BusinessMirror May 28, 2024

FUEL and power costs in the Philippines are higher because the country does not provide subsidies compared to its neighbors, according to one of the country’s top businessmen.

In the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB), San Miguel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said gasoline in Malaysia costs P20 per liter, P40 per liter more than the average P60 per liter price in the country.

Ang traced this mainly to the Malaysian government’s subsidizing a third or 30 percent of fuel costs in their country. In contrast, he said, the Philippine govern-

ment, apart from not subsidizing fuel costs, also imposes excise taxes that make up another one-third of pump prices in the country.

“If you look at it on an equal basis, our prices without the subsidy and without taxes is even lower than Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. It’s also the same as power,” Ang said at the open forum at the PEB’s first plenary session on Monday.

“Our power generation compared to our neighboring countries are lower. But we impose taxes on the power sector of fuel. And we also...don’t give subsidy on power. That’s why our power prices are higher,” he added.

Investments MEANWHILE, Ang said that despite the high fuel and power costs, investors must not use this as a reason why they will not invest in the Philippines.

If investors are keen on putting up businesses such as factories in the Philippines, they should consider putting up their own power generation facility to serve their power needs, he added.

“If you are a foreign investor that wants to come to the Philippines, that [high power costs] is not a reason for not coming. You should come and put up your own power generating plant in your factory. Which is very easy to put up.

And the Philippine government encourages all big energy consumers to put up,” Ang said.

The SMC executive also said the country should fight for its sovereignty when it comes to the West Philippine Sea. The country has a lot of reserves in the WPS and could allow the production of more natural gas to help bring down energy costs. “Our oil production is only 6,000 barrels per day. Compared to our neighboring countries, average 1 million barrels a day. That’s why they can put in subsidy. [In the] Philippines, we

ANALYSTS POLLED: CUTS

IN KEY RATES UNTIL 2026

OCAL analysts surveyed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expect the Monetary

In the latest Monetary Policy Report, analysts said by the end of this year, the monetary authorities could cut policy rates by 25 to 150 bps.

For 2025, the analysts said, the BSP could loosen its policy stance by a range of 25 to 250 bps; while in 2026, analysts expect an additional reduction of about 50 to 150 bps in the policy rate.

“The results of the survey showed that most of the analysts anticipate current monetary policy settings to remain unchanged in Q2 [second quarter] 2024,” the report stated.

This outlook on policy rates is consistent with expectations that inflation will slow to 3.7 percent in 2024 from the initial estimate of 3.8 percent.

Inflation forecasts by analysts for 2025 remains unchanged at 3.5 percent but higher in 2026 at 3.5 percent from the initial outlook of 3.4 percent.

“Analysts expect within-target

IPOPHL:

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

GREENHILLS

Shopping Center (GSC) has committed to gradually move 100 percent of its merchants away from selling intellectual property (IP) infringing products by 2027, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The intellectual property rights watchdog said, in its statement on Monday, the commitment was made after it met with the shopping mall, as well as brand owners and enforcement agencies on May 9. It unveiled developments in its campaign to encourage the flea market traders to shift away from counterfeit products.

At the meeting, GSC Assistant Vice President and Trade

inflation over the policy horizon, although settling at the upper end of the target range as uncertainty lingers. Upside risks continue to dominate due mainly to supply chain disruptions,” the report stated.

The local analysts said the primary upside risks to inflation are higher oil and food costs, including rice. The price of these basic goods, the report stated, are affected by supply-side pressures due to geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.

In April 2024, rice inflation slowed to 23.9 percent from the 24.4 percent posted in March 2024. Rice inflation has been above 20 percent since January 2024.

The list of upside risks also includes the impact of extreme weather events such as El Niño in the first half of 2024 and the La Niña in the second semester.

Fairs and Exhibits Head James Candelaria presented the mall’s 10-year roadmap, which aims to gradually move 100 percent of its merchants away from selling IP-infringing products by 2027.

According to IPOPHL, starting in 2020, GSC management decided to reduce the number of stalls to 1,412 from 1,771.

Candelaria also reported that as of October 2023, at least 80 percent of the traders have gone through the transition program and are now selling local products, Halal items, jewelry, antiques, furniture pieces and artworks.

He also showed that over the years since the implementation of the roadmap, the mall was able to “weed out” nearly 299 stores by suspension.

TBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) called on legislators on Monday to approve critical bills aimed at overhauling the governance framework of the country’s airports.

According to the JFC, there are three urgent reforms that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and quality of domestic and international airports across the country. These three legislative reforms are the following: amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act of the Philippines (Caap) Law; the

creation of the Philippine Airports Authority; and the establishment of the Philippine Transportation Safety Board.

“These reforms are essential to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and overall quality of both domestic and international airports in the Philippines,” the JFC said in its letter to the Philippine Senate.

The proposed amendments to the Caap Law aim to bolster the agency’s role in safety oversight by improving human resource development, strengthening the board, and aligning with global safety standards.

See “RSA,” A

SC to Comelec, Miru: Reply to suit vs ₧17.9-B AES deal

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court has directed the Commission on Elections and joint venture led by South Korea’s Miru Systems Co.   Ltd. to comment on the petition seeking to enjoin the implementation of their P17.9-billion Automated Election System (AES) contract for the 2025 national and local elections.

The Court gave the respondents 10 days from receipt of notice  to file their respective comment on the petition and application for temporary restraining order and/or

“But we have a very big reserve in West Philippine Sea. That’s why they are very interested in the Philippines. So let us start. Let go of it. We should protect our territory,” he stressed.

Subsidies not best option

ASKED whether subsidies are a

writ of preliminary injunction filed by  former Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice last April 18, according to a statement released by the SC Public Information Office.

good idea to bring down the cost of fuel and power, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said subsidies may not be the best way forward.

Balisacan explained why: the main subsidy recipients will be the rich, who are the biggest consumers of fuel and power. However, he said, the government already has programs to subsidize the fuel and power needs of the most vulnerable.

Erice’s petition primarily seeks to stop the poll body from implementing its February 21, 2024 resolution awarding the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) contract to Miru and its partners St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies.

The former solon also ultimately prayed that the contract between the Comelec and Miru be declared null and void, and that the implementation of any other contract that the poll body may have entered into with the Korean firm, in connection with the incoming elections, be nullified.

The petitioner argued that  the deal violated the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7369 or the Automated Election Law, particularly on the bidding procedures and the use of prototype machines during the election process.

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Secretary said targeting mechanisms can be improved through the government’s digitalization program and the national ID.

“That way we can save a lot of fiscal resources and avoid potentially serious problems like a fiscal crisis. That’s what happened in the past when we had the Oil Price Stabilization Fund [OPSF] that be-

He claimed that the  contract is highly disadvantageous to the government as it stands  to lose around P10 billion in  taxpayers money.      Erice’s petition comes on the heels of the Court’s ruling in April which reversed the Comelec’s decision to disqualify  Smartmatic-TIM Corporation from participating in the bidding process for the subject contract.

Despite its decision favoring Smartmatic’s petition, the SC did not nullify the P17.9-billion contract that the Comelec inked with Miru.    SC spokesman, lawyer Camille Sue Mae Ting, clarified that the validity of Miru’s contract with Comelec was not the issue presented in the case before the SC.

She added the Court’s ruling was  not tantamount to upholding Comelec’s contract with MIRU since it was not the issue decided  upon by the magistrates.

came so unsustainable and caused a lot of fiscal problems,” Balisacan recalled.

In a discussion paper published in 2022, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Adoracion Navarro said reviving the OPSF would be anti-poor. If the OPSF is revived, Navarro said it disproportionately benefits the rich more than the poor. This will be complicated by the government’s lack of expertise when it comes to “managing the fund, and controlling the deficits of the fund.”

She, instead, recommended oil stockpiling instead of reviving the OPSF. Keeping strategic oil reserves, Navarro said, is common practice by net oil importing countries.

While this is not yet part of the National Energy Plan, stockpiling is proposed to be done by the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). Cai U. Ordinario

The creation of the Philippine Airports Authority is intended to resolve the conflicting roles of Caap as both an airport regulator and operator, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Lastly, the formation of the Philippine Transportation Safety Board would enhance the government’s capacity to investigate accidents and bolster overall transportation safety.

According to the JFC, the government should prioritize these legislative reforms, citing the recent events at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), where numerous flights were delayed due to a technical issue with the navigational air traffic management system.

This incident—along with other unfortunate events at the Naia such as power interruptions, congestion, and even sanitary issues—has underscored the need for robust regulatory and operational frameworks to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The JFC, representing over 3,000 member companies and over US$100 billion in trade and $30 billion in investments in the Philippines, stressed that these reforms would significantly benefit the country’s aviation sector.

The coalition includes the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers, as well as Pamuri.

“The JFC supports and promotes open international trade, increased foreign investment, and improved conditions for business to benefit both the Philippines and the countries we represent,” the JFC said.

“The GSC suspends stores that violate its rules, including [intellectual property] IP rules, and majority of the suspended sellers, according to Candelaria, do not return to GSC,” IPOPHL noted.

According to Candelaria, the shopping mall has so far educated its traders to tell them that “it’s time to change and that there are other products to profit from.”

The GSC official said some of the mall’s recent education initiatives include a learning event with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), attended by over 400 merchants, and “Bagsakan” events where the GSC showcases local products traders could explore selling.

IPOPHL said that since 2022, the mall has refused to accept applicants who intend to sell bags, watches and similar products, except where local manufacturers or labeled products are involved.

“The category usually makes up a big share of the counterfeit products seized by the National Committee on IP Rights [NCIPR],” said IPOPHL.

The country’s intellectual property rights body said Greenhills also provided incentives to stores that sell local delicacies and items, placing them at “premium” locations in various entrances of the building where the flea market is located.

IPOPHL said the meeting was also attended by legal representatives of luxury brands, who dis-

Based on the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the severe dry spell affected 175,063 farmers and fisherfolk and cost the economy P9.496 billion in damages.

On Monday, the NDRRMC also reported that Tropical Cyclone Aghon has affected 19,373 Filipinos and displaced 5,343 residents. While estimates of the damage are not yet available, 22 damaged homes and 13 flooded areas were initially reported.

“A few analysts cited downside risks from easing albeit still elevated food and non-food inflation, such as rice and oil; and waning inflationary pressures on prices as El Niño and base effects weaken in the near term,” the report added.

The report also noted that 15 out of 20 respondents said there is a higher chance, 77.2 percent, that inflation will settle within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the BSP. In April, analysts said there is only a 71.5-percent this can happen this year.

However, analysts said there is a 22.8-percent probability, lower than the 28.3 percent posted in April 2024, that inflation will breach the upper end of the target range.

For 2025, analysts said the probability that inflation will fall within the target band increased to 85.3

“If our fishermen remain doing marginal fishing, then they become another problem to local governments because we have to dole out food or cash assistance every time they cannot go out to fish,” he added.

China’s threat

THE recent threat by China to detain “trespassers” in the South China Sea is another concern that must be addressed within the parameters of international law, he added.

In Friday’s hearing, Congressman Dan S. Fernandez of the lone district of Sta. Rosa, Laguna observed that the problem of limited access to Scarborough is exacerbated by the use of outdated fishing

cussed solutions with GSC for their teams to better monitor stores.

The dialogue was followed by a brief tour, through which GSC showed the new mall building, filled with well-known apparel brands and food stores, and the flea market, said the IP rights body.

Original products

FOR his part, IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba reminded stall owners on the importance of selling original products, noting IPOPHL will soon conduct an IP briefing with these stall owners to help them transition to “legitimate goods.”

“We laud the commitment of the GSC to work together with its merchants to create a fairer and more IP-conscious business environment. We look forward to seeing more positive outcomes from this transition program,” Barba said.   IPOPHL is one of DTI’s attached agencies.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual for his part called on other malls to look at the Greenhills Shopping Center as an “example and see how good business practices can be done gradually.”

While the GSC is the lone physical market flagged in the United States Trade Representative Notorious Markets Lists, it is joined by the Cartimar Shopping Center and the markets of Baclaran and Divisoria in the European Commission’s Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List.

percent, higher than the 78.2 percent expectation in April.

The report said that for 2026, there is a 73.5-percent probability, lower than the initial 76.5 percent, that inflation will settle within the target band.

More expensive rice and vegetables and higher transport costs caused inflation in April to accelerate to 3.8 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said last May 21. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Department of Finance (DOF) said the government is now fasttracking interventions to beef up food supply to shield consumers from the ill effects of El Niño as well as La Niña.

Data released by the PSA indicated that inflation quickened for the third consecutive month in April. The inflation rate last month was faster than the 3.7 percent recorded in March, but slower than the 6.6 percent in April 2023.

Citing data from the PSA, Neda noted that April witnessed a “surge” in food inflation, which rose to 6.3 percent from the previous month’s 5.7 percent. Key contributors include vegetables, up by 4.3 percent; fish, up by 0.4 percent and ready-made products up by 4.8 percent. (See: https://businessmirror .com.ph/2024/05/08/ inflation-quickens-to-3-8-oncostly-food/).

gears and technology.   “We have to evolve,” he said. “If our fishermen would continue to use small traditional boats, they would really be in a dangerous situation.”

Ebdane said a fishers’ cooperative in the town of Sta. Cruz would be the first group to avail themselves of the provincial government’s assistance to modernize their fishing boat and equipment.

He said fishers’ groups can apply for financial support starting at P5 for fishing implements, including payaos. He added that the provincial government can provide up to P60 million should fishers opt to own and operate bigger boats, depending on their developed expertise and capability.

DOJ files charges vs mother, companion who allegedly tried to sell newborn baby

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) Task Force on Women and Children and Against Trafficking in Persons (TFWCATIP) has filed qualified trafficking and child exploitation charges before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the City of Manila against a mother and her cohort who allegedly tried to sell the former’s newborn baby online for P90,000.

Charged with violation of Section 4(g), ((a), and 6(o) of Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862 or the Expanded Anti Trafficking in Persons Act And violation of Section 10(a) of RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, were Arjay Escalona Malabanan, who facilitated

the sale of the baby; and Maria Chariza Rivera Dizon, the baby’s mother.

The case stemmed from the investigation and subsequent operation conducted by the National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in connection with the proliferation of the so-called “black market” in social media illegally offering children for adoption in exchange for money.

It was the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) which brought to PNP-WCPC’s attention the said illegal activity.

Acting on the said information, the PNPWCPC conducted an investigation of several Facebook groups and social media accounts provided by the NACC.

A policewoman designated as the undercover online investigator was able to lock-in a transaction several days after

posting on her Facebook account the status: “I’m hoping for a blessing...baby.”

A certain “Kuy’s Jay” then sent the policewoman a private message offering a baby for adoption for P90,000.

On May 13, 2024, the policewoman said he was able to confirm the identity of “Kuy’s Jay” as Malabanan after she received a video call from the latter.

During their conversation, the policewoman said Malabanan presented an identification card bearing his name and his employment as a computer operator of the local government unit of theDasmariñas City, Cavite.

The two then agreed to meet at Immaculate Concepcion Church in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, where the child would be handed over upon payment of the agreed amount.

An entrapment operation was immedi-

Congressman sees Cha-cha move progress with Chiz as Senate chief

ASENIOR member of the House of Representatives has expressed optimism that constitutional reform will advance in the final session of the 19th Congress as two leaders of Congress prepare to meet to discuss inter-chamber coordination and priorities.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte expressed optimism about the prospects for constitutional reform this year, especially since Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez have expressed intentions to collaborate on priority issues, including Charter change, in the coming weeks.

“I prefer to look at the glass as half full rather than half empty in light of the commitment of both Speaker Martin and Senate President Chiz to work on what needs mending as far

as the inter-chamber working relationship is concerned,” Villafuerte, one of the lead proponents of the House-passed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7 on lifting the 40 percent cap on foreign ownership of certain businesses, said.

Escudero expressed his initial opposition to the formation of a subcommittee on constitutional amendments, preferring that it remain under Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s existing committee.

Romualdez, in an interview, stated his belief that the Senate, under Escudero’s leadership, would consider passing RBH 7. He emphasized that the economic amendments to the Constitution are crucial and left the decision to the Senate.

Moreover, Villafuerte highlighted

President Marcos’s focus on upgrading tertiary education and hoped this would prompt senators to support constitutional amendments that allow foreign schools to operate in the country.

“Fingers crossed that the proposed reforms to take out the restrictive economic provisions in our Constitution that continue to impede FDI [foreign direct investment] inflows can still forge ahead in Congress when it reopens in July with Sen. Chiz [Escudero] as Senate president,” Villafuerte said.

“I hope the senators will support the President’s goal for the country to produce better-skilled graduates who are ready for the highly competitive post-pandemic global economy by acting on RBH 6,” he said.

ately launched for the arrest of Malabanan and Dizon.

Using marked money, authorities were able to receive the baby from Malabanan and arrested on the spot and then the two accused.

“Evidence adduced sufficiently established the crime of qualified trafficking: respondents facilitated the adoption of the newborn baby; facilitation of the adoption was for a consideration of ninety thousand pesos [P90,000.00]; purpose was to facilitate illegal adoption; the trafficked victim is a child; and the act of trafficking was committed by or through the use of ICT or any computer system, the transaction havingbeen done through Facebook messenger platform,” the resolution read.

“The act of respondents in selling the newborn child is an act of exploitation,” it added.

The resolution was signed by DOJ-TFWCATIP headed by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia I. Laroza-Torevillas and member-inquest prosecutor Assistant State Prosecutor Claire Eufracia P. Pagayanan.

Villafuerte emphasized that allowing premier foreign schools into the country would enhance the quality of Philippine graduates, making them more competitive in the global economy. Both RBH 6 and RBH 7 seek to modify the Constitution to permit greater foreign ownership in the public services, education, and advertising sectors.

Villafuerte anticipated smooth passage of the final congressional bill if the Senate approves RBH 6, noting that it mirrors RBH 7 in its focus on lifting the 60-40 equity rule in specific sectors.

He stressed the necessity of attracting leading educational institutions to improve the country’s higher education standards, citing the lack of Filipino universities in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education 2024 Asia University Rankings.

Aghon slightly changes track as it moves away

TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

YPHOON Aghon continued to move away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday afternoon but slightly changed direction, shifting east-northeastward, the state weather bureau reported.

