IMF pointed out that the country’s regional tripartite wage setting system has “served well” and must continue “to link wage increases to productivity gains.”

The issue on wage increase was discussed in the first Economic Development Group (EDG) meeting, which was co-chaired by Diokno and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The EDG cautioned for a “careful review” of wage and transport fare hike petitions.

Lawmakers from both chambers of Congress have put forward proposals to legislate a measure that would mandate a across-the-board nationwide wage increase. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/04/19/solons-callfor-legislated-wage-increaseamid-price-hikes/)

At the Senate level, panel deliberations have already begun on bills proposing the legislated P150 wage hike. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/05/11/ senate-panel-starts-tacklinglegislated-wage-hike-proposals/)

Last week, major business groups nationwide have already expressed opposition to the legislation, claiming it is a “sure threat” against efforts of the country to attract more investors. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/05/19/ biz-groups-wage-hike-bid-maydiscourage-investors)

Perspectives

The future of audit

HOW is artificial intelligence (AI) changing the audit and the way auditors work?

It’s the same way AI is changing every business and organization: automating, accelerating and enhancing business processes, helping to transform at scale and drive value. We believe that means delivering even higher quality audits. For example, we expect AI will continue to help KPMG firms to better identify high-risk transactions, allowing us to sustain our focus on risk assessment and obtain audit evidence over much larger, more complex sets of data. Also, by removing some of the more time-consuming tasks for auditors, AI will free them up to apply valuable skills in other areas, again enhancing the audit for everyone.

AI is revolutionizing how we do audits with its capacity to evaluate huge quantities of data and identify patterns, trends and anomalies that may need more research and analyses in a swift and accurate manner. By examining transaction data and discovering unusual or suspicious activities, AI is also being used to detect possible fraud cases. This makes it easier for auditors to conduct investigations and mitigate possible risks before they become major challenges.

DIGITAL AYUDA

This April 24, 2023, photo shows Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (fourth from left) with Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian (fifth from left) after a meeting to explore enhanced collaboration in the digitalization of government financial assistance or ayuda

Also in the photo are (from left): BSP Deputy Director Mynard Bryan R. Mojica; BSP Bank Officer V Lara Estevez-Austria; BSP Director Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia; BSP Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat; DSWD Secretary Gatchalian; DSWD Undersecretary Edward Justine R. Orden; DSWD Chief Information Officer Julius Gorospe; and, DSWD Undersecretary Adonis P. Sulit. CREDIT: Bangko SEnTR al ng P l PInaS

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

UBX Philippines Corp., the fintech arm of the Aboitiz Group, revealed last Sunday it has entered into a “strategic partnership” with Gokongwei-led Maxicare Life Insurance Corp. (MaxiLife) to develop digital solutions for the latter’s customers. The firm, however, didn’t disclose the value of the agreement.

With the deal, MaxiLife will be able to leverage our payment solutions platform and transact-nowpay-later (TNPL) platform, according to UBX.

With over 60,000 payment channels, MaxiLife customers now have various options to pay for their policies. The TNPL will allow MaxiLife policyholders to pay their premiums on an installment basis.

“Health is one of the primary concerns of every Filipino, which means that making insurance more acces-

sible is part and parcel of our mission of promoting true inclusion. With UBX, MaxiLife can leverage digital technologies to improve customer experience, encouraging more Pinoys to avail of insurance,” UBX President John Januszczak said.

“By having MaxiLife in our roster of partner insurance companies, we are setting an example for more insurance companies to go down a similar path. Insurance has always been considered inaccessible in the Philippines but with each strategic partnership with UBX, the insurance industry is closer to turning the tables for the better,” Januszczak said.

In addition to enhancing MaxiLife’s premium payment process and streamlining the customer journey, UBX plans to leverage its expertise in e-commerce and mobile platforms to further enhance the insurance company’s digital offerings in the near future, the executive added.

KPMG in the Philippines Head of Audit and Assurance Emerald Anne C. Bagnes shared that “AI can be a useful tool for auditors, assisting them in risk identification, data analysis and decision-making. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while AI can assist in audits, it must be utilized alongside human expertise. Auditors must still apply their judgment and maintain professional skepticism when conducting an audit.”

How can AI impact businesses and specific industries?

KPMG firms are seeing a broad range of companies, regardless of industry, using AI alongside their workforce also in processes surrounding financial and non-financial accounting and reporting. For example, in financial services, we are seeing AI promoting greater inclusivity by analyzing broader and larger amounts of data. This could lead to more customers being offered mortgages and that could give a lender a significant competitive advantage.

What are the potential risks of AI?

FIRST of all, it is critical AI is being built with the most accurate, unbiased and relevant data available. Secondly, companies often focus their investment in AI on growth strategies, customer focus, or frontline operations and often underprioritize the investment in AI support, governance, risk and compliance. There are ethics and resilience issues to consider here too. Guidelines are needed and due to constant change, aspects must be continually monitored and addressed.

A key risk around AI, which is very relevant to audit, is “explainability.” By this we mean we still need to understand and explain why the technology may be highlighting certain items and trends. That’s why we believe it’s important to have people working alongside AI to prompt deeper thinking and challenge where necessary, rather than removing people from the loop entirely. At the same time, this will help train the AI continuously through human input.

Lastly, as with any new technologies, companies need to think carefully about the skill sets they need within their organization to achieve and maximize the possibilities, recognizing that it won’t be perfect straight away.

How is KPMG adapting to the AI trend?

AS businesses introduce more AI and ask us, as their auditors, to provide assurance, this is what we will continue to do. KPMG firms have already developed the knowhow to help businesses and organizations adapt to (and even embrace) the cultural changes that AI brings. All within an ethical framework that helps manage responsible implementation.

One way we are adapting this is by using “Feature engineering” to shift the dial in anomaly detection. It will be able to spot behavior outliers across the different data elements including identifying users that normally don’t post entries and suddenly do. Suddenly we’re not setting rules and looking for exceptions. AI will help us to find that needle in the haystack. Additionally, we’re using AI to help support the processing of large datasets around natural language processing, voice and speech recognition.

Stronger together

KPMG has always believed that technology, including AI, has the potential to empower and enhance auditors in their day-to-day work and provide real value to an audit. But we must never simply rely on AI as a black box; ‘explainability’ is key. That’s why we believe AI will never replace people and KPMG will always have human knowledge in the audit loop.

This is an excerpt of an article by KPMG found here: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/blogs/home/posts/2023/02/ all-eyes-on-transforming-the-audit-with-ai.html.

