BusinessMirror November 16, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Govt eyes SRP as pork prices rise again By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE government is mulling over releasing a suggested retail price (SRP) on pork products anew—both local and imported ones —following a sudden spike in prices of locally-produced kasim and liempo in the domestic market, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. The DA explained that the measure seeks to temper the increase of pork prices as the holiday season nears, when demand is anticipated to pick up. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said he will receive a formal recommendation from concerned agen-

cies after they conduct consultations with stakeholders on whether or not to implement an SRP. Dar pointed out that the recent uptick in locally-produced pork prices is one of the main considerations for the SRP. “We saw an upward movement in pork prices. Within the week, I will be receiving a formal recommendation. There are already ongoing discussions between our operations and livestock groups and consumers group,” he said in a virtual press briefing on Monday. “We will have a decision within the week whether the SRP mechanism will be followed or not,” he added. Dar revealed that part of the ongo-

“We saw an upward movement in pork prices. Within the week, I will be receiving a formal recommendation. There are already ongoing discussions between our operations and livestock groups and consumers group.” — Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar

ing discussions on SRP is to implement it among both locally-produced and imported pork products. Citing the DA’s price monitoring reports, Agriculture Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista said the retail price of locally-produced pork kasim last week rose by P40 per kilogram to P320 per kilogram from P280 kilogram in October. Evangelista added that the price of locally-produced pork liempo increased by P20 per kilogram to P360 per kilogram from P340 per kilogram. Dar said the recent uptick in pork prices could be attributed to an increase in demand stimulated by the opening up of the country’s economy. See “Govt,” A2

OFW SEND HOME $2.74B IN SEPT; $23.1B IN 9 MOS

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Vol. 17 No. 39

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 20 pages |

By Bianca Cuaresma

BOC told: Help blunt impact of fuel tax cut

@BcuaresmaBM

ILIPINO migrant workers continued to send more cash back home at the start of the “ber” months as the global economy adjusts back to normal, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday.

According to Central Bank data, overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) cash remittances grew 5.2 percent in September this year from the same month last year, sending about $2.74 billion back to the Philippine economy during the month. The growth is faster than the 5.1 percent in August. The total volume of cash remittances is also $128 million larger than the level they sent in the previous month. The September remittance performance brought the total OFW cash remittance to the Philippines to $23.12 billion in the first nine months of the year. This is 5.6 percent larger than the $21.89 billion in the same January-to-September period in 2020. Broken down, remittances increased from both land-based and sea-based workers during the month. Remittances from land-based workers rose by 6.2 percent to $2.156 billion from $2.031 billion in September last year. Remittances from sea-based workers, meanwhile, grew 1.9 percent in September to $581 million from $570 million last year. The BSP said the growth in cash remittances from the United States, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea greatly boosted the increase in remittances in the first nine months of the year. In terms of country sources, the US registered the highest share of overall remittances at 40.8 percent in the first nine months of 2021, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Taiwan, Qatar, and South Korea. The combined remittances from these top 10countries accounted for 78.9 percent of total cash remittances. Earlier this week, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the prospect of stronger overseas Filipino remittance inflows in time for the Christmas holidays is expected to support the peso.

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

FORMER PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar and Presidential spokesman Harry Roque file their certificates of candidacy for senator at the Comelec office in Manila on Monday (November 15, 2021), the last day for filing of substitutions and withdrawals of COCs in the 2022 National Elections. Just before the filing process closed, a lawyer for President Duterte filed his COC for Senator under the PDDS party, not his own PDP-Laban, substituting for a senatorial aspirant of PDDS who withdrew. ROY DOMINGO

AKLAN BANS UNVAXXED TEENAGERS FROM BORACAY By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

EENAGERS who want to travel to Boracay Island with their families will have to be vaccinated first. “Yes, they have to be vaccinated [before traveling to Boracay],” clarified Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores to the BusinessMirror, after issuing Executive Order No. 028 on November 13, which said, “Effective November 16, 2021, Only Fully Vaccinated Individuals are al-

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.0020

lowed to enter Boracay Island.” He added, “Only minors 12 years old and below are allowed without RT-PCR/vaccination certificates as long as accompanied by parent/guardian.” He said he would release a new advisory within the day, Monday. Miraf lores’s confusing EO, posted on his Facebook page on November 13, reaped comments and questions from netizens who wanted to know if they could bring their children. No one from his office responded to the inquiries, prompting the Department of Tour-

ism (DOT) to seek clarification on the matter. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said, “Children will be allowed to enter Boracay, as long as they have a negative RT-PCR test result.” While she wasn’t able to personally speak with Miraflores, she told this paper, “According to the province [governor’s staff], it should be interpreted, ‘if unvaxxed, negative RT-PCR is required.’”

More destinations ease travel requirements

M E A N W H I L E , more le i s u re

destinations have eased their entry requirements for visitors, kickstarting a real recovery in the domestic tourism sector. In lieu of RT-PCR tests to check for the Covid-19 virus, vaccination cards are now accepted in the following destinations as of November 15: Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Camiguin, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, See “Remittance,” A2

HE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Monday called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to further intensify its anti-smuggling efforts to help the government reduce foregone revenues from the proposed 6-month fuel excise tax suspension. During the briefing on the collection of oil taxes, fuel marking program enforcement activities and oil importation, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda cited the BOC for complying with the committee’s requests to intensify the fight against smuggling in petroleum products. “I am thankful [to] the Bureau of Customs for complying with this committee’s request to strengthen the country’s antismuggling efforts on petroleum. I noted earlier this year that the gap between exports to the country and imports of the country is narrowing, a sign that smuggling efforts are getting more effective. I urge the BOC to go harder at smuggling as oil price increases,” Salceda said. Salceda said BOC’s strong antismuggling measures will help reduce foregone revenues from the proposed fuel excise tax suspension under House Bill 10488. Under the bill, now ready for plenary deliberations, excise taxes on low-octane gasoline, used primarily by tricycle drivers, will also be reduced to P4.35 from the current P7, while taxes on premium gasoline will be retained at P10. This proposal will cost the government around P45 billion. In the same briefing BOC Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval told lawmakers that the bureau has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for data sharing. This MOA allows the three agencies more access to information, such as notifications submitted by oil companies, as well as the amount and quality of fuel intended to be imported. See “BOC,” A2

n JAPAN 0.4389 n UK 67.1027 n HK 6.4183 n CHINA 7.8392 n SINGAPORE 36.9837 n AUSTRALIA 36.6015 n EU 57.2473 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3324

Source: BSP (November 15, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, November 16, 2021

La Union RTC junks drug charges vs Julian Ongpin

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Regional Trial Court of San Fernando, La Union on Monday dismissed the drug charges filed against billionaire son Julian Ongpin due to the “non-compliance” of authorities to the Chain of Custody Rule under Section 21 of the Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

In a 12-page order issued by La Union RTC Branch 27 Presiding Judge Romeo Agacita, the trial court also ordered the lifting of the precautionary hold departure order issued on October 8, 2021 against Ongpin. Judge Agacita said he is constrained to dismiss the case for lack of probable cause to issue warrant of arrest against Ongpin due to the failure of authorities to preserve the integrity of the evidence against the latter as mandated under Section 21 of RA 9165. “In the case at bar, the prosecution’s narrative that the apprehending officers were not able to comply with the provision of Sec. 21 of RA 9165 in view of the peculiar circumstance of the case, i.e., the responding police officers were dispatched to investigate a dead

human body…not of illegal drugs, is unmeritorious,” the order read. “The repeated breach of the chain of custody rule here had cast serious uncertainty on the identity and integrity of the corpus delicti. Verily, invocation of the saving clause is unwarranted,” it added. The trial court noted that the alleged dangerous drugs were not immediately marked at the time of seizure, which puts into serious doubts the evidencing value and integrity of the seized items. It also observed that no witnesses were present during the markings and inventory of the seized items, including the accused or his counsel or representative. The trial court pointed out that the Supreme Court, in its many previously decided cases, highlighted the importance of the presence of

the insulating witnesses during the physical inventory and the photograph of the seized items. The arresting officers also failed to cite justifiable grounds for the absence of the mandatory witnesses in the affidavits submitted to support the filing of the case. “The failure to observe the proper procedure negates the operation of the regularity accorded to police officers. Moreover, to allow the presumption to prevail notwithstanding clear lapses of established procedure is to negate the safeguards precisely placed by the law to ensure that no other abuse is committed,” the trial court said. The trial court’s decision came even as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has yet to decide on Ongpin’s petition for review seeking the reversal of the resolution issued by a panel of prosecutors which found probable cause to indict him for possession of illegal drugs. Ongpin’s camp through legal counsel Dennis Manalo argued that the panel had no evidence to support its findings that the respondent was in possession of the subject drugs and that it ignored “the gross and substantial violation of Section 21 of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 also known as the Chain of Custody Rule” by police investigators. Ong pin, son of bil lionaire

businessman and former Trade secretary Roberto Ongpin, was specifically charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 after two preliminary investigation hearings by the panel. The case stemmed from the recovery of 12.6 grams of cocaine in the room that Ongpin shared with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Bree Jonson at Flotsam and Jetsam Resort in La Union last September 18. The cocaine was discovered after authorities responded to a report of attempted suicide at the resort and found Jonson unconscious in a room. Jonson was brought to the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Ongpin claimed that Jonson committed suicide as he found her hanging inside the bathroom, prompting him to seek assistance in bringing the latter to the hospital. Both Ongpin and Jonson reportedly tested positive for illegal drug use. Ongpin said the panel had no evidence to support its findings that Ongpin was in actual possession of the subject illegal drugs and merely said that he had “constructive possession” of the illegal drugs.

Govt…

Continued from A1

“This Christmas season, that is

a factor. Besides, our supply is still challenged. The increase in supply due to repopulation is not that huge yet. But with the opening up of the economy, we see that the demand is higher,” he added.

Chillers, reefers

THE agriculture chief added that one of the measures they are fast-tracking in order to temper the possible further rise in pork prices is the distribution of chillers and reefer vans to eligible beneficiaries. Wet markets that have chillers and reefer vans can sell frozen pork since a proper refrigeration system is required by law for the sale of frozen meat products. “We have to bring out more pork to the market and that is what the NMIS [National Meat Inspection Service] and BAI are focusing on,” Dar said. The DA’s P45-million cold storage facilities subsidy program may be rolled out soon after the agency issued the guidelines for the release of funds to local government units (LGUs). Last week, Agriculture Undersecretary William C. Medrano said the DA is now in the process of signing memoranda of agreement (MOA) with partner LGUs for the subsidy program that seeks to modernize wet market refrigeration systems through the provision of chillers and reefer vans.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Aklan…

Continued from A1

Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Oriental, Bulacan, Cebu Province along with Cebu City and Mandaue, San Vicente in Palawan, Naga City, Baguio City, the Clark Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Dingalan in Aurora, Leyte cities such as Ormoc and Maasin City, Calbayog City in Samar, and Mati in Davao Oriental. “With the lifting of the testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors to these destinations, travel has become more affordable and accessible for domestic tourists, especially with coming holiday season,” said Romulo Puyat in a news statement over the weekend.

Protect industry’s gains

GUIMARAS Island will also start accepting vaccination cards in lieu of RT-PCR tests from visitors, starting November 16. (Visit https://bit. ly/3CckQlL for updates on travel requirements in leisure destinations.) The DOT chief also reminded tourists to observe minimum health and safety protocols when traveling. “As we expect more tourists going to Boracay Island, and other destinations that have eased travel requirements for fully vaccinated individuals in the coming weeks, we continue to remind travelers to

BOC…

observe minimum health and safety protocols when visiting the spots.” Romulo Puyat also urged tourism stakeholders not to be complacent despite the easing of domestic travel requirements, to prevent Covid-19 cases from increasing. “Seeing how the reopening of tourism all over the country is helping Filipinos return to their jobs, we cannot afford a new surge of Covid-19 infections and a return to the restrictions imposed by a stricter quarantine. Let us do our individual parts to ensure that there will be no outbreaks in our destinations,” she stressed. Per Miraflores’s EO 028, other documents required by Aklan for those planning to travel to Boracay are: 1. Screenshot of the Online Health Declaration Card (OHDC) Confirmation page; 2. Proof of identification with Philippine residency; 3. Copy of confirmed booking slip from a DOT-accredited resort or hotel; 4. Roundtrip flight details (via Caticlan); 5. Proof of vaccination such as VaxCertPH from the Department of Health, vaccination card issued by local government unit with verifiable QR code, or a certificate from vaccination center. “In their absence,” the memo went on, “Negative RT-PCR result with date of extraction 72 hours to date of travel.”

Continued from A1

Also, the BOC official said the bureau also signed a MOA with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Joint Maritime Patrols using the active vessels of the PCG, procuring 20 Patrol Boats for exclusive BOC Maritime Patrol. Salceda, for his part, said, “most of the smuggling likely happens in private ports. So, it is crucial that we work with the PCG. I also laud strengthening the BOC Maritime Patrol.” “Moving forward, I would like the BOC to organize the Task Force Anti-Oil Smuggling that we requested the BOC to organize in February this year,” he added. Meanwhile, Raval told lawmakers the BOC was able to mark 31.846 billion liters of fuel, which resulted in an increase in excise tax collection of P312.4 billion from September 2019 to November 5, 2021.

Senators… Meanwhile, Samonte said they continue to track down Lao, who stopped attending hearings after Duterte ordered Cabinet secretaries not to heed summons of the Blue Ribbon, whose chairman, Sen. Richard J. Gordon, the President had repeatedly attacked in his weekly national address. Ong and the Darganis may be kept at the Senate, following Senate rules and jurisprudence on detention of uncooperative witnesses in legislative inquiries. Ong was earlier detained for refusing to

Currently, Raval said the BOC has 20 unit mobile laboratories to conduct field testing activities to 8,605 total retail stations nationwide. In February and May, he reported that the BOC has seized 79,740.80 liters of diesel, 2,016 of kerosene and two units of tank trucks with an estimated value of P11.3 million. On September 3, 2021, the BOC and BIR also seized 6,357 liters of unmarked diesel found in a Petromobil retail station in Arayat, Pampanga during its field testing operation. The markers serve as identifiers during field testing to determine the presence of illicit fuel in the market. The Fuel Marking Program aims to raise revenues while curbing fuel smuggling and leveling the Philippine oil industry’s playing field.

Continued from A12

provide details of Yang’s financial assistance to Pharmally. The three may stay in detention if they refuse to cooperate, until the end of the 18th Congress, on June 30, 2022.

OSSAA praised

SENATORS commended Monday the OSSAA and the Blue Ribbon investigating committee following the arrest of the Darganis. Gordon hailed the performance of the OSSAA led by retired Philippine Air Force General Samonte and the staff of the Blue Ribbon under the leadership of Committee secretary Rodolfo Quimbo, citing their “silent and successful coordination.” Gordon’s move to commend was seconded by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and supported by Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Imee Marcos and Senator Lacson, who was presiding over the plenary session. “If the Darganis thought Davao City is a safe haven just like Michael Yang and Christopher Lao, they should think again. There’s no such thing as a safe haven,” Lacson, meanwhile, said. He suggested that “they...stop thinking [they cannot be touched there]. As what was proven yesterday, they are now in the Senate premises. They will be ‘forced’ to attend the Nov. 25 Blue Ribbon hearing.” At the same time, senators gave a thumbs-up to the leadership of Senate President Sotto III for firmly promoting the Senate as “an independent and co-equal branch.”