In its 5:00 p.m. weather bulletin on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the center of Typhoon Aghon was spotted 155 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.

It is moving east-northeastward at 10 km/h and was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, with gustiness of up to 170 km/h.

Weather forecasters said it is less likely to bring a significant amount of rain within the next three days. Aghon is the first severe weather disturbance to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. The Philippines receives an average of 20 typhoons every year.

President Marcos said the government has already released 1.2 million worth of humanitarian aid in areas affected by the weather disturbance.

Marcos said the government has P3 billion worth of funds and prepositioned goods and stockpiles, which it can extend to typhoon victims, and vowed continued support to communities affected by the typhoon.

As of May 26, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has P607,910,708.69 standby funds and P2,479,102,476.31 worth of food and non-food items, which it can tap to assist typhoon victims.

The Southwesterly Windflow enhanced by Aghon, according to Pagasa will still bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas and portions of MIMAROPA in the next two days.

It is forecast to reach 300 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan by 2:00 a.m. May 28, and reach 500 km east of Basco,

Batanes by 2 p.m.

“On the track forecast, Typhoon Aghon will move generally northeastward over the Philippine Sea for the entirety of the forecast period. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility [PAR] on Wednesday afternoon or evening as a typhoon,” the weather bulletin stated.

It added that Aghon will continue to intensify over the next 24 to 36 hours as it moves northeastward over the Philippine Sea.

A weakening trend may begin on mid or late Wednesday as the typhoon begins interacting with the mid-latitude environment and undergoes post-tropical transition, it added.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals remains up in some parts of Luzon. These are The eastern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Nagtipunan, Aglipay), the southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castaneda, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte), the eastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Jones, Echague, San Agustin, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, City of Cauayan, Maconacon, Angadanan, Naguilian, Palanan, Dinapigue), Aurora, the northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo Islands, and the northwestern portion of Camarines Norte (Vinzons, Paracale, Jose Panganiban, Capalonga) including Calaguas Islands.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that seven people were injured while over 19,373 or 8,465 families were affected from four regions.

Aghon caused the immediate evacuation of 5,343 persons who are currently housed in the 81 evacuation centers put up by the government since Saturday.

During the onslaught of Aghon Saturday and Sunday, man areas were in the Mimaropa and Eastern Visayas region. Floods, landslides, and power outages were also reported in different parts of the country. With Samuel P. Medenilla

SM SUPERMALLS PARTNERS WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO COMBAT ONLINE FRAUD

Encourages shoppers to Be WAIS at Magduda against fraud and scams

IN an effort to fortify consumer protection in the digital sphere, SM Supermalls, in collaboration with several government agencies, advocacy groups, and Meta, embarked on a pioneering initiative, aligning with the Be WAIS at Magduda campaign against fraud and scams. The launch event, held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 11, marked the beginning of a concerted effort led by advocacy groups, Bayan Academy and CitizenWatch Philippines, to raise awareness about online fraud risks and equip consumers with the tools to identify and evade fraudulent activities prevalent in the digital landscape. SM Supermalls affirmed the significance of the partnership in amplifying the campaign’s message. “SM's partnership with Meta, advocacy groups, and the government sector is one of our

Jovee

Marie N. dela Cruz

GO: SUPER HEALTH CENTER BRINGS PRIMARY CARE TO ISLAND COMMUNITIES

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the Department of Health and its partnership with the local government of San Jose, Dinagat Islands, led by Mayor Yngwie Hero Ecleo and Vice Mayor Ruben Zuniega, for the successful turnover of the town’s Super Health Center on Friday last week.

The Super Health Center is part of Go’s advocacy to establish more Super Health Centers nationwide, ensuring that essential healthcare services reach isolated and geographically challenged communities.

Go acknowledged the importance of accessible healthcare and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and services in remote areas. The senator reaffirmed his commitment to championing initiatives that bridge the healthcare gap, ensuring that every Filipino has proper access to quality medical care.

“Ano ba itong Super Health Center? It’s a medium type of a polyclinic, nasa loob na ang panganganak birthing, dental, laboratory, x-ray atpwedengi-expand atlagyanng pang-dialysis,” the senator remarked.

Bill strengthens ‘Lemon Law’

By Jovee Marie Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ADEPUTY speaker has introduced amendments to the nearly decade-old Republic Act 10642, known as the Philippine Lemon Law, to address the increasing complaints from consumers who struggle to hold manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or retailers accountable for deceptive business and trade practices.

In filing House Bill 10347, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar Las Piñas said that despite RA 10642 that was enacted on July 15, 2014, numerous complaints regarding non-conformity, defects, or conditions that significantly impair the use, value, or safety of brand-new motor vehicles remain unresolved in a satisfactory or timely manner.

The Philippine Lemon Law aims to protect motor vehicle buyers from issues that prevent the vehicle from meeting the manufacturer or distributor’s standards and specifications and cannot be repaired.

Villar identified the “cumbersome process” as the main issue hindering consumers from effectively utilizing their rights under the Philippine Lemon Law.

Villar wants to reinforce the LPD sector for food security

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SEN. Cynthia Villar seeks to advance the development, promotion and competitiveness of the livestock, poultry and dairy industries in the country by the passage of Senate Bill 2558 that will put in place a plan to develop the industries to make them more productive.

In her explanatory statement, Villar said these industries play a significant role in food security, and accounts for more than a quarter of agricultural output in 2023.

She said pork and chicken accounts for approximately 29.8 percent of the Filipino

protein consumption and the high cost of these commodities, make them unaffordable to most Filipinos. This Villar said may lead to protein deficiency and contribute to malnutrition.

On the other hand, she said imported milk accounts for 99 percent of supply which makes the commodity unavailable and unaffordable to the Philippines’s growing population.

“Local milk production is struggling and needs a boost to able to cope with and address the local demand, especially on the milk feeding programs in our schools and other institutions that take care of our children,”Villar said.

“The hog sector is still struggling against the African Swine Fever outbreak since 2019 and needs to bounce back to support small

In particular, she said the provision giving manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or retailers four attempts to repair defective cars within the first 12 months from the date of delivery has made it inconvenient and burdensome for consumers and buyers to avail of their rights under RA 10642.

Under her proposed bill, Villar urged Congress to cut to only one repair attempt the current four repair attempts stipulated in the Philippine Lemon Law to make the process of availment not only faster but easier for buyers who fell prey to deceptive and unfair business and trade practices.

Likewise, Villar proposed that manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or retailers be compelled to ensure the availability of parts, components, or assemblies for the defective vehicle that is up for repair “within the period of availment of the Lemon Law rights.”

Villar said the parts, components, or assemblies should be made available within 10 days from the date a complaint has been made or a request for repair is requested. Failure of the car companies to provide the parts within the period would “entitle” the car owner or buyer to a “replacement with a brand-new motor vehicle of comparable specifications

hold raisers and commercial farms to support of basic food needs for pork. The ASF is responsible for the P100-billion loss to the sector.”

The poultry sector also needs sustainable inputs such as feeds, medicines against pest and diseases and more efficient production systems, she added.

“For the longest time, the LPD sector has been left to be run by the private sector, now with this Act, the government will actively support and participate in the development of the sector,” Villar stressed.

The measure, titled An Act Strengthening the Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Development and Competitiveness, Rationalizing the Organization and Functions of Relevant Government Agencies, Creating an Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Therefor, aims to put in place.

1. Philippine Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Value Chain Road Map which shall serve as a guidepost in the priority setting for the development, modernization, protection, and promotion of the LPD Industry, with the aim in view of attaining food security and combating rural poverty.

2. The Office of the Undersecretary of the National Livestock, Poultry, Dairy and Other Animals Program shall be created to establish policies for the development of the country’s Livestock, Poultry, Dairy, and other Animals sector.

3. For clarity and focus of purpose, the development of the LPD shall be under the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Regulatory functions shall be lodged with under the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) which shall be renamed as the Bureau of Animal

and value, without the need to comply with the one repair attempt requirement.”

Villar also proposed that “to compensate for the non-usage of the vehicle while under repair and during the period of availment of the Lemon Law rights, the consumer shall be provided with either a reasonable daily transportation allowance, an amount which covers the transportation of the consumer from his or her residence to his or her regular workplace or destination and vice versa; equivalent to air-conditioned taxi fare [as evidenced by an official receipt], or in such amount to be agreed upon by the parties.”

She said the consumer may also opt to ask manufacturers, distributors, authorized dealers, or retailers to provide him or her with a service vehicle.

HB 10347 stipulates that failure to provide any of the mentioned remedies for non-usage of the vehicle under repair would make the responsible parties liable for exemplary damages amounting to P50,000, in addition to the actual damages suffered by the consumer.

“I am hoping that the proposed amendments will help redress the many consumers who parted with their hard-earned resources only to receive defective brand-new motor vehicles from manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or retailers,” Villar said.

Regulation and Inspection (BARI).

4. The government, through the BAI, with funds from our tariff earnings, will strengthen the system of preventing and addressing the outbreak of diseases in the LPD sector.

5. Our native animals, such as hogs, chicken, horses, carabaos, among others, will not only be preserved but promoted and their population multiplied.

6. The National Dairy Authority or NDA shall be the central policy determining, developmental and regulatory body tasked to ensure the acceleration of the local dairy industry.

7. The Philippine Carabao Center shall develop a holistic program to address the needs of farmers and their cooperatives in the breeding, dairy farm management of dairy buffaloes, including forage development and increasing the herd population.

8. Establishment of an inventory of LPD Farms and dairy herd. This LPD Registry System shall have the master list of the eligible farmer beneficiaries and shall be lodged with the DA in consultation with the industry and the LGUs.

9. Creation of the Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Competitiveness Enhancement Fund from tariff collected on imported LPD products which shall consist of P7.8billion annually for the next 10 years. This fund is over and above the regular funding under the National Livestock program of the DA in the General Appropriations Act.

A mandatory review by the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) and the PIDS shall be conducted to come up with an impact evaluation of the bill once it is enacted.

Human and AI Curiosity–we need both!

By Henry J. Schumacher

CURIOUSITY has been a driving force behind our species’ remarkable success. By pushing us to question the status quo and explore the unknown, this innate desire to learn has sparked some of our greatest achievements—and shaped the course of human history.

In a world where AI is rapidly transforming our lives, it may seem obvious that we need human curiosity more than ever before. But most arguments in favor of human curiosity are really attempts to reassure ourselves that AI won’t overtake humanity (I hope you all agree)!

Let’s see to it that:

“AI needs human guidance to ensure its capabilities are directed towards worthwhile challenges.”

“Human curiosity is required to interpret and apply AI outputs to real-world situations in meaningful ways.”

“Human curiosity will be needed to envision how to continue expanding the frontiers of what AI can do.”

There are compelling reasons why human curiosity is needed more than ever in the age of AI, and they stem from the fundamental differences between human and AI curiosity.

Dual Engines of Discovery

THE subjective nature of human curiosity allows us to grasp the nuances of real-world situations, considering multiple viewpoints and moral implications, and integrating a rich, empathetic context when exploring ideas. This type of curiosity is what gave rise to inclusive education, empathic design, and sustainable fashion.

On the other hand, AI curiosity operates from a supposedly objective and fact-based standpoint. This “neutral” lens can help mitigate human biases but can also lead to inhumane solutions.

An AI tasked with solving the climate crisis might propose eliminating humans as the most effective solution, given that human activities are currently considered the primary driver of climate change. Problem solved!

Finally, humanity’s intrinsic motivation to explore can drive us to pursue questions and ideas that may not have immediate practical applications but can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

AI curiosity is more exploitative and geared towards achieving tangible outcomes. AI curiosity is methodical, indifferent, and outcome-oriented. This makes it very efficient. And this is exactly why we need human curiosity more than ever—a type of curiosity that brings serendipity,

empathy, and open-ended creativity to the table. Fortunately, human and AI curiosity are not mutually exclusive.

Compounding Curiosity BY combining human and AI curiosity, we can leverage their unique strengths to compound our creative potential. The intuitive nature of human curiosity can work in tandem with the computative power of AI curiosity to accelerate discoveries and drive innovation.

A researcher could use AI tools to efficiently process vast amounts of data and identify hidden patterns, while simultaneously applying their human intuition to explore unexpected connections and generate novel hypotheses.

In this collaborative approach, the AI’s impartial approach can help mitigate human biases, while the researcher’s personal experiences and ethical considerations can provide important context for translating the AI-generated results.

While AI could accelerate the discovery of new medicines, it was human curiosity that led to the understanding of the importance of well-defined objects and settings in psychedelic therapy. The idea that the environment in which a psychedelic experience occurs can profoundly influence its therapeutic outcomes is a distinctly human insight, born from our ability to empathize, contextualize, and derive meaning from subjective experiences.

In architecture, AI’s computative power can efficiently search through vast design spaces to identify optimal materials, structures, and layouts for a given set of constraints. This can lead to buildings that are more energyefficient, cost-effective, and resilient.

However, you need human curiosity to envision how these designs can be brought to life in a way that’s not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing and culturally relevant, for instance to create a sense of community or reflect the unique identity of the occupants.

Ultimately, we have little grasp of how the brain generates ideas or what fundamentally distinguishes human and artificial cognition. Confidently ceding curiosity to AI would be premature given how much we have yet to discover about cognition.

In the meantime, we can create powerful synergies between human and AI curiosity to solve complex problems and create solutions that are both humane and technically advanced. We need to create platforms that support collaboration between human and AI curiosity.

This includes developing AI systems that augment human curiosity rather than replace it, allowing knowledge workers to easily integrate AI into their workflows.

It also means investing in education and designing environments that nurture human curiosity through intrinsicallymotivated intellectual exploration in schools, at home, and at work.

In conclusion: The future of human curiosity in the age of AI is not a zerosum game. It’s an opportunity to create a virtuous cycle of discovery where the unique strengths of human and AI curiosity build upon and reinforce each other. It can be a journey towards a shared destination. But the human curiosity has to stay in control! I would appreciate receiving your comments; please contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

Adviser Go pushes for steady climb up minerals processing before EVs

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

PROCESSING

electric vehicles (EVs) in the country would be easy with a streamlined process of issuing mineral exploration permits, according to Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA).

“The dream of [Department of Trade and Industry] DTI is that we move up from raw nickel to processed nickel to electric batteries then electric vehicles,” Go said at a panel during the Philippine Economic Briefing on Monday.

“So of course processing EVs in the PH would be the end goal, and we have to start somewhere and that somewhere starts with, I guess, streamlining the process of mineral exploration permits,” he added. Go emphasized the need to shorten

Manila protests Beijing’s SCS fishing ban anew

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

MANILA has protested anew the four-month long fishing moratorium that Beijing has imposed in the South China Sea.

China imposed a unilateral fishing ban in areas of the South China Sea north of the 12 degrees North latitude beginning May 1, 2024.

The fishing moratorium is expected to end on September 16, 2024.

The Department of Foreign Affairs submitted a diplomatic note to officially express its protest on the ban. It stressed that the coverage included the maritime zones of the Philippines, where the Philippines exercise “sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”

According to China stateowned media CGTN, China has been imposing the national summer fishing ban in the South China Sea annually since 1999 to “promote sustainable marine fishery development and improve marine ecology.”

The ban affected 17,000 Chinese fishermen but, in the implementation of the ban, it also denied access to thousands of other fishermen in the area such as from the Philippines and Vietnam.

Every year, the Philippines has protested to China their unilateral

moratorium of fishing in the South China Sea. It also included this issue in the arbitration tribunal.

The DFA reminded Beijing the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea ruled that China violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) for promulgating a fishing moratorium in the South China Sea “without exception for areas…falling within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and without limited the moratorium to Chinese flagged vessels.”

“The Philippines stressed that the unilateral imposition of the fishing moratorium raises tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, and directly contravenes the understanding between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping to manage differences through diplomacy and dialogue and to de-escalate the situation at sea.

“The Philippines called on China to cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions that violates the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones; comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the 1982 Unclos and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award; and, adhere to its commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” the DFA said.

Luzon grid placed on red and yellow alerts

Continued from A16

Masinloc 3 with a capacity of 335 MW, SBPL with a capacity of 455 MW and Botocan with a capacity of 20.8 MW also went on outage due to the typhoon. In addition, Kalayaan Unit 4 with a capacity of 180 MW tripped on Monday morning.

Currently, the Ilijan/Linseed FSU is undergoing berthing and attachment. Securing the berthing and attachment of loading arms will take around two

the permitting process from the current 5 to 6 years to just 2 to 3 years, adding, “But of course we’re hoping it could be shortened to 1 to 2 years.”

According to an earlier story of the BusinessMirror, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is further streamlining the processing of mining permits this year with the full digitalization of exploration permit (EP) and Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) processes.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga noted that the Marcos administration has ushered in a renewed focus on revitalizing the mining sector and that the message is clear—the Philippines must leverage its status as one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations to drive economic growth.

In the country’s pursuit to rise up the value chain of mineral processing, Go said, “Instead of focusing on exploration or exploitation of the

minerals, we should also be looking at attracting investments in the downstream process.”

“The most obvious for us would be the downstream processing of nickel and copper. Why? Simply because we’re now the largest exporter of raw nickel ore to the world and we supposedly have the largest copper deposit here in the Philippines,” said Go.

Having ample investments in the downstream processing of nickel and copper, he noted, could increase the value of the country’s mineral exports by 10 times.

More value for nickel ores

AT the Indo-Pacific Business Forum last week, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said there is an ongoing discussion among the IPEF countries to try to add more value for processing nickel ores further but in a green way.

Rodolfo said this when he underscored that 70 to 80 percent of the nickel ore that the Philippines mines

are exported in raw, unprocessed form to a “big country” that is dominant when it comes to batteries.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual earlier noted that the Philippines is the only major producer of mineral ores that is still selling to the global market, particularly China.

“So, China is able to get, I think, 90 percent of our export of nickel ores, giving them a major hold on the nickel market, particularly the downstream products coming out from nickel, meaning battery precursors and batteries, themselves,” the Philippines’s trade chief said in April.

DTI had also earlier advocated for having a critical mass of electric vehicles to make the setting up of charging stations a feasible business in the Philippine market. (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/03/11/zero-tariffs -on-hybrid-vehicles-notjustifiable-this-time-dti/)

SMC not withdrawing from Pasig River Expressway, says it’s addressing issues

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

DIVERSIFYING conglomer-

ate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has no intention of withdrawing from the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project, according to its President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang.