© 2023 R.G. Manabat & Co., a Philippine partnership and a member-firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member-firms affiliated with KPMG Intl. Ltd., a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

For more information, E-mail ph-kpmgmla@ kpmg.com or visit www.home.kpmg/ph.

This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror, KPMG International or KPMG in the Philippines.

THE proposed legislated P150 across-the-board wage hike could be detrimental to the economy as it would hasten the increase in the prices of goods and services in the country, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

LESSONS FROM STAR TREK: PICARD

A cybersecurity expert explains how a sci-fi series illuminates today’s threats

By Richard Forno, University of Maryland, Baltimore County The Conversation

Society’S understanding of technology and cybersecurity often is based on simple stereotypes and sensational portrayals in the entertainment media. i’ve written about how certain scenarios are entertaining but misleading. Think of black-clad teenage hackers prowling megacities challenging corporate villains. or think of counterintelligence specialists repositioning a satellite from the back of a surveillance van via a phone call.

B ut sometimes Hollywood gets it right by depicting reality in ways that both entertain and educate.

And that’s important, because whether it’s a large company, government or your personal information, we all share many of the same c ybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. As a former cybersecurity i ndustry practitioner and current cybersecurity researcher, I believe the final season of Star Trek: Picard is the latest example of entertainment media providing useful lessons about cybersecurity and the n ature of the modern world.

So how does Star Trek: Picard relate to cybersecurity?

The nature of the threat

T HE show’s protagonist is JeanLuc Picard, a retired Starfleet admiral who commanded the starship E nterprise-D in a previous series. Starfleet is the military wing of the United Federation of Planets, of which Earth is a member. In Season 3, the final season, Picard’s ultimate enemy, the Borg, returns to try conquering humanity again. The Borg is a cybernetic collective of half-human, half-machine drones” led by a cyborg queen.

The Borg has partnered with other villains and worked for over a decade to deploy hidden agents able to compromise the DNA data contained in the software underpinning the transporter—a t eleportation device used regularly by Starfleet personnel. Over m any years, a certain subgroup of Starfleet personnel had their DNA altered by using the transporter.

Thus, in launching their final attack, the Borg is able to instantly activate thousands of “drones” t o do its bidding in the form of altered, compromised Starfleet personnel. As Geordi La Forge, the Enterprise-D’s engineer, notes, “They’ve been assimilating the entire fleet this whole time, without a nyone ever knowing it.”

The Borg’s prolonged, stealthy infiltration of the federation is indicative of how today’s most effective cyberattackers work. While it’s relatively easy to detect when hackers attempt to breach a system from the outside, experts worry about the effects of an enemy infiltrating critical systems f rom within. Attackers can put malicious code in software during manufacturing or in software updates, both of which are avenues of attack that do not arouse suspicion until the compromised systems are activated or targeted.

This underscores the importance of ensuring the security and i ntegrity of digital supply chains from product development at the vendor through product deployment at client sites to ensure no

s ilent “drones,” such as malware, are waiting to be activated by an adversary.

Equally important, Star Trek: Picard presents the very real and insidious nature of the insider threat faced by today’s organizations. While not infected with a c ybernetic virus, recently arrested Massachusetts Air National Guard airman Jack Teixeira shows the damage that can occur when a trusted employee has malicious intent or becomes co-opted and inflicts significant damage on an employer.

In some cases, these compromised or malicious individuals c an remain undiscovered for years. And some global adversaries of the US, such as China and Russia, are known for taking a long-term perspective when it comes to planning a nd conducting espionage activities—or cyberattacks.

Humans remain the weakest link “Sy N CHRONISTIC t echnology that allows every ship in Starfleet to operate as one. An impenetrable armada. Unity and defense. The ultimate safeguard.”

With these words, humanity’s military defenders activated a feature that linked every S tarfleet vessel together under one unified automated command system. While intended to serve as an emergency capability, this system—called Fleet Formation— was quickly hijacked by the Borg as part of its attack on Earth. In essence, Starfleet created a Borglike defense system that the Borg itself used to attack the federation.

Here, the most well-intentioned plans for security were thwarted by enemies who used humanity’s own technologies against them. In the real world, capabilities such as on-demand real-time software updates, ChatGPT and centrally administered systems sound enticing and offer conveniences, c ost savings or new capabilities. However, the lesson here is that organizations should not put them into widespread use without carefully considering as many of the p otential risks or vulnerabilities as practical.

But even then, technology alone can’t protect humans from ourselves—after all, it’s people who d evelop, design, select, administer and use technology, which means human flaws are present in these systems, too. Such failings frequently lead to a stream of highp rofile cybersecurity incidents.

Resiliency is not futile

T O co unter the Borg’s final assault on Earth, Picard’s crew borrows its old starship, Enterprise-D, from a

fleet museum. The rationale is that its ship is the only major combat vessel not connected to the Borg collective via Starfleet’s compromised Fleet Formation protocol a nd therefore is able to operate independently during the crisis. As La Forge notes, “Something older, analog. Offline from the others.”

From a cybersecurity perspective, ensuring the availability of i nformation resources is one of the industry’s guiding principles. Here, the Enterprise-D represents defenders in response to a cyber incident using assets that are outside o f an adversary’s reach. Perhaps more important, the vessel symbolizes the need to think carefully b efore embracing a completely networked computing environment or r elying on any single company or provider of services and connectivity for daily operations. From natural disasters to cyber -

attack, what’s your plan if your IT e nvironment becomes corrupted or inaccessible? Can your organization stay operational and still provide necessary services? For critical public messaging, do governments and corporations have their o wn uncorruptible Enterprise-D capabilities to fall back on, such as the fediverse, the decentralized microblogging platform that is immune to the impulsive manipulations of Twitter’s ownership?

Prepare for the unknown

T H E Star Trek universe explores the unknown in both the universe and contemporary society. How the crews deal with these experiences relies on their training, the a ppreciation of broad perspectives and ability to devise innovative solutions to the crisis of the week. Often, such solutions are derived from characters’ interests in mu -

sic, painting, archaeology, history, sports and other nontechnical areas of study, recreation or e xpertise.

Similarly, as modern digital defenders, to successfully confront our own cyber unknowns w e need a broad appreciation of things beyond just cybersecurity and technology. It’s one thing to understand at a technical level how a cyberattack occurs and how to respond. But it’s another thing to understand the broader, perhaps more systemic, nuanced, organizational or international factors that m ay be causes or solutions, too.