The Nation BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, November 16, 2021 A3

Military, police assert political neutrality ahead of ’22 polls

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

HE military asserted on Monday its political neutrality ahead of the May 2022 elections as it distanced itself from the statement of retired Army Lt. General Antonio Parlade Jr., who may have insinuated that the uniform service has a contentious issue to settle with Senator and presidential aspirant Bong Go. Parlade, who served as a commander of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command and spokesman of the National Task Force to End Communist Conflict, filed on Monday his candidacy for the top

Palace post under the Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino Party. Successive tweets posted by CNN Philippines quoted the retired Army general as saying that he could not align himself with Go

because the senator had also been part of the country’s problems, and that the Armed Forces of the Philippines should be asked the question “why?” Explaining himself, Parlade, in his tweets said, he could not align himself with Go on how he tend to control things, “including controlling the decisions of President Duterte.” He said, he’s also not running under PDP-Laban because, “I cannot support Senator Bong Go” for President. He added, “because he [Go] is part of the problem,” adding that, “I’m sorry, I just don’t like the way he [Go] does things; including controlling the decisions of the President.” Responding to Parlade’s statement, the military reiterated it remains non-partisan. “Our mandate is clear. Our task is to ensure the peace and security of the elections and allow the will of the Filipino people to manifest

and prevail,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said. Zagala’s statement was promptly supported by the Army, through its spokesman Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad. “The Army leadership remains to be non-partisan in this coming NLE [national and local elections] 2022. We refrain from indulging our personnel to participate in any political activity and actions of our political aspirants and candidates in order for us to assist in the conduct of a just, safe, peaceful, and orderly election,” Trinidad said. Parlade said he had been “forced” to join the presidential elections because of the ongoing “political circus,” which, he said, would keep the country in stagnant state. At Camp Crame, meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to investigate the alleged harassment of supporters of presidential candidate Panfilo Lacson and

his running mate Vicente Sotto III in Manila by policemen. “The MPD [Manila Police Department] leadership has directed all station commanders to check if the alleged incident took place in their respective areas because it was unclear in the allegations which specific area in Manila the incident happened,” the PNP said in a news statement. “If during the course of investigation, it will be found out that a violation was committed by some personnel, they will be held liable and accountable for their actions,” it added. “The PNP maintains its apolitical stance and shall never allow its personnel to be used or abused in [pursuit of a] political agenda,” it added. Police General Guillermo Eleazar, who retired as chief of the PNP on Friday, filed his senatorial candidacy on Monday under the LacsonSotto ticket along with Presidential

spokesman Harry Roque at the Commission on Elections on Monday, the last day of substation for the May polls. Roque is running under the People’s Reform Party, substituting Paolo Mario Martelino. He was accompanied by his wife, Mylah. In an interview, Roque said he would support President Duterte on his candidacy for next year’s polls, though he did not reveal what position he is running for. “When I filed my certificate of candidacy, it’s not only Mayor Inday Sara that I’m supporting. I will also join President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his position to run. The president and I will not separate,” he said. He said a representative for Duterte would file his COC on his behalf on Monday afternoon. Eleazar also filed his COC as substitute for Paolo Capino under the Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reporma.

PNP chief justifies detention of elderly rights advocate in Bulacan

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Dionardo Carlos said on Monday that Salome Crisostomo Ujano was arrested on a pending case of rebellion lodged against her while she was allegedly a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Southern Tagalog. Policemen in uniform and civilian

clothes, her daughter said, arrested the 64-year-old Ujano, at their home in Bulacan on Sunday shortly after her arrival from a morning jog. She was subsequently taken to the Malolos City police station before being brought to Camp Crame. Carlos said the government has been looking for Ujano since 2012 and she carried a reward of P5 mil-

lion for her arrest, which was put up by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of National Defense under “Joint Order on Reward number 14-2012.” “Let me emphasize that this arrest is, foremost, the result of a lawful implementation of a warrant of arrest issued by judicial authorities,

and her affiliation with the CPPNPA-NDF may have been incidental to the criminal case she is accused of,” Carlos said. The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Virgilio Alpajora of Regional Trial Court, Branch 59 in Lucena City on June 28, 2006, for the crime of rebellion. The PNP chief said Ujano’s case

stemmed from her alleged involvement in a “series of atrocities” committed in Quezon province in 2005, particularly the ambush of Private First Class Michael Samsun and Corporal Edward Lumawig, “in her capacity as a member of the Executive Committee Secretariat of Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee [STRPC] of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

He said police records identified the woman as a member of the Technical Staff under Kilusan sa Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Luzon/Mayon of the STRPC and member of the NPA’s court who allegedly participated in the execution of NPA members suspected to be government spies during the CPP-NPA purge dubbed Operation Missing Link. Rene Acosta

A4 Tuesday, November 16, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DA chief: 2 more companies keen on ASF vaccine trials in PHL By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Philippines is aggressively pursuing African swine fever (ASF) vaccine trials, as the government is keen on forging two more partnerships with private companies to undertake tests on a prospec-

tive inoculation against the fatal hog disease. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar disclosed on Monday two new companies have signified interests to conduct ASF vaccine trials in the Philippines, which is reeling from a pork shortfall caused by the disease. Dar withheld the names and descriptions of the two companies pending the signing of a

memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the concerned parties. “There are new vaccines, new companies presenting themselves,” he told reporters at a virtual news briefing, adding that the new vaccine trials—should they push through— will be undertaken in areas where there are high cases of ASF.

Furthermore, Dar explained that the government couldn’t reveal the results of the Phase 1 trial of the ASF vaccine developed by United States-based Zoetis Inc. due to a confidentiality clause. The first phase of the vaccine trial started in late April and ended sometime in August. “The agreement signed by the Bureau of Animal Industry [BAI] with the private sector company in the United States had a provision that the results of ASF vaccine trials here in the Philippines will be released to the public by the company,” he said. “We are waiting for them to make it public,” the agriculture chief added. The initial ASF vaccine trials seek to determine if the vaccines would increase the hogs’ antibodies against ASF. (Related story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/27/phlstarts-vaccine-trial-against-deadly-asf/) Dar said he has already instructed BAI officials to scrap the provision in future MOAs of ASF vaccine trials with prospective pharmaceutical companies to preserve the right of the state to release trial results to the public. “I directed BAI to remove the confidentiality [clause] that only the companies will release the results. There should be equal responsibility to bring this out to the public,” he said. “That will be the new policy direction of BAI, if they will sign with new vaccine companies promoting ASF vaccines. It is a good

policy that equally we can also mention this to the public,” he added. Earlier, Dar pronounced that the government expects that all the phases of its ongoing ASF vaccine trials would be completed within the year, with a final decision on the use of the vaccine being rendered before the year ends. In fact, the agriculture chief has already publicly proposed that the national government must shoulder the entire cost of vaccinating the country’s some 9.7 million pigs against ASF once the trials yield positive results. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/08/09/nationalgovt-urged-to-pay-for-asf-vaccines/) In February, the Department of Agriculture created a technical working committee that would oversee the ASF vaccine development and manufacturing in the country. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/12/daforms-panel-to-oversee-asf-vaccine-development-manufacturing-program/) The Philippines has been battling against ASF for over two years now, with at least 400,000 hogs being culled by the government to control and eradicate the fatal hog disease. The ASF has caused a drastic shortfall in domestic pork supply that has ballooned to 651,000 metric tons (MT) from an earlier estimate of about 400,000 MT, based on latest expert calculations.

Philippine Disability Sector: A Research

on Education, Employment, Public/Social Services, and Civic Participation

By Regina Pasion & Henry J. Schumacher

ECENTLY, research in exploring the disability sector in the Philippines and how current laws and policies has served the sector has been commissioned by The Asia Foundation. A comprehensive review of the sector has not been done in recent years. The current research serves as an overview across 4 main key areas (Education, Employment, Public/Social Services, and Civic Participation). The insights and findings warrant further exploration and action for policy development, program implementation and capacity building not only by the government but also perhaps the private sector. The following are the salient points and key messages in the research: In any given population, the World Health Organization has noted a disability prevalence incidence of around 12-15 percent. This means that for the current population of the Philippines of 110 million, around 13.2 million Filipinos would have some form of disability. The Philippine Constitution supports the establishment of social safeguards to address the needs of persons with disabilities (Republic of the Philippines, 1987). This is subsequently followed by the passage of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability in 1992. In 2008, the Philippine joined the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These laws and commitments are designed to support the disability sector. Despite these encouraging policy commitments, many persons with disabilities still experience barriers in accessing public and social services, quality education, equitable work and employment, and full participation in political and public life. Strengthening and improving policy development and implementation is still needed to reduce these barriers and advance the rights of

persons with disabilities. In the last 10 years, not a lot of improvement can be directly attributed to the efforts of the government to make our systems and environment more disability inclusive. As acknowledged by the respondents, existing efforts and initiatives are not sufficient to address existing barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from accessing their rights and participating in society on an equal basis with others. Current laws and policies are promising but are barely implemented. Some laws and policies require updating, amendment, or further clarification. Policies and its implementation were found to be more disability-specific and segregated than removing barriers and promoting inclusion. On the whole, the sector still cannot live an independent and meaningful life, with enough support from the government. There is still a long way to go regarding disability inclusion in the Philippines. The Disability Sector needs a whole of government approach to overcome the barriers they face in their daily life. With the nonPersons with Disability advocating to make the concerns of the sector heard. There is a need to advocate for equity rather than charity with regards to the sector. This also means the rest of society may need to reconsider and change their mindsets regarding the sector since policies and its implementation is reflective of current mindsets and attitudes towards disability and disability inclusion. When reading this initial research of the Asia Foundation and their appeal to society to be aware of the difficulties of people with disabilities in getting the proper education and employment, the good deed of Cargill Philippines came to mind. Cargill Philippines joined forces with Save the Children Philippines and launched a comprehensive program that provides access to improved health and nutrition services, livelihood, and interventions to support the needs of children and their families. For the safety of people with disabilities, we need companies like Cargill that would make it part of their community and sustainability initiatives to help this deserving sector. We strongly believe that it needs a few practical success stories regarding the training and employment of people with disabilities to get such a “movement” going. The disability sector would benefit greatly should the private sector consider advocating for them as well. The Asia Foundation and we would be delighted if some companies would inform us about the effective work they do to help the people with disabilities. Please e-mail Regina at regina.pasion@asiafoundation.org or me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Senators deplore ‘untimely’ ’22 budget cuts on start-ups

EN. Francis Tolentino has deplored as “untimely” looming budget cuts on programs for start-up companies. Taking the floor on Monday’s Senate plenary deliberations, Tolentino reminded fellow lawmakers that the country “continues to grapple with hastening economic recovery from the pandemic.” The first-term senator stressed the need to instead invest in startup companies to help jump-start the economy once herd immunity is achieved. At the Senate deliberation on the 2022 national budget, Tolentino pressed for additional allocations for the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Philippine Council for Industry Energy and Emerging Technology Research (PCIEETR), an agency that provides support for start-up companies. The senator emphasized that this is crucial to invigorate the Philippine start-up ecosystem. However, despite the vital role that the PCIEETR plays in economic recovery, the agency’s budget allotment for next year was reduced and set to only P815,221,000. Tolentino said that the move is “untimely.” “I humbly feel that if there is a program that should be sustained and nourished this is it. I believe the reduction in budget is probably not timely and relevant because once we go through a post-pandemic period, we need start-up groups similar to what they are doing in Silicon Valley and other areas. We have to sustain the creativity of our youth, our young entrepreneurs. This will be needed post-pandemic,” Tolentino stressed. Sen. Joel Villanueva, who’s sponsoring the budget for DOST, also backed Tolentino’s proposal. “We are willing to work with Sena-

tor Tolentino in case we can find out how to or if there’s a need or an opportunity for us to increase the budget, this particular agency, this particular unit in so far as focusing on the start-up is concerned,” Villanueva said. After finding out that the DOST only has three lawyers in its legal department, Tolentino also underscored the need to beef up the department’s legal team. The lawmaker said that the lack of lawyers could be a factor why the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of laws such as Republic Act 11037 or the “Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” was drafted belatedly. Upon enactment of the law, national government agencies were given 120 days to draft the IRR. Tolentino stressed that the proactive response from government agencies is a must to hasten economic recovery, especially after the pandemic. “The lack of lawyers within the Department may be the reason behind the late promulgation of the IRR. This is a very important law as it institutionalizes a national program for undernourished children. Kailangan po ito hindi lang ng DOST, kailangan din ito ng DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government], DepEd [Department of Education], and our LGUs [local government unit],” Tolentino said. Tolentino, who also advocates strict implementation of the law, scrutinized the DOST issuances which deviate from the text and intent of the laws enacted by Congress. He added that providing an additional budget to the DOST’s legal service is essential to create an extra layer that will review IRRs promulgated by the DOST to ensure that they are within the bounds of the law. Butch Fernandez

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 A5

Blue Ribbon hunts parties who paid for Darganis’ Learjet trips

By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

FTER finally catching Pharmally executives Mohit and Twinkle Dargani to compel them to cooperate with its inquiry into pandemic supply contracts, Senate probers are now zeroing in on the identities of the parties who abetted the Dargani siblings in their apparent attempt to escape abroad.

Sen. Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the investigating Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC), on Monday wrote Isagani Lukban, president of Global Aviation Corp., based in Pasay City, hours after he and his peers commended the Senate Sergeant at Arms for successfully netting the Darganis at the Davao City International Airport (DIA).

They had arrived at DIA on a chartered Learjet, from Singapore, and were about to fly out to Kuala Lumpur when the Office of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), acting on a tip from immigration officials, pounced on them. The OSAA took them to the Senate building in Pasay City and where they are now under detention.

In his letter to Lukban, Gordon asked the chief of Global Aviation to immediately provide Senate probers “details and copies of the flight request, manifest, contracts or forms showing how much, who contracted, who paid, and who signed documents related to this travel, and all circumstances related to this flight information.” Gordon then provided Lukban with the details of the plane and flight they were interested in: • Operator—Seletar Jet Charter PTE Ltd • Aircraft type—Learjet 60 • Registry Number VH-AND • Purpose of Flight: Private, nonrevenue • Itinerary—Seletar-Davao-KL, leaving Seletar Sunday Nov. 14, arriving Davao at 3:30 p.m.; then leaving Davao for KL at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. “Kindly e-mail the requested info as soon as possible to the BRC secretariat,” Gordon asked Lukban. Mohit Dargani, corporate secretary and treasurer of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp., and his sister Twinkle, its president, were

cited in contempt and ordered arrested for refusing to provide financial documents of their controversial company. Phar ma l ly is a low-capita l (P625,000) start-up that bagged an estimated P10 billion of the P42-billion pandemic supply contracts managed by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PSDBM), to which the Department of Health (DOH) outsourced its bidding chores. Pharmally is believed to have been heavily funded by Davaobased businessman Michael Yang, former economic adviser and friend of President Duterte, but Yang denied this and once told senators his only role was introducing Pharmally officials to certain Chinese suppliers. The DOH use of P62 billion in pandemic funds—including the P42 billion transferred to PS-DBM—was earlier flagged by the Commission on Audit, sparking the BRC investigation that has sent President Duterte repeatedly attacking Gordon and other senators.