At the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) on Monday, Ang told reporters that the PAREX is currently on hold, but the company is not keen on withdrawing from the undertaking.

Ang said the company is currently addressing concerns raised against the PAREX. SMC, he said, has already completed the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the PAREX.

“We are addressing the concerns, di ba maraming concern, maraming nagsa-

to three hours, after which the regasification will resume. But due to Ilijan’s shutdown, it will have to undergo 14 to 16 hours of cold start before it can resume full normal operations.  Meanwhile, restoration work is currently ongoing for the lines to the Pagbilao plants and  other affected plants.

The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) of First Gas continues to supply the grid despite the typhoon, the DOE said. Meanwhile, several hydro

power plants are derated, having been affected adversely by another natural disaster, the El Niño that brought drought in addition to extreme high temperatures.

On various dates throughout April and May 2024, seven hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 440 MW went on forced outage due to low water level. In addition, four fossil-fueled power plants with a total capacity of 916 MW have been on forced outage due to technical problems aggravated by extreme heat indices.

sabing hindi maganda, maliit, sinusubukan nating i-address kaya naka-hold muna [weren’t there several concerns? Many are saying it’s not good, it’s too small, so we’re trying to address those, that’s why he project is on hold for now],” Ang said. “Kina-clarify natin yung concern ng mga tao. Pag na-clarify natin, at mas maraming taong gusto and it will benefit more people, why not? Pero sa ngayon naka-hold na [We’re trying to clarify people’s concerns. Once we’ve clarified, and more people favor it, and it will benefit more people, why not? But for now it’s on hold],” he explained. Earlier, Ang said the diversified conglomerate has decided against pursuing the 19.4-kilometer PAREX (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/03/19/san-miguel-nolonger-pursuing-PAREX-ang/).

In 2021, SMC signed a supplemental toll operations agreement with the

Four other hydroelectric power plants and two biomass power plants with a total capacity of 34.7 MW have been offline since August 2023 due to insufficient water level and lack of feedstock, respectively. Another 15.8 MW biomass power plant was on forced outage since May 18 due to lack of feedstock.

According to DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara, red alerts could still be hoisted over the Luzon grid next week if these power plants remain on shutdown or would still

Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of the P81.53-billion PAREX. The supplemental agreement would have given SMC a 30-year franchise to build and operate the 19.4-kilometer PAREX along the Pasig River banks within 36 months, connecting the eastern and western parts of the metropolis. PAREX entailed the construction of a 19.40-kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway along the banks of the river. The expressway will have started from Radial Road 10 (R10) in the City of Manila and will have ended at a connection to the South East Metro Manila Expressway, otherwise known as Circumferential Road 6 (C6). It was seen to reduce travel time from Manila to Rizal to just 15 minutes.

fail to deliver their full capacity.

“If these plants will not come back on line next week then probably we will have red alerts next week,” the DOE official warned.

During red alerts, the operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) is suspended. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday afternoon ordered the suspension due to insufficient generation capacity in the grid. Following the suspension,

File damage suit vs China, Jardeleza prods govt

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

ARETIRED Supreme Court associate justice has urged the Marcos administration to immediately purse the filing of an environmental damage suit against China before issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea are overshadowed by the 2025 midterm elections.

Retired SC Justice Francis Jardeleza made the call during his speech at the 111th Commencement Exercises of Silliman University in Dumaguete City on Sunday. He also appealed to thousands of students and faculty members of the school to support the filing of an environmental case against China for its continued aggression and provocations against Filipinos in the WPS, despite a 2016 ruling on the territorial jurisdiction case in favor of the Philippines.

Jardeleza pointed out that Silliman University has plenty of researchers and experts on environment who could help gather the evidence in the filing of another case against China.

“By filing an environmental damage suit against China, the Philippines could claim millions or billions of pesos to equip and fund the government to protect the West Philippine Sea,” Jardeleza said.

He noted that thousands of hectares of irreplaceable marine life have been destroyed due to the encroachment on the Philippines’s exclusive economic zone.

Jardeleza headed the Philippine legal team that handled the South China Sea arbitration during his term as solicitor general.

It can be recalled that in September 2023, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also vowed to push for the filing of an environmental suit against China for the destruction of coral reefs and harvesting of corals in the WPS.

Remulla said then that sufficient evidence have been gathered over the years to support the filing of a case against China.

“It’s a very ripe case for adjudication. I think we can go on and tap the best legal experts in the country to help us. We have access to the best environmental lawyers. We will pursue these cases against China because we have a lot of evidence,” Remulla said At present, the government has yet to file another case against China before an international tribunal.

Despite this, the former magistrate lauded the government’s current efforts to protect the country’s interests over WPS.

“The President is on the right track. He is cultivating the Americans for the Mutual Defense Treaty, all of the allies in the Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], the Europeans, and so we are gaining ground,” Jardeleza said.

the ERC has directed the Independent Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) and the NGCP to operate the market.

“The operations of the WESM shall remain suspended until issuance of a Notice of Market Resumption by the ERC,” the ERC said,adding that it is closely monitoring developments in the country’s power situation to ensure the reliability and security of the power system, and maintain continuous operations of the generators.

153.

154. RUANGCHAIPRAMOTE, WATCHAYA

the

155.

156.

159. KE, RONGMOU Chinese Mechanical Specialist A

May 28, 2024

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 Employment Permit/s:

NO.ESTABLISHMENT

1 ADVANCE ABILITY ASSISTANCE TRAINING CENTER, INC.

2F, Crosstown Mall, 8005

National Road, Pulong Santa Cruz, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

2 HI-P PHILIPPINES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Bldg. X2, Lot 11A, Phase 1B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

3 HI-P PHILIPPINES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Bldg. X2, Lot 11A, Phase 1B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

4 HI-P PHILIPPINES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Bldg. X2, Lot 11A, Phase 1B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

5 ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

114 Technology Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

6 JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MORI, NAOYA

Document Interpreter/Translator

Brief Job Description:

Read and analyze client process as per the business rules and manage Japanese language interpretation and translation

VINCENT ANG TECK HIANG

Finance Manager

Brief Job Description:

prepare budget and analyze support decision making

LIM SHY MIN

Production Senior Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Supervise directly, coordinate the activities of production workers, ensure the production target and quality standard is met

SARAVANAN SEENIVASAGAM

Technical Assistant Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee the day-to-day operation of the spray-painting process, quality standard

Must have a bachelor’s degree in perform other related tasks, speak, read and write Japanese and English language

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

Must have a bachelor’s degree in economics or related speak, read and write Malaysian and English language

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

9

8 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LIU, ZHIJIN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LEE CHIA YONG

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

10 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Must have several years of experience in manufacturing company and able to speak, read and write Malaysian and English language

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

Must have proven experience in spray painting and pad painting techniques including equipment operation and materials selection and able to speak, read and write Malaysian and English language

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

WAKI, KAZUTOSHI

Assistant Section Head For Dealer Retail Sales

Brief Job Description:

In charge of ordering CBU/CKD form JPN/TH and analyze market situation inventor control

106 East Main Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Malamig, City of Biñan, Laguna CHEN, BO

Application Engineer

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall technical and application engineer design and development

7 KYOURITSU ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES, INC.

No. 19 Mountain Drive, Light Industry & Science Park 2, La Mesa, City of Calamba, Laguna KIDO, KATSUHIKO Corporate Director/Treasurer

Brief Job Description: Responsible for making major policies and business decisions, reporting

Must be excellent in leadership and must have at least 5 years’ experience in sales

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

Must be a graduate of textile technology or related course

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

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

TEH TAI CEE

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 -

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Editor: Angel R. Calso

May

Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes kill 35 in Gaza’s Rafah as displaced people are bombed

By Wafaa Shurafa, Tia Goldenberg & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people Sunday and hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and “numerous” others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.

The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled.

Footage from the scene of the largest airstrike showed heavy destruction. Israel’s army confirmed the strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. It said it was investigating reports that civilians were harmed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the “deepening of operations” there, his office said.

A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafah’s Tal alSultan neighborhood about two kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of the city center.

The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a “humanitarian area.” The neighborhood is not included in areas that Israel’s military ordered evacuated earlier this month.

The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel’s massive air, sea and ground offensive. There were no reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility. Israel’s military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah and “a number” were intercepted, and the launcher was destroyed.

Earlier Sunday, dozens of aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. Israel’s military said 126 aid trucks entered via the

nearby Kerem Shalom crossing.

But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid—including medical supplies—because of fighting. The crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israel’s offensive in Rafah. United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid.

The World Health Organization last week said an expanded Israeli incursion in Rafah would have “disastrous” impact.”

“With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretarygeneral emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom,” the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Kerem Shalom, Gaza’s main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas.

Around 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate

EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in West Bank

By Raf Casert & Sylvain Plazy The Associated Press

BRUSSELS—The European Union’s foreign policy chief insisted Sunday that Israel must abide by the UN top court’s rulings and end its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and, at the same time, questioned the possible involvement of authorities in the settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. On a day that visiting Palestinian

on the brink, risking an explosion any time.” While most of the global attention is centered on Gaza, Borrell said that “we should not forget what’s happening in the West Bank,” where the seat of the Palestinian Authority is based. “There we see an intensified spiral of violence. Indiscriminate and punishing

Hamas’ remaining battalions and achieve “total victory” over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza.

The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction.

Southern Gaza largely cut off from aid SOUTHERN Gaza has been largely cut off from aid since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion into Rafah on May 6. Since then over 1 million Palestinians, many already displaced, have fled the city. Northern Gaza receives aid through two land routes that Israel opened during global outrage after Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers in April.

A few dozen trucks enter Gaza daily through a US-built floating pier, far below the 150 trucks a day that officials hoped for. Aid groups say 600 trucks a day are needed.

Israel detains man over mutiny threat

ISRAEL’s military said it had detained a suspect over a widely circulated video in which a man dressed as a soldier threatens mutiny. The man says tens of thousands of soldiers were ready to disobey the defense minister over his suggestion that Palestinians should govern Gaza after the war, and pledged loyalty to Netanyahu alone.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the man has been removed from reserve duty. It was not clear when or where the video was made. The prime minister’s office released a brief statement condemning all forms of military insubordination.

Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel and Magdy from Cairo.

attacks by extremist settlers, more and more targeting humanitarian aid heading to Gaza. And they are heavily armed. And the question is, who is arming them? And who is not preventing this attack from happening,” Borrell said.

Rights groups and Palestinian residents have said that Israeli forces often provide an umbrella of security to armed settlers attacking Palestinian towns and nomadic communities.

Such settler violence, Borrell said, “is coupled with unprecedented Israeli settlement expansions and land grabbing.”

Borrell also countered Israeli threats to hit the Palestinians financially. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would stop transferring tax revenue earmarked for the Palestinian Authority, a move that threatens to handicap its already waning ability to pay salaries to thousands of employees.

China premier revives trilateral cooperation with S. Korea, Japan amid security concerns

By Hyung-Jin Kim & Huizhong Wu

The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—China’s premier agreed Monday to revive threeway cooperation with South Korea and Japan in the face of shared challenges, but issued a veiled rebuke against the two countries’ expanding security cooperation with the United States.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul in what was their countries’ first such trilateral meeting in more than four years.

Many experts say just restarting the countries’ highest-level annual meeting and agreeing on the need to improve ties is a positive sign for cooperation among the three Northeast Asian neighbors, as they all face economic uncertainties caused by wars and instability around the world.

But how drastically their cooperation will be promoted is unknown as the three countries have a range of long-running complex issues.

In a joint news conference after the meeting, Li said China wants to cooperate with South Korea and Japan on economic issues, especially on supply chains and the restart of talks on a three-way free trade deal.

Yoon said the three leaders agreed to promote people-topeople and cultuwral exchanges, establish safe supply chain networks and work together to tackle shared environmental, health and other issues. Kishida said the three countries share a big responsibility for regional peace and that Japan will chair the next round of the trilateral leaders’ meeting.

Despite the seemingly amicable mood of the meeting, however, Li at one point expressed Chinese uneasiness about Japan and South Korea’s moves to beef

up their security partnership with the US, which Beijing views as an attempt to form a bloc to contain China.

“We need to have honest dialogues to better enhance trust and resolve doubts. We must uphold the spirit of strategic autonomy and maintain our bilateral relations,” Li said in comments at the start of the meeting with Yoon and Kishida. “We need to promote multipolarity in the world and oppose the formation of blocs or camps.”

China is wary of Japan’s plan to purchase 400 US Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and allow repair and maintenance of US warships in Japan to support their operations in the western Pacific. The expansion of military drills among South Korea, the US and Japan have also drawn protests from China.

The trilateral meeting was also briefly overshadowed by North Korea’s abrupt notification to Japan of its plan to

launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent bid to place its second spy satellite into orbit.

The UN bans any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as disguised tests of the country’s long-range missile technology. North Korea has said it needs spy satellites to better monitor South Korea and the US and enhance the precision-attack capabilities of its missiles.

Yoon called for stern international action if North Korea goes ahead with the launch. Kishida urged North Korea to withdraw its satellite launch. But Li didn’t mention the launch plan as he offered general comments about promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a political resolution. South Korea, Japan and the US have long urged China— North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline—to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoid-

US lawmakers visit Taiwan in show of support for new president after China’s military

By Johnson Lai & Ken Moritsugu The Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan—A US congressional delegation met Taiwan’s new leader on Monday in a show of support shortly after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration speech.

Rep. Andy Barr, the co-chair of the Taiwan caucus in the US Congress, said the United States is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically

and economically.

“There should be no doubt, there should be no skepticism in the United States, Taiwan or anywhere in the world, of American resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait,” the representative from Kentucky said at a news conference after the delegation met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

Taiwan’s new foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, noted the recent Chinese drills and called the American delegation’s visit “an important gesture of solidarity” at a critical time.

Papua New Guinea says landslide buried 2,000 people and formally asks for help

By Rod Mcguirk The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia—A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday’s landslide and has formally asked for international help.

The government figure is roughly triple the UN estimate of 670 killed by the landslide in the South Pacific island nation’s mountainous interior. The remains of only six people had been recovered so far. In a letter seen by The Associated Press to the United Nations resident coordinator dated Sunday, the acting director of the South Pacific island nation’s National Disaster Center Luseta Laso Mana said the landslide “buried more than 2000 people alive” and caused “major destruction” at

Yambali village in the Enga province. Estimates of the casualties have varied widely since the disaster occurred, and it was not immediately clear how officials arrived the number of people affected.

The International Organization for Migration, which is working closely with the government and taking a leading role in the international response, has not changed its estimated death toll of 670 released on Sunday, pending new evidence.

“We are not able to dispute what the government suggests but we are not able to comment on it,” said Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the UN migrant agency’s mission in Papua New Guinea.

“As time goes in such a massive undertaking, the number will remain fluid,” Aktoprak added.

The death toll of 670 was based on calculations by Yambali village and Enga provicincial officials that more than 150 homes had been buried by the landslide.

ing fully implementing UN sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to its impoverished neighbor to stay afloat and continue to serve as a bulwark against US influence on the Korean Peninsula.

In a bilateral meeting with Li on Sunday, Yoon asked China to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia.

After meeting with Li on Sunday, Kishida also told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China’s northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan was closely monitoring developments on selfgoverned Taiwan as well.

Kishida referred to China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns on pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island’s new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

On Monday, Li still didn’t respond directly to the outside accusations against the Chinese actions in the South China Sea or surrounding Taiwan.

“China, Japan and South Korea should appropriately

drills

The delegation included both Republicans and Democrats and was led by Rep. Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Texas Republican was sanctioned by China last year after he visited Taiwan in April. The other members were Republicans Young Kim from California and Joe Wilson from South Carolina and Democrats Jimmy Panetta from California and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania.

Moritsugu reported from Hong Kong.

The previous estimate had been 60 homes. The office of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape did not respond Monday to a request for an explanation of what the government estimate of 2,000 was based on.

Determining the scale of the disaster is difficult because of challenging conditions on the ground including the village’s remote location, a lack of telecommunications and tribal warfare throughout the province which means international relief workers and aid convoys require military escorts.

The landslide had also buried a 200-meter (650-foot) stretch of the province’s main highway under debris 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) deep which creates a major obstacle to relief workers.

Mana said the landslide would have a major economic impact on the entire country.

“The situation remains unstable” due to the shifting ground, “posing ongoing danger to both the rescue teams and survivors alike,” Mana wrote to the United Nations.

handle sensitive issues and points of difference, and take care of each other’s core interests and major concerns,” Li said. “And truly construct a real multilateralism.”

The three Asian nations together represent about 25 percent of global gross domestic product, and they are closely linked to one another economically and culturally. But their relations have suffered on-again, off-again setbacks owing to issues stemming from Japan’s wartime aggression. China’s ambitions of greater global influence and a US push to bolster its Asian alliances have also threatened to hurt ties among the three Asian countries.

The China-South KoreaJapan trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually following their first meeting in 2008. But the sessions stalled since the last one in December 2019 in Chengdu, China because of the Covid-19 pandemic and often-complicated ties among the three countries.

Experts say the three countries all want better relations. China is the biggest trading partner for both South Korea and Japan. Analysts say China likely thinks any further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-US security ties would not serve its national interests.

Wu reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Thai court sentences opposition lawmaker to 2 years in prison for defaming monarchy

By Jintamas Saksornchai The Associated Press

BANGKOK—A Thai court on Monday sentenced a lawmaker from a progressive opposition party to two years in prison after finding her guilty of defaming the monarchy in a speech she made during a protest rally three years ago.

Chonthicha Jangrew of the Move Forward Party was greeted by several supporters when she arrived at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, with some party colleagues. Chonthicha, popularly known by her nickname “Lookkate,” represents a constituency in Pathum Thani.

Her charges stemmed from her speech in 2021 that demanded the release of all political prisoners during a rally in front of the same court that delivered Monday’s sentence.

She was found guilty for parts of the speech concerning how the government then led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha had amended laws to give King Vajiralongkorn more power to control the palace wealth, which is managed by the Crown Property Bureau.