Lessons from literature, history, psychology, philosophy, law, m anagement and other nontechnical disciplines can inform how organizations plan for and respond to cybersecurity challenges of all types. Balancing solid technical knowledge with foundations in the

liberal arts and humanities allows people to adapt comfortably to constantly evolving technologies and shifting threats.

Dystopic metaphors in fiction often reflect current social concerns, and the Star Trek universe i s no different. Although rooted in a science fiction fantasy, Star Trek: Picard provides some accurate, practical and understandable c ybersecurity reminders for today.

Season 3, in particular, offers viewers both entertainment and education—indeed, the best of both worlds.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-star-trekp icard-a-cybersecurity-expertexplains-how-a-sci-fi-series-illuminates-todays-threats-204433.

G R affi T i art celebrates Star Trek’s Mr. Spock in the Brick Lane and Shoreditch area in London. Eq Roy D RE a mstim E com

GLAMPING IN SPRING-SUMMER 2023

FOR Spring-Summer 2023, Longchamp spotlights a fresh mood, a longing for well-being and celebration. Inspired by Glamping, the collection captures a confident femininity, expressed in daring combinations of fabrics, prints and styles. The spirit of the season is at once glamorous and nomadic, a joyful harmony of freedom and refinement.

Light-hearted and dynamic, the collection explores two contrasting yet complementary ambiances.

The first takes inspiration from nature, travel and authenticity to evoke an adventurous woman who is always ready to lace up her canvas hiking boots before setting off to explore new paths. On such escapades, she discovers the charm of towns and villages where, in a light, floral- print dress, she browses the local market stalls, filling her Le Pliage flower-embroidered, straw-effect basket with luscious seasonal fruits.

In this section of the collection, Longchamp Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine uses natural materials, including linen, cotton and silk, while the color palette draws nuances of tan, beige and ecru from the trees, flowers and earth.

The second ambiance plays with contrast in a more festive, glamorous, sporty spirit. When the sun shines high in the sky, Longchamp restates its vision of a woman who is chic, sporty and resolutely contemporary. Graphic prints on silk and linen, as well as swimsuits with asymmetric cutouts, complement exquisitely comfortable two-tone knits with a chic, sporty vibe.

The collection is accompanied by an array of leather goods, which range from elegantly understated to eyecatching, but are always finished with perfectly judged details. Longchamp has, for instance, reimagined its iconic Roseau bag in cotton and linen embellished with polka dots in a chic, natural spirit, and energized its new Box-Trot line with zesty lemon and candy-pink colorways. Meanwhile, new formats make their debut: a small vanity case and a mini hand-held bag, ideal for a spontaneous getaway.

Longchamp is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5 and www.rustans.com.

Game changer: Wi Ha Jun

AS the hunky police officer Hwang Jun-ho in the pop-culture phenomenon Squid Game, Wi Ha Jun made the pandemic lockdown in 2021 more bearable. This breakthrough role catapulted the South Korean probinsyano into global stardom.

His Instagram followers went from 300,000 before the hit show to 10.4 million at present. Ha Jun was among the 25 “Sexiest TV Stars” named by People magazine in 2021, and one of GQ Korea’s Men of the Year in 2022. Now he is one of the global ambassadors of lifestyle label Bench.

Ha Jun is the face of the homegrown brand’s Denim Game campaign. (A Bench x Wi Ha Jun Men’s Button Down Jacket is P1,599.75). What’s special about this relationship between Ha Jun and Bench is that he has chosen the Philippines out of all the countries in the world to be the venue for his first-ever fan meet.

But before K-drama devotees got to see the 31-year-old model-actor at the New Frontier Theater on Sunday, May 21, select local media got up close and personal with the charming “demigod” at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel on a sweltering Saturday afternoon.

“It’s actually the first time for me to be able to visit the Philippines, and it’s an honor that it will be for a fan meeting. I’m very nervous right now but I’m also happy to be here with you,” Ha Jun expressed through an interpreter.

“The first impression I had when I arrived is the warm weather and together with this, the warm eyes of the people who are very welcoming here. I want to visit Boracay and Cebu to have some vacation for myself,” he shared. “Sometimes fans would send me pictures of themselves standing in front of posters of me wearing Bench clothing in front of Bench stores, so I personally want to visit Bench stores with posters of me as well.”

Ha Jun started his showbiz career in 2012 with a short role in Peace in Them. It was several years before he caught a break with horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018). Memorable supporting roles in K-dramas Something in the Rain (2018), Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) and 18 Again (2020) soon bolstered his stature.

“A role that I really connect with me is the role that I had in Bad and Crazy [2021-2022, where he played a righteous person with a crazy sense of justice]. To be honest, it was very challenging for me as an actor as well. It allowed me to break from my own personality to be able to fulfill this role. Personally, I’m kind of sad that it ended but I really enjoyed the role and I really

Three watches for brand’s 40th anniversary

felt cute doing the role,” Ha Jun said.

Gyeongseong Creature Hee) and But as the police officer masquerading as a red jump-suited worker who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his brother, who participated in childhood games instigated by a sinister organization that turned out to be deadly, Ha Jun cemented his place not only in Korean entertainment but in the global consciousness as well.

“Hwang Jun-ho of Squid Game is also the character I’m most similar with. When I was preparing for the role, the people around me were telling me, ‘Wow! You’re really similar to that role!’ I also agree with that because I also have this sense of justice. I tend to be a

consistent person when it comes to things that I really , there were a lot of changes in my life. First of all, I was able to try things that I wasn’t able to do before. I can say that through Squid Game, I got the opportunity to sit here with you,” he said with pride and gratitude.

For now, Ha Jun is a game changer as a Global BenchSetter. “As Bench is a leading brand here, to be an ambassador and to be part of the team is a big honor for me,” he said, rocking Bench clothes that he deems a very cute and masculine look. “They’re very comfortable. Bench is sporty and casual at the same time. So whenever you want to give a point or emphasis to your outfit, you do it with Bench clothing.” ■

AT the height of the Spice Girls’ popularity, every teenager wanted a pink Casio Baby-G watch because Baby Spice Emma Bunton wore it.

In 2015-2016, the K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation had their own Baby-Gs and these were sold in special packaging with the members’ signatures. The watch models were produced in limited quantities so everybody wanted them.

I just realized that almost all my watched except for one or two are Casio and most of them are G-Shock. I had a Baby-G years ago but I don’t know where it is now. In the 1990s, I even had a Casio watch with an altitude meter. I love Casio watches because they’re sturdy, durable and cool. The straps of the G-Shock one are just a bit difficult to clean but all in all, they’re value for money. They’re not inexpensive but they do last for years.