Petro companies roll back gas, kerosene pump prices By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

IL firms announced Monday another round of fuel price rollback starting Tuesday. They said in separate announcements that gasoline prices will go down by P0.90 per liter and kerosene by P0.10 per liter. Diesel prices

remain unchanged. Seaoil, PTT Philippines, Petron, Shell, Total and Caltex will adjust their pump prices at 6 a.m. of November 16 to reflect this week’s price adjustment. Cleanfuel, meanwhile, will implement the price rollback at 8:01 a.m. Other oil firms are expected

to also implement the same price rollback. The latest price adjustment is the second consecutive week of price reduction for gasoline and third for kerosene. Diesel price was also reduced twice last November 2 and 9. Based on the monitoring of the Department of Energy (DOE), global

oil prices slumped last Thursday, ending another week of declining oil prices. The year-to-date adjustments, excluding this week’s price movement, stand at a net increase of P20.95 per liter for gasoline, P17.50 per liter for diesel and P15.09 per liter for kerosene.

BI readies deportation of four ‘big time’ South Korean telco fraudsters PRC inoculates over 1K By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Monday the arrest of four South Korean fugitives who are facing criminal charges for their alleged involvement in multimillion telecommunications fraud. A report submitted by the BI fugitive search unit (FSU) to the office of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the fugitives as Won Jinchul, 40; Shim Jae Yong, 28; Kwon Hyunil, 32; and Cha Jun Young. Jinchui l was ar rested last Thursday along C.M. Recto Highway in Clark Freeport Zone, Pam-

panga for being an undocumented alien and a risk to public safety and security, while the three others were arrested in a condominium in Barangay Bambang, Taguig City also on the same day. Won was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office for committing fraud. He was accused being a member of a voice phishing syndicate in Korea that defrauded their compatriots by pretending to be a police officer or a bank employee. It was reported that their nefarious activities, which panned from May 2013 to June 2014, Won may have pocketed over 177 million KRW or P7.4 million.

On the other hand, BI said Shim is the subject of a warrant of deportation from the BI issued in October this year. His name is included in the Interpol Red Notice and he has an outstanding warrant of arrest for fraud issued by the Suwon District Court in South Korea, September 6, 2019. He is accused of being a member of a telecom fraud syndicate engaged also in voice phishing that operated in Manila since January 2017 and which defrauded many Koreans of more than 990 million KRW or P41.9 million. The BI said Cha is a fugitive reportedlyinvolvedinthesameschemewhere he managed to amass 18 billion KRW or P762 million from 2018 until 2020.

During the operation against the duo, arresting agents came across Kwon in the same vicinity. Upon verification with Korean authorities, it was confirmed that Kwon also has a pending warrant of arrest for fraud, issued by the Goyang branch of the Uijeongbu District Court on June 11, 2019. “These illegal aliens have no place in our country…Their nefarious activities will not prosper here, as we are intent in locating, arresting, and deporting these wanted criminals,” Morente said. The four fugitives are now temporarily being held at the BI’s detention center in Bicutan, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings against them.

minors against Covid-19

TOTALof1,578minorswithout comorbidities were vaccinated against Covid-19 by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) through their six Bakuna Centers to help boost the National Covid-19 Vaccination Program. “As the active ally of the government, we will continue with our unwavering commitment to vaccinate more people against Covid-19. We want to be able to reach out to more Filipinos and get them vaccinated,” PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon said. “In this way, people can now safely go back to work and their schools, we can open up the economy and help end theCovid-19pandemic,”Gordonadded.

With the opening of face-to-face classes on Monday, Gordon is hoping that more children can get vaccinated, stressing that they could also be at risk. The PRC Health Services team expects more children aged 12 to 17 years old be vaccinated for the whole month of November and in more PRC Bakuna Centers since this initiative began two weeks ago. As of November 2021, the following PRC Bakuna Centers are now accredited by the Department of Health; PRC PLMC, PRC Port Area, PRC Manila Letran, PRC Bataan Penelco, PRC Pangasinan CB Mall, and PRC Zamboanga City. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

House bill seeks to extend validity of 2021 GAA until December 2022

HE chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations is pushing for the passage of a bill extending the availability of the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) until December 31, 2022. ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap, the panel chairman, said House Bill 10373 seeks to extend the availability of the 2021 appropriations from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 to allow the agencies to fully utilize the allocated budget for 2021. “[This is also] to implement government programs and projects and to ensure that the intended beneficiaries of these basic services are reached,” he explained. “Nearing the end of the year, there are still programs, projects, and activities funded by the 2021 GAA that are very much needed by the Filipino people, especially those in the most vulnerable sector,” said Yap. According to Yap, the pandemic affected the opportunities for socioeconomic growth and development and also brought disruptions in the operations of government, which

then caused delay in the release and issuances of budget allocations. “The General Appropriations Act of 2021 centers on the philosophy that more than our priorities for a responsive and dynamic governance, the focus of our resources shall also be directed to the most urgent priority—to reset our momentum and action, rebound from the devastating effects of the pandemic on the health and economy, and fully recover from current and continuing impacts of the crisis,” he added. The committee is set to start its deliberations on the proposal on Wednesday. Under the bill, the appropriations for infrastructure capital outlays, including subsidy releases to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCC) for infrastructure projects, shall be valid for obligation

until December 31, 2022, while the completion of construction, inspection, and payment shall be made not

later than December 31, 2022. On the other hand, appropriations for maintenance and other operating

expenses and other capital outlays shall likewise be valid for obligation until December 31, 2022, while the de-

livery, inspection and payment shall be made not later than December 31, 2022. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

BusinessMirror

A6 Tuesday, November 16, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

21TH CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION #28 Lot 12 Blk 94, R. Papa Ave. Cor. P. Garcia St. Phase 6, Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

CAO, QI Acting Head Of Information Technology Unit 10.

WANG, YUN Chinese Warehouse Manager 1.

Brief Job Description: Supervises all activities of that facility which often involves overseeing team performance expediting the receiving and shipping of goods and ensuring efficient, organized storage

Basic Qualification: 5+ years warehouse management experience. Excellent understanding of warehouse management procedures. Proficient knowledge of inventory and inventory controls

ZHANG, JUNBO Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns

CHEN, HUIMING Chinese Marketing Consultant 11.

Basic Qualification: *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. *Preferably 6 months to 1 year customer service experience. *Detail-oriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

KEJA, MALVIS KEFUM SW/APP/Cloud Tech Support Analyst

Brief Job Description: Primarily responsible for taking in phone/email/ chat interactions in order to meet customer needs and expectations, functionally and technically skilled in providing support in resolving customer issues. Provides guidance in resolving customer’s concerns while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and consistent compliance on quality standards in every interaction.

Brief Job Description: Identify, design and manage the end to end agency annual sales promotions and campaigns strategy including year-long and short-term segmented incentives to help increase channel productivity. Provide oversight for vendor management on delivery of these rewards. Includes budgeting and resource exercise, delivery and monitoring of the activities.

WEE JOO HAN Associate Director, Agency Impact 6.

Brief Job Description: Drive the acceleration of life advisors through development and execution of tools and training to strengthen value proposition, create awareness, increase attraction, equip recruiters, and candidate nurturing to increase scale.

12.

13.

Basic Qualification: Minimum 2+ years work experience required with at least 1 year experience in a similar role, fluent in both French and English language.

14.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist head chef and training staff with regards to Chinese menu

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least a bachelor’s/ college degree in business management, economics, industrial engineering, or any field related

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

WU, SHASHA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

TRAN THI BICH NGOC Vietnamese Language-officer Customer Service Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs

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

YANG, LIHUA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 15.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least a bachelor’s/ college degree in business studies/administration/ management, economics, marketing, commerce, mass communications, advertising/media, psychology or equivalent. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

22.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 23.

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

CHOU, PEI-WEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 24.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write Vietnamese language to cater foreign markets Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

CHEN, ZIXUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater foreign markets. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

ZHUANG, SUNLE Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

CHUNG YIT HUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 25.

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

ZHAO, SHENGHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 16.

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

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails

GAO, ZHU Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation

XIE, JIANLONG Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation

19.

JIAN, HAO-JHE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats, and emails

27.

20.

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

HUANG, YEXING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 28.

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

JIN, WENWU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 30.

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

31.

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

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

LYU, DONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 32.

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

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

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

LI, PEI-CHUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations

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

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

LAN, XINYU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

MA, TAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 33.

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

GU, GUOPING Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

HAN, ZHICHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG) LIMITED - MANILA BRANCH G/f, 2/f, 28/f, West Retail The Finance Centreblock 55 Lot 1 & 2, 26th St. Cor 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534 Tomas Mapua St., 029, Bgy. 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila

18.

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

26.

29.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Quality Inspector, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

DONG, AIZHEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue, Project 7, Bungad 1, Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Expert in menu planning

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

BAI, CUINA Chinese Customer Service

21.

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

Basic Qualification: Must college graduate knows to speak Chinese both written and oral and good communication skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHU, SHENGLIN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

17.

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates; develop report with the customer base greet by name.

LIAO, CHENGDONG Mandarin Quality Inspector

AMAZING HOUSE, INC. G/f Oceanaire Residences, Cbpi, Sunrise Drive, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

SU, BAOMING Chinese Cuisine Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate, proficient in mandarin and English, 10 years it experience in china’s banking industry

No.

CHINA WUYI CO., LTD. 4/f Commodore Bldg., 422 Arquiza St., 072 Bgy. 667, Ermita, City Of Manila

AIA PHILIPPINES LIFE AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY INC. 16f-18f Philam Life Head Office, Six/neo (formerly Netlima) Bldg., 5th Ave. Cor. 26th St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig LIM KOK LEONG Associate Director, Agency Engagement

Brief Job Description: Formulating strategy improving permeance in marketing materials and resources.

EVA NATALIA SITUMORANG Bahasa Indonesian Language-marketing Officer

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

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01, Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque LOC THUY NGOC Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Leading and managing the information technology unit for bank of china

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINE TRAVEL AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES, INC. Unit Ug-50 Cityland, Dela Rosa Condo., Dela Rosa St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr., 81 Newport Bl Newport City, Brgy. 183, Pasay City

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

QIN, XIANGYU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 34.

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION XIE, MINGFU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

35.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

XU, LING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 36.

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

XU, YIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 37.

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

YANG, YANZHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 38.

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

YU, CHENGHUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 39.

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

YU, ZHUANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 40.

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

ZENG, YIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 41.

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

ZHAO, HONGCHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 42.

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

ZHAO, KE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 43.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

ZHU, QIANQIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 44.

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

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

45.

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

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

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

46.

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

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

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

KHUU TUAN HAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 55.

56.

57.

58.

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

LIU, JIE Chinese IT Specialist 48.

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

SHI, CHIYU Site Technical Support-mandarin Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

ZHANG, JIAO Site Technical Support-mandarin Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LI, HENG Director For Fixed Network Project 59. Basic Qualification: *Preferably 6 months experience with the above position. *Can multi-task and keen to details. *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience

Brief Job Description: In charge of KPIS of Huawei in fixed network business and control business risks 2. To optimize organization of Huawei fixed network program

NGUYEN DUY DONG IT Support Specialist 62.

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure. Application support and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

ZHANG, ZHENXIONG Chinese Project Supervisor Brief Job Description: Create a project plan and outline the resources

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, Bf Homes, City Of Parañaque

KANG, JAEYOUNG Korean Marketing Consultant 63.

Brief Job Description: Work with corporate management to improve management strategies

Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks & write fluently (Korean & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KINDOSAR PROCESS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 5d, Rose Industries Bldg., Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

64.

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

IM, HEESEON Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage Korean customer queries/complaints

LIM, HEONSEOK I.t Specialist

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience

65.

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

KP JOEUN CONSULTANCY INC Unit 7 Goldland Millenia Tower, Escriva Drive Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing mandarin

66.

DEOL, JUVI SOHAL Marketing Executive (Indian Client) 67.

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

Brief Job Description: Handle marketing inquiries concerns and activities on marketing department.

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

CHAN JIN HOONG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

Basic Qualification: Responsible for coordinating all labor needs for given project Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 3 year overseas work experience as head for delivery & services in telecom industry. Must have overseas experience working in telecom industry as director or manager responsible in product delivery and service business.. With level 5 project management certification. Highly familiar with ip/wireless network technology.

Brief Job Description: Develop and implement strategies and programs to promote tourism

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

LEHAN FASHION INC. Unit No. U-19 Flr. No. 3f Bagong Milenyo Bldg., F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 076, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing mandarin

Brief Job Description: Design IT System and networks ensuring the right architecture and functionality

KIM, SUN JU Marketing Officer

68.

HWA LUN CORPORATION Unit 1606 B, Sunjoy Bldg., 525 Lavezares St., Tondo I/ii, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CAO, ZHONGLI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GU, JINGCHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GUAN, HONGBO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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

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

60.

47.

HAO, CHAOJIE Site Technical Support-mandarin

No.

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

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

FULL CHARGE SERVICES, INC. U 801 State Center Bldg., 333 Juan Luna St., 027, Brgy. 287, Binondo, City Of Manila

CHEN, JIAYI Chinese IT Specialist

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a finance manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company, demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology with at least 1-2 years of working experience

GRANDTECH SUPPORT SERVICES INC. 4/f U-2c One E-com Ctr. Bldg., Ocean Drive, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

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

Brief Job Description: Develop, implement and track marketing programs such as email, social media, or digital campaigns and events

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

ZHANG, LINGYUAN Marketing Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

XIONG, SHIMIN Chinese IT Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

WANG, LIJUAN Chinese IT Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

SHAO, GUOYU Chinese IT Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Provide clients with information by designing methods to collect and retrieve data

QIAO, YINLONG Chinese IT Specialist

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

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Newport Blvd., Newport City, Va, Brgy. 183, Pasay City

CHEN, CHI-YU Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients)

49.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, YICHENG Chinese IT Specialist

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

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

CHENG, SHUANG Finance Manager

No.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

75.

SONG, MENGYAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YAO, GUANGYING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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

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

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

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 24/f Yuchengco Tower I, Rcbc Plaza, Bel-air, City Of Makati

WANG, SHANGPING Chinese IT Support Specialist 61.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure. Application support and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

76.

CHEN, LI Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NEW CROSS CREDIT AND FINANCING GATE PH, INC. 16/f M1 Tower, 141 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Taguig

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

BusinessMirror

A8 Tuesday, November 16, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION JUAN NAVARRO, ALEJANDRO Operations Director

77.

Brief Job Description: Direct s and develops short and long-range plans and schedules for assigned business unit for compliance with customer requirements in a cost effective, timely manner.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: job relevant degree/ 5-10 years supervisory or managerial experience/ multilingual

No.

92.

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

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

CHENG, JIANHANG Chinese Customer Service 78.

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

DENG, SONGTAO Chinese Customer Service 79.

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

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

94.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 95.

DU, YONGSHENG Chinese Customer Service 80.

81.

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

JI, YATING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

LAI, YANMEI Chinese Customer Service 82.

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

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

96.

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

83.

Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

97.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 99.

LIN, SHENGHUI Chinese Customer Service 84.

85.

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

LIN, WEILONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

LIU, DEQIANG Chinese Customer Service 86.

87.

88.

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

LIU, JIULONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

LYU, GUANGJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

TANG, RUI Chinese Customer Service 89.

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

WANG, XINGFU Chinese Customer Service 90.

91.

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

WEI, MEIMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language & English)

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

100.

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

Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

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

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

ZHOU, SHENGKANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

ZHOU, SHENGLIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

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

TERADA (OHORI), MAKIKO Japanese Staff Writer 101.

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

No.

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

Brief Job Description: To conduct research surveys and interviews. To write and translate business news articles

102.

ZHANG, WENHAO Project Manager Brief Job Description: In charge of service delivery of TI/Care of DITO project

GOVENDER, SHAELYN General Project Manager 103.