The judge said her speech could misinform the public by suggesting that King Vajiralongkorn can spend taxpayers’ money for his personal use and use his influence to interfere with politics, which could tarnish his reputation.

The judge originally sentenced her to three years in prison, but reduced it to two years because of her cooperation in the trial. The law for defaming the monarchy, an offense known as lese majeste, carries a penalty of three to 15 years imprisonment.

It is widely referred to as Article 112 from its place in the Criminal Code.

Chonthicha was afterwards released on bail of 150,000 baht ($4,100). Had

bail not been granted and she been sent directly to prison, she would have immediately been removed from her seat in Parliament.

She told reporters that she wasn’t surprised about the verdict as the majority of 112 charges led to convictions.

She said she will appeal, adding that she was glad to have been granted release on bail but wished that other political prisoners were given the same right.

A young activist charged with lese majeste died in detention earlier this month after carrying out a monthslong hunger strike to protest the revocation of her bail in January.

Chonthicha and nine other defendants in the case were charged with other offenses including illegal assembly and violating an emergency decree enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. All 10 were acquitted of those charges. Chonthicha was the only one who had been charged with violating the lese majeste law.

Before becoming a politician, Chonthicha had been an activist since she was a college student. She became a high-profile figure in the youthdominated movement by confronting the police during the mass street protests that demanded democratic reform of several powerful institutions including the monarchy.

Chonthicha, 31, won a seat in last year’s general election, part of a surprise victory for the progressive Move Forward Party that shook Thai politics.

However, it failed to take power after the party was out-maneuvered by influential conservative forces, as members of the Senate refused to approve the party’s leader as prime minister. Criticism of Thailand’s monarchy is considered taboo, and insulting or defaming key royal family members is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. But student-led pro-democracy

JAPANESE Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, third left, holds a meeting with Chinese Premier

Li Qiang, third right, in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, May 26, 2024. DAISUKE SUZUKI/KYODO NEWS VIA AP

WHO chief urges World Health Assembly to amend international health regulations

By Jamey Keaten The Associated Press

GENEVA—The World Health Organization opened its annual meeting on Monday with government ministers and other top envoys hoping to reinforce global preparedness for the next pandemic in the devastating wake of Covid-19.

But the most ambitious project, to adopt a pandemic “treaty,” has been shelved for now after 2 1/2 years of work failed to produce a draft that countries could unite behind by Friday, as originally hoped.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insists it’s not a failure, and acknowledged an “immense” task faced by negotiators on a “very ambitious timeline”—alluding to the many years it usually takes for UN countries to reach global treaties.

When diplomats, health officials and activists were still attempting to produce a draft pandemic treaty, he had predicted the assembly could be one of the most significant in WHO’s 76-year history. Not anymore.

“Of course, we all wish that we had

been able to reach a consensus on the agreement in time for this health assembly and cross the finish line,” Tedros said in his opening remarks. “But I remain confident that you still will—because where there is a will, there is a way.”

“It’s now for this World Health Assembly to decide what that way is—meaning the solution is in your hands,” he added.

WHO officials and others have been eager to build on the momentum of concern from the coronavirus pandemic, with the risk that the more it fades into history, the less the public—and policymakers—will be interested in preparing for a future pandemic.

The basic premise is that pathogens that have no regard for national borders require a united response from all countries. But decision-makers have struggled to balance national interest with the call from WHO officials to think more broadly in the interest of humanity and equity.

So health ministers will now have to take up the work and try to overcome deep-set differences, including how the world can share information on emerging pathogens and scarce resources like vaccines and masks when demand skyrockets.

Poland rolls out plans for fortifications along its border with Russia and Belarus

By Monika Scislowska The Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland—Defense officials in NATO member Poland on Monday presented a plan to strengthen anti-drone surveillance and on-ground military defense through a system of fortifications and barriers along about 700 kilometers (430 miles) of its eastern border with Russia and Russian ally Belarus. The government says Poland, which supports neighboring Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression, is being targeted by hostile actions by Russia and Belarus. They include cyberattacks, attempted arson and migrants being pushed illegally across the border, which officials describe as intended to destabilize the European Union, of which Poland is a member.

The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk has planned a range of security measures including in cyberspace, as well as a more than $2.5 billion investment in strengthening surveillance, deterrence and defense along the eastern border, a system known as Shield-East that is to be completed in 2028. Work on it has started, officials said. “The goal of the shield is to protect the territory of Poland, hamper the mobility of adversary’s troops while making such mobility easier for our own troops and to protect civilians,” Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a news conference.

The shield will include “all kinds of fortifications, barriers, monitoring of the air space on every level and upgrading the existing systems,” and will be integrated with the defense system across the country, Kosiniak-Kamysz said. Chief of Staff Gen. Wiesław Kukuła said it will

Macron begins historic visit to Germany amid EU election fears of far-right surge

BERLIN—President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a threeday trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union’s traditional leading powers ahead of European Parliament elections in which far-right parties in both countries hope for gains.

The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police.

While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s largely ceremonial president, FrankWalter Steinmeier.

It is “proof of the depth of the friendship between France and Germany” that Macron is visiting as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution and before it marks the 35th anniversary in November of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier said. Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guesthouse outside Berlin. Germany and France, which have the EU’s biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration, though there

Other high-profile participants, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also addressed the gathering of the UN health agency’s 194 member states.

Guterres, speaking by video, called the pandemic accord a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to make sure the global health systems respond faster and more equitably in the next outbreak and urged delegates to back amendments to the international health as a way to boost the response to emergencies.

“Amidst the legal arguments and endless negotiation for the pandemic treaty, let us remember that the heart of the health care is not just policies and programs, it is about our shared humanity,” Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said via a video feed.

Envoys will discuss global health concerns including the fallout from wars in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine.

Instead of a pandemic treaty, the best shot now for bulking up the international health architecture to fight such

include a network of state-of-the-art anti-drone monitoring and defense towers, anti-tank barriers and ditches, bunkers and shelters, as well as space for potential mine fields. He stressed their primary role is to deter any potential aggressor.

The officials said the system will be part of a regional defense infrastructure built jointly with the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia—that are also on NATO’s eastern flank. The funding will come from the government, but help will also be sought from the EU because the system will also strengthen the eastern border of the 27-member bloc, they said.

Poland’s previous right-wing government built a $400 million wall on the border with Belarus to halt a massive inflow of migrants that began to be pushed from that direction in 2021. The current pro-EU government says that needs to be strengthened, but will be a separate project from Shield-East.

The three Baltic states were once part of the Soviet Union, while Poland was a satellite state before the 1990s. Moscow still regards the area as within its sphere of interest.

have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters.

That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv.

Macron on Sunday said there has frequently been talk of problems in Franco-German relations over the decades, but “France and Germany together have accomplished extraordinary things—they have been at the heart of this Europe.” He contrasted that with the countries’ history of war against each other until 1945.

He renewed a warning that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the US.

Ahead of the European Parliament elections next month, Macron said that “fear of a changing world” is feeding a rise of the far-right in Europe. “When we let these fears transform into anger, that feeds extremes,” he said, advocating “respect” in listening to people’s worries and greater “efficiency” in dealing with their problems. AP

Massive protests grip Armenia’s capital as PM faces calls to resign

Y EREVAN, Armenia—Protesters demanding the resignation of Armenia’s prime minister on Monday blocked main streets in the capital city and other parts of the country, sporadically clashing with police. Police said 196 people have been detained in Yerevan. Protests have roiled the country for weeks, sparked by the government’s return of four border villages to Azerbaijan.

cross-border outbreaks is through amendments to the nearly two-decades-old International Health Regulations, which countries have “in principle” agreed to, Tedros said last week. Those regulations focus on helping countries detect and respond to health emergencies.

For example, envoys to the assembly could

establish the concept of a “pandemic emergency” to build on and refine the cumbersome category of Public Health Emergency of International Concern, which is currently WHO’s highest level of alert for dangerous epidemics. Such a term could help inform the public at a time when, as with Covid-19, confusion and uncertainty are widespread.

The decision to turn over the villages in Tavush followed a lightning military campaign in September, in which Azerbaijan’s military forced ethnic Armenian separatists in the Karabakh region

The demonstrations are spearheaded by Bagrat Galstanyan, a high-ranking cleric in the Armenian Apostolic Church and archbishop of the Tavush diocese in Armenia’s northeast, where the returned villages are located. Although the villages were the protests’ rallying point, they have expanded to express a wide array of complaints against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government. Top figures in Gastanyan’s Tavush for the Homeland movement told a huge rally in Yerevan on Sunday that they support Galstanyan becoming the next prime minister.

to capitulate. After Azerbaijan took full control of Karabakh, about 120,000 people fled the region, almost all from its ethnic Armenian population. Ethnic Armenian fighters backed by the Armenian military had taken control of Karabakh in 1994 after a six-year war. Azerbaijan regained some of the territory after fighting in 2020 ended an armistice brought on by a Russian peacekeeping force, which began withdrawing this year. Pashinyan has said Armenia needs to quickly define the border with Azerbaijan to avoid a new round of hostilities. AP

A bold step towards faster, more reliable Internet connection editorial

THE struggle with slow Internet speeds has long plagued the Philippines, hindering progress and frustrating millions of users across the country. However, a recent bill introduced by Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr. offers a glimmer of hope for a much-needed improvement in this critical area. House Bill 10215, if passed, will penalize telecommunications companies that fail to deliver faster Internet speeds within fixed deadlines, aiming to address the country’s persistent connectivity issues. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Congressman files bill penalizing telcos P1M a day if they fail to deliver faster Internet speeds,” May 27, 2014).

With an average mobile Internet speed of just 32.37 Mbps, the Philippines lags behind its Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei As the country ranks 11th worldwide in terms of Internet users, with approximately 85 million Filipinos relying on the web, it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to address this digital divide. Rep. Campos, in his statement, highlights the State’s responsibility to protect consumer interests, promote general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for businesses. By classify ing Internet connection as a “basic ser vice” and granting regulator y power to the National Telecommunications Commission, the bill would enable the imposition of higher standards and mandator y improvements.

It is essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by telecommunications companies in providing fast and reliable Internet ser vices across the countr y. Building and maintaining a robust telecommunications network that spans an entire countr y of over 7,000 islands pose significant infrastructure hurdles that require substantial investments.

Cost and affordability also play a vital role in the accessibility of high-speed Internet ser vices. Upgrading infrastructure, including lay ing fiber cables, installing cell towers, and upgrading equipment, entails significant expenses that are often passed on to consumers. Striking a balance between affordable ser vices and the necessar y investments for infrastructure upgrades is a complex task for telcos, and it calls for a comprehensive approach involving cooperation between the government, telecommunications companies, and consumers. Additionally, the regulator y environment must be considered when assessing the speed of progress in the telecommunications sector The numerous regulations, licensing processes, and bureaucratic hurdles imposed on telecommunications companies can hinder the rollout of network upgrades and improvements. Simplify ing and streamlining these processes will create a more conducive environment for innovation and development in the industr y.

W hile the bill proposed by Rep. Campos demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing Internet connectivity in the Philippines, it is crucial to ensure that the penalties imposed on telcos are reasonable and fair Striking a balance between accountability and support for telecommunications companies is necessar y to foster an environment where they can thrive and invest in the necessar y infrastructure upgrades.

To truly address the issue of slow Internet speeds, it is important to adopt a multi-faceted approach The government must continue to invest in improving infrastructure and creating an enabling regulator y environment. On the other hand, telecommunications companies should prioritize network upgrades and investments to meet the demands of the growing digital economy. Furthermore, consumers should be proactive in holding telcos accountable for the ser vices they provide and actively participate in shaping the digital landscape through feedback and engagement.

W hen ever ything is considered, the proposed legislation represents an important opportunity to drive meaningful improvements in Internet quality nationwide. Filipinos deser ve access to fast and stable Internet that enables them to fully participate in the digital economy and enjoy the benefits of modern connectivity.

We urge lawmakers to swiftly pass House Bill 10215. It’s time to deliver faster reliable, and affordable Internet ser vices to the Filipino people.

John Mangun

ITHE BOX

N an economy like the Philippines, there are two critically important macroeconomic questions that affect your personal finances. Why is the US dollar exchange rate to the Philippine peso 1 to 58 rather 1 to 40 as it was 20 years ago? Why is the cost of virtually everything significantly higher today than it was 20 years ago?

T hese a re of course personal wealth-related questions that ever yone in almost ever y nation asks. However, there is a ver y wide difference in specific concerns for people in the US who, for example—unlike in the Philippines—depend on shortterm borrowing to fund almost all long-term purchases and now even day-to-day living expenses.

Inflation is a general increase in the prices of goods and ser vices in an economy. This is usually measured using the Consumer Price Index, which is a basket of goods and ser v ices t hat t he average person purchases regularly. Included in the CPI are items like automobiles, which are not bought by an individual on a regular basis but are an important part of overall consumer buy ing.

The inflation rate is the percentage increase in the total of the basket measured on a quarter-to-quarter or yearly basis.

However and this is rarely report-

ed by the press, a better understanding of how the prices of the basket have changed is the Consumer Price Index. This is the total cost of the basket in the same way as when you go to the supermarket. W hile ground pork might be on sale, you are more interested in the total cost of all the items in the shopping cart.

For the Philippines, the CPI is calculated based on 2012 prices with the index starting at 100. For April 2024, the CPI is at 125.5, meaning that the cost of the basket has increased by 25.5 percent since 2012. However, and unknown by most, for December 2020, the CPI was 126.2.

But you and I do not buy ever ything in the basket all the time and if the price of your favorite toothpaste is up 10 percent, that is your personal inflation rate” and all that matters.

The 20th centur y may be viewed as the Centur y Of Delusion. Europe bel ieved it cou ld f ight t he same limited wars as it had for centuries

and then discovered that 40 million people could be killed and wounded in the merely four years of World War One.

US interest rates are not coming down OUTSIDE

Also, part of the delusion was and still is that government can successfully control a nation’s economy. W hile the basic quality of life and global standard of living is now the highest in human histor y, wealth inequality has also never been any greater Furthermore, governments have attempted to eliminate corporate risk and financial failure by transferring the inevitable failures to the taxpayer Studies going back 70 years show that 80 percent of all restaurants fail in the first five years. Should the government bail out restaurants?

Governments have been operating for many decades under the “Too big to fail...and we decide who is big” model. The result has been continuous and increasing historically high gover nment debt and consistent misallocation of financial resources, both public and private.

Temporar y inflation is an economic event. Persistent inflation is a systemic weakness and flaw that is exacerbated when people lose confidence in government. An increasing and persistent loss of confidence in government will absolutely lead to higher inflation.

The US has met its year-on-year inflation target (reported monthly) only about 20 percent of the time since end-2016. After decreasing for 12 months, the US inflation rate has stalled above 3 percent for the past 11

months. That type of performance is now leading inflation from being an economic event to a psychological one.

Inflat iona r y psyc hology leads consumers to spend more quickly, fearing that tomorrow prices will be higher Businesses join in by raising prices more quickly fearing their costs will rise tomorrow also. It is a vicious cycle that is a danger to the economy. That is why government officials are always talking down inflation worries.

However, inflation was only 1.4 percent when Joe Biden took office. W hat happened? Interest rates were substantially raised from 0.25 percent to 5.5 percent in response to the inflation increase post-Covid, which caused massive supply disruptions and inflation at 9.1 percent.

But with the totally arbitrar y 2 percent inflation target, which is not based on any specific economic reasoning and merely “sounds good,” interest rates were kept too high for too long. Note this. If you use your credit card to buy basic necessities and the credit card interest rate you are now pay ing is 38 percent higher than two years ago, your personal inflation is extremely higher than “official” rates. Will the Fed lower interest rates before the November presidential election? That is probably a delusion.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

China urges South Korea to maintain stable, smooth supply chains

By Soo-Hyang Choi & Yoshiaki Nohara

CHINA asked South Korea to maintain stable supply chains as the countries began their first three-way summit with Japan since 2019, with Premier Li Qiang also meeting the head of Samsung Electronics Co.

Li told President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Sunday that China wants the two to be trustworthy neighbors helping the other to thrive, according to a pool report. Li also told Yoon that both sides should avoid turning economic issues into political issues, and that Beijing welcomes South Korean f ir ms including Samsung to expand investment in China, the official X inhua News Agency said. Li told Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee that China would always remain open to foreign enterprises and pledged to improve the business environment, Xinhua reported. Lee vowed to contribute to mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and China, according to Xinhua. The three leaders had dinner together on Sunday and will meet for a three-way summit on Monday, followed by a session with business

leaders after that.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio K ishida also arrived in Seoul on Sunday and met with Li and Yoon. The Japanese leader and Yoon agreed to continue the shuttle diplomacy that has symbolized the warming ties between the neighbors, and exchanged opinions on North Korea. They also agreed to speed up green energy cooperation in areas including hydrogen and ammonia.

K ishida’s talks with Li were a bit more pointed as he called on China to free detained Japanese nationals, and raised concern over China’s actions in the East China Sea, where ships from the two sail near disputed isles on an almost daily basis.

K ishida told reporters he also asked Beijing to end its ban on food imports from Japan in response to Tokyo’s release of treated wastewater from

the Fukushima nuclear site into the Pacific Ocean.

Just before the formal summit, Japan said North Korean has given notice that it plans to launch a rocket to deploy a satellite. Japan, South Korea and the US have said North Korea’s space program helps it develop ballistic missiles and the notice of a launch is set to focus attention on Pyongyang’s weapons program at the trilateral meeting.

The three countries are geographically close, but summits such as this are relatively rare. The leaders were supposed to convene annually but the meeting was on hold for nearly five years due to the pandemic and geopol it ical tensions. Tokyo and Seoul have drawn closer to the US during this time, worr y ing China.

W hile the summit brings risks and rewards for all three, the stakes are high for China. It’s likely to tr y and push Japan and South Korea not to join US-led efforts in further restricting exports of advanced chipmaking equipment, after Tokyo imposed export controls last year Japan has been resisting US pressure to further curb sales to China. The

Biden administration is also tr y ing to bring South Korea into the agreement that includes the Netherlands.

“This is an opportunity for China to tr y to improve relations with Japan and South Korea without the United States,” said Naoko Aoki an associate political scientist with the Rand Cor p. in Washington.