To mark its 40th anniversary, Casio Computer Co. Ltd. has announced the upcoming release of three new additions to the shock-resistant G-Shock Recrystallized series. The watches were designed in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the G-Shock brand.

The 40th Anniversary models consist of two full-metal variations alongside a third model with a bio-based resin bezel and strap that closely adheres to the design of the inaugural G-Shock. All three of the new watches also feature components crafted from deep-layer hardened stainless steel that has undergone a recrystallization process to give it a unique and organic appearance.

What is a recrystallization process? After being machined

into their components, the stainless steel case and bracelet parts go through a recrystallization process, which gives the stainless steel a unique asymmetric textured appearance that slightly differs from one watch to the next. The recrystallized stainless steel components also go through deep-layer hardening treatment, which infuses carbon into the surface of the steel to create a hard outer layer. Rather than simply being a coating that sits on top of the surface of the metal, Casio’s deep-layer hardening technology actually hardens the stainless steel itself, meaning the components cannot be scratched off or removed. The end result are components that are more scratch-resistant than traditional stainless steel, and that have a densely-packed crystalline pattern throughout their surfaces.

This is why Casio watches last forever.

The GMW-B5000PS and GMW-B5000PG are based on the full-metal GMW-B5000D, which faithfully reproduces the iconic shape of the very first G-Shock, the DW-5000C. Both of these 40th Anniversary models have the same extremely hard stainless steel for exterior components such as the bezel and band. The silver GMW-B5000PS and gold ion-plated GMWB5000PG both incorporate special features, such as the 40th anniversary logo on the case back, the phrase “SINCE 1983” on the dial, and a star on the Mode button on the lower left side of the case.

Casio also announced the release of the DW-5040PG, which features a dial engraved with the words “PROJECT TEAM ‘Tough,’” which is the name of the team that worked to develop the very first G-Shock for this reissue of the original G-Shock design. The deep-layer hardening process is applied to the case back, buckle, band loop, and other metal components. Biomass plastics are used in the bezel and band. The newest addition to the G-Shock Recrystallized series will be available in Authorized G-Shock Stores nationwide this May.

CAREFREE LAUNCHES

VAGINAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

“VAGINAL health is an important part of a woman’s overall health. It is important to maintain a healthy vulva and vagina

to help prevent infections, discomfort, and to prevent the stress that comes with relationship problems and one’s self-confidence. If your vagina and intimate areas are healthy, you are more comfortable and confident—which can equate to a better quality of life for women, their partners, and their families. Proper hygiene by keeping the intimate area

clean, fresh and dry is key in taking care of your vagina. We recommend using water and a natural mild soap or wash for cleaning, and using a natural, thin, light, comfortable, cotton, hypoallergenic pantyliners to keep women dry the whole day,” said Dr. Mary Ann Ceferina Gonzaga, an OBGYN practitioner. Carefree, the No. 1 pantyliner brand in the Philippines, believes that it is time for women to be more conscientious about their vaginal health. Through an online campaign, called the #CarefreePantyLove Movement, the brand aims to spark conversations to encourage women to keep their intimate area fresh all day, one clean panty at a time with Carefree pantyliners.

Carefree also tapped a new brand ambassador, Rei Germar, who embodies what it means to be Carefree fresh and clean. Rei shares how she practices #CarefreePantyLove by demonstrating to her followers how to keep her panties clean and fresh from wetness and odor by using pantyliners.

“I am a big believer of self-care, and one of the ways I take care of myself is by making sure that even my most intimate areas are properly taken cared of. Now that I am going out more because of work and personal activities, I don’t want that icky feeling of vaginal discharge and having to worry about odor get in my way. With Carefree, I get to show #CarefreePantyLove by keeping my panties fresh and clean,” said Germar, a content creator.

The brand has a wide portfolio of pantyliners that is customized for every woman’s need. Carefree Breathable provides better air circulation to maintain that fresh panty feel all day. It is 3x more breathable (versus Carefree Super Dry) allowing air to circulate so your skin can breathe. It is cottonsoft that provides superior comfort on skin.

Carefree Super Dry keeps you feeling fresh and dry from heavy daily discharge. It has moisture-proof backing technology to prevent leakage and keep you dry and odor-free all day. Carefree Super Dry is designed with body shape contour for a close and comfortable fit. It is also made with cottony soft cover for maximum freshness.

Carefree Healthy Fresh gives you up to eight-hour odor and germ control with natural tea tree extract to control the growth of odor causing bacteria.

SM Foundation partners with UNIQLO to uplift lives one health center at a time

IN a world where collaboration holds immense power, the impact of partnerships is truly remarkable. It is in the collective effort of individuals and organizations that we witness transformative changes unfold, especially for those often overlooked by society.

Amidst the ever-evolving landscape, SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines have stood as steadfast partners, united in their mission to create positive social change. Since 2012, their partnership has yielded remarkable results, implementing collaborative projects that have broken barriers and uplifted socially vulnerable individuals.

Together, these two forces have pioneered initiatives in disaster relief, pandemic response, education, environment, and health. Their unwavering commitment to spreading social good has sparked unimaginable transformations, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

While continuously taking steps working on the ground, the two organizations have seen the challenges of low-income families. With little to no resources, they often barely have enough to spend on things that are vital to living a healthy lifestyle, such as nutritious food, health care, and health literacy.

In times of health emergencies or sickness, vulnerable individuals turn to the services of local barangay health centers, rural health units, or public hospitals. However, these public health facilities frequently struggle with insufficient resources such as outdated infrastructures and inadequate equipment .

To help address these issues, three health centers in Bicol, three in Rizal, four in Bulacan, and two in Cagayan Valley were transformed by SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines from late 2022 to early 2023 alone. Alongside the physical upgrade of the centers is the rise of the renewed optimism and hope of their respective health workers and patients. One of them is midwife Rebecca Galves

from the Baliwag Rural Health Unit 3.

Rebecca vividly recalled the previous state of their health center: “Because it’s crowded inside, we cannot accommodate all the patients because social distancing is still requjired. Before our patients had to wait under the sun in the rain.”

“There were three beds placed in one room along with other equipment and documents that could no longer fit in the cabinets. And since it’s crowded, sometimes the waste products can already be found under the bed. We could not provide the comfortable environment and the service that we would have wanted to deliver” she said.