Brief Job Description: Project management converge/metro works SIOP project

NAICKER, ALVIN Quality Manager 104.

Brief Job Description: Quality inspections, process management, training , iso9001 auditor of ftth installation filed maintenance and site construction

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION EMYR WIDYAWACANA SUHARTONO Indonesian Speaking Product Marketing Senior Specialist

106.

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

Brief Job Description: Understand and continuously studying about existing products to identify and recommend opportunities for the brand.

INMEE, TANAPORN Thai Speaking Customer Service Representative 107.

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer queries / complaints should be fluent in Thai & English speaking.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

SONKLIN, OATCHARA Thai Speaking Customer Service Representative 108.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, Speak write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

109.

Brief Job Description: Monitor both members feedback and competitors activities and report to immediate superior.

WANG, KUAN-WEI Mandarin Technical Support 110.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and maintaining computer systems and networks WANG, XUN Mandarin Technical Support

111.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and maintaining computer systems and networks

ZHOU, FEIJUN Bilingual Technical Support

MARSIUS MAMPOLANGI MALKHIZEDEK LUMIU IT Service Desk, Bahasa Indonesia 112.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6mos - 1year experience, with customer service experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6 mons - 1 year experience; Fluent in Thai & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6mos 1year experience; fluent in Vietnamese & English speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: IT Service Desk is responsible for first line support in their designated geographic zone through agreed support channels - handling relevant incidents or service requests.

Basic Qualification: Tertiary qualified, Strong communication and interpersonal skills, Basic understanding of IT architecture, both infrastructure and applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

PHILIPS DOMESTIC APPLIANCES SUPPORT PHILIPPINES, INC. 10/f Sunlife Center, 5th Ave. Cor. Rizal Drive, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

FREDDY FRAKINDO SITORUS Order Management Team Member - Bahasa Speaker Brief Job Description: The Order Management Team Member supports our customers in Indonesia, he/she ensures timely and accurate capture of orders, and also timely completion of order delivery according to customer requirements while adhering to agreed Service Level Agreements.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent (written and verbal) in Bahasa Language. Experience in Supply Chain and Order Management, Customer Service and SAP

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

113.

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

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: With 5 years experience in the media industry; can speak Japanese fluently; can speak adequate English. Bachelor’s degree from a university

LI, YUHANG Operations Manager 114.

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

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree; excellent organizational and communication skills; technical knowledge and expertise

Brief Job Description: Determine and develop the most suitable and economically engineering construction methods for the project

ZHANG, LIHUI Operations Manager 115.

Brief Job Description: Determine and develop the most suitable and economically engineering construction methods for the project

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree excellent communication skills and technical expertise

TANG JIA CHIE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 116.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers; give customers information about products or services

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: BACHELOR’S DEGREE, EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in bilingual languages

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NOVATECH (PASAY) LIMITED, INC. 4th Flr. W Mall Bldg., Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St., Zone 10. Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Plans and develop construction procedures. Collaborating with site managers, surveyors, engineers, site workers and other professionals Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Plans and develop construction procedures. Collaborating with site managers, surveyors, engineers, site worker and other professionals. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RAPOO PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Unit 8, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza Pioneer, Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

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

105.

Brief Job Description: Resolve technical issues with patience and understanding

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6mos 1year experience; fluent in Indonesian and English speaking.

ORICA SINGAPORE PTE LTD Level 11, Tower 2, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Avenue, City Of Pasig

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customers question about services or products/ excellent mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RED DOT MARKETING AND BRANDING INC. Unit 1514, Burgundy Transpacific Place Taft Ave., 079, Bgy. 727, Malate, City Of Manila

SONG, JIANYANG Mandarin Marketing Specialist 117.

Brief Job Description: Conducting research and marketing strategies to develop areas of the business opportunities

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ONE BORDERLINE CREATIVES INC. Unit 11-ij3, 11/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer/complaints. Should be fluent in Thai & English.

NGUYEN VIET DONG THUY Vietnamese Speaking SEO Specialist

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

NOKIA SHANGHAI BELL PHILIPPINES, INC. Penthouse W Fifth Bldg., 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

XU, LIANG Chinese Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NNA PHILS. CO., INC. Unit 2006, 88 Corporate Center, 141 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: customer support and data base services

ZHU, TINGYUN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

WU, JIANXIANG Chinese Customer Service

YU, TAO Chinese Customer Service

98. LI, FUYUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

YANG, GUIPING Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

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

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

WU, HUI Chinese Customer Service 93.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WEI, PENG Chinese Customer Service

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ZHANG, FUYUAN Mandarin Operation Specialist 118.

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 S.C. JOHNSON PHILIPPINES ROHQ 1077, J.p. Rizal St., Poblacion, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VANESSA OLIVIA GASSING Analyst, Customer Fulfillment-Bahasa (front Office)

119.

Brief Job Description: Accurately and timely receives and processes customer orders for a portfolio for account and the resolution of internal and external customer queries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Bahasa Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

SEAGULL-WORLD INC. Unit 2807 28/f Cityland, Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

120.

YAO, XINSONG Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Brief Job Description: Responsible for IT system management

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

121.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate, respond and address inquiries of Chinese Speaking Customers, call center activities

133.

122.

Brief Job Description: Oversee and manage all beverage operations of the hotel.

123.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

WINNY Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist 124.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

TRAN MINH HUY Vietnamese Language-trade Specialist 125.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

126.

Brief Job Description: Directly interact with Chinese clients and immediately to their problems concerns, suggestions and requests on matters related to SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP services GAO, TIE Chinese Customer Service Representative

127.

Brief Job Description: Directly interact with Chinese clients and immediately to their problems concerns, suggestions and requests on matters related to SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP services

GE, YUNPENG Chinese Customer Service Representative 128.

Brief Job Description: Directly interact with Chinese clients and immediately to their problems concerns, suggestions and requests on matters related to SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP services

MA, SHIHONG Chinese Customer Service Representative 129.

Brief Job Description: Directly interact with Chinese clients and immediately to their problems concerns, suggestions and requests on matters related to SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP services

XU, QINGBO Chinese Customer Service Representative 130.

131.

Brief Job Description: Directly interact with Chinese clients and immediately to their problems concerns, suggestions and requests on matters related to SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP services

WONG, CHUN YU Mandarin Customer Service Specialist 134.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

132.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate project management activities. Resources equipment and information. Provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information

ELVINA Bahasa Language Customer Service Representative 135.

Basic Qualification: Should have a comprehensive knowledge in F&B. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, and other relevant courses Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, and other relevant courses

Brief Job Description: Respond to requests for assistance via phone and serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding Indonesian Clients complains and work assignments.

LESKOVA, TATIANA Russian Language Customer Service Representative 136.

Brief Job Description: Respond to requests for assistance via phone and serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding Russian Clients complains and work assignments.

NGUYEN THI DIEM Vietnamese Language Customer Service Representative 137.

Brief Job Description: Respond to requests for assistance via phone and serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding Vietnamese Clients complains and work assignments.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, and other relevant courses

HUANG, HAOLUN Mandarin Collection Officer 138.

Brief Job Description: Call Chinese clients/ companies to remind on payments for past due accounts

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WEI, HUIWU Mandarin Collection Officer 139.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: Call Chinese clients/ companies to remind on payments for past due accounts

XIN, LEI Mandarin Collection Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 140.

Brief Job Description: Call Chinese clients/ companies to remind on payments for past due accounts

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRAN QUANG PHI Vietnamese Business Consultant 141.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English

142.

Brief Job Description: Helps Vietnamese clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

FANG, DIJIANG Radio Frequency Employee

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s/College Degree or with equivalent training and work experience; * Proficient in writing, reading and speaking in both English and Bahasa Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s/College Degree or with equivalent training and work experience; * Proficient in writing, reading and speaking in both English and Russian

149.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s/College Degree or with equivalent training and work experience; * Proficient in writing, reading and speaking in both English and Vietnamese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With knowledge in computer application

Brief Job Description: Customer support for mandarin speaking client

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With knowledge in computer application

HUANG, YU-CHING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support for mandarin speaking client

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With knowledge in computer application

LIN, JIAN-FONG A.K.A LIN, PEI-SEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support for mandarin speaking client

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With knowledge in computer application

WANG, SHANG-EN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support for mandarin speaking client

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

WELS ACADEMY INC. 19/f Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Sapphire Rd. Ortigas Centre, San Antonio, City Of Pasig Basic Qualification: Good communicator and quick to understand and solve business problems

LEE, YEONGHWA Technical Consultant 150.

Brief Job Description: Advises, instructs for solve problems and for new methods of teaching & learning

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

YOUBIN CONSULTANCY INC. 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Collection Staff/ Finance Staff; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language

Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

WANG, PENG Chinese Consultant 151.

Brief Job Description: responsible for collaborate with managers i preparing budgets and monitoring expenses

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

WANG, GANG Chinese Interpreter 152.

Brief Job Description: responsible for analyze transaction, records, and adjust errors

153.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as collection staff/ finance staff; fluent in mandarin and English language

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

155.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as business consultant; fluent in Vietnamese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: responsible for research required information using available resources

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: responsible for completes allocated tasks to a high standard which meet set reporting and auditing standards

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: responsible for keep records of all conversation in database in a comprehensive way

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

PING, ZHENJUAN Mandarin Frontdesk Associate 157.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Business Consultant; Fluent in Vietnamese and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

HONG, HUAPING Mandarin Frontdesk Associate 156.

Brief Job Description: responsible for keep records of all conversation in database in a comprehensive way

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

LI, QIANG Mandarin Marketing Officer 158.

Brief Job Description: responsible for collaborate with managers i preparing budgets and monitoring expenses

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible in providing recommendations on Radio Frequency; Responsible for optimizing radio networks; responsible for following agreements and contracts; responsible for management to request enough resources; responsible for revenue forecast and management

WANG, HUAQIANG Mandarin Marketing Officer Basic Qualification: To provide consulting technical and advisory services Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

159.

NGO CHI QUANG Vietnam - Speaking Customer Service Officer 144.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to resolve queries of the Malay-customers through email and chats

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing, and speaking Vietnamese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HERNANDEZ ALARCON, OMAR Senior Erection Supervisor 145.

Brief Job Description: Organize equipment & operatives to safely and efficiently operate a launching gantry,

Basic Qualification: Minimum 15 years experience on bridge construction project. Knowledgeable with the operation of launching gantry Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

W.E.W RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, INC. 50/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

XIE, YULIN Mandarin Audit Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Collection Staff/ Finance Staff; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language

Brief Job Description: responsible for analyze transaction, corrects, records, and adjust errors

LIU, QUAN Chinese Technical Support Representative 154.

Basic Qualification: proficiency in speaking, writing and reading mandarin

Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

ZHANG, CHAO Chinese Interpreter

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

VSL CIVIL WORKS PHILIPPINE BRANCH # 162, 2/f, Unit 201 D Paragon Plaza, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

148.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DENG, BIXIA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: responsible for collaborate with managers is preparing budgets and monitoring expenses

Basic Qualification: proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOUNG LIVING PHILIPPINES LLC. - PHILIPPINES BRANCH 12/f, Twenty Five Seven Mckinley Building, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal. Must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting skills

146.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

VOLENDAY INC. U1406 14/f Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

143.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: Helps Vietnamese clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

TRUONG AI NGAN Vietnamese Business Consultant

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

No.

UNITED MOTION BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. U-2215 22f Cityland 10 Tower 2, 154 H.v. Dela Costa Cor. Valero Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

STONE ASIA AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC. 350, J.p. Rizal, Brgy. Namayan, City Of Mandaluyong

BAN, DAIZHUN Project Coordinator

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal. Must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting skills

TRI7 SOLUTIONS, INC. Unit 9-a 9/f Marvin Plaza Bldg., 2153 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Brgy. Wack Wack, City Of Mandaluyong DENG, BO Chinese Customer Service Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

147.

SHANG SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 11/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

RUSLI SOFIAN Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist

Brief Job Description: Coordinate project management activities. Resources equipment and information. Provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

SHANG GLOBAL CITY PROPERTIES, INC. 3rd Ave., Cor. 30th St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

RENOUE, ALEXANDRE PHILIPPE Service Manager - F&B (beverage Manager)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LENG, CONGBIAO Project Coordinator

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

SEQUOIA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. 37f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati WANG, CHENGYU Mandarin Speaking It/customer Support

No.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

SILVA, FRANCO RAY General Manager 160.

Brief Job Description: Management and supervision of the personnel and operations of Young Living Philippines, LLC

Basic Qualification: Minimum 5 years MLM experience. Experience leading a company or market. Results driven. Strong competitor. Highest level of ethics. A proven communicator, motivator and presenter. P&L Management experience. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above *Date Generated: Nov 15, 2021

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

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A10 Tuesday, November 16, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Nexus between coal and global warming

he good news first: A Filipino artist bagged the first place in the COP26 art competition. Digital artist Bricx Martillo Dumas of Leyte won first place in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) art competition, DigitalArt4Climate, with his work dubbed “Nexus.” The winning piece shows a hand holding a drink in a plastic bag with a straw, and a cigarette whose smoke dissipates into tiny leaves. It is one of 208 artworks submitted from 58 countries, and the only entry from the Philippines. The winners were decided through online voting, with the prize for first place at 1,500 euros. The other winners, who are from Iran, France, the United States, and Kenya, will each receive 500 euros. Now the bad news: The COP26 in Glasgow ended on Saturday failing to achieve the three criteria for success earlier announced by the United Nations. The UN’s criteria included pledges to cut carbon-dioxide emissions in half by 2030; $100 billion in financial aid from rich nations to the developing world; and ensuring that half of that money went to helping poor countries adapt to the worst effects of climate change. “We did not achieve these goals. Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe. But we have some building blocks for progress.” From the Associated Press: “Almost 200 nations accepted a compromise deal Saturday aimed at keeping a key global warming target alive, but it contained a lastminute change that watered down crucial language about coal. Several countries, including small island states, said they were deeply disappointed by the change promoted by India to “phase down,” rather than “phase out” coal power, the single biggest source of greenhouse-gas emissions.” In the run-up to the COP26 in Glasgow, host Britain announced that one of the summit’s goals was to consign coal to history. The focus on coal was explained by the fact that of the three fossil fuels—coal, oil and natural gas—coal is the biggest climate villain. It is responsible for about 20 percent of all greenhouse-gas emissions. The burning of coal also has other environmental impacts, including air pollution contributing to smog, acid rain and respiratory illnesses. At the COP26, the Philippines was one of more than 40 countries that agreed to a deal seeking to phase out the use of coal-fired power. The Department of Energy said the Philippines affirmed its commitment in Glasgow “to shift away from the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel.” Unfortunately, the world’s largest emitters—China, the US, and India—did not sign up. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said his department would support the following goals: 1) To rapidly scale up deployment of clean power generation and energy efficiency measures in our economies, and to support other countries to do the same, recognizing the leadership shown by countries making ambitious commitments, including through the Energy Transition Council. 2) To rapidly scale up technologies and policies in this decade. 3) To strengthen our domestic and international efforts to provide a robust framework of financial, technical, and social support to affected workers. However, the Energy chief, who signed on behalf of the Philippines, did not commit to all clauses of the agreement, such as putting an end to all investment in new coal power generation projects, and phasing out coal power in economies in the 2030s for major economies and 2040s globally. “We cannot behave like developed economies since we are a developing country. Nonetheless, we remain committed to a gradual transition to renewable energy,” Cusi said. In a keynote speech during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Duterte said rich nations should deliver on their financial pledges to address the impacts of climate change in developing countries. “Developed countries must fulfill their longstanding commitment to climate financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building in the developing world. This is a moral obligation that cannot be avoided,” Duterte said, adding that the shift to a green economy, which builds social equity while reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, “must not be at the expense of developing countries’ economic vitality.” Those words, unfortunately, fell on deaf ears as COP26 negotiators from rich countries, whose emissions are responsible for most of human-caused climate change, failed to act on a long-held promise to deliver $100 billion a year by 2020 to support poorer countries’ efforts to cope with the effects of global warming.

Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor Senior Editors

Online Editor Creative Director Chief Photographer Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

he string of economic and health data last week will bode well for the incoming year. The surprisingly strong gross domestic product (GDP) figures in the third quarter and falling daily Covid-19 cases are the right mix for a strong economic recovery. The third quarter GDP results, coming after another lockdown episode for the most of that threemonth period, are proof that the economy can reopen, notwithstanding the stringent quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. As it turned out, we were able to expand the economy and curb the Covid-19 infection rate at the same time in a successful balancing act. Resorting to granular or neighborhood lockdowns, instead of a region-wide quarantine measures to contain the virus spread, and partially opening the economy with less mobility restrictions allowed many business and commercial establishments to operate and create job opportunities. The Philippine economy grew 7.1 percent in the third quarter across almost all major sectors after expanding an adjusted 12 percent in the previous three-month period. Two consecutive quarterly growths to me are a solid indication that the

Lourdes M. Fernandez Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso Ruben M. Cruz Jr. Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news@businessmirror.com.ph.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Printed by brown madonna Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila

economy is on its way to a strong recovery next year. Perhaps, the most striking feature of the third quarter figures is the rebound in the household final consumption expenditure, or consumer spending. This sector on the demand side grew 7.1 percent, meaning households are spending more to purchase goods, appliances and services in malls, dine in restaurants, shop in grocery stores and buy meat and vegetables in the wet market. Less mobility restrictions enabled our consumers to roam around in public places and spend. The manifestation of a more solid and wider economic expansion is also seen on the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector, which grew 6.4 percent. Manufacturing expanded 6.3 percent, while construction climbed 16.8 percent. Public and private construction, per data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, grew 55.3 percent and

The relatively strong performance of the economy in the third quarter brings out the optimist in me. I can sense a more robust economy in the fourth quarter—a buying season that coincides with the pre-election spending of political candidates. 12.2 percent, respectively. All construction activities resumed regardless of an area’s quarantine status, further proof that the economy can reopen even if Covid-19 persists. The relatively strong performance of the economy in the third quarter brings out the optimist in me. I can sense a more robust economy in the fourth quarter—a buying season that coincides with the pre-election spending of political candidates. Other economic data appear to bolster my feeling that the economy will register a strong performance in 2022. Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) as recorded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas jumped nearly 40 percent in the first eight months of 2021 to $6.4 billion from $4.6 billion a year ago. These are actual investment inflows compared with foreign capital commitments or pledges registered by other investment promotion agencies. The higher level of FDI suggests that investors remain confident on the prospects of the Philippine economy. Our economic managers are also

doing well on the inflation front despite the global trend. The October inflation rate slipped to a two-month low of 4.6 percent in October from 4.8 percent in September, mainly on lower annual increases in the prices of food. An inflation rate of lower than 5 percent for 2021 is manageable, considering the pent-up demand created by the pandemic. The country’s gross international reserves, meanwhile, rose by another $1.35 billion in October to $107.95 billion from $106.6 billion in September. The higher foreign exchange reserves imply a healthy current account balance that will support a competitive exchange rate and provide a strong defense to a potential currency crisis. We are also doing well in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Our daily cases are now below 2,000 as more Filipinos are getting vaccinated. The Philippines’s daily active cases have gone down to below 30,000 last week, giving our health and economic authorities more leeway to reopen further the economy. These positive developments in the economy and the health sector are the calm waters that we need to navigate us through the pandemic. If we play our cards right just as we did in doing away with regional and total lockdowns, I see no reason why the economy cannot expand more vigorously in the coming year.

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

‘Watered-down hope:’ Experts wanted more from climate pact

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror

MEMBER OF

2022 will be an auspicious year

By Seth Borenstein | AP Science Writer

LASGOW, Scotland—While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at. Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth. “In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities,” United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a “clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.” But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit). “The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now it’s about time to declare it dead,” Princ-

eton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an e-mail Sunday. A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limit—and with it, some hope. But barely. The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United StatesChina deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air. The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord.

United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees. The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14 percent since 2010, Espinosa said. German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference “got work done, but did not make enough progress.” “Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity,” said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on. Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, accord-

ing to scientists who run computer simulations. “Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming... for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming,” Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an e-mail. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief. MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didn’t match leaders’ optimism. “There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 [degrees] if coal is not phased out...and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas,” he said. On Saturday, India got a lastminute change to the pact: Instead of the “phase out” of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be “phased down.” Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming. “’Lessening’ will do less to slow See “Climate,” A11

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Opinion

Tax cheats

A single word can make a sea of difference

BusinessMirror

Atty. Irwin C. Nidea Jr.

Manny F. Dooc

Tax law for business

TELLTALES

ike a household, the government needs money. Whether we like it or not, we need to pay our taxes if we want our country to survive. But some citizens try to evade paying their fair share of tax. The government, led by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), is relentless in pursuing collection via summary remedies or by filing criminal actions in court. In summary remedies, taxpayers are accorded due process, which includes the issuance of assessment notices. The procedure is quite tedious, which includes the issuance of Notice for Informal Conference, Preliminary Assessment Notice and Final Assessment Notice, that defines the legal and factual bases of the tax assessment. The taxpayer is given the opportunity to controvert the tax assessment. He is also given the opportunity to defend himself by answering the series of notices mentioned above. In all these steps, a taxpayer is given the opportunity to defend himself and to controvert the BIR’s findings. The BIR is required to observe due process. Failure by the BIR to respect the taxpayer’s right to due process voids the assessment. Thus, the BIR must make sure that the NIC, PAN and FAN are properly received by the taxpayer. The BIR must also make sure that the taxpayer is afforded the opportunity to file a reply to all these notices. But the BIR may also decide to file criminal action before the Department of Justice, instead. When this happens, the notices enumerated above may not be necessary, especially if the ground is failure to file and pay tax returns. When this happens, the focus of the BIR is now criminal prosecution for violations of the Tax Code. The BIR may choose to file a complaint before the Department of Justice prior to the issuance of the Letter of Authority (LOA), PAN and FAN. The taxpayer will have the opportunity to defend himself. But as we all know, the standard of proof to prove the guilt of taxpayers is quite high in a criminal prosecution. To be convicted for the offense of willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in a tax return, the following elements must be present: 1. The accused is a person required under the Tax Code or rules and regulations to supply correct and accurate information; 2. The accused failed to supply correct and accurate information at the time or times required by law or rules and regulations; and 3. The failure to supply correct and accurate informa-

Climate. . .

Continued from A10

the harmful effects of climate change than ‘eliminating,’” former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, who runs environmental research at the University of Colorado, said in an e-mail. Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission-cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming. The 1.5 figure “is balanced on a knife edge,” said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia. One paragraph in the pact— which calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals aren’t in line with 1.5- or 2-degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next year—gives hope, Hare said. But US climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesn’t apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the US goal is so strong. Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigan’s environment school said the pact provided “watered down

Tax is the primary source of funds of any country. It is said to be the blood that gives life to all branches of government. That is why, every citizen is required to contribute. Failure to file and pay the correct tax is not only a simple monetary debt but is a criminal act that deprives the guilty of the power to spend it. tion is willful. It is important to note that the failure to supply the correct information must be willful. Here, the court will determine the intent of the taxpayer to evade payment of tax. The determination of whether there was willful intent not to pay tax only applies in cases where a tax return was actually filed. What if the taxpayer did not file the required tax return at all? When this happens, the BIR must only prove that the required tax return was not filed. Civil and criminal actions may be pursued at the same time. The government only needs to show in court that the tax return was not filed. So, whether the failure to file the tax return was willful or not is irrelevant. The court only needs to determine if you are required to file and pay the tax return and you failed to do so. Tax is the primary source of funds of any country. It is said to be the blood that gives life to all branches of government. That is why, every citizen is required to contribute. Failure to file and pay the correct tax is not only a simple monetary debt but is a criminal act that deprives the guilty of the power to spend it.

The author is a senior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices, a member-firm of WTS Global.  The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at irwin.c.nideajr@bdblaw.com. ph or call 8403-2001 local 330.

hope.... We got an incomplete plan for slower action.” “I went into the [conference] thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the world’s leaders just didn’t have the backbone for that,” Overpeck said in an e-mail. Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the US national climate assessment. “But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely.” But some scientists held out hope. “For the first time, I can really see a potential path forward to limiting warming to 1.5C,” Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann said in an e-mail. “But it will require both (a) countries making good on their current pledges and (b) further ratcheting up their current commitments.” Johan Rockström of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact and Research in Germany highlighted the “optimistic” scenario he and a few others see if all the countries that have promised net-zero emissions by mid-century actually achieve the goal—something most haven’t started concrete action on.

T started with high hopes and ended with deep despair. That’s how we can sum up the global climate talks, the COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, which concluded last weekend. Before the event opened up in the midst of the raging Covid-19 pandemic, it was trumpeted as the world’s “last best hope” to reverse the cataclysmic environmental decline. Many projected that the Glasgow talks would see the fruition of the promises envisioned in Paris in 2015, which covered climate mitigation, adaptation and finance. I have read the Glasgow Climate Pact as annotated by the Washington Post and just like the previous Paris Accord, it’s again long on promises but short on deliveries. The Glasgow Pact once more highlighted the deep division between the wealthy nations who are the largest and worst emitters of greenhouse gases and the poor and vulnerable countries who suffer the most from the rising temperature of our planet. The latter contribute much less to the world’s carbon emission but they suffer the worst effects from global warming. An Oxfam study published on September 23, 2020 showed that “the carbon emissions of the richest 1 percent are more than double those of the 3 billion people who made up the poorest half of humanity during a critical 25-year period of unprecedented emissions growth.” The villains are those living in North America, European Union, China, Middle East and India. On the other hand, people from the poor and developing countries survive on low carbon living and help create a cleaner and safer environment and yet they pay the stiffest price as they confront natural disasters with greater in-

tensity and increasing frequency. It should be noted that the Glasgow climate pact was hailed by the UN, US, China, UK and other wealthy nations as “both an important step and a compromise.” Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister who hosted the event, was optimistic when he said: “There’s still a long, long way to go before we can say we’ve dealt with climate change, but the great news is, together, the world has made some important breakthroughs.” On the other hand, one activist and a leading anti-climate change campaigner renounced the agreement as “a betrayal of science, a betrayal of the realities of the climate impacts that are happening and devastating people’s lives and livelihoods. The only people celebrating this outcome are the… lobbyists from the oil and gas industry, those whose interests basically say… we can’t move away from the fossil fuel addiction of our economy.” Objectively, the Glasgow Pact has demonstrated that practically

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 A11

every country has a grave concern about global warming. The melting glaciers, the massive flooding, the year-round wild forest fires around the world, the extended droughts and the untold sufferings of all people across our planet make everyone aware of the catastrophic perils which confront humanity. It’s not a hard sell to convince the delegates to restrict the increase in temperature and cap it at 1.5 Celsius, cut down deforestation, limit subsidy to fossil fuel and recognize the need to help the poor and vulnerable countries to deal with the colossal losses caused by climate change. We can expect a dialogue between the polarized countries to resolve how the rich and industrialized nations can set up a fund to pay for the irreversible damages suffered by the world’s vulnerable countries. For instance, the wealthy countries should help the people of Madagascar who had failed to produce crops and food to feed their families due to years of drought. And there are many famine-stricken areas whose starving populations survive by eating locusts, leaves and bark of trees. But one of the contentious issues that remained unresolved until the closing of the conference was the handling of the coal issue. Coal is determined to be the dirtiest fossil fuel since it emits 15 times more carbon dioxide than renewable energy. It contributes more to climate change than any other energy source. However, many countries, particularly the US and China, hold on to it because it is abundant, cheap and affordable and requires low capital expense to build coal-powered generation plants. Thus, in Glasgow, coal was a popular issue among the delegates. There was a clamor both inside and outside the conference hall

to phase out the use of coal as a fuel and the draft agreement contained such a provision. But at the very last minute, India, with the support of China, succeeded in introducing an amendment, which changed the phrase “phase out” to “phase down” and a deal was struck after an intense and grueling negotiation. The deal was approved over the objections by many delegations from the developing countries. The Marshall Islands’ climate diplomat whose country is surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean lamented the amendment by saying that phasing out coal as a source of energy “was one of the things we were hoping to carry out of here and back home with pride. And it hurts deeply to see that bright spot dimmed.” And the conference closed with a dark gloom. Alok Sharma, a British Minister and the President of the COP 236 conference, lowered the summit’s curtain by saying that “our climate ambition and action to date have fallen short of the promises made in Paris.” He was emotional to acknowledge that the last minute change on the wording relative to the use of coal was unfortunate. But no one has put it more succinctly than the European Union’s leading climate diplomat, Frans Timmermans, who loudly wondered what life would be like in 2050 for his 1-year-old grandson now. Let me quote him for your own appreciation: “If we succeed, he’ll be living in a world that’s livable. If we fail—and I mean fail now in the next couple of years—he will fight with other human beings for water and food. That’s the stark reality we face.” I will not be around by then—and maybe many of the readers of this column. But what about our children and grandchildren who will inherit our planet?