After Yoon took office about two years ago, South Korea saw an improvement in ties with Japan after several years of tensions. The two US allies have stepped up security cooperation with Washington and last year met w ith President Joe Biden for an unprecedented trilateral summit.

Tokyo and Seoul have also expressed concern about security in the Taiwan Strait, and K ishida said he brought up the subject in his talks with Li Tensions in the region have risen as China held its most expansive militar y drills in a year around Taiwan last week, ramping up pressure on the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, just days after he was sworn in. With assistance from James Mayger, Sam Kim, Daisuke Sakai, Shamim Adam, Phila Siu and Heejin Kim /Bloomberg

Opinion

Israeli military proceeds into Rafah despite UN court ruling

By Ethan Bronner

ISRAEL’S military is pressing ahead with its operations against Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering it to halt such activity in the name of sparing civilians.

Officials in Israel say they interpret Friday’s ruling in The Hague as permitting the incursion to continue as long as it’s done with care, adding that the militar y is carr y ing out targeted strikes in Rafah far short of a full invasion.

At the same time, negotiations over a Gaza cease-fire seem set to resume this week following a meeting in Paris among Israel’s intelligence chief, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency, and the Qatari foreign minister

T he talks, a i med at exc h anging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and reaching an extended pause in combat, have fallen apart over Hamas’ insistence that they lead to an end to the war Israel says the war can only end with the defeat of Hamas. The mediators are seeking language that both sides can accept.

In a ruling on Friday, the ICJ said that “Israel must immediately halt its militar y offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

The wording of the sentence has led to d iverg i ng i nter pretat ions. Many regard it as an order to stop the offensive, and that’s how it was widely reported on Friday. But Israeli officials say the order is conditional—that their militar y must stop any action that could destroy civilians.

The campaign in Rafah will not “lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population,” Israel’s National Security Adv iser Tzachi

Hanegbi said in a joint statement w ith the Foreign Ministr y’s legal advisers. Speaking later on Israel’s Channel 12, Hanegbi said, “W hat they are asking us is to not commit genocide in Rafah We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide.”

Some liberal legal scholars in Israel agree.

“The ICJ didn’t prohibit all Israeli operations in Rafah,” said Mordechai K remnitzer, a specialist in international law at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Israel Democracy Institute. “Israel was ordered to avoid operations that inflict harm on the Palestinian population in Gaza and avoid conditions that could bring about its physical destruction.”

He added t hat his inter pretation is bolstered by the fact that the court didn’t order Hamas to release hostages and stop firing missiles at Israel, and it’s not reasonable that the court is ordering one side to stop but not the other Sirens sounded around Tel Aviv on Sunday, driv ing residents into bomb shelters after eight missiles were shot from Rafah according to the militar y. Hamas claimed responsibility. Israel’s air defense system intercepted them all.

It was the first such volley of mis-

In a ruling on Friday, the ICJ said that “Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

siles to reach Tel Aviv in months, a sign, militar y spokesmen said, that Hamas has been smuggl ing new weapons into Rafah from Egypt—a key reason Israel contends it needs to send its forces there.

W hatever the majority meant in their 13-2 ruling, member countries can take their case to the United Nations Security Council, which could order Israel to stop its militar y incursion into Rafah at risk of sanctions.

To avoid that, Israel would rely on the US veto in the Security Council.

Given recent tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, there’s concern in Jerusalem that Washington may not rush to its aid, although it seems likely to issue a veto in the end.

The tension with the US, which has built over the course of the sevenmonth war in Gaza, has intensified over Rafah Some 1.4 million Palestinians were sheltering in Rafah when Israel said they should move to safer areas within the coastal enclave in preparation for its invasion, which is aimed at taking out what it says are the four remaining Hamas battalions there.

The US said there’s no safe place for those internal refugees to go and that the flow of badly needed humanitarian goods into Gaza would again be halted if the Rafah operation went ahead.

Nearly a million Palestinians have indeed fled Rafah to parts of Gaza that are at least partly destroyed, many without proper sanitation or water supplies.

David Satterfield, a senior adviser for Gaza to the US State Department, said that as a result of the Rafah operation, a humanitarian crisis that was slowing down is again at risk of spinning out of control.

Among the problems has been the stoppage of aid from Egypt since the Rafah operation began. On Sunday, some of that aid was starting to enter Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, according to an Israeli militar y spokesman.

The war began on October 7 after thousands of Hamas operatives crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 250 more. Israel’s counterattack has killed some 35,000 Gazans, according to Hamas officials who don’t distinguish between civilians and fighters. The US and European Union consider Hamas a terrorist organization. Bloomberg

By Tom Giles, Debby Wu & Jane Lanhee Lee

ADigital services tax: An Asean comparison

TAX LAW FOR BUSINESS

THE Philippines has been playing catch-up with the rest of the world for the past few years when it comes to taxation. On the domestic landscape, the implementation of the transfer pricing regulations saw some movement when new rules and requirements were introduced to help the BIR identify related party transactions. On a more international scope, the Philippines joined the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which underscores the country’s commitment in addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy by participating in what is known as the Two-Pillar Solution.

Slowly but surely, we are moving.

And the latest step in the reformation of our tax system is the approval by the Senate of the imposition of VAT on digital transactions, or what is more commonly known as the “Digital Ser vices Tax.”

But how does our Digital Ser vices Tax fare with those of our neighboring countries? W hat are the similarities? W hat are the differences?

T he proposed DST is basically the imposition of VAT on dig ital ser vices (e.g. online ser vices, digital goods, as well as commercial transactions entered into using online or e-marketplaces). In other words, it deals only with the imposition of a consumption tax (i.e. VAT). Limiting the tax on digital transactions to only consumption taxes appears to be the norm in most countries: Malaysia imposes a ser vice tax; Singapore imposes a Goods and Ser vices Tax (GST); while Thailand also imposes VAT. However, some countries chose to

impose a combination of consumption tax and income tax. For example, both Vietnam and Indonesia chose a model wherein VAT and personal/ cor porate income taxes will be imposed once certain thresholds (e.g. income, profit, number of local users, etc.) were breached. The inclusion of income taxes in the taxation of digital ser vices was mainly due to the tax leaks arising from the shifting of profits derived from the jurisdiction of the market to the jurisdiction of the seller

It shou ld be noted that the Pi llar One solution of the Organization for Econom ic Co-ope r at ion and Development (OECD) was made to address this exact tax concer n by reallocating cer tain amounts of taxable income to market jurisd ictions. However, its implementation is sti ll a hang ing question, and its applicabi lity is limited to large mu lt i nat ionals only. W hi le V ietnam and Indonesia may think that this is the more equitable and favorable

approach, perhaps the limitation of the imposition to cover only consumption tax is more in line w ith principles of double taxation and the various inter national/bi lateral tax ag reements entered into to prevent it f rom occurring.

T he scope of what constitutes “d i g ital se r v ices” i n our DST i s likewise fairly consistent with the scope for our neighbors. Essentially, digital ser vices cover a wide gamut of e-commerce transactions: from online ser vices to digital goods and even physical goods purchased/sold through digital intermediaries like online/e-markets.

Nonetheless, Malaysia seemed to have taken a more nuanced approach wherein the imposition of its digital ser vice tax is limited to the sale of digital products (e.g. subscriptions to digital media and content) and digital ser vices. It does not include the purchase of physical goods through electronic platforms and markets.

The wider scope applied to our DST ensures that we get a wider tax base, which translates to higher tax collection.

Another common feature among Asean members (with the exception of Malaysia) is the adoption of the reverse charge mechanism wherein the local consumer shall withhold and remit the digital tax to the tax authorities. The tax liability is shifted away from the foreign supplier This is a ver y efficient mechanism that simplifies the bureaucratic and tax reporting process, as well as prevent tax fraud.

However, I believe that we should rev isit or realign our DST to address certain concerns in the reverse charge mechanism. The first concern is on the issuance of the related invoice. In certain

jurisdictions, if the reverse charge mechanism is adopted, the invoice will reflect that no tax is imposed on the transaction since the liability is shifted to the consumer Apply ing that in the local context, invoices issued by non-resident digital ser vice providers (NDSP) may be net of VAT. This may be a concern since our proposed DST requires VAT-registered NDSPs to issue invoices in an amount inclusive of VAT.

T he second concer n is the requirement of registration by NDSPs. T h e r eve r se c h a r ge mec h an i sm shou ld be used in such a way as to do away w ith reg istration of NDSPs since taxes are w ithheld and remitted by the local customer Applying the reverse charge mechanism and the mandator y reg istration of NDSPs creates overlapping tax requirements.

As you can see, our DST is more or less consistent with the trend in the Asean region. However if we look farther away, the more we can see more crucial differences. From differentiating between business-tobusiness and business-to-consumer transactions, to changing tax bases, and even to the various entities that may be required to withhold/collect the tax, there is a lot to be discussed. Another time perhaps?

The author is a junior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www. bdblaw.com.ph), a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at jomel.manaig@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 140.

Modi’s rivals unite in bid to unseat him in Delhi

By Swati Gupta

TWO key opposition parties are hailing their alliance in India’s capital Delhi, and hoping they can deny Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and his party a third consecutive clean sweep of the region in the ongoing elections.

Delhi, the administrative heart of the countr y, is a high stakes battle between former bitter rivals, the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, now allied against Modi ’s Bharatiya Janata Party. The Congress party is contesting three of Delhi ’s seven constituencies, with the AAP fielding candidates in the other four

“In the symbol of the hand, there is a broom,” Rahul Gandhi a top leader in the Congress party, told supporters at a political rally last week in Delhi, referring to the electoral symbols of the two parties.

Gandhi added that only by voting for the alliance can the countr y’s constitution be preser ved. “All of us and our party workers have come together to protect the constitution,” he said.

The opposition has claimed that Modi ’s calls for a 400-seat parliamentar y super majority are signs that the BJP intends to amend the constitution and remove references to secularism and ditch the countr y’s expansive affirmative action

programs. Modi and the BJP have denied those charges and described them as scaremongering.

T he opposit ion all iance recently received a shot i n t he a r m after A rv i nd Kejriwal, t he Del hi c hief m i nister and leader of t he Aam Aadm i Pa r ty, or t he Common Man’s Pa r ty, was released on ba i l to allow hi m to campa ign. He h as been acc u sed of corrupt ion i n a now def u nct l iquor l icense sc heme, c h a rges he’s den ied and h as sa id a re pol it ically mot ivated. A popu la r leader Kejriwal stor med to power i n Del hi after w i nn i ng two consec ut ive legislat ive elect ions and sh a res cont rol of t he capital w it h t he federal gover nment.

In his campaign rallies, Kejriwal has tried to highlight bread and butter issues to supporters. People are so angr y in this countr y with Modi Prices have risen so much,” Kejriwal said at an event earlier this week, where he was campaigning on behalf of one of the Congress party’s three candidates. “Salaries are not increasing and people are

losing their jobs. Our kids are sitting at home.”

To maintain their advantage, and inject some fresh momentum, the BJP has chosen to field fresh candidates in six out of the seven constituencies in Delhi The party is hoping rallies and roadshows—being held early in the morning and at dusk to avoid scorching temperatures— from Modi and other star campaigners will boost the credentials of the new candidates.

One of t hose, Home Minister Amit Shah widely seen as Modi ’s right hand man, arrived an hour late to his rally this week in Delhi to loud cheers from the party’s supporters.

Shah accused the opposition of corruption, doing little to combat terrorism and not supporting the cause of building a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ram, where a medieval mosque once stood. Mod i consecrated the temple earlier this year in a lavish ceremony mostly boycotted by the opposition.

“If there is one person who can make the country grander that is Narendra Modi,” said Shah at the rally. Pointing to the party’s candidate, he added that this election is not about voting the local parliamentarians into power but using them to “make Narendra Modi the prime minister.”

Amid the enthusiasm for Shah there were also signs of frustration

among the assembled crowd. Many of them, who said they had been bussed in from semi-rural areas surrounding Delhi, spoke of water shortages, blackouts and d i lapidated roads that past governments had failed to address.

“We want to flip the government but we don’t know if change will come if we do that,” said Anju Kumari who cleans houses for a living. She complained about long power cuts, which do not allow her or her children to sleep at a time when temperatures are hitting 45C (113F). “We are standing at this rally to get roads, electricity and water.”

T he weeks-long election cycle, which began on April 19 will end on June 1 with the seventh and final round of voting. Results will be announced on June 4. In add ition to Delhi, residents of the entire state of Har yana, which sends 10 members to parliament, cast their ballots on Saturday. T he f inal constituency of Jammu and Kash m ir, Anantnag-Rajouri also voted Saturday. Azamgarh Bhadohi and Shrawasti in electorally signif icant Uttar Pradesh state are also voting. T he average voter tur nout in the si xth phase was about 61 percent, accord ing to prov isional estimates by the Election Commission of Ind ia. With assistance from Debjit Chakraborty / Bloomberg

and they are close to the best talent, the best and the brightest. And thirdly, they will work with their customers to develop the most advanced, the most needed technologies.”

Strik ing a similar note, TSMC Chief Executive Off icer C.C. Wei in 2022 said that it’s not easy to replicate Taiwan’s chip industr y in another countr y, as TSMC’s success took more than 30 years to build with help from its suppliers. Major governments around the world are racing to boost chip output at home to avoid a repeat of supply disruptions that cost companies hundreds of billions of dollars in sales. Such efforts also act as a hedge against growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with China claiming Taiwan as part of its territor y. TSMC and

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. have been the most sought-after partners to help with semiconductor development. Hsi nc hu-based TSMC h as now pledged to bui ld t hree advanced plants i n t he US state of A ri zona w it h total i nvestments exceedi ng $65

government has granted approval for TSMC to make less advanced 3nm, 4nm, and 5nm chips in the US, but if the company wants to produce its most advanced chips overseas, the plan needs to be green-lit by Taipei first. Taiwanese officials will review outbound

Atty. Jomel N. Manaig

A16 Tuesday, May 28, 2024

PHL FACES HIGHEST RISE IN CYBER THREATS IN REGION

developers, and t he web ser v ices t hemselves. T he consequences can be severe, lead ing to data breac hes, f inanc i al losses, and reputat ional damage.

“Econom i c expe r ts p r ed i ct pos it ive econom ic g rowt h for t he key cou nt ries in Sout heast

Asi a t his yea r Pa rallel to t his is t he cont inuous g rowt h in t hese ma rkets’ st rong d ig ital econom ies, whic h open oppor t u n it ies for bot h ind iv idu als and compan ies. As most gover nments in t he reg ion bui ld and boost t heir pol ic ies to foster t heir d ig ital economy and inf rast ruct ure, it is urgent for local businesses to priorit i ze st rengt hen i ng t he ir cyber defenses aga inst t hreats lurk ing onl ine which can hamper t heir effor ts to ha r ness t he benef its dig italization brings about,” Yeo sa id.

a, Malaysi a, and Vietnam had lower web t hreats in 2023 versus 2022. Indonesia saw 4.96 mi llion attacks last yea r a 23 -percent d rop f rom 6.42 m i ll ion. Malaysi a also experienced fewer threats versus t he yea r prior at 1.54 m i ll ion f rom 1.82 m i ll ion. T hr eat acto r s also slowed down t heir attacks in Vietnam, whose t hreats were reduced to 1.95 m i ll ion f rom 2.49 m i ll ion.

In total, there were 13.41 million attacks in Southeast Asia last year, almost flat from 13 33 million. Accord ing to Yeo Si ang Tiong, General Manager for Sout heast Asi a at Kaspersky, t his means t hat on a da i ly basis, an average of 36,552 onl i ne attacks were lau nc hed aga inst businesses in t he reg ion last yea r Web-based t hreats, whic h encompass a range of cybersecurity risks exec uted v i a t he inter net, pose sign if icant dangers to bot h i nd iv idu als and organ i zat ions. T hese t hreats exploit v u lne rabilities in end-users, web ser v ice

Accord ing to a P wC st udy, t he increase in cyber t hreats corresponds w it h t he ongoing d ig ital ization effor ts w it hin Sout heast

Asi a, ind icat ing t hat 28 percent of businesses acknowledged their g reater exposure to cyberattacks due to t heir d ig ital t ransfor mat ion in it i at ives. Add it ionally, 16 percent of sur veyed compan ies repor ted he i g htened exte r nal pressure to d isclose cyber inc idents and comply w it h cybersec urity pract ices.

“2024 shou ld be t he yea r for bu s i nesses he re to take t he ir cybersec urity one step for wa rd.

Long gone a re t he days when a basic f irewall and endpoint solut ions a re enou g h W it h t he massive data all types of organ i zat ions a re handl ing now and t he immense reputat ional and f inanc i al damages an attack can resu lt in, an adapt ive and intell igence-led sec urity solut ions and ser v ices por tfol io is t he need of t he hour,” Yeo added. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Exporters’ VAT exemption won’t dent revenues–Recto

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto gave assurances on Monday that the government can still collect its much-needed revenues despite the value-added tax (VAT) exemption for registered exporters on their local purchases of goods and services.

Recto assured t h at t he gover nment w i ll not lose revenues f rom t he VAT exempt ion since expor ters a re “supposed to be exempted.” “T hey used to be zero-rated. So d i ba dapat

MBy Henry Empeño

ASINLOC, Z ambales

Z ambales f i s h e r men wou ld need bigger boats and moder n f ishing gea r, alongside safe access to t rad it ional f ishing g rou nds l i ke Bajo de Masinloc or Sca rborough Shoal, so t h at t hey can compete w it h well-equipped foreign f ishers that venture into the West Phi l ippine Sea (W PS).

T his was stressed by Gover nor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr at the recent public consu ltation conducted here by the House of Representatives’ Committee on National Defense and Security and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea to examine the impact of Chinese incursion into the Scarborough Shoal.

Fi s he r men w ho attended t he d i alog ue compla ined of poor catc h due to bu lly ing by C hinese m i l it i a boats, as well as st iff compet it ion f rom leg it i mate f i sher men f rom Vietnam, Ta iwan, and Malaysi a. T hey said they have yet to receive assistance f rom t he nat ional gover nment since C hina took effect ive

cont rol of Bajo de Masinloc.