Today, they can put all of this behind and are now more comfortable and fired up to serve more patients.

“Now that the center has been renovated, the quality of our service will definitely improve. We have a place where our patients can wait comfortably. We can now isolate patients based on their condition and needs. Local residents who visit the center will see how modern the facility is because it is now clean and well-ventilated,” she shared.

A fellow Bulaceño of Rebecca, Hazel Esquilona, was one of the first patients served by the newly renovated RHU I in Baliwag. While it was her first time in the new center, her family has long relied on its healthcare services.

As a single mother of three, she was

FORMER TOWN LEADERS FETED. The town of Anda in Pangasinan celebrated its 164th Foundation Anniversary and a highlight of the festivity was honoring former town leaders. The celebration was part of the 12-day Binongey Festival. Among former town leaders cited were lawyer David Canta and Don Tomas Canta. David was the first lawyer of Anda and the youngest mayor of the town. As lawyer, he guided the town council in the enactment of laws and ordinances. Don Tomas contributed much for the betterment of the town such as providing pieces of land for the elementary school as well as the school building. He also donated lots for the municipal hall and the auditorium, lot for the Aglipay church as well as the religious images and part of the cemetery. Mark Leonard Celzo Caampued, a great grandson of the two awardees, accepted the plaque of recognition. Shown in photo from left are Rey O. Alvezo, acting municipal treasurer, Joganie C. Rarang, mayor and Chairman of the festival, Erwin Catabay, vice mayor, Raymond Rarang, councilor, Elizabeth Tomas, municipal agriculturuist, Mark Celzo Caampued, and Councilors Marvin Charles Caranay, Ruel Quilla, Franchgil Mateo, and Ronald Avelino.

forced to bring one of her daughters to the RHU as she had no money to pay for hospital fees and medicine.

“My daughter became ill and the doctors suspected it was due to UTI. I did not have any money then but because of this health center, my daughter had her urine and blood tested.” Hazel recalled how the center saved her child’s life. “Even if we had no money at that time, we were given anitbiotics and paracetamol for free.”

Barely a year after, her other child needed an anti-rabies vaccine. Upon arriving, she was surprised to see the upgrades to their community health facility.

“Besides the service being free, it’s really comfortable inside. We are definitely more comfortable because of the new facilities like better seats, and an aircon. It’s like being in a mall,” she said, adding that she is now more confident to go to the RHU for their family’s medical health needs.

Hazel’s story exemplifies the transformative outcomes of the partnerships. The renovated health centers, equipped with upgraded facilities and enhanced services, have created an environment of comfort, efficiency, and hope. Through the collaborative efforts of SM Foundation and Uniqlo, vulnerable families have gained access to quality healthcare and a revitalized sense of optimism, that can shape a healthier future for all.

TUESDAYS are kinda mid, know what we mean? Like, they’re not as bad as Mondays, but they don’t have the excitement of Wednesdays when you start to really feel your week wind down. There are even those who consider it to be the most boring weekday. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and Taco Bell has got your back!

Make your Tuesdays more exciting with Taco Bell’s latest Taco Tuesday offer, available throughout the month of May, where you can enjoy your favorite Naked Chicken Taco for just P99 from its regular price of P239. That’s P140 in savings!

Go for something bold and fearless with a generous helping of shredded fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream all encased in a chicken taco shell that’s batter-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a great way to experience the taco in a new way.

This irresistible offer is available for dinein and take-out at your nearest Taco Bell store. OR, you can have it delivered straight to your doorstep by calling the 8911-1111

hotline. You can also order through Taco Bell’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda. Prices may vary. Don’t miss the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

CreaZion Studios, Glimmer PHL unveil first teaser of Kim Seon Ho‘s thrilling new film “The Childe”

edge of their seats.

Kim Seon Ho leads the movie about a Korean-Filipino (KOPI) boxer in The Childe. The film is expected to be a hit in the Philippines, as it stars a popular Korean actor and tells a story that is relevant to Filipino audiences.

CreaZion Studios and Glimmer Philippines are excited to present "The Childe" to the Filipino audience, promising a cinematic journey like no other. With a combination of high-octane action and Kim Seon Ho's undeniable charisma, the film is poised to deliver an extraordinary entertainment experience that will keep fans eagerly awaiting its release.

The Bellevue Manila makes a huge step towards sustainability

THE Bellevue Manila has made a huge and green step towards sustainability by creating its own clean and green protocols on waste management and carbon imprint-free operations.

The five-star hotel aims to promote a sustainable lifestyle to guests and their associates as they take part in helping

change the world. Their sustainability initiatives and green practices include Urban Farming, Energy Conservation, Paperless Processing, and the Minimization of Single-Use-Plastic, to name a few.

The Bellevue Manila also has its vegetable garden located on the roof deck of the hotel. This is where they produce their own lettuce, pechay, bok choy, mint

and check-out process with Bellevue’s E-Concierge system

leaves, basil, coriander, and other vegetables, making the farm-to-table concept a reality for their diners.

The hotel also does energy conservation efforts where they use ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) in their Azurea Spa which is responsible for cleaner and healthier indoor air and also helps reduce energy costs.

Aside from those, the hotel also implements paperless processing acquired systems and software that enable them to minimize their paper consumption. One example of this is the contactless check-in where guests can have a fast and safe checkin and check-out process with Bellevue’s E-Concierge system. With this new and improved digital platform, guests may fillout forms and provide other requirements with ease through either standard check-in or their personal mobile phones.

Last but not the least; the hotel now uses replenishable glass containers in partnership with Hydra Four, Inc. in replacement of PET/ plastic bottles. With these initiatives, The Bellevue Manila continues to launch various projects that will further promote sustainable hospitality as part of their development and innovation program for the company.

THE highly anticipated teaser of “The Childe,” starring the superstar Korean actor, Kim Seqon Ho, was last May 15, 2023, in the Philippines. CreaZion Studios and Glimmer Philippines joined forces to bring this action-packed and exhilarating movie to audiences, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

“The Childe” showcases Kim Seon Ho's exceptional acting prowess as he delves into an intense role that captivates viewers from the very first glimpse. The teaser offers a thrilling sneak peek into the film‘s narrative, filled with adrenaline-fueled chase sequences and heartpounding moments that leave audiences on the

Fans of Kim Seon Ho, known for his remarkable performances in popular dramas such as "Start-Up" and “Home Town Cha Cha Chat," can expect a new side to his talent as he brings a compelling character to life in "The Childe." The teaser reveals a glimpse of the actor's versatility as he seamlessly transitions between intense action and magnetic presence, leaving viewers wanting more.