Workers at federal prisons are committing some of the crimes

By Michael Balsamo And Michael R. Sisak | The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—More than 100 federal prison workers have been arrested, convicted or sentenced for crimes since the start of 2019, including a warden indicted for sexual abuse, an associate warden charged with murder, guards taking cash to smuggle drugs and weapons, and supervisors stealing property such as tires and tractors. An Associated Press investigation has found that the federal Bureau of Prisons, with an annual budget of nearly $8 billion, is a hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct. In some cases, the agency has failed to suspend officers who themselves had been arrested for crimes. Two-thirds of the criminal cases against Justice Department personnel in recent years have involved federal prison workers, who account for less than one-third of the department’s workforce. Of the 41 arrests this year, 28 were of BOP employees or contractors. The FBI had just five. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives each had two. The numbers highlight how criminal behavior by employees festers inside a federal prison system meant to punish and rehabilitate people who have committed bad acts. The revelations come as advocates are pushing the Biden administration to get serious about fixing the bureau. In one case unearthed by the AP, the agency allowed an official at a federal prison in Mississippi, whose job it was to investigate misconduct of other staff members, to remain in his position after he was arrested on charges of stalking and harassing fellow employees. That official was also allowed to continue investigating a staff member who had accused him of a crime. In a statement to the AP, the Justice Department said it “will not tolerate staff misconduct, particularly criminal misconduct.” The department said it is “committed to holding accountable any employee who abuses a position of trust, which we have demonstrated through federal criminal prosecutions and other

means.” Attorney General Merrick Garland has said his deputy, Lisa Monaco, meets regularly with Bureau of Prisons officials to address issues plaguing the agency. Federal prison workers in nearly every job function have been charged with crimes. Those employees include a teacher who pleaded guilty in January to fudging an inmate’s high school equivalency and a chaplain who admitted taking at least $12,000 in bribes to smuggle Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction, as well as marijuana, tobacco and cellphones, and leaving the items in a prison chapel cabinet for inmates to retrieve. At the highest ranks, the warden of a federal women’s prison in Dublin, California, was arrested in September and indicted this month on charges he molested an inmate multiple times, scheduled times where he demanded she undress in front of him and amassed a slew of nude photos of her on his government-issued phone. Warden Ray Garcia, who was placed on administrative leave after the FBI raided his office in July, allegedly told the woman there was no point in reporting the sexual assault because he was “close friends” with the person who would investigate the allegation and that the inmate wouldn’t be able to “ruin him.” Garcia has pleaded not guilty. Garcia’s arrest came three months after a recycling technician at FCI Dublin was arrested on charges he coerced two inmates into sexual activity. Several other workers at the facility, where actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin spent time for their involvement in the college admissions bribery scandal, are under investigation. Monaco said after Garcia’s arrest

that she was “taking a very serious look at these issues across the board” and insisted she had confidence in the bureau’s director, Michael Carvajal, months after senior administration officials were weighing whether to oust him. In August, the associate warden at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City was charged with killing her husband—a fellow federal prison worker—after police said she shot him in the face in their New Jersey home. She has pleaded not guilty. One-fifth of the BOP cases tracked by the AP involved crimes of a sexual nature, second only to cases involving smuggled contraband. All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. In the most egregious cases, inmates say they were coerced through fear, intimidation and threats of violence. A correctional officer and drug treatment specialist at a Lexington, Kentucky, prison medical center were charged in July with threatening to kill inmates or their families if they didn’t go along with sexual abuse. A Victorville, California, inmate said “she felt frozen and powerless with fear” when a guard threatened to send her to the “hole” unless she performed a sex act on him. He pleaded guilty in 2019. Theft, fraud and lying on paperwork after inmate deaths have also been issues. Earlier this month, three employees and eight former inmates at the notorious New York City federal jail where financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself were indicted in what prosecutors said was an extensive bribery and contraband smuggling scheme. The Justice Department closed the jail in October, citing deplorable conditions for inmates. Last year, a gun got into the building. One of the charged employees, a unit secretary, was also accused of misrepresenting gang member Anthony “Harv” Ellison as a “model inmate” to get him a lesser sentence. The Bureau of Prisons, which houses more than 150,000 federal inmates and employs about 37,500 people, has lurched from crisis to crisis in the past few years, from

the rampant spread of coronavirus inside prisons and a failed response to the pandemic to dozens of escapes, deaths and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies. In interviews with the AP, more than a dozen bureau staff members have also raised concerns that the agency’s disciplinary system has led to an outsize focus on alleged misconduct by rank-and-file employees and they say allegations of misconduct made against senior executives and wardens are more easily brushed aside. “The main concern with the Bureau of Prisons is that wardens at each institution, they decide if there’s going to be any disciplinary investigation or not,” said Susan Canales, vice president of the union at FCI Dublin. “Basically, you’re putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.” At the federal prison in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the official tasked with investigating staff misconduct has been the subject of numerous complaints and multiple arrests. The bureau has not removed him from the position or suspend him— a deviation from standard Justice Department practice. In one instance, a prison worker reported that the official assaulted him inside a housing unit, according to a police report obtained by the AP. Internal documents detail allegations that the official grabbed the officer’s arm and trapped him inside an inmate’s cell, blocking his path. The same official was arrested in another instance when a different employee contacted the local sheriff’s office, accusing him of stalking and harassing her. The AP is not identifying the official by name because some of the criminal charges were later dropped. In both instances, the victims said they reported the incidents to the prison complex warden, Shannon Withers, and to the Justice Department’s inspector general. But they say the Bureau of Prisons failed to take any action, allowing the official to remain in his position despite pending criminal charges and allegations of serious misconduct.

A12 Tuesday, November 16, 2021

‘USERS MUST NOT PAY FOR COST OF MALAMPAYA SHUTDOWN’ By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

ONSUMER advocac y group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to order the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to stop collecting from consumers the additional cost impact of the 24day Malampaya shutdown. In a letter to ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera, LKI President Victorio Mario Dimagiba asked the agency to immediately initiate moto proprio hearings on the added costs and, pending said hearings, to immediately issue a provisional authority to stop Meralco from implementing the power rate hike. “We have proposed to the Senate Committee on Energy to compel the Malampaya consortium, and not the consumers, to bear the cost impact of the shutdown that effectively increased the cost of power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). We even suggested that the ERC and Department of Energy be allowed to invoke their mandate to source funds and to shield consumers from these unwarranted additional costs. All of the above suggestions had fallen on deaf ears and we in LKI are disappointed in the show of indifference by all the above institutions to the prejudice of the consumers who will now ab-

sorb added costs on their power bills,” Dimagiba said in his letter. Meralco announced last week a P0.3256 per kilowatt hour (kWh) increase in overall electricity rates brought about by a P0.2911 per kWh increase in the generation charge. The generation charge went up due to lesser available generation capacity in the WESM, and its IPPs’ shift to a more expensive fuel. Dimagiba added the supply contracts between the Malampaya consortium and the generation companies should also be investigated, and to hold the Malampaya consortium accountable for the additional costs incurred because of the persistent gas restrictions and maintenance shutdowns. “If we do not consider the Distribution Rate True-Up Refund amounting to P0.2761/kWh and the deferred collection of generation costs of about P0.52/kWh arrange with suppliers, Meralco customers would have been forced to pay for more expensive electricity rates this month,” said Dimagiba. The deferred charge of P0.52/ kWh will be billed to consumers on a staggered basis over a period of four months until March next year. “We hope the Commission would consider these recommendations and provisionally stop these additional costs that burden the consumers amid the prolonged pandemic,” added Dimagiba.

Senators to Darganis, Lao, Yang: Davao no safe haven T By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

HE Senate Sergeant at Arms failed anew to find former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, a key figure in the questioned award of multibillion-peso contracts for pandemic supplies, but landed late Sunday a big catch: the siblings Mohit and Twinkle Dargani, top executives of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., the biggest contractor. According to retired general Rene Samonte, Senate-Sergeant-atArms, the OSAA teams did not find Lao, former head of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management, at his known houses and properties in Cebu, Quezon City and Davao City. The OSAA went to two condominium units in Quezon City, another condo unit in Cebu City, and finally, at Lao’s residence in a Davao subdivision. While they came away emptyhanded from the Lao residence in Davao, however, they snagged the Dargani siblings whom they had also been tracking down, per Samonte’s report to the Senate

leadership and the Blue Ribbon committee, which earlier cited the Darganis, Lao and Pharmally director Linconn Ong in contempt for refusal to cooperate with Senate probers. Ong was taken by the OSAA three weeks ago and is detained at the Senate premises in Pasay City, where the Darganis were also brought after their arrest on Sunday.

Mayor Sara: Nothing to hide

M AYOR Sara Duter te- Car pio said Davao city is open to whatever the national government wants and needs to do, including the arrest of persons cited in contempt by the Senate.

“This shows that the city is open to whatever national government has to do. In fact, we have to support what government needs,” she told a regular Monday public affairs program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR). The mayor said the Darganis’ arrest on Sunday at the Davao International Airport indicates that “we have nothing to hide here and appreciative of the actions of the three branches of government.” The Dargani siblings were cited in contempt by the Senate in the ongoing hearing on government purchases of face shields and masks last year, for refusing to submit documents subpoenaed by the Senate. The two Pharmally executives were about to board on Sunday afternoon a private plane en route to Malaysia—something that Blue Ribbon chairman Sen. Richard Gordon described as moves of “evasion and flight” from the ongoing hearing, and which he said were indications of guilt. While Gordon said Davao City was a “safe haven” for Pharmally officials and including former Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, Sen.

Panfilo Lacson admonished that “no place on Earth is safe haven.” According to the OSAA report, Mohit and Twinkle Dargani had arrived at the Davao airport on a chartered plane from Singapore and were about to fly out to Kuala Lumpur, when the OSAA, acting on a tip from the Bureau of Immigration, caught up with them. The siblings were held in contempt by the Blue Ribbon after refusing to submit Pharmally’s financial records to senators. The financial records, senators said, would validate their theory that the low-capital (P625,000) startup that bagged some P10 billion in contracts for face masks, shields and Covid-19 test kits through negotiated contracts supervised by DBM’s Lao had no capacity to handle such huge volumes of deliveries and had been favored right from the start. Pharmally received an undetermined sum of financial assistance from former presidential adviser and Duterte friend Michael Yang. The Davao-based businessman insisted earlier his only link to Pharmally was introducing them to certain Chinese suppliers. See “Senators,” A2

Firms miss out on gains from having women take leadership roles–experts By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

UEST IONS sur round ing women’s leadership capabilities would often drown out the benefits of having more women in boardrooms, according to experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In an Asian Development Blog, ADB Private Sector Operations Department Gender and Private Sector Development Consultant Neeti Katoch, Gender and Development Consultant Ketevan Chkheidze, and Investment Specialist David Urbaneja-Furelos cited a need to raise more awareness on the roles women can play in the corporate world. The experts said gender stereotypes remain a problem in the corporate sector. They cited data from an IBM study which found that over 40 percent of corporate managers were unsure that providing women greater opportunities in business has commercial advantages. “Uncovering the root causes requires providing opportunities to people to delve into beliefs, norms, practices, and policies and understanding what is achievable and at what pace. Such awareness raising is often underrated but is important in building sensitivity and changing attitudes and behaviors that reinforce inequalities between men and women,” the authors said. The authors also said it is important for companies to realize that creating opportunities for women in the workplace is more than just corporate social responsibility. Tapping the skills and talents of women will also help companies win the war for talent. Citing a study by Credit Suisse, the ADB expert said companies with diverse teams often outperform their peers. Investors in these

companies receive excess returns of 3.5 percent, on average. The authors stressed that “diversity in teams, perspectives, inputs and education” also paves the way for long-term innovation and creativity which lead to increased productivity. These are just some of the ways, the authors said, that companies can help maximize opportunities for all genders. The experts said that while the pandemic has prompted many companies to rethink their operations and how they relate with their workers, gender inequality and diversity in the corporate sector have “remained on the fringe.” “Fostering a culture of inclusion is a highly complex, long-term process. The corporate world and other players in the private sector need to do their part to maximize opportunities for all genders,” the authors said. The ADB experts said it is also important to engage across the organization and encourage peer learning about gender equality and diversity in the workplace. They said it is important for companies to have a broad representation of genders, cultural diversity and perspectives in discussions and decision-making. Gender equality discussions are needed and need not be led by development practitioners or gender specialists. Getting business leaders to share their journeys is important, particularly those who have struggled with the same questions. “Development organizations can play a pivotal role by bringing the latest thinking in the area to the private sector, supporting integration of gender equality in business practices, convening partnerships likely to accelerate progress, and encouraging investments in gender equality,” they added.

ST. Anne Parish Church is illuminated by the brightly lit Molo Plaza, which features a domed gazebo that also functions as a bandstand, in Molo district, dubbed the “Athens of the Philippines,” in Iloilo City. The Gothic-Renaissance church, built in 1869 from sandstone and coral rock, is also called the Women’s Lib church because of the 16 life-size female saints lining its nave. ARNOLD ALMACEN/ ILOILO CITY MAYOR'S OFFICE

Covid takeaway: Farmlands must go to cities

RINGING back farm lands to urban areas could make city living more resilient, especially after the pandemic, according to an urban expert. In an Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) podcast, urban development expert Tsuyoshi Hashimoto said the concentration of high populations in a single city—a megacity has proven to be a challenge during the pandemic. While this will lead to major changes in legal and institutional frameworks for land ownership, use, and transaction, Hashimoto said this will improve city living. “During the 20th century, many countries pursued economic effi-

ciency based on rather extensive use of natural resources in rural areas to produce goods and services consumed in urban areas,” Hashimoto said. “This 20th century development paradigm will have to shift to an alternative paradigm that takes both urban and rural areas together and both production and consumption together for more sensible use of resources as capital,” he added. A new way to live in cities will also be supported by alternative work arrangements ushered in by Covid-19. Hashimoto said remote work and distance education and health services will allow the birth of what is called a “satoyama.” “Traditional ‘satoyama’ in Japan

provide a recreation area for residents nearby, seasonal food, and protection against disasters or a shelter during disasters. We conceive complementary relationships between urban and rural areas with new ‘satoyama,’” he said. Earlier, UN-Habitat Philippines Countr y Programme Manager Christopher Rollo said rapid urbanization and urban land use has been a challenge to the housing sector in the Philippines. The Philippines is now 51 percent urban and this is expected to increase to 60 percent in the next 20 years. This means urban land use growth will go faster at 1.5 percent more than the urban population.

This is compounded by climate change and natural disasters. In the Philippines, some 70 percent of cities are located along rivers and coastlines, making them vulnerable to flooding and typhoons. Rollo said it is therefore crucial to strengthen community-level resilience where families and communities are involved in housing projects to ensure that their needs are addressed. This will lead to faster construction and resolution of issues; better quality or materials and construction; transparent and accountable finance; high level of acceptability; and empowered and inclusive communities. Cai U. Ordinario

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

GT Capital 9-month income more than doubles to ₧8.7B

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

T Capital Holdings Inc., the holding firm of the Ty Group, on Monday said its core income in January to September more than doubled to P8.7 billion from P3.7 billion last year, mainly driven by its banking group.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. recorded a net income of P16.1 billion up by 46 percent from last year’s P11 billion, while Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI) had a net income of P4.6 billion more than double last year’s P2.2 billion. Stronger real estate sales from Federal Land Inc., as well as a higher net income contribution from associate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., contributed to the company’s positive performance for the period. “Despite the stringent lockdown

imposed during the month of August, GT Capital’s consolidated nine months results rebounded strongly across all sectors. Noteworthy growth rates were realized in our auto, property and financial services subsidiaries,” GT Capital President Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said. TMPI booked consolidated revenues of P94.3 billion for the period, up by half from last year’s P63.3 billion. Toyota attained retail vehicle sales of 92,318 units in January to

September, from 63,182 last year. The automotive sector’s unit sales grew by 25 percent to 201,489 units from 161,212 units in the previous year. TMPI is still the country’s top automotive brand with a 45.8-percent overall market share for the nine months of the year. In September, Premium Warranty Services Philippines Inc. commenced operations, a joint venture between Premium Group of Japan and GT Mobility Ventures that in turn is a joint venture between GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings, Inc. and Mitsui and Co. Ltd. (Japan). Metro Pacific, meanwhile, reported a consolidated core net income of P9.5 billion for the period, up 23 percent from P7.7 billion last year. This is a substantial improvement from just a 13-percent growth in the first half, largely driven by improved traffic on its toll roads and higher volume of electricity sold by Manila Electric Co. Core net income for the third quarter rose 44 percent year-onyear to P3.5 billion and is on a par

with the level posted in the second quarter of 2021. This acceleration of growth reflects an improvement in performance notwithstanding the continued imposition of varying levels of quarantine across the country to contain the Covid-19 pandemic and was partially augmented by the impact of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which lowered corporate income tax rates to 25 percent from 30 percent. GT Capital’s wholly-owned property subsidiary Federal Land reported a consolidated net income of P904 million for the period, a 425-percent increase from P172 million during the same period last year, driven by stable construction activities and stronger project sales. The company posted total revenues of P7.7 billion for the period, a 24-percent increase from P6.2 billion last year. Real estate sales reached P5.3 billion, up from P4.3 billion last year as the company recorded a 29-percent growth in average monthly sales during the second and third quarters of this year.