Ebdane, a for mer Sec reta r y of Defense, poi nted out t h at whi le

t he sit u at ion at t he shoal h as socioeconomic, pol itical, and security impl icat ions, t he welfa re of local f isher men is a prima r y concer n. He st ressed t h at whi le t he Phi lippines h as won in t he a rbit rat ion case over t he Sca rborough Shoal,

t he ru l i ng h as not been not acknowledged by C hina, t hus rendering it u nenforceable. “So, t here h as

to be an alter nat ive to t his problem in Bajo de Masinloc,” he sa id.

Ebdane averred t h at as fa r as local f isher men a re concer ned, t he Zambales gover nment h as shor tand long-ter m prog rams in place to add ress t heir needs, includ ing putt ing f u nds for f isher folk to go into payao f ishing, a system t h at u ses f i sh agg regat i ng dev ices i n open sea.

“We’re lay ing t he fou ndat ion to ensure development and prog ress for t he next generat ion of f ishers,” he sa id, add ing t h at t he long-ter m p rog r am sta r ts w it h reor gan i zing f isher folk into cooperat ives to qu al ify for f inanc ing, followed by t ra in ing and apprent iceship to ensure t hey a re ready to u nder take t he project.

Ebdane sa id t he prov inc i al gover nment is team ing up w it h local educat ional inst it ut ions, includ ing t he Phi l ippi ne Merc h ant Ma ri ne Academy, to t ra in t he yout h in new f ishing technolog ies, as well as f ishing boat operat ions, to prov ide “a better fou ndat ion” for f isher folks.

C it ing a recent sur vey, Ebdane sa id 65 f isher men’s g roups in t he prov ince w ith about 4,500 members can qual ify for f inancial assistance. “T hey can al ready get a big f ishing boat w it h P1.5 m i ll ion, and we can prov ide t h at at no interest,” he added.

Ebdane sa id t h at whi le access to Bajo de Masinloc is c urrently a huge problem” to t he gover nment, t he state of t he local f ishing indust r y is also a major concer n.

OBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

VER 4,000 megawatts (MW) power generating capac ity was sh aved off f rom t he Lu zon g rid, ow ing to a nu mber of power plants t h at a re on outage and ru nn ing on derated capac it ies. On Monday, t he Nat ional Grid Co r

at i on of

i nes (NGCP) placed t

zon g rid on red aler t f rom 1pm to 4pm and f rom 6pm to 10pm. A red aler t stat us is issued when power supply is insuff icient to meet consu mer demand and t he t ransm ission g rid’s reg u lat ing requirement. From 12noon to 1pm, 5pm to 6pm, and 10pm to

g rid’s cont ingency requirement. Acco r d i ng to t h e NGC P L uzon’s ava i lable capac ity reac hed 11,810MW as aga inst a peak demand of 11,785MW. T he g rid ope r ator sa id t hree powe r plants h ave been on forced outage s i nce 202 3 , two between Janu a r y and Ma rc h 2024, and 15 powe r plants between Ap ri l and May 2024; w hi le t hree a re ru nn i ng on de r ated capac it ies, for a total of 4,497. 3 MW u nava i lable to t he g rid. It also c ited several factors t h at cont ributed to t he ra ising of red and yellow aler ts. T hese include t he forced outage of Il ijan (600MW), Pagbi lao 1 (382MW)  & 3 (420MW), and San Buenavent ura Power Ltd. (SBPL) (455MW) due to typhoon Aghon; forced outage of Masinloc 3 (335MW) due to boi ler feed water t rouble; forced outage of Que-

zon Power Phi l ippi nes, Ltd. PPL (460MW) due to broken spri ng suppor t of t urbine combine reheat valve; and deration of Sual 1, Calaca 2, Masinloc 1. T h e V i sayas and M i ndanao g rids, meanwhi le, a re in nor mal cond it ion.

T he NGCP said it may implement Manu al Load Dropping (MLD) in some par ts of Batangas to ma inta in t he integ rity of t he power system. In an onl ine news conference, t he Depa r tment of Energy (DOE) sa id 34 power plants a re offl ine, 23 of whic h a re w it hin t he g rid whi le 11 a re in va rious off-g rid a reas. Nine of t he 23 plants a re on shutdown due to Typhoon Aghon. “Typhoon Aghon

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Meralco seeks bidders for renewable energy capacity

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is soliciting bids for 500 megawatts (MW) of mid-merit renewable energy (RE) capacity to partly cover its requirements from February 2025 to February 2026.

the utility firm said the competitive selection process (CSP) for the 10-year power supply agreement (PSA) has commenced. Interested power generation companies have until June 7 to submit Expressions of Interest.

The pre-bid conference is scheduled on June 17 while the bid submission deadline is set on July 17. Me r alco sa i d i t wo u ld need 350MW of the 500MW mid-merit requirement starting February 2025. This will increase by 150MW beginning Februar y 2026.

T he conduct of this CSP is in compliance with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) policy on Renewable Portfolio Standards and forms part of Meralco’s commitment to source an increasing portion of its supply requirements from RE sources.

As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Meralco has already contracted 1,880 MW of RE capacity from various suppliers—exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. Through its “strategic sourcing initiatives,” RE is expected to account for 22 percent of Meralco’s supply portfolio by 2030.

Franchise bill

MEANWHILE, Senator S he r w i n Gatchalian said he is awaiting the submission to the Senate of the bill renewing Meralco’s franchise, saying this will provide the opportunity to scrutinize the giant utility’s performance.

“T hese franchise renewals, my view always is that we have to use this opportunity to review the performance of the grantee. And that’s

a good way of putting accountability to the grantee,” Gatchalian told reporters.

“So, I will look at the performance of Meralco. The price, for example, since they buy power, and the ser vice which includes connection, brownouts, speed of repairing lines, etc….

For me, I have to look at the performance of Meralco before I can say whether to support it or not.”

House Bill (HB) 9813 seeks to extend Meralco’s existing franchise which will expire in 2028.

“Typically, t he f ranc hise emanates from the House. So, we cannot move until they transmit the franchise to the Senate. So, that’s how the process works,” he said.

“So fa r, no one h as f i led yet a f ranc hise renewal w it h t he Senate. But i n t his case, I t hi nk we w i ll h ave to wa it for t he Hou se to t ransm it it to u s.”

The United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) said the bid to renew the Meralco franchise four years ahead of its expir y was illtimed” because it is happening just when Meralco customers are feeling the weight of increasing electricity rates as a result of increased demand.

UFCC President Rodolfo Javellana Jr said the ongoing push by a few lawmakers to renew the Meralco franchise was “clearly being done

with haste and appeared to be setting the tone in Meralco’s favor.”

“They are now conditioning the (minds) of the public,” said Javellana, whose group filed several cases before the Energy Regulator y Commission against Meralco for alleged overcharging.

People for Power (P4P) Convenor Gerr y A rances said, if we give Meralco an early franchise renewal, we are giving them a free pass on all the allegations against them.”

“The fact that Meralco is pushing for an early renewal shows that they want to escape any responsibility for any findings that the House of Representatives or any government body might find in an investigation into their practices.”

As a hi g h ly- reg u lated ent ity, Meralco sa id it h as always been strictly compliant with the laws and regulations governing its franchise, according Meralco Vice President and Head of Cor porate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

“Granting the franchise renewal would allow Meralco’s growing number of customers to continue enjoying stable and reliable electricity ser vice, which is vital in powering not just households but also industrial and commercial customers that drive the countr y’s economic progress,” Zaldarriaga said.

FLI bullish on ready-built factories

By VG Cabuag @villygc

FILINVESTLand Inc. (FLI) said half of its ready-built factor y in New Clark City in Tarlac will be leased out within the year and the last five units by next year to complete its development for the first phase of the project.

Franc i s Ceballos, FLI’s sen ior vice president and industrial business unit head, said the company is already building the next three factories, which it can turn over to locators by early next year

HCeballos told repor ters at t he sidel i nes of a foru m organ i zed by t he Econom ic Jour nal ists Assoc i at ion of t he Phi l ippi nes.

“We’re a bit ahead of that cur ve and hopefully, we w ill be able to participate when that critical mass eventually forms. We can see some ver y good potential out here.”

FLI is constructing 10 ready-built factories, which costs about P60 million to P70 million each to build.

The first two units have already been taken by StB GIGA, the newly established Philippine entity of StBattalion Pte. Ltd., for its lithium

“Trad it ionally, ever ybody’s always been Cav ite, Lag u na, Batangas. And t he big players a re all t here. T he Nor t h is now beg i nn i ng to come out on its own and al ready beg i nn i ng to ga i n c rit ical mass,”

iron phosphate batter y manufacturing facility within the Filinvest Innovation Park.

Ceballos said the company hopes there would be more locators in the park and its factories will become their base.

“It’s something that the countr y needs. It’s been long overdue. We were left behind in many respects; by Vietnam and Thailand.

“So hopef u lly w it h t his development, we cou ld somehow beg i n to play. Hopef u lly we’ll be able to i nnovate and c reate demand i n a reas t h at t hese cou nt ries a re not yet ser v ic i ng. T here w i ll always be demand. So we h ave to bui ld t h at,” Ceballos sa id.

Developed on 120 hectares within the 288-hectare Filinvest New Clark City, FLI’s property has a strategic location as it is 30 minutes away from Clark International A ir port and 45 minutes away from the Subic Bay International Seaport.

The company’s ready-built factory compound will feature 10 units to be built on a 40,000-square meter lot. Each of the 2,500-square-meter units is designed for log istics, ecommerce, and light manufacturing locators. Each unit is equipped with a two-bay loading dock with dock levelers, roll-up doors, an eight-meter ceiling clearance, a floor load capacity of three tons per square meter, and a fire suppression system.

Smart warns against text scams

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

MART Communications Inc.

Son Monday issued a warning to its subscribers about scammers using “fake cell towers” to disseminate text scams.

According to PLDT Group FVP Cat hy Yang, t hese i ll icit dev ices, known as cell site simulators, are being employed to send fraudulent messages directly to mobile users, even utilizing “Smart” as the sender name to deceive recipients.

“Our investigation did not find any evidence that these malicious text messages passed through our network. The illegal cell site simulators’ can also spoof or mimic mobile numbers to deceive subscribers into thinking that they’re receiving legitimate text messages,” she said.

W hile these simulators are typically deployed in disaster-stricken areas for temporar y emergency communications, their misuse by scammers has prompted calls for

Govt raises ₧15B from sale of Treasury bills

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

TThe Bureau of the Treasur y (BTr) raised P15 billion from the tender of T-bills, raising P5 billion each for 91day tenor, 182-day T-bills and 364day government securities.

For the 91-day T-bills, investors’ average y ield inched up to 5.719 percent, versus the previous tender’s 5.712 percent. Bids for the 91-day T-bills increased, ranging from 5.698 percent to 5.725 percent.

The y ield of the 182-day T-bills

was also higher at 5.886 percent compared to last auction’s 5.843 percent. The government security rates increased, between 5.869 percent and 5.909 percent. Investors’ average rate for the 364-day T-bills, meanwhile, was at 6.043 percent with a y ield range of 6 percent to 6.084 percent. T-bills’ y ields averaged 6.007 percent in the Treasur y’s previous tender last May 20.

Are you really saving money in bargain hunting?

HAVE yo u eve r walked around a mall and noticed a big sign in the window saying “Up to 30 percent to 70 percent off,” only to discover after entering the store that the discounted items tucked away at the corner are not your style, have stains on them, are old inventor y stocks, or are even slightly damaged?

Or drive hours to a huge super market after seeing an advertisement on social med ia about a store-w ide sale, only to realize that the goods you planned to buy are two to three months away f rom expiration?

A re you being f inancially sensible by continually hunting for bargains?

T he answer to this question is not all the time. Bargain pricing appeals to customers due to the follow ing factors: inflation; stagnating ear nings; and, cognitive and behav ioral biases.

T he book “Marketing (7th Ed ition)” (Kerin, Berkow itz, et. al., 2003) pointed out that a product’s d iscount price or rebate influences a customer’s decision to buy now. Discounts, the authors added, are sums of money off the suggested price that a seller offers to a customer in exchange for the customer tak ing an action that benef its the seller Rebates and discounts g ive consumers the impression that they get good deals, which makes them feel satisf ied w ith their purchases.

Merchants recognize that selling their products at reg u lar prices is unlikely to motivate their prospects to spend cash on a typical shopping day mainly because the d iscount price or rebate ser ves as a price anchor in their customers’ purchasing decisions.

Price anchoring is a marketing tactic in which the high price ser ves as a reference for the lower price, encour ag i ng c u stome rs to buy. Fear of missing out, or FOMO, is also impor tant in bargain sales as shoppers are concerned that if they do not buy now, the merchand ise w i ll d isappear when they rev isit the store. As a resu lt, bog us discounts and deals have g rown more popu lar in many enter prises.

Some merchants dramatically inflate their pricing or markup and then offer a signif icant d iscount

whi le sti ll keeping a prof it to lure more h apless shoppers to pu sh more sales. T his sales strategy is known as “Sucker’s Deal.”

Some people v i ew ba r ga i n hunting and, more so, haggling, as a compet it ive act iv ity. T hey reasoned that you must bargain to keep up w ith your competitor, the vendor T he f undamental tenet of haggling is that you have to be pre-

pa red to leave t he negot i at ion

table if your rivals, t he sellers, ref use to compromise and accept the amount you are w i lling to pay. Seek ing for the next big thing has the potential to become add ictive. Since you are pay ing less than the inflated price listed on its tag, it g ives you a sense of power T he more signif icant the price reduction is, better for bargain hunters.

Although bargain hunters think they are sav ing money, the truth is they are spend ing it on stuff they often don’t need. Without realizing that the key motivator for grabbing it up is that it was on sale.

Add itionally, cheap items often lack durabi lity and quality. Take cheap clothes for instance. W hi le you might get a fantastic deal on these products online, how often w i ll you wear them?

Conversely, high cost does not always equate to superior quality. Find ing products that are both affordable and of excellent quality is often a sk i ll that is required.

Not only does bargain hunting cost you money, but it also takes up time and space in your house. T he more d iscounts you see, the more difficult it becomes for you to resist the want to purchase them due to FOMO, a cognitive bias, is already influencing your choices.

Before you go to the checkout cou nter ask yourself t his crit ical question: “Wi ll I pay for these if they are not d iscounted in the f irst place?”

If the response is a resound ing no, leave those and the retai l store i mmed i ately w it hout deplet i ng your cash or sw iping your plastic card.

If you are purchasing an item merely because it is on sale, you may need to do a little more investigating at d ifferent stores to deter mine whether the lower price is tru ly a good offer or you are being primed to anchor the sale price f rom its reg u lar price. If you procure these discounted products and then store them for months w ithout using them, you may be wasting your money. After all, good and wor thwhi le bargains are those that you use or consume on a reg u lar basis.

Rosemarie Gases is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. The views she expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror’s. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 108th RFP program

average auction yields also corrected higher after the US dollar/ peso exchange rate lingered among 1.5-year highs or since November 2022 at slightly above 58 levels recently that could lead to some increase in the prices/costs of imported products such as oil, among

Privatization of assets allows PSALM to reduce debt

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Powe r Secto r Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp. on Monday said it has trimmed its liabilities to P283.65 billion as of end-March this year T he reduct ion in its f inanc i al obligations, which peaked at P1.24 trillion in 2003 was mainly brought about by the privatization of power assets.

Pri vat i zat i on p r oceeds h ave reached P903.412 million as of endMarch this year PSALM said. Of the amount, the state firm has so far collected P769.602 billion.

PSALM ea r ns, among ot hers, from the sale of power generation assets, appointment of Independent

Power Producers Adm i n i st rators (IPPA), and privatization by way of concession of the government transmission business.

PSALM achieved a major success in its ongoing efforts to manage and reduce its financial obligations,” it said.

It cited Therma Luzon Inc.’s (TLI) prepayment of its monthly payments relative to the Pagbilao Coal-Fired Power Plant IPPA in November 2023, the sale and turnover of the Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) to Fresh R iver Lakes Cor p. in Februar y 2024, and successful privatization of selected real estate assets within the allotted timeline.

T hi s, PSALM added, ma rks a sign i f icant step towa rds its goal of f u lly privat i zi ng and d isposi ng

ECB will need to be restrictive all year long–chief economist

THE European Central Bank (ECB) is on track to star t cutting interest rates next month, but will need to keep policy in restrictive territor y through 2024, according to Chief Economist Philip Lane.

“The best way to frame the debate this year is that we still need to be restrictive all year long,” Lane told the Financial Times in an inter view published Monday. “But within the zone of restrictiveness we can move down somewhat.”

Asked about the prospect of a move at the June 6 meeting, he said that “barring major sur prises, at this point in time there is enough in what we see to remove the top level of restriction.”

A start on monetar y easing at the next ECB meeting has been widely telegraphed. Subsequent steps are less clear with markets expecting policymakers to sit out July and resume reductions in September That pause would chime with comments from hawkish officials Joachim Nagel and Isabel Schnabel, though most Governing Council members have stayed mute on the topic.

“Next year, with inflation visibly

approaching the target, then making sure the interest rate comes down to a level consistent with that target—that will be a different debate,” Lane said.

Next months rates move comes against a backdrop of inflation that potentially ticked up in May. Additionally, the so-called core measure t hat pol icymakers tend to foc us on—because it strips out volatile elements such as energy—probably stopped weakening for the first time since July.

Speaking at a conference on Monday, Finland’s Olli Rehn highlighted that inflation is converging to our 2-percent target in a sustained way,” adding that “the time is thus ripe in June to ease the monetar y policy stance and start cutting rates.”

He said that workers’ pay gains are “gradually moderating,” a sentiment shared by Lane who said that “the overall direction of wages still points to deceleration, which is essential.”

That’s after a key wage indicator published last week accelerated in the first quarter

“Things will be bumpy and things will be gradual,” the ECB chief economist said. Bloomberg News

of its rema i n i ng assets at reasonable r et ur ns u s i ng st r eaml i ned procedures.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress made in reducing our financial obligations,” said PSALM President Dennis Edward Dela Serna. “The reduction in our financial obligations brings us closer to fulfilling PSALM’s mandates and ensuring a sustainable power sector in the Philippines.”