“The Childe” is set to hit Philippine theaters on July 5, 2023, and promises to be a must-watch for fans of Kim Seon Ho, action enthusiasts, and movie lovers alike. The Childe is exclusively released in the Philippines by CreaZion Studios, a production company that aims to create content for global audiences. The Childe is just one of the many exciting and quality projects CreaZion Studios will offer. This Kim Seon Ho thriller is distributed in the country with Glimmer Philippines. For more information please visit the official websites of CreaZion Studios and Glimmer Philippines.

Enchanted Kingdom Brings Back the Golden Era of OPM with “The Four Kings and a Queen”

ENCHANTED Kingdom, in partnership with DSL Events and Production House, successfully transported audiences back to the golden era of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with The Four Kings and Queen concert, held on May 7, 2023, at the Enchanting Events Place. The event was co-presented by Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas and the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna, in a bid to showcase the beauty and richness of Filipino music.

The night was filled with soulful renditions of OPM classics, all performed by the original Hitmakers Marco Sison, Hajji Alejandro, Nonoy Zuñiga, Rey Valera and the Concert Queen herself, Pops Fernandez under the musical direction of Gerry Matias.

Rebecca Rufino, Marketing Department Head of Enchanted Kingdom, thanked everyone for joining and hoped that the event

would bring a renewed appreciation for Filipino music and culture.

The concert was a huge success, with attendees raving about the incredible performances. Enchanted Kingdom has always been committed to providing world-class entertainment to its guests, and The Four Kings and Queen concert was no exception.

Enchanted Kingdom continues to be a premier destination for families and friends looking for fun and exciting experiences. With a wide array of thrilling rides and attractions, as well as exciting live events, Enchanted Kingdom remains to be the go-to destination for a truly enchanting experience.

For more information, visit enchantedkingdom.ph and follow Enchanted Kingdom on Facebook at facebook.com/ enchantedkingdom.ph

Make up for ‘meh’ Mondays with Taco Bell‘s latest Taco Tuesday offer available until the end of May

How to prepare your executive for interviews

n Maya introduces coMMeMorative visa card celebrating the PhiliPPine woMen’s national football tea M’s first-ever world cuP MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Digital payments leader Visa and digital banking app Maya have teamed up to ignite excitement for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and show support for the Philippine women’s national football team’s first-ever qualification to the worldfamous tournament.

Maya has introduced a limited edition, commemorative Visa card featuring national team goalkeeper and Team Visa athlete Inna Palacios, and will give new and existing users the chance to win a trip for two to New Zealand and watch the

WHILE much of the spotlight is frequently on corporate executives and brand managers during interviews, much of the work is frequently done behind the scenes by PR pros.

They are the ones who contact the media, arrange the interviews, and yes, prepare executives for their interviews. This is one of the more important aspects of media relations.

Of course, “there are no guarantees the way will be told in the way you want it to be,” says

Philippine team make history on the football pitch, courtesy of Visa.

Designed by acclaimed Filipina artist Chinny Basinang, the commemorative Maya Visa cards are available for purchase exclusively via the Maya app for P250 starting May 8, while stocks last.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting women’s sports and empowering female athletes, we worked with Maya to launch this limited edition card and provide Filipinos the chance to witness our national women’s football team make history on the global stage. We are proud to celebrate the success of the Philippine team in sports and offer our customers a special commemorative card to mark this incredible milestone that the Philippines has achieved, as well as an unforgettable experience for two lucky Maya Visa cardholders to personally witness our national team compete on the biggest stage in football,” Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam Jeff

former Burson-Marsteller SVP/ senior counsellor Arthur Solomon in an article in prnewsonline.com. As a result, many media relations people and brand executives are upset when they see the results on a print, online, or TV interview.”

While inexperienced PR practitioners often blame the content creators, more savvy ones understand that media is not limited to asking questions about the topics you’ve sent them in the pre-interview background material. In addition, they should understand that once an interview begins, the

Navarro shared.

“With the remarkable achievement of the Philippine women’s national football team qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Maya is thrilled to join forces with Visa to show our support for our country and towards more inclusivity. Through the limited edition Maya Visa football card, we aim to inspire our customers to join the team on this exciting journey and show their unwavering support to our athletes. This commemorative card is customizable through our @username feature giving the Philippine Team supporters a personalized token of this historic event,” said Maya Chief Marketing Officer Pepe Torres. New and existing Maya users residing in the Philippines can earn one raffle entry by purchasing the limited edition Visa card and with every P200 online or in-store spent until June 15. Users can earn an unlimited number of raffle entries during the promo period.

Two lucky winners will be drawn

interviewer is in control.

How to get the brand’s message into the final story? Here Solomon shares some Tips to Prepare Your Executive for an Interview.

w h at to tell executives before interviews

n Don’t be afraid of the interview tops Solomon’s list of tips of what to tell your exec. “The great majority of reporters are cordial,” he says. “Most of them just create content that will satisfy their editors and go home to their family.”

n Avoid saying anything to media that you don’t want to remain public. It pays to be prudent and discreet. He warns that just because a media member is pleasant—and most are—you can ask them not to use what you just said. “Once you’ve spoken, it’s for attribution,” he cautions.

n Make up for mistakes. Once you mess up, and realize it, “it’s worth asking the reporter to hold off reporting the offending information. Some will agree, others won’t. What can work is “offering an exclusive as a sweetener to a cooperative media.

on June 19 and will each receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to New Zealand, including roundtrip flight tickets and hotel accommodation for five days and four nights, as well as a pair of match tickets to watch the Philippine team make history in their first ever participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In addition, 25 Maya users will win Visa FIFA premium merchandise. n save the children PhiliPPines joins global effort to end Ph ysical PunishMent for children

PHILIPPINES—About 42 million Filipino children do not have full legal protection from all forms of violence specifically in places where they should be safe such as the homes. The Philippines joins 134 countries all over the world that’s bereft of a legislation to curb physical and humiliating punishment against children.

Dahlia, not her real name, from Parañaque would scream each time her mother burns her arm with

n Make sure your info is correct.