SM Prime lists ₧10-B retail bonds S

hopping ma l l operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. on Monday listed its P10-billion retail bonds on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx). SM Prime’s peso-denominated Series O is set at a yield of 5.0994 percent due in 2028. The issuance is part of the company’s P100 -bil lion shelf registration of fixed-rate bonds approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in February 2020. SM Prime first issued its bonds within its shelf registration in March last year for a total of P15 billion in 5-year and 7-year fixed rate bonds with interest rates of 4.8643 percent and 5.0583 percent, respectively. The second tranche was floated in February, for a total of P5 billion in 2.5-year and 5-year f i xed rate bonds w it h interest rates of 2.4565 percent and

3.8547 percent, respectively. BDO Capita l and Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. were the deal’s joint issue managers, and BPI Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Investment Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. were its joint lead underwriters. SM Prime earlier said it will expand its energy source portfolio, favoring clean energy, on top of installing solar panel on the roofs of its facilities, across all of its business segments over the medium term. The company said it will increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption by more than half across all of its business segments by end of next year. This is in support of the Department of Energy’s program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the country to 35 percent by 2030.

Lopez Holdings profit hits ₧2.25B

‘Greenwashing to harm firms’ reputation’

opez Holdings Corp. on Monday said it posted a net income of P2.25 billion in January to September, a reversal of the P491-million net loss it posted last year, mainly on the recovery of its power unit. “This was mainly due to a recovery in the businesses of units under investee First Philippine Holdings Corp., coupled with the smaller net loss of investee ABS-CBN Corp.,” the company said in its report. Consolidated revenues rose 17 percent to P92.28 billion from P79.02 billion, mainly on the strong sales of First Holdings from the sale of electricity, real estate, contracts and services and sale of merchandise. Unaudited consolidated costs and expenses rose by 20 percent to P72.23 billion from P60.1 billion last year, which primarily reflect the operations of First Holdings and its units. First Holdings reported a 16-percent increase in net income to P8.49 billion from P7.29 billion last year. It reported a 17-percent increase in revenues to P92.28 billion from P79.02 billion last year. Electricity sales accounted for 85 percent of revenues for the period, slightly down from 87 percent last year. VG Cabuag

On top of diversifying energy suppliers, SM Prime will also expand the use of solar roof decks in its various properties to partly meet the electricity requirements of its business operations. “Sustainabi lit y has a lways been a part of SM’s strategy and we are continuously exploring ways to promote environmental consciousness in our operations and developments. We are now embarking on a program to utilize more of renewable energy in our business operations to minimize environmental impact,” SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said. SM Prime reported last week that its income in January to September rose 9 percent to P15.6 billion from last year’s P14.4 billion, mainly as a result of strong sales posted by its residential business. Revenues fell 6 percent to P56.8 billion from last year’s P60.7 billion, as its shopping mall

business remained weak. SM Prime’s residential business, led by its condominium builder SM Development Corp. (SMDC), still accounts for more than half of SM Prime’s revenues at 56 percent. Consolidated revenues, however, were 6 percent lower to P32.1 billion, from last year’s P34.2 billion. SM D C ’s re s e r v at ion s a le s reached P76.3 billion for the three quarters of the year, some 14 percent higher than the P66.7 billion it recorded last year. The strengthened online presence and continuous construction of SMDC projects boost its sales take up for the period, the company said. SM Prime’s Philippine mall business, which now accounts for only 28 percent of the company’s consolidated revenues, recorded P15.8 billion in revenue for the period, 14 percent lower from last year’s P18.3 billion. VG Cabuag

o r p o rate d i r e c t o r s must be more proactive in ensuring that sustainability is at the core of business operations and to avoid “greenwashing,” an official of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) said. “In order to survive and thrive over the long term, crises like the pandemic and extreme weather events have taught us that we need to establish resilience at the heart of our strategy and policies. Greenwashing is not acceptable, as it does not address the root of the problems,” ICD Trustee Pedro H. Maniego Jr. said during the forum titled “Pilipinas: Aspire, Rise, Sustain” corporate governance series. The said forum was organized by ICD, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and Climate Reality Project Philippines. “ESG [environmental, social, and corporate governance] is an important part of the total valuation of a company, and greenwashing must be unthinkable as the reputational damages would be great. Long-term stakeholder value is more important in the long run than short-term profit,”

said Ephyro Amatong, commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has issued sustainability reporting guidelines for publicly-listed companies in 2019 to help them monitor and report the significant impacts of their sustainability initiatives. This year, the agency is making sustainability reporting mandatory to align the country’s compliance standards with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Amatong said 92 percent of the companies have filed their sustainability reports, despite the limitations brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Citing data from multinational investment company BlackRock, Shai Ganu, governing council member of the Singapore Institute of Directors and managing director of Willis Towers Watson said investments in sustainable assets amounted to $288 billion in 2020, a 96-percent increase from the previous year. “The ESG landscape is rapidly evolving. The emerging priority now for companies is to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders. It’s not just about the Sustainable Development Goals, it’s also about how these ESG measures are embedded in how management teams run their businesses,” he said. VG Cabuag

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Converge, EDC ink power supply deal

Converge's first “Fiber Fast” business center in Greenhills. Photo from www.convergeict.com By Lenie Lectura @llectura

onverge ICT Solutions Inc. has tapped Energy Development Corp. (EDC) to energize the fiber internet provider’s Comclark’s IT Reliance building in Pasig City. Converge and EDC signed a twoyear power supply agreement in which the subsidiary of First Gen Corp. will provide a maximum of 1.5 megawatts (MW) during the first year, increasing to 2.5MW through its second year. EDC will source power from its Tongonan Geothermal Plant in Leyte. Converge said it prefers EDC’s uninterrupted power sourced from geothermal plants, which are known for their reliability, efficiency in cost and performance due to flexibility. “The clean energy that First Gen will provide for our head office in Pasig complements our business in more ways than one. It reflects our choices as a responsible company that wishes to do its share for the environment,” Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said in a statement. Moreover, tapping renewable energy will result in substantial savings for Converge. “Aside from helping save the environment, we also expect operating cost savings as much as P5 million a year. This supports our overall sustainability goals as a company,” said Converge President and Chief Resources Officer Grace Y. Uy. For First Gen, the partnership with Converge brings the latter a step closer to reducing its carbon footprint. “Thank you to our newest partner Converge for sharing the same vision and values as us,” First Gen Chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez said during the virtual signing ceremony.

First Gen currently services a growing list of direct clients shifting to green power all over the country and is among the first Renewable Energy Supplier approved by the Department of Energy for the Green Energy Options Program allowing qualified electricity consumers to choose their electricity supplier and comes with incentives to encourage businesses to make use of renewable energy. In this year alone, a few of First Gen’s signed clients include Megaworld, Chioson Development Corp., Menarco Tower, Philippine Bio-Industries Inc., and Marco Polo Club. “It is truly amazing that Converge has chosen a proudly Filipino energy provider such as us to energize their main headquarters, tapping the most reliable indigenous source of renewable energy. Climate change has become an urgent issue for the world and responsible businesses like Converge ICT Solutions are taking strong actions to balance the needs of our stakeholders with the needs of the greater global community,” said Lopez. In March, Converge announced that it has set aside a P20-billion capital program for 2021, a 25-percent increase from its P16-billion capital spend in 2020. The amount, he said, will be used for network development and expansion, as it targets to reach more areas in the Visayas and Mindanao this year. With this capital spend, Converge hopes to increase its subscriber base from 1.04 million subscribers last year to as much as 1.7 million this year. Converge reported record profits in 2020, when it booked a net income of P3.39 billion, a 78-percent surge from P1.94 billion the year prior, as its revenues grew by 71 percent to P15.65 billion from P9.14 billion.

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Villar retail firms’ profit rises by double digits in Jan-Sept By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he income of AllHome Corp. and AllDay Marts Inc., the listed retail firms of the Villar Group, expanded by double digits in January to September despite the intermittent lockdowns in the third quarter. A l lHome’s income rose 65 percent to P973 million for the period from last year’s P588.12 million. Net sales rose 22 percent to P10.12 billion from last year’s P8.32 billion. Quarter-on-quarter, the company said it had net sales growth of 9 percent for the third quarter to P3.4 billion from the previous P3.13 billion, while its net income rose 12 percent. “AllHome’s inherent innovative nature fueled its ability to quickly adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our team continuously evaluates our strategies and implement operational efficiency initiatives to maximize earning potential and minimize costs,” AllHome Chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr. said. “Our optimized store areas are now the basis of our new generation AllHome stores. These new stores now carry a smaller footprint of 7,000 to 8,000 square meters net selling area and requires lesser capex [capital expenditure] fit-out requirement,” AllHome Vice Chairman Camille A. Villar said.

First Gen’s 9-month income hits ₧10.3B

The company said it declared cash dividends for its stockholders of record as of November 29, to be paid on December 14. AllDay Supermarket, meanwhile, posted a 61-percent increase in income for the nine months of the year to P265 million from last year’s P165 million. Sales rose 22 to P6.9 billion from P5.6 billion last year. “AllDay’s stellar performance to date continues to validate our concept of an elevated supermarket experience. This consistent growth shows that the AllDay experience— in-store and online—continues to resonate with the upgraded tastes and purchasing power of the Filipino consumer.” The company said its sales more than doubled when compared against its pre-pandemic performance in 2019. The supermarket chain’s same store sales growth for January to September registered a 3-percent growth, bucking a downward trend across the industry.

AllDay’s revenue was also bolstered by a growing online sales contribution, accounting for 3.8 percent of total sales for the nine months and 5.7 percent for the third quarter alone. The company, which currently has 33 branches, said it will hit 100 stores by 2026, using the proceeds of its initial public offering. Shares of AllDay soared when it debuted on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on November 3. The company raised P4.52 billion from its maiden offer. PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said AllDay has set a record for the most number of investors who purchased shares using the PSE Easy system developed for individual investors called Local Small Investors (LSI). Monzon said there were 6,624 small investors from 74 provinces, 2 territories and 26 countries including Papua New Guinea, the newest country to be added in the LSI list of locations overseas, which purchased the AllDay shares.

mutual funds

November 15, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

234.71

3.55%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.7057

43.93% 5.54%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2846

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7571 -3.39% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.8057 9.92% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.2672

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

-0.26%

-0.55%

3.31%

7.87%

4.46%

29.91%

-3.51%

-3.23%

4.84%

-3.4% n.a.

-6.85%

1.5% n.a.

8.64%

7.58%

2.72%

1.35%

0.7901

3.4%

0.51%

6.6% -2.49% 1.76%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

99.21

8.78%

-2.95% n.a.

-2.61%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

48.4577

4.98%

1.92%

1.12%

3.45%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

504.16

3.4%

1.68%

0.35%

3.11%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.1888

12.99% n.a. n.a.

8.34%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3199

15.18%

3.69%

2.32%

12.99%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.835

8.16%

2.24%

1.83%

5.94%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9509

4.56% n.a. n.a.

4.15%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.9919

5.81%

1.85%

4.19% 3.99%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

2.74%

833.59

5.64%

2.75%

1.81%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7694

8.02%

-1.49%

-1.31%

7.02%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7908

5.93%

-0.4%

0.13%

4.61%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9508 5.2%

2.38%

1.56%

3.61%

United Fund, Inc. -a

1.98%

2.41%

4.97%

3.4834

6.75%

ALFM

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

112.1086

5.69%

2.95%

2.3% 4.23%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.1797

4.57%

7.91%

6.73%

-1.93%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8674

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

19.28%

16.04%

12.87%

11.63%

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

1.6964

4.21%

2.13%

0.31%

1.67%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2688

1.49%

2.2%

0.45%

-0.73%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.7246

4.53%

4.36%

2.32%

3.72%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2038

The Burgos Solar Project of Energy Development Corp. in Ilocos Norte. Photo from www.firstgen.com.ph By Lenie Lectura @llectura

irst Gen Corp.’s (First Gen) net income attributable to its parent as of end-September grew by 11 percent to P10.3 billion from P9.6 billion posted a year ago. The Lopez-led firm attributed the growth to the strong performance of its gas-fired power plants and renewable energy (RE) facilities from January to September this year. First Gen operates the 1,000-megawatts (MW) Santa Rita, 500MW San Lorenzo, 97MW Avion plant. Revenues from the electricity sales of its power facilities stood at P78.1 billion at end-September this year, up by 18 percent from P68.6billion posted in the same period last year. The natural gas portfolio accounted for 59 percent of the revenues; hydro plants, 4 percent; and geothermal, wind, solar revenues of its subsidiary Energy Development Corp., 35 percent. “Our clean and renewable energy platforms generated higher revenues for the nine months of 2021 as power demand recovered to prepandemic levels. Revenue growth

also reflected the higher fuel commodity prices experienced all over the world. We likewise witnessed our gasfired plants increasingly running on liquid fuel due to gas supply restrictions from the Malampaya field. We expect to address this volatility and uncertainty once our LNG import terminal operates in the last quarter of next year,” said First Gen President Francis Giles Puno. The natural gas platform posted a 20-percent year-on-year rise in recurring earnings to P7.9 billion due to higher electricity sales. EDC, meanwhile, posted recurring attributable earnings of P3 billion at end-September this year, 6 percent lower from the same period a year ago mainly due to higher maintenance expenses. First Gen’s hydro platform contributed P300 million during the period. In particular, the 132.8MW Pantabangan-Masiway power plants generated higher revenues as the commencement of its contract with Meralco was augmented by merchant sales. First Gen has 3,495MW of installed capacity in its portfolio, which accounts for 19 percent of the country’s gross generation.

3.14% n.a. n.a. 2.88%

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

2.0207

3.48%

4.33%

2.58%

2.72%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7758

0.21%

3.99%

1.47%

-0.37%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.9043

0.28%

3.64%

1.36%

-0.21%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.1301

2.04%

2.53%

1.27%

1.87%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6613 3.51%

1.41%

0.99%

2.46%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9942

-1.71% n.a. n.a.

-2.78%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9486

0.97% n.a. n.a.

-0.06%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9405 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.9497

1.9% n.a. n.a. 8.43%

1.95%

1.12%

0.79% 6.98%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03787

-3%

3.01%

1.48%

-3.15%

-1.8%

4.82%

3.77%

-4.71%

13.7%

11.59%

9.26%

7.27%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.2252 5.76%

6.54%

4.92%

1.91%

0.38%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0768

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.8408

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

372.52

0.79%

2.89%

2.55%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9221

1.41%

1.27%

0.4%

1.15%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2425

1.1%

3.16%

4.03%

0.84%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2387

-2.59%

-2.19%

1.78%

1.62%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4156 -1.15%

3.12%

1.75%

-1.53%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-5.17%

4.44%

1.74%

-5.45%

4.3775

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3173

0.29%

3.86%

2.62%

-0.3%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9497

-0.31%

4.37%

2.67%

-1.28%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-2.91%

1.0131

-2.12%

4.78%

2.02%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1683

-0.29%

4.85%

3.66%

-1.18%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

-1.31%

4.04%

2.91%

-2.21%

1.7162

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

$488.64

1.63%

3.05%

2.45%

0.95%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220

0.87%

1.07%

0.9%

0.36%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1994

-6.28%

-4.51%

2.26%

1.59%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0259 -2.26%

1.46%

1.04%

-2.63%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0194

-6.35%

-0.1%

-0.94%

-6.48%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.4907

-0.89%

5.31%

2.96%

-1.94%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.0624073

0.77%

3.13%

2.02%

0.17%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1591 -1.71%

3.2%

1.8%

-2%

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

2.54%

0.84%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0564 0.96% n.a. n.a.