P SALM sa i d i t i mplemented multi-pronged strategies for lowering its obligations. It also optimized the operations of remaining power assets and max i m i zed r evenu e streams.

estate assets, raising P40.66 million in revenues. PSALM l i kew i se entered i nto shor t-ter m lease ag reements over ce r ta i n assets t h at a re not yet sc hedu led for privat i zat ion, ra isi ng add it ional revenues of P12.06

In terms of

PSALM achieved a

rate of 93 35 percent which is equivalent to P14.91 billion collection from current power sales of its remaining power plants.

PSALM said it remains committed to further reducing its financial obligations and achieving a sustainable financial position.

Aside f rom t he Pagbi lao IPPA prepayment amounting to P13.72 billion and upfront payment of the w inning bidder for the Casecnan HEPP amounting to P17.64 billion, PSALM disposed of a total of four

‘Govt must bolster EV charging infrastructure’

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Philippines needs to beef up its charg ing infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) as the gover nment expands the tax incentives to two and three-wheeled vehicles.

C it i zenWatc h Phi l ippi nes Coconvenor C hri stopher Belmonte sa id t he “ i nclu sive EV pol icy” also necessitates t he gover nment to “ i ncent iv i ze t he bui ldi ng of a nat ionw ide network of EV c h a rg i ng stat ions i n publ ic and private places.”

“Gove r nment and t h e p rivate secto r can wo r k toget h e r to develop an EV c h a r g i ng i nf r ast ru ct ur e t h at can be accessed i n pa r k i ng spaces and even i n people’s r es i dences,” h e sa i d. He noted t h at d i st ribut ion ut i l it ies—for i nstance, Man i la Elect ric Co. (Mer alco) i n Met ro Man i la—shou ld be able to play a c rit ical role i n upg r ad i ng t he cou nt r y’s power i nf r ast ruct ure to suppor t EV read i ness.

expansion of EO 12 i s pa r t ic u la rly si gn i f icant g iven t he prevalence of motorcycles i n t he Phi l ippi nes. As of 2022, t h e r e we r e 7.81 m i ll i on r

r ead u se of moto rcycles, exace r bated by t h e poo r state of p u bl i c t r anspo r tat i on and wo r sen i ng t r aff i c, u nde rsco r es

“T he pa r t ic ipat ion of d i st ribut ion ut i l it ies w i ll be c rit ical i n upg r ad i ng t he cou nt r y’s power i nf r ast ruct ure to be EV ready,” he sa id. “We hope t h at t here w i ll be no f ur t her delay i n t he exec ut ion of t he expanded EO [Exec ut ive O rder] 12 on EV i mpor tat ion.” T he Nat ional Econom i c and Development A ut hority (Neda) recently i nclu ded two and t hree-w heeled EVs i n t he gove r nment’s tax i ncent i ves u nde r EO 12. T hi s move a i ms to boost t he elect ric ve hicle i ndu st r y, fac i l itate t he t r ansit ion to g reen tec hnolog ies, and promote t he adopt ion of env ironmentally f riendly t r anspor tat ion opt ions. “We welcome t he i nclu sion of e-motorcycles i n t he l i st of elect ric ve hicles g iven tempor a r y i mpor t tax breaks to accele r ate t he shi ft to g reen t r anspor tat ion,” V ictor And res Man hit, President of t he St r atbase Inst it ute, sa id. He sa id t hi s

PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE BUREAU OF THE TREASURY

Rosemarie Gases

Xi’s China EV dream came true. 10 years on, walls are going up

TBy Linda Lew

EN years ago almost to the day, while checking out a handful of luxury sedans from one of China’s largest automakers SAIC Motor Corp., President Xi Jinping gave a pivotal speech that would set China on the course to dominate the electric vehicle industry.

The path to becoming a strong automaking nation lies in developing new-energy vehicles, Xi said, according to a 2014 Xinhua report. Claiming a head start, or “high ground,” in this sector is key to the competition globally, Xi said.

In 2014, China sold around 75,000 EVs and hybrids, and exported about 533,000 cars. The domestic market was dominated by international manufacturers such as Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co., which were allowed to enter by forming joint ventures with local players in the 1980s and 1990s. This helped China transform from a bike-riding nation to a car-driving one. Homegrown carmakers and brands that didn’t work with foreign partners were seen as inferior and lagging behind in engine and other automotive technology.

To get ahead and tackle environmental challenges, Beijing bet on fuel efficient and alternative energy vehicles. The state had published a guideline in 2012 that established ways to develop the industry by setting sales goals, providing subsidies and allocating resources for building charging infrastructure, among other things. Xi’s speech two years later signaled China’s determination to use this as way to leapfrog traditional Western and Asian auto powerhouses, in particular Japan, home to Toyota Motor Corp. With the stage set, China needed a catalyst to spur consumer interest in EVs, which in the early 2010s were mostly cheap cars with short ranges. That ended up being Tesla Inc., which became the first foreign

automaker to set up a wholly owned operation in China. With that special permission, Tesla completed its Shanghai factory in 2019. Its entry into the market motivated local players to come up with better EVs with longer ranges.

Fast forward to 2024, and China has become the world’s largest auto market and sells more electrified vehicles than any other country, with 9.5 million cars delivered last year. It also controls the majority of the battery supply chain.

Homegrown champion BYD Co. dethroned Volkswagen to become the best-selling brand in China and in the last quarter of 2023, surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest producer of EVs. China also overtook Japan as the largest auto exporter, sending 4.14 million units abroad with 1.55 million of them being EVs or plug-in hybrids.

The achievements proved that Beijing’s industrial policy and investments paid off. But they’re also adding to tensions with the West. China’s success in EVs, which could disrupt traditional auto supply chains that employ millions of people, has become a key source of discomfort in Washington and Brussels.

As a price war at home and slowing growth drives Chinese automakers to search for buyers for its affordable and tech-laden EVs elsewhere, they’re running into trade barriers, especially in the EU and the US, which are meanwhile trying to develop their own EV supply chains. Both have accused China of exporting its excess capacity.

ABy Olesia Safronova, Kateryna Chursina & Daryna Krasnolutska

S thousands fled Kyiv in the first days of Russia’s 2022 invasion, one 57-year-old grandmother hurried in the opposite direction. Liudmyla Menyuk was going to sign up for the army to avenge her son who’d been killed fighting the Russians almost a decade before.

Many Ukrainians of Menyuk’s age have volunteered, sometimes motivated—like she was—by the explicit wish to stand in for a youth who might otherwise die in their place. “I performed my duties well,” she told Bloomberg in an interview, “so I could save thelife of a young Ukrainian.”

But the enthusiasm of Ukraine’s eldercitizens compared with their younger counterparts has turned into a weakness for the country’s army, as the onslaught against it drags into a third year and it struggles to repel Russia’s advances. With his country outgunned and outmanned, President Volodymyr Zelenskyyhas been vocal about the country’s need for weapons—and recently reaped the reward of his appeals. He isquieter on the much moresensitive matter of the need formen.

Front-line soldiers interviewed by Bloomberg saidthe aid package approved by US Congress last month has started toease pressure on equipment, which hadbeen heavily rationed so long as the bill’s passage remained uncertain. Yet, despite a new mobilization law lowering the age of the draft, manpower remains a problem.

“Most of the people I talk to are about 40-45 years old,” said Pavlo Narozhnyi, who raises funds for artillerymen, adding

Beijing has threatened to hit back, with the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU on May 22 saying that the import tariffs on cars with large engines may be raised to 25 percent from 15 percent. There’s a June 5 deadline for the EU to inform Chinese EV exporters of preliminary findings and whether tariffs will be imposed.

SAIC, the state-owned manufacturer whose facility Xi visited 10 years ago, happens to be one of the three Chinese automakers, along with BYD and Z hejiang Geely Holding Group Co., selected for further scrutiny by the EU in its anti-subsidy investigation. SAIC owns the British-origin MG brand, which is one of the top selling EVs in Europe.

At an event marking the 10th anniversary of Xi’s speech on Friday, SAIC officials including Chief Engineer Z u Sijie said they’ve remembered the president’s instructions well, and the company has consistently innovated around technologies like smart driving and connected cars.

Li Z heng, the co-founder of SAIC Qingtao New Energy Technology Co., a battery startup backed by SAIC, took the opportunity to promise executives won’t be complacent as EV competition rises, noting that progress in solid-state batteries, which have a higher energy density and reduced fire risk, will be one way for China to maintain its edge.

“New-energy vehicles have become a strategic industry, fiercely contested by countries around world,” Li said. “They’re a key supporting force to our country’s revitalization of green sectors.”

A lot can happen in 10 years, but with SAIC having invested about 150 billion yuan ($21 billion) into R & D over the past decade alone, even despite trade wars, 2034 looks bright. Bloomberg News

The US has quadrupled import tariffs on Chinese cars to more than 100 percent, while the EU is investigating Chinese EVs to see if there has been an unfair advantage from government subsidies. Brazil recently removed a tax break on imported EVs and even Russia, arguably Beijing’s strongest ally and the largest destination for Chinese auto exports since the war with Ukraine, has asked Chinese carmakers to consider localizing production.

Ukraine’s aging army: Generation gap fuels manpower crisis amidst Russian invasion

that “younger people—especially younger than 30—are relatively rare.” A senior military official speaking on condition of anonymity echoed that assessment, citing an average fighting age of 43-45. As much as the war’s recently stepped up in new theaters—drone strikes on energy installations, missile barrages, attacks on ships in the Baltic—the dispute is fundamentally over territory, and so depends on Ukraine’s ability to replenish its soldiers. And that poses a problem for a country with a third of its adversary’s population.

Until sustaining a major injury last year, Menyuk fought despite her poor hearing and eyesight, while others interviewed for this story complained of heart problems and even ailments that had yet to be properly investigated because of limited access to medical care on the front line.

“It was a problem yesterday. And it is only getting worse,” said Oleksiy Melnyk, who works at Kyiv’s Razumkov Centre think tank, speaking of the aging in Ukraine’s ranks. Russian troops have unleashed their firepower all along the front line and made incremental advances this year,capturing the eastern city of Adviivkain the process.

Last year Vladimir Putin’sformer defense minister outlined detailed plans to expand Russia’s armed forceseven further: to 1.5 million people from 1.15 million now. So far, its military has been attracting soldiers with the promise of generous pay and a new law making it easierfor young conscripts to serve at the front line.

In Ukraine, recruitment remains a struggle.

The ethos that the young should avoid the battlefield has been enshrined

into law with conscription aimed, until very recently, only at those aged over 27 years old. Recently that was lowered to 25 but the situation is made worse by the ineffective call-up of those who do fall into the target range. In a population displaced by fighting, many young people can’t be found. Only half of the 4.5 million displaced have re-registered at a new address, according to official statistics.

Another factor is that mothers who fled their country with teenage sons aren’tsending them back now they’re of age to volunteer, so there are fewer men signing up at the lowest end of eligibility— youths of 18, 19 or 20.

Add to that a demographic backdrop that means there are twice as many Ukrainians in their late thirties, owing to a 1980s baby boom, as in their early twenties, when families grappling with the uncertainties of post-Soviet Ukraine weren’t rushing to have kids. Aside from the unpopular politics of sending Ukraine’s youth off to die, the exemption for men aged between 18 and 25 from front-line combat is motivated by a belief that they will be key to rebuilding Ukraine in the future, said lawmaker Serhiy Rakhmanin, a member of the parliamentary committee for security and defense.

“We don’t know how long the war will go on for, and what resources we will need, and for how long,” he told Bloomberg in an interview. But that same uncertainty means many older soldiers now suffer from neglected illnesses and traumas that are the costs of fighting a war with no end in sight.

At the beginning of the invasion Vitaliy Pryvrotskyi, who is 52, signed up along with other friends who like him were veterans of the Soviet Afghan war—one advantage of experience some elder Ukrainians have over the younger generation. Bloomberg News

Art BusinessMirror

Limited Sansó, Amorsolo, Imao giclée collection benefit foundations

OWN special, emblematic works of National Artists; help advance the cause of artfocused organizations. Galerie Francesca Emporium sends the call with the recent release of its limited bundled giclée collection, featuring the artworks of Juvenal Sansó, Fernando Amorsolo and Abdulmari Imao.

Titled Masterstroke, the special project was launched in collaboration with the estates of the featured artists, each with a handpicked bene iciar set to receive part of the collection’s proceeds. Listed as the bene iciar of Juvenal Sansó, for one, is I Are Initiative for the ontinuation of Artist’s Estate, a program designed to help develop the artist’s estate through merchandising, skill transfer, and cop right resources.

THE Philippine Pavilion held its vernissage recently at the 60th International Art Exhibition—La Biennale di Venezia and will open its doors to the public on view until November 24, at the Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy, with the theme Sa kabila ng tabing lamang sa panahong ito Waiting just behind the curtain of this age Senate president pro tempore Loren Legarda, the visionary behind the Philippines’ participation in the Venice Biennale, led the vernissage together with Carlos Quijon Jr., the curator; artist Mark Salvatus; chairman Victorino Manalo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Commissioner of the Philippine Pavilion; consul general Elmer Cato of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italy; and ambassador Neal Imperial of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy.

In her opening remarks during the vernissage, Legarda underscored that the exhibition explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Banahaw—a protected natural and sacred

According to the collection’s curator and Fundacion Sansó director ick Francisco, such income streams fund their various programs, including their scholarship fund and grants for artists, curators and schools.

“Given that, we realized there are a lot of other estates that need this kind of skills,” Francisco said during the recent unveiling of the giclée collection at Galerie Francesca-Megamall. “We reached out to other estates so that the will also learn from our experience and be able to come up with funding for their own projects, such as books, museums, or other things that could promote the legac of the artist.”

The bene iciaries of Fernando Amorsolo’s Estate are the literac programs ising Sunda Foundation and the Fernando . Amorsolo Art Foundation Inc., while the bene iciar of Abdulmari Asia Imao is the newl formed Arts and ulture illar of the Angat uha Foundation.

The ising Sunda Foundation was created to promote art awareness, literac and appreciation. Maria Louisa Marquez Shwartz, the foundation’s representative at the launch and niece of acclaimed art collector Te et ascual, said that she learned from her uncle the value of generosit in promoting the arts.

Through collaborative e forts like Masterstroke], we hope to come up with something that will help promote and bring more art more accessible,”

Shwartz said, as the ising Sunda Foundation currentl works on publishing a book on art histor Meanwhile, Angat uha Foundation’s Arts and ulture illar program coordinator ada ordado believes that the project will help their fellowship program.

“Our goal is for the organization to provide a platform for mutual dialogue between oung and established artists in the countr ,” she said. “Through this project, we hope to keep the ball rolling for our program, as we also look to support other forms of art in the future like architecture and dance.”

Giclée is French for “to spra ,” referring to how an inkjet printer works and the production process of giclée prints. Masterstroke presents Sansó’s Alegra La Sombra (36 x 28 cm, edition of 50), Amorsolo’s Man and Woman on Carabao (37.8 x 47.52 cm, edition of 50), and Imao’s Sarimanok Series 2014 (35.56 x 48.26 cm, edition of 300). areful consideration was put into the selection of the featured artworks, according to Francisco. For instance, Imao’s Sarimanok Series 2014 utilizes a subtle et strong shade of pink on the mother bird’s face a branding color of the Angat uha Foundation, the artwork’s bene iciar as nestlings look on and represent the next generation.

Masterstroke’s limited-release giclée collection is exclusivel available at Galerie Francesca Emporium (www.gfemporium.com) until June 12.

site in the Philippines, in shaping Filipino consciousness and cultural landscape as it delves into the intricate relationship between

mysticism and modernity, exploring the themes of tradition, faith and resilience.

Recognized as the Dangal ng Haraya

awardee-Patron of Arts and Culture, Senator Legarda emphasized how Salvatus’s evocative artwork and Quijon’s perceptive curation encourage us to explore the intricate relationship between nature, spirituality and art. She urged everyone to ponder on the artworks, reflect on our interconnectedness with nature, and celebrate Mount Banahaw’s enduring spirit and the boundless creativity of the Filipino people.

Aside from the exhibition in the Philippine Pavilion, Legarda invites visitors to visit the main exhibition, Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere, curated by Adriano Pedrosa and featuring the works of five Filipino artists: Pacita Abad, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Nena Saguil, Joshua Serafin and Maria Taniguchi.

The Philippine Pavilion, a joint project of the NCCA, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, is on view until November 24 at the Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy.

By Eugenia Last

you to head in the right direction. Share your feelings and intentions with someone you love; it will improve your journey.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Live, laugh and learn. What you are willing to do and to give will determine your returns. Make today beneficial in every way possible with a positive attitude and a willingness to explore and try something new and exciting.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): People and situations that pull at your heartstrings will draw you. Be helpful, and the lessons you learn will lead to unexpected opportunities that can result in the lifestyle you desire. Review contracts, offers and obligations, and change what isn’t working for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be careful what you wish for. Someone will offer a partial truth and leave the rest for you to figure out. Do your due diligence and avoid being caught in someone else’s drama. Trust your instincts, not what others lead you to believe.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Sign up to do something you enjoy or that makes you feel good about yourself. Helping others, updating your appearance, or learning something new that can improve your profile or enhance your resume will pay off. Speak from the heart.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep life simple. Size up your situation, evaluate what’s necessary and make the required changes. Taking control will spare you the aggravation and grief that uncertainty and dealing with unsatisfactory situations can bring about.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Go with the flow and see where it takes you. Embrace life, open your heart to the ones you love and take advantage of opportunities before it’s too late. Stabilization comes from doing what’s right and best for you. Financial gain is within reach.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Do something out of the ordinary, and it will spark your imagination, stimulate your mind, and point you in a new and exciting direction. Sign up for something that intrigues you, and you won’t be disappointed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Consider your overhead and set a budget you can live with. Review your skills and do whatever it takes to ensure you can offer the latest and greatest information and hands-on help. Be a trendsetter instead of a follower, and you’ll attract positive attention and offers.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Work on your skills and knowledge, and you’ll find the path to success. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way or manipulate you to do things that benefit them more than yourself. Concentrate on taking care of your interests and needs before contributing elsewhere.

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are appealing, ambitious and strong-willed. You are helpful and energetic.