All PR pros are aware that “news organizations detest running corrections because of inaccurate information that an executive or PR firm provided.” Reporters especially don’t like it when their stories have to be corrected through no fault of their own.

n Talking points are important, we add, these will determine the course the interview may take. Discuss this and agree what should be highlighted with your executive. Work on a list together and rehearse these with your exec, with an additional statement just in case these are not covered. t h ings to remember

n An interview is not a legal hearing. With this, Solomon says “it’s okay to tell a reporter that certain information is proprietary.”

n If a media member makes a statement during the interview that you disagree with, say so. Remaining quiet “could give the impression that you agree.”

n If you are unsure about a reporter’s question, always ask for a clarification.

mosquito coil for household chores left undone. Whenever Dahlia passes by her mother’s stall in the market, she often hears her mother gossip about her to other vendors calling her a “prostitute” for coming home late. She ran away from home when her stepfather strangled her just because her radio was playing loud. She lived temporarily with friends until her boyfriend got her pregnant. At 16 years old, she will soon give birth to a baby she is not ready to care for.

Sadly, but true, Dahlia’s case is but one of the many children in the country whose lives took a downright spiral because the caregivers expected to protect them were the abusers. In situation like this, the government is expected to provide protection and security for the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. However, the Philippines has yet to pass a policy on the protection of children against physical and humiliating punishment, as an agreed target among member-nations to the

r e viewing the interview

Before the interview wraps up, evaluate what has been discussed and if the talking points were covered. If not, ask the journalist if the executive can make an additional statement. That additional statement, which you can earlier rehearse, should include the talking points.

In addition, Solomon suggests to email the interviewer additional information that was not covered. “Ask if the executive or you can be of further help,” he says.

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the senior vice president for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chairman.

We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.

United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of 2015.

“We join the clamor of children for protection from punishment that hurt, humiliate, and denigrate them. We appeal to our legislators to pass ‘The Positive Parenting of Children’s Act’ [Senate Bill 2036],” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines. SB 2036, authored by Hon. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate, aspires to assist Filipino parents in adopting parenting methods that align with healthy child development and effective parenting. The method will ensure the rights of children are respected, especially their right to a life free from all forms of violence, including physical, humiliating, and degrading forms of punishment.

Save the Children explains that only one in seven children globally are protected by laws against physical and humiliating punishment which is the most common form of violence against children.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Esquivel makes World Beach Games

By Josef Ramos

ROGELIO “JAY-R” ESQUIVEL

booked a ticket to the World Beach Games following his fourth place finish at the International Surfing Association World Longboard Championships held last May 15 in El Salvador.

E squivel, 26, and surfing out of San Juan in La Union, earned 12.57 points to finish behind two Frenchmen, brothers Edouard (14.33) and Antoine (16.10) Deplero.

“

It will be the biggest surfing competition of my entire career and I cannot wait for it,” Esquivel said.

“I’ll double or even triple my effort in training because I don’t want to be disappointed.”

B ali is hosting the second edition of the World Beach Games from August 5 to 12 which features 14 sports disciplines.

The Philippines qualified two athletes—Claire Adorna in aqathlon and Jericho Francisco in skateboarding—in the 2019 Doha inaugurals but missed landing a medal.

I’m very happy and excited to represent our country in the World Beach Games,” said

Esquivel, a surfing instructor turned athlete in San Juan.

United Philippine Surfing Association President Dr. Jose Raul Canlas said Esquivel’s feat in El Salvador put the country in the world surfing map.

E squivel, he said, could now rank as high as No. 3 or 4 in the world. “ He should be No. 3 or No. 4 in the world—not in Southeast Asia, not in Asia, but the world,” Canlas said. “He’s our EJ Obiena [world No. 3 men’s pole vaulter] in surfing.”

C anlas said Esquivel’s third-place finish earned the Philippines 2,020 points for a copper medal—fourth place—behind gold winner France (3,400), silver medalist Brazil (2,756) and bronze medalist Peru (2,395) in the country rankings.

I locos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson and the Philippine Sports Commission supported the El Salvador campaign of the national team coached by Ian Saguan and Manuel Melindo. Daisy Valdez and Aping Agudo also competed in El Salvador and although they didn’t finish high enough, either has a chance to make the World Games by virtue of the country’s copper finish.

RAFAEL NADAL: Everything has its beginning and, above all, everything has its end. AP

Fil-German Jahns eyes redemption in ICTSI Villamor Philippine Masters

WEAR TEAR?

By Howard Fedrich The Associated Press

WHENENER

it comes to a close—and even if it already has—Rafael Nadal’s superlative tennis career will be admired for achievements such as 22 Grand Slam titles, currently tied for the most by a man, and a record 14 French Open championships. As it should be. Nadal’s playing days, though, also will be remembered for more than mere numbers. That bullwhip of a lefty forehand. Engaging rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Unprecedented dominance at Roland Garros, where a statue of him stands. Unfailing humility. Those muscle-bearing shirts and calfcovering capri pants of the early days. The still-present penchant for placing courtside bottles just so. And on it goes.

A ny complete conversation about Nadal also must include a reference to the body-bruising style and endless effort, in matches and practice sessions, that fueled more than 1,000 wins and surely contributed to all of the many injuries. He announced Thursday that he has not healed enough to enter the field in Paris, where play begins May 28, and can’t be absolutely sure when he might be able to return to the tour after being sidelined since January by a left hip flexor problem.

L ooking at the bigger picture, as aware as everyone else that the pertinent questions now revolve around his future

&

in the sport, Nadal turned a tad philosophical. Everything has its beginning,” he said, “and, above all, everything has its end.”

So is this the end of the road with a racket in hand for Nadal? It very well could be. Nadal, who turns 37 on June 3, can’t be sure. Neither, of course, can we. Still, it would be foolhardy to rule anything out when it comes to someone as skilled, determined and indefatigable as he always has been.

Am I going to be able to fight for a Grand Slam?” he asked during the news conference at his tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, before offering this honest answer: “I don’t know.”

He is putting a stop to things for the moment—no matches, no practices—so his hip can recuperate. The break could last months. Or more.

The world of tennis, and the Roland Garros tournament, will be affected by his absence...because [of] his history in that tournament and generally what he has achieved in his career and the impact he has made on the sport,” said Djokovic, whose own pursuit of a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title and chance to finally stand alone atop the Big Three in that category just got a tad easier.

“ Of course, him missing any tournament, but particularly the big ones,” Djokovic added, “has an impact on the tennis world and the tennis fans.”

A nd Nadal himself.

He spoke frankly about the

physical and mental toll exacted recently.

A bout the pain. About the frustration.

He hopes to play again this season, possibly in the Davis Cup. He wants to play some of his favorite events in 2024 before calling it quits, including, naturally, the French Open, which he entered 18 consecutive times, going 112-3, an event and athlete intertwined like no others.

That might conjure images of a carefully curated list of preferred events, where pre- and post-match speeches and ceremonies would include fond memories and wellmeaning jokes and “Whoa, you’re old and ready to rest!” gifts such as rocking chairs or a robe and slippers.

But no one should expect Nadal to be interested in the hagiography of it all. Indeed, no one should be surprised if he goes out there and manages to win another tournament, let alone somehow summons the skill and stamina to navigate the grind of seven best-offive-set matches at a major.

H e’s never allowed his health to hold him back for too long. He’s never allowed doubts—his own; those of others—stand in the way of greatness.

I don’t want my last year to just be a farewell tour,” Nadal said. “I am going to do everything I can so that I am competing at the highest level during my final year. And I want to be able to...compete to win tournaments. I am going to fight for that. But we’ll see what actually happens.”

KEANU JAHNS  returns to Villamor Golf Club with high hopes of scoring a breakthrough in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Villamor Philippine Masters which gets going Wednesday at the relatively flat but challenging layout in Pasay City. Jahns fell short the last time out at the military course and is now free from the injury that had sidelined him after yielding the ICTSI Villamor Match Play crown last December.

But with a strong finish in the recent ICTSI Luisita Championship, the 28-year-old Filipino-German exudes confidence this time.

“ I’ve always felt comfortable playing at Villamor, so hopefully I can have another good finish this year,” said Jahns, who upset fancied rivals to earn a shot at the crown in the inaugural Match Play Invitational.

But a wrist injury kept him out of play in the first five tournaments of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour (PGT), including The Country Club Invitational where he also placed second to now Professional Golfers Association Tour campaigner Tom Kim in 2019. He marked his return with a joint 16th place finish at Luisita.

I had an OK start at Luisita considering that the last event I played before was the Villamor Match Play and I only started playing again the week before the event due to injury,” Jahns said. “Luisita was a good test for me to see if my wrist would handle tournament week again and it did.”

That makes him a marked player in the upcoming P2.5 million event put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., given his length and patience that helped anchor his bid in the head-to-head duel.

Yes, my length is definitely an advantage but I feel what it would come down to is approach and short game,” he said. “If I am able to get closer to the hole with my wedges and short irons, I’ll have a better chance making birdies.”

Viceroy, MCG golfers prevail in Baguio tilt

ICEROY Constructions held off RF Construction’s late charge at the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club to win the premier championship of the inaugural Cordillera Golfers Foundation Inc. (CGFI) Invitational Tournament over the weekend. J hondie Quibol led Viceroy with 34 points and was backstopped by Lloyd Labrador (32), August Cruz (23) and Joshua Insan (20) for a final day 109 and 243 total after the three-day event which drew 67 four-man teams.

When hooliganism rears its ugly head

THE scenes where a group of AZ Alkmaar fans attacked the families of West Ham following the latter’s 1-nil victory in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinals is frightening.

West Ham players had to rush to protect their families; an abject security failure.

I personally know how frightening it is to be attacked by a mob more so when you are not in your hometown.

I e xperienced that during the semifinals of the 2010 Suzuki Cup in Indonesia. With the Philippines unable to host a home match in the two-leg home and away series, Indonesia was handed a massive advantage. And to think they were already favorites to advance.

Here’s what I do not get—the Merah Putih were going to win this so why were supporters of the Philippines attacked?

D uring the first leg, the bus we took to the Gelano Bung Karno was attacked by supporters prompting organizers to assign soldiers to be physically inside our bus for the second leg.  B ut during that first leg, the fans were banging on the walls of the bus. If that was to intimidate us, consider us done so.

I remember saying out loud, “No one looks at the fans. No one looks outside the window. No gestures or sarcastic smiles.”

Everyone complied and yet as the bus made its way inside the stadium, some fans were able to get in and

VR F Construction got 32 from Alexander Bisera, 31s from John Chris Remata and Roy Nudalo and 26 from George Punasen for 120 and 239.

J BA Construction finished third with 223 points after a closing round of 97.

M CG Wednesday Club of Mimosa

I coasted to a two-point victory in Seniors B after shooting a 58 for a 150 total at Pinewoods.

Carl-Fran Golf Guild—through the Valencerina brothers Ceasar (23), Cyril (14), Charles (13) and Clifton (8)—scored 54 for 148, two ahead from Beneco Powers’s 145 after a 70, followed by Greenwater Meadows (60141) also at Pinewoods.

attempted to open the door at the back.

Luckily, some stadium security was able to pull and beat them back.

D uring the game, their fans pelted Filipino supporters and were warned not to raise the Philippine flag.

I w as personally chased by several fans for wearing the Azkals shirt. When the Philippines played Myanmar in Nam Dinh that was more than an hour’s drive from Hanoi in North Vietnam, this was after the Azkals’ shock 2-nil triumph over Vietnam, the defending champions.

The morning after our arrival, while the entire team went jogging the next day, we were trailed by a number of locals on motorbikes and bicycles who were all glaring if not goading us into a fight. We all looked down and quickly made our way back to the hotel.

I ncidentally, we had zero security.

A nd that wasn’t even the worst. Malaysia, which Indonesia played in the finals, had its players brought to the stadium inside armored vehicles. Isn’t that a shame?

P assion is one thing, hooliganism is another. They should have been docked hosting a match or two to teach them a lesson.

A nd that wouldn’t even be the last for Filipino supporters. There was the abuse heaped upon them during a match versus Hong Kong in Hong Kong following the events of a botched hostage incident in Manila where several Hong Kongers were killed.

W hile I am passionate about the teams I root for, not once did I think of inflicting physical harm on any supporter of the opposing squad. Even when my teams lost. And I have felt utterly devastated after galling losses.  I a m not stupid about these things. When people want to do wrong, they will always find ways. But in the case of the West Ham game, or even in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, the supporters must be placed in a safer area and protected.

Unfortunately, it took the shine off West Ham’s win and gave a black eye to the Dutch club, many whose supporters do not condone these actions. Hopefully, club security and UEFA will come down hard on the guilty parties.

A s much as I love the old era of sports where play was tough, I am glad that today they are family-oriented. There is just no place for that kind of violence. They want violence, they can always go to the frontlines in Ukraine then let’s see how tough they are.

JIM BROWN DIES

Jim Brown—National Football League legend, actor and social activist—passes away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night with his wife, Monique, by his side, according to a spokeswoman for Brown’s family. He was 87. AP