KEVIN SHUSTACK

FROM left: Alegra La Sombra Juvenal Sansó; Man and Woman on Carabao, Fernando Amorsolo; and Sarimanok Series 2014, Abdulmari Asia Imao

Jessica Soho honored at Global Filipino Icon Awards

WIDELY regarded as the Philippines’ most awarded broadcast journalist, Jessica Soho adds another feather in her cap after being honored with the Icon of Media Excellence Award at the Global Filipino Icon Awards held on May 17 at Dusit Thani Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Now on its fourth year, the Global Filipino Icon Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have excelled in their respective fields, raising the Philippine flag on the global stage. The event is organized by The Global Filipino Magazine, a prominent publication based in Dubai and known as the fastest growing Filipino magazine in the Middle East.

In her acceptance speech, the Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) host lauded all the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been sacrificing so much to provide for their families in the Philippines.

“Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024, thank you very, very much. This award humbles me to my very core. Sa akin po kasing palagay, ang dapat hinihirang na icons, heroes, excellent at outstanding—kayo po iyun, mga OFW, Global Filipinos, Global Pinoys. Kulang ang salitang bayani para sa inyong kadakilaan, para sa lahat ng inyong tinitiis at isinasakripisyo...lalo na po ang mga nanay at tatay na malayo sa inyong mga anak. You truly represent the best among us,” she says.

Soho took the chance to show her appreciation and gratitude to all Global Pinoys who have been helping other Filipinos in as much as they can.

“Special shoutout po sa mga OFW o Global Filipinos o Global Pinoys na tumutulong sa mga nangangailangan, na madalas naming naitatampok sa KMJS,” Soho shares.

With a crowd of 250 attendees from the Filipino community across the UAE, the Global Filipino Icon Awards was also attended by Dubai-based fashion icon Michael Cinco who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion Excellence. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Cory Quirino were also given the Icon of Elegance and Purpose Award and Excellence in Media and Pageantry, respectively.

In addition to accepting the award, Soho filmed a Dubai episode for KMJS which will air this June. The multi-awarded public affairs program is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Through KMJS, Soho continues to tell stories that inspire and leave lasting impacts on viewers worldwide. The program’s meaningful contributions to society, much like its host, are consistently recognized by various award-giving organizations. Catch KMJS every Sunday at 8:15 pm on GMA. More information is available at www.gmanetwork.com.

‘Furiosa,’ ‘Garfield’ lead slowest Memorial Day box office in decades

The Associated Press

MOVIE theaters are looking more and more like a wasteland this summer.

Neither Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga nor The could save Memorial Day weekend, which is cruising towards a two-decade low.

Furiosa, the Mad Max prequel starring Anya TaylorJoy and hris emsworth, claimed the irst place spot for the Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend with $25.6 million, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

Warner Bros. is waiting until Monday to release its four-day estimates. , animated and family-friendly, was the other big new o fering this weekend from Sony’s Columbia Pictures and Alcon Entertainment.

It is claiming No. 1 for the four-day holiday weekend with an estimated $31.9 million in ticket sales through Memorial Day. Sony estimates its three-day earnings to be $24.8 million.

Aside from Memorial Day in 2020 when theaters were closed due to Covid-19, these are the lowest earning No. 1 movies in 29 years, since Casper earned $22.5 million (not adjusted for in lation) in its irst four days in 1995. Big earners are more typical for the holiday weekend, which has had 10 movies crack $100 million, led by ’s record-setting $160 million launch in 2022. Last year, the live-action The joined the group with a $118 million debut. Audiences even turned out in greater numbers over the pandemic-addled weekend in 2021 for A Quiet , which made over $57 million.

“This was a rather slow Memorial weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for comScore. “A few things didn’t happen that created this situation: We didn’t have a tailwind heading into the summer. We kicked o f the summer minus a Marvel movie. In a way, we’ve been playing catch up all year long.”

Furiosa was never expected to join the $100 million opener club, which Warner Bros. released on 3,804

screens in the US and Canada. But it was supposed to have a slightly stronger showing in the $40 million range over its irst four days. That would have been more in line with its predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road, which opened to $45.4 million in May 2015. Fury Road, starring Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, went on to gross nearly $380 million worldwide.

This new origin story in which Taylor-Joy plays a younger version of Theron’s character had a lot of things going for it, too, including strong reviews out of the just-wrapped Cannes Film Festival (it has an 89 percent on otten Tomatoes) and a splashy international press tour with many buzzy premiere looks from Taylor-Joy. Internationally, it made $33.3 million adding up to a $58.9 million global launch. With a reported $168 million production budget, not accounting for marketing and promotion, Furiosa has a long road to pro itability. meanwhile, was more modestly budgeted, at a reported $60 million and is being looked at as a solid launch for the franchise. It previously opened internationally and has earned

SB19 soars to nose-bleed

THEI recent two-night concert, billed as Pagtatag,

-produced shows. The venue turned into a vast blue ield of illuminating lights as Stell, Pablo, Josh,

heights

Ken and Justin performed their hearts out, much to the delight of the crowd.

The two shows were the culmination of the very successful world concert tour which took the group to major cities in the United States, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. The fans were almost up on their feet as SB19 dished out signature chartbusting hits like “Gento,” “Bazinga,” “Mana” and sangalong the beautiful ballads “Liham” and “Nyebe.”

These young men also took the centerstage to perform their individual solo hit songs. An interesting segment was their banter with Terry Zhong, who alongside Ian Asher collaborated with the group in the latest summer dance track, titled “Moonlight.” Stell, who gained extra popularity when he sat as as coach of proved that he is the total package when he performed “Anino” backed by the highly respected Louie Ocampo on the piano.

“I feel so privileged to have performed with Sir Louie, and it is a dream come true,” enthused Stell, who also recently sand the hauntingly beautiful

heartbreak song “Sometime, Somewhere” during a recent show that celebrated a milestone of National Artist for Music yan Cayabyab.

The audience were gi ted with some never-beforeseen video clips of a special documentary about the group that has an August release date, something that drew wild cheers from the audience.

Another surprise treat was when Apl.de.ap came on stage and performed a new composition with the group. “I’m so proud of the guys for representing our culture around the world, constantly raising our lag wherever they perform, and showing them who and what world-class Filipino artists are!” shared Apl. de.ap. who performed the Black Eyed Peas’ hit song, “Bebot.” The surprises never end for SB19 fans (collectively known as ATIN) all over the world as they shi t to high gear in preparation of their their next album, As these young men continue to evolve as performing artists, the whole wide world is certainly their stage.

over $66 million to date. Its domestic launch far surpassed the irst weekends of previous attempts at Gar ield movies.

In its second weekend, John Krasinski’s fell 53 percent, adding $16.1 million through Sunday and $20.7 million through Monday, bringing its domestic total to $63.3 million.

Worldwide, it has surpassed $100 million. , now in its third weekend, added $13.4 million through Sunday, bringing its global total to $294.8 million, making it the fourth-highest grossing ilm of the year.

The lack of a recent runaway hit just puts more pressure on the upcoming ilms to make up the slack.

Still on the way are a slew of potential blockbusters, like Paramount’s (June 27), Universal’s (July 3) and Twisters (July 19) and two heavy-hitters from (June 14) and (July 26).

“It ain’t over yet,” Dergarabedian said. “There’s a lot of big movies on the way. The summer heat is on for the June and July ilms to really deliver.”

NICKI MINAJ’S ENGLAND CONCERT POSTPONED AFTER RAPPER WAS DETAINED BY DUTCH AUTHORITIES OVER POT MANCHESTER, England—Nicki Minaj’s concert in Manchester scheduled for Saturday night was postponed after the police in the Netherlands discovered marijuana in her bags as she was preparing to leave the country.

Promoter Live Nation said the performance will be rescheduled and tickets will be honored.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible,” the promoter said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

Minaj tweeted earlier Saturday that she was stopped at the Amsterdam airport as she was about to board a plane for the concert in Manchester. The police told her they found marijuana in her bags, and it would have to be weighed, she tweeted. Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands, but it is tolerated for recreational use.

Robert Van Kapel, a spokesperson for the Netherlands military police, said a 41-year-old American woman had been arrested for exporting “soft drugs.” He did not identify the woman or elaborate on the type of drugs in question. The police later tweeted that they fined the woman and released her.

Minaj, who is 41 years old, tweeted that she believes police just wanted to make her late for her concert in Manchester.

“Told you, it’s to try to make me late so that they can write negative stories. Jealousy is a disease. You know the rest,” Minaj tweeted.

Her representatives didn’t immediately respond to messages on Saturday.

The Trinidadian-born rapper is best known for her hits “Super Freaky Girl,” “Anaconda” and “Starships.”

She has been nominated for 12 Grammy awards over the course of her career. The Manchester concert is part of her Pink Friday 2 tour, which includes stops in Paris, Poland, Germany, Romania and Switzerland. AP

CHRIS HEMSWORTH in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

JESSICA SOHO is honored at the Global Filipino Icon Awards.

MAY

PNVF on Coach Jorge: We want him to stay

By Josef Ramos

PHILIPPINE National Volleyball Federation (PNVF)

president Ramon “Tats” Suzara wants Brazilian coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito’s future to remain as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas following the national team’s remarkable performance in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup.

“We’ll be appealing that he remains head coach of our women’s national team program,” said Suzara on Monday, a day after the Alas Pilipinas methodically beat Chinese-Taipei, 25-13, 25-21, 25-18, to advance to the Challenge Cup semifinals unscathed in four matches in Pool A play.

“Coach Jorge coached the country to a first-ever semifinals stint in any AVC or Asian level competition, that’s historic for Philippine volleyball,” Suzara said. “And because of that, there’s no reason that we’ll let him go.” By letting go means De Brito— who arrived in the country in July 2021 under the FIVB’s national team development program that Suzara significantly facilitated—would be heading for Chinese-Taipei for another tour of duty.

De Brito, who helped Brazil to the men’s gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, is bound to be replaced by another FIVB-appointed coach from Italy.

The 57-year-old Brazilian has earlier stated in interviews that if he has his way, he’d love to stay in the Philippines—his family, in fact, have joined him in the country and according to him, they’ve gotten to love the Philippines.

Immediately after Alas Pilipinas beat Iran to secure a semifinals seat, the Philippines rose from No. 62 to No. 57 in the FIVB women’s world ranking and breached the top 10 in Asia at No. 9.

“We’ve always trusted Coach Jorge and Alas Pilipinas’s historic

accomplishment in this AVC Challenge Cup is testament to his world-class skills as coach,” Suzara said.

Alas Pilipinas guns for a seat in the championship of the Challenge Cup for Women on Tuesday against a taller Kazakhstan with another massive crowd expected at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The match is set at 7 p.m. after Vietnam clashes with Australia in the other semifinal at 4 p.m.

Despite giving away a two-inch height disadvantage to the Kazakhs many of whom are above 5-foot-10, the Filipinos are determined to go all the way as they ride the momentum of a four-match winning streak from pool play.

“The mindset heading to the semifinals will be different,” outside Eya

Rising stars set for fierce battl in Pradera Verde Luzon Series

JIWON LEE eyes to follow up on his victory at Splendido Taal in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 2 starting Tuesday at the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club course in Lubao, Pampanga.

Although Lee missed her target of a 15-over total in her 13-stroke victory in the series’ kickoff leg at Splendido Taal, she believes she gained invaluable experience for her campaign in the 14-stage tour.

“I’m a bit nervous but super excited to play and I think my excitement comes from the confidence I’ve built over the past few weeks,” said Lee, who won at Splendido Taal with a 17-over 305 total and 13 strokes ahead of Lia Duque.

Lee, however, will need more than confidence as she competes for another championship in the girls’ 15-18 field toughened by Reese Ng, Duque, Maria Monserrat Lapuz, Rafa Anciano and Angelica Bañez.

Ng brings vast international experience having won in the American Junior Golf Association and only recently ruled the Asian Junior Masters in Thailand.

Duque, Lapuz, Anciano and Bañez are also poised for a strong competition for the 72-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and supported by official apparel Kampfortis Golf.

Lee, Ng and Duque tee off at 7 a.m. at the third nine of the vast Pradera golf complex.

A tight finish is also expected in the boys’ 15-18 division with Shinichi Suzuki joining for the first time and expected to be a strong contender against Tristan Padilla, Santino Pineda, Gabriel Handog and Von Tablac in the absence of Splendido Taal leg winner Charles Serdenia and runner-up Zach Villaroman. Alexander Crisostomo, Santi Asuncion, Justin See, Harry Sales and Liam Sing will also vie for the championship. Champion Ryuji Suzuki, meanwhile,

remains optimistic in the boys’ 8-10 division set over 36 holes despite being unfamiliar with the bunker-laden layout.

“I haven’t played Pradera yet, but I’m confident I can win this week,” said Suzuki, who will be challenged by Vince Tablac, Theodore Rios, Zoji Edoc, Jose Luis Espinosa, Monte Andaman and Michael Ray Hortel II. Girls’ 11-14 titlist Precious Zaragosa has tempered expectations for a repeat because of a recent illness that limited her training and practice.

Laure said “We’re already here so there’s no stopping us to create another historic moment for Philippine volleyball.”

Veteran setter and team captain Jia Morado-de Guzman is all about a positive mindset.

“We sacrificed a lot of things, and nothing comes easy in the process we’ve been through as we head to the future,” she said. “So we have to keep going with a positive mindset because the semifinals is going to be a different level.”

For De Brito, the job’s gone tougher.

“All of us will face a challenging game against Kazakhstan,” he said.

“It’s no longer 4-0, it’s back to 0-0 in the semifinal. We already studied Kazakhstan and we’ll be ready.”

De Brito added: “We will be aiming

for the gold medal in this tournament, but we’ll take it step by step starting with Kazakhstan.”

Kazakhstan finished second behind unbeaten defending champion Vietnam in Pool B with a 3-1 record.

“It’s going to be an interesting game. The Philippine team is a strong team because I remember the last time we beat them, 3-2,” said Kazakhstan’s top player Sana Anarkulova referring to the 10th Asian Girls’ U-17 Championship in October 2014 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Over at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, India faces Indonesia at 10 a.m., Hong Kong meets Iran at 1 p.m. and ChineseTaipei takes on Singapore at 4 p.m. in the classification phase.

Agilas racing team seeing action in F1 in Schools worlds in Saudi

THE Agilas F1 in Schools Racing Team will represent the Philippines for the first time in the F1 in Schools World Finals—a global competition where student teams design, build and race miniature compressed airpowered cars.

The Agilas F1 in Schools Racing Team, formed in August 2023, will compete in the worlds Saudi Arabia is hosting in November.

The competition uses computeraided design and manufacturing software to create the cars which are made from F1 model blocks.

F1 in Schools Ltd., a nonprofit established by Formula 1, aims to inspire future generations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The competition tests students in engineering, project management, branding and marketing.

Agilas, derived from the Filipino words “Agila” (national pride) and “Magilas” (determination), is led by managing director and chief engineer Neo Kimi Gatlabayan, who formed the team after taking an F1 in Schools development course in Thailand.

“We are excited to represent the Philippines in the 2024 F1 in Schools World Finals,” Gatlabayan said. “The team is pouring its heart into the competition, with the goal of making the Philippines proud.”

As managing director and chief engineer, Gatlabayan coordinates and plans team activities to ensure the project progress follows schedule.

“I am primarily in charge of the design and development of our car, and it is my responsibility to guarantee that it is as fast as possible while adhering to the rules and regulations,” he said.

Andre Anggala is the brand manager and project strategist who ensures the growth of the brand via market research and the

measuring of brand performance and is also responsible for the design of the pit display.

“My role as the project strategist involves planning, executing and overseeing the projects to ensure they are completed on time, within the specified budget, and with the desired quality,” Anggala said.

Marcus Lau, the finance chief and design engineer looks after the funds and budget the resources accordingly.

“I also monitor all transactions and ensure all cash flow is recorded and appropriated,” Lau said.

“Moreover, my role as the design engineer is to devise a model of the miniature car we make on 3D design software. I design the model to be as aerodynamic as possible to make it as fast as possible.”

Adrianna Bernardo, the marketing chief and graphic designer, coordinates with potential partners to ensure she effectively communicates the message to the public to generate engagement and popularity.

She is also responsible for the team’s marketing design aspects, such as logos, social media posts and slideshows.

Marketing secretary and graphic designer Marga Gorospe assists in managing the team’s social media platforms while manufacturing engineer and finance officer Aaron Chua works with Marcus to log expenses and sponsorship revenue and set feasible long-term financial goals.

The Agilas areiseeking corporate partners to support their participation and promote STEM education in the Philippines.

“It’s a unique opportunity to partner with our team, putting the Philippines on the global map in STEM and motorsport,” Gatlabayan said. “This not only supports our team but also serves as an investment in the broader education system.”

Army’s Dinzon, Navy’s Iguidez shine in ROTC Games

“I’m so happy because I worked real hard for all of these,” said Iguidez, who enrolled in the ROTC program  to further his athletic career after bringing home two swimming relay golds in last year’s State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association National Games at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.  Iguidez eyes two more gold medals in the 100 and 200 backstroke on Tuesday before returning to Iloilo for his final examinations.

ADETS Kervin Dinzon of Army won the first gold and Marvic Iguidez of Navy bagged three swimming gold medals at the start of competitions in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games Visayan qualifiers in Bacolod City on Monday.  Dinzon, 19, and an Industrial Education freshman at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT) in Iloilo City, easily won the boys 200-meter individual medley of swimming in three minutes and 4.71 seconds with University  of Antique’s Renz Espanueva finishing a distant second at 4 02.09.  Fellow Army cadet Angela

Maree Tabia topped women’s event to complete an ISAT sweep and also won by a mile over Hyacinth Mondejar (5:24.73) in the competition—a brainchild of Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino—supported by the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education. But most of the spotlight fell on Iguidez who emerged from the Victoria City Aquatics Center pool in neighboring Victorias City with three gold medals in the boys 100 freestyle (1: 04.58), 50 butterfly (31.20) and 50 backstroke (32.30) in the games also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

With only a few minutes window in between his events, organizers revised the program to give Iguidez time to recover in the competitions also supported by Bacolod City led by Mayor Albee Benitez   Dinzon also won the men’s 100-meter freestyle (1:17.20) but failed to match Iguidez’s three gold medals when he settled for silver in the boys 50-meter butterfly (33.56) behind Jehtro Yaun (29.44). In a rare occurrence in any meet, Tabia’s