130.91

0.79%

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

1.24%

1.313

1.14% 1.52%

2.87% 2.66%

2.54%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0599

0.84%

1.5% n.a.

0.6%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3584

27.79% n.a. n.a. 20.25%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$0.98

2.08% n.a. n.a.

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

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

An unstable vehicle

URING the onset of Covid 19 and lockdown in March last year, two-wheeled vehicle usage surged. Logistics firms provided the needed delivery services by connecting users with drivers on mobile and web applications. A lot of employees displaced by the pandemic found an alternative and better source of income via the delivery service industry. In the past, the motorcycle has been linked to crimes like theft and assassination, especially by criminals riding in tandem. The pandemic gave the motorcycle the new image it needed the most. There are a lot of motorcycles on the road now due to its affordability and ease of travel. Due to its design, the motorcycle can traverse roads even with heavy traffic. The ease of riding one has its risk in terms of safety. In an article by Michigan Auto Law, motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all accidents and are also 28-times more likely to die than car drivers and passengers when involved in a crash. More than 80 percent of crashes result in injury or death. Compared to a car with four wheels, a motorcycle is unstable as one would fall over without a kickstand. But when running, the motorcycle doesn’t need the kickstand anymore and will be stable while in motion. These are all because of the principle of gyroscope. Whenever the rotor of a gyroscope is spun, it tends to continue moving in the same direction. When a motorcycle starts, the

Edmund Lao

personal finance rear wheel turns into a gyroscope and the force created by the wheel gives it stability and helps keep it upright. The introduction of an external and unbalanced force like a collision from any side, the gyroscopic function stops. The result will be catastrophic. The behavior of the driver is also a major factor as some drivers tend to feel invincible and overconfident, especially when overtaking other vehicles. Some drivers also disregard traffic rules and forget they are still mortals whose life can be taken away with just one mistake. A driver’s behavior results to accidents. By observing the motorcycle from behind, one can see the wheel touching the ground. We can mark an imaginary dot at the point of contact. Then consider the seat, take the edges at both ends and mark them with two imaginary dots. Connect the three dots and the result is a triangle. In Trigonometry, three points determine a triangle. In Physics, the triangle is the sturdiest and most stable structure. The problem here is that the triangle is inverted. It will be as if the motorcycle is standing on tiptoe. Just like a human being, one cannot stand on tiptoe and risks falling.

That explains why a motorcycle has a kickstand. An inverted triangle may be sturdy but cannot stand on its own because it needs a base to stand. With regards to personal financial planning, isn’t it evident a lot of people are similar to motorcyclists? Their financial triangle is inverted and cannot stand on its own. A healthy financial triangle should have its base at the bottom. Logically, it pays to cover the risks so that when the risks become real, the financial loss will not be too much of an impact. A proper triangle should have a building block starting with proper insurance coverage to cover all of life’s risks. Then as one aims higher, he can now go for more complex financial instruments for his long-term needs. If one follows the inverted triangle, then he would have no insurance but lots of investments. An uninsured person would then be similar to a motorcyclist where a wrong behavior will result to a catastrophic result. Sound financial management will always require an individual to get as much protection as possible. By minimizing risks, an individual can guarantee himself of a more stable financial condition as if he were driving a 4-wheeled vehicle. Always remember, when dealing with your personal finance, don’t be a motorcycle driver.

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Govt earns ₧315.64B via fuel-marking tack

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE government so far collected P315.64 billion in duties and taxes through the fuel-marking program it began more than 25 months ago. As of November 11 this year, the Bureau of Customs raked in P285.83 billion while the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s tax haul hit P29.81 billion, according to latest data submitted to the Department of Finance. The total volume marked from September 2019 until November 12 has reached 32.07 billion liters. Petron Corp. still cornered the lion’s share of volume of marked fuel at 23.67 percent or 7.59 billion liters

of the total. By fuel type, diesel comprised the biggest chunk of marked fuel at 61.05 percent or 19.58 billion liters. This was followed by gasoline (38.42 percent or 12.32 billion liters) and kerosene (0.54 percent or 171.8 million liters). Most of the marked fuel was in Luzon, with 73.36 percent or 23.52 billion liters of the total. Next to Luzon is Mindanao with 21.15

percent or 6.78 billion liters and Visayas with 5.49 percent or 1.76 billion liters. Trailing Petron in the list of 26 participating companies are: Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. with 5.93 billion liters; Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. (3.29 billion liters); Insular Oil Corp. (2.61 billion liters); and, Seaoil Philippines Inc. (2.55 billion liters). The fuel-marking program was launched with the aim of halting illegal importation, manufacturing and other fraudulent activities relating to the use and sale of petroleum products in the country. Fuel marking makes use of a unique chemical marker that can be embedded at a molecular level in petroleum products—gasoline, diesel and kerosene—thereby enabling authorities to test, identify and distinguish petroleum products with paid excise taxes.

Biography of ex-DBP Chairman Virata launched

Edmund Lao is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personalfinancial planning, attend the 93rd RFP program in January 2022. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

EastWest Bank’s Jan-Sept net income decline by 14%

AST West (EW) Banking Corp. reported a 14-percent decline in its net income in the first nine months of the year due to lower trading gains and loan demand. The subsidiary of the Gotianun family-led Filinvest Development Corp. said its net income reached P5.1 billion in January to September this year, down from the P5.9 billion in the same period last year. The bank’s return on equity (ROE) translated to 11.7 percent. “The pandemic has not been easy. While EW remained profitable through the pandemic, this is not the way we wish to do our business. We are looking forward to deploying more capital and recoup lost loan volumes,” EW CEO Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. said. Moncupa said they plan to “get back to the business of supporting businesses and households.” “We join the nation in the hope that indeed, the good Covid statistics we see everyday signals the tail-end of the pandemic,” he added. The bank’s total revenues for the

first nine months was lower by 18 percent to P21.8 billion due to lower net interest income (NII) and lower trading gains. NII—or the difference between interest income and interest expense—was down by 18 percent to P16.4 billion. The bank blamed weak loan demand, faster run-offs of the higher yielding consumer loans, particularly automobile and personal loans and the interest rate cap in credit cards for the decline. EW’s trading gains of P2.3 billion was also 33 percent or P1.1 billion lower than last year. Fee income, meanwhile, was lower by 4 percent to P2.8 billion from the lower loan releases and transaction levels. Meanwhile, provisions for losses were also lower by 72 percent to P2.1 billion. The bank said most of the pandemic-induced provisions have been recognized in 2020 and expected loan losses started to stabilize. The lower bookings of new consumer loans since the pandemic started also contributed to the lower provisions.

“Consumer loans provisions are typically heavy upfront. We believe that we are way past the peak of the pandemic-induced higher loan losses, and provisions will continue to be at lower levels until the next cycle of recovery and higher consumer loan bookings” EW Chief Lending Officer Jacqueline S. Fernandez said. EW’s total loans were lower by 10 percent to P220.9 billion, mostly from the consumer segment’s weak demand. Deposits, meanwhile, had a slight decline of 2 percent to P318.6 billion as funding needs declined. The decline was mainly from the higher-cost time deposits, which decreased by 23 percent. CASA deposits, however, increased by 9 percent to P231.5 billion. CASA ratio improved to 73 percent, from the previous year’s 65 percent. The Bank’s capital adequacy ratio stands at 15.1 percent while its Common Equity Tier-1 ratio is at 14 percent; both are above regulatory requirements. Bianca Cuaresma

This photo courtesy of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) shows (from left) writer Butch Dalisay, former DBP Chairman Luis Juan L. Virata and DBP President and CEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa during the launch of Virata’s biography last October 28, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Development Bank of the Philippines

tate-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) hosted the launching of the biography of its former Chairman, Leonides S. Virata, recently. Written by Butch Dalisay, the book titled “O, Ilaw: The Life and Legacy of Leonides S. Virata’’ chronicles the professional accomplishments of the former DBP chairman

both in government service and in business. Virata was previously connected with the research department of the Central Bank of the Philippines, before moving to the Philippine-American Life and General Insurance Co. (Philamlife) in 1952 to direct the company’s support for various projects including Far East Bank and Trust Co., Bacnotan Cement Corp.

and Manila Medical Services Inc.owned Manila Doctors Hospital, among others. After almost two decades in the private sector, Virata was appointed Secretary of Commerce and Industry in 1969 before being appointed DBP chairman in 1970, where he is credited for the shift in DBP’s focus and orientation to support countryside development.

Consumer loans, deposits lift PNB Q3 core income up on service fees, lending RCBC 9-mos income by 33% By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

IZAL Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) reported a 33-percent rise in its net income in the first nine months of the year, due largely to higher consumer loans and deposits during the period. The bank said its net income hit P5.3 billion for the first nine months of 2021, as “business momentum” continued to accelerate with strong double-digit growth of 13 percent in customer loans and 30 percent in lowcost deposits. The lender’s investment securities jumped 2.9 times and fee income increased by 39 percent reflecting stable recovery in investments and retail transactions. RCBC saw significant expansion in its loan book across segments, led by the corporate loan portfolio growing by 17 percent and the small and medium enterprise (SME) portfolio by 18 percent. The bank also reported higher vol-

ume of loan and treasury assets and lower funding costs. These propelled the bank’s net interest income to P 21.2 billion, up by 8 percent from the previous year’s level. RCBC’s total assets increased by 19 percent to P873 billion, with “loans and receivables” and “investment securities” comprising 60 percent and 22 percent of the total, respectively. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is at 15.2 percent while its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is at 12.1 percent. The lender also reported a 68-percent increase in new credit cards issued, bringing the total cards-inforce to nearly 910,000 as of endSeptember. RCBC attributed this strong growth to their investment in digital transformation and data analytics. “We are excited to further bring fintech [financial technology] innovation across all product lines, as we see a rapid shift in the trajectory of financial services even beyond the pandemic,” RCBC President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo said.

HILIPPINE National Bank (PNB) said last November 12 it posted a consolidated net income of P24.3 billion for the first nine months of 2021, with core operating income growing by 8 percent in the third quarter spurred by sustained momentum in core lending and feebased activities. The bank said in a statement its 9-month net service fees and commissions “improved by 52 percent YoY, driven by higher investment banking revenues as capital markets re-opened during the year, coupled with the increases in bancassurance fees and volumes of credit and deposit-related transactions.” During the third quarter, the lender said it registered a 3-percent quarter-on-quarter growth in net interest income to P8.9 billion on account of lower costs of funding. On a year-to-date basis, the bank said its net interest income remained relatively flat against the levels seen in the previous year, despite lower yields on loans and investments

brought about by the prevailing interest rate environment for the first nine months of 2021. As it reported last quarter, the lender said it also recognized in May a one-off gain of P33.6 billion from the transfer of prime real estate properties in exchange for shares of PNB Holdings Corp. “This further aided the bank’s consolidated year-to-date net income to grow 6-times higher compared to the earnings for the same period last year.” Trading and foreign exchange gains slid by 66 percent YoY to P1.6 billion, resulting mainly from limited trading opportunities in the market during the period. As of end-September 2021, the bank said its non-performing loan coverage ratio rallied to 63.6 percent from 58.2 percent last year, with the booking of additional loan provisions of P1.4 billion in the third quarter of 2021. Further, the bank said it managed to maintain the level of its operating expenses, excluding provisions, at P19.8 billion

as it continued to focus on essential expenditures during this pandemic. The lender’s consolidated total assets improved by 11 percent from year-ago levels to P1.1 trillion on account of higher loans and treasury assets. Loan receivables grew by 4 percent YoY to P600.1 billion as the bank continued to grant loans to financially-resilient borrowers. Similarly, deposit liabilities increased by 16 percent YoY to P854.7 billion with growth mostly coming from current accountsavings accounts (Casa) deposits. The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio of 14.3 percent and Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 13.5 percent remained well above the minimum regulatory requirement of 10 percent. “Our performance this quarter shows that PNB continues to be profitable

despite the negative impact of the pandemic on some of our customers and the overall economy,” PNB President and CEO Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted in the statement as saying. “With the recent reduction in Covid-19 cases, we are seeing a better-moving economy as the government is allowing more mobility.”

Art

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

❶ KILATIS,

Celeste Lecaroz, 2021, soft pastel on aluminum composite panel, 36”x24”

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kimberly J. Brown, 37; Maggie Gyllenhaal, 44; Lisa Bonet, 54; Marg Helgenberger, 63.

❷ VIAJENG Pa

Avenida (Tramvia at Jeepney), Christian Regis, 2021, oil and acrylic on canvas, 48”x36”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Surround yourself with positive thoughts. Make changes to your space that encourage creativity, spirituality and personal growth. Broaden your outlook, but don’t take on impossible tasks. Balance is the key to getting things done that help you achieve goals that contribute to self-satisfaction and overall happiness and contentment. Be passionate about life, love and work, and good things will unfold. Your numbers are 7, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48.

❸ BLUE Like Jazz, Art Lozano, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 60”x48”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Go over the pros and cons of situations and relationships causing concern. Knowing what you are up against will help decide what and who are worth your time and effort. Keep an open mind, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. HHH

❶

❷

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may know how a game is played, but don’t expect everyone to play fair. Keep your eyes open, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and be sure to cover your tracks and maintain proof and ownership of what you contribute. HHH

❸

Where we feel safest

HERE do you retreat when overcome by fear and anxiety? In the presence of loved ones? The corners of your thoughts? In the darkness of denial or the light of perspective? As a measure of self-preservation, most of us have had to establish a semblance of stability at a time which presented little of it. A coping mechanism. Something we can control. In the newest set of exhibitions at Art Elaan, visual artists reflect on their safe spaces. One presents her ongoing series about sisterhood. Another invites us to focus on the bright side, while another still dwells on the shared smiles of yesteryears. Finally, a group of artists open up about their respective strongholds. The presentations opened on November 13 and run until December 5.

‘Dialogo’ by Celeste leCaroz Painter Celeste Lecaroz burst into the local arts scene a few years ago with large acrylic portraits in spontaneous realism, popularized by Austrian painter Voka. Lecaroz’s take featured mostly Filipino cultural icons bathed in the whimsical colors and swept in the gestural strokes of the style. In Dialogo, the artist’s seventh solo exhibition, Lecaroz showcases new works of a special series she began in 2019 about sisterhood, using only pastel, which in itself consociates her with an exclusive club. “The pastel medium is recognized to have historical ties to female artists,” according to Italian curator Furio Rinaldi, who presents the idea in an ongoing exhibition at The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “This is revealed through powerful examples by Rosalba Carriera, who popularized the art of pastel painting in 18th century Venice; Elisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun and Marie Gabrielle Capet, who championed the genre in France in the late 1700s; and Mary Cassatt, Eva Gonzalès and Berthe Morisot, the celebrated heroines of Impressionism.” Conveyed in Dialago is Lecaroz’s growth as a fulltime artist. Traded in place of the artist’s signature mural-bright palette are subdued colors that evoke nostalgia, fitting for her subjects of two traditional local women clad in intricate Filipinianas. Each piece shows the same pair of women engaged in a conversation, either verbally or through meaningful exchanges of looks and knowing

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Big ideas followed by sound judgment and hard work will pay off. Don’t let anyone discourage you or meddle in your affairs. Work at your own pace, and don’t share what you are doing until you have everything in place. HHHH

smiles. In Kilatis, they even share criticisms as they scrutinize something out of frame, with one’s fingers emphasizing finer points and the other’s wrist bent in agreement. their eyes are fixated in one direction and a singular conclusion. ‘the bright siDe of “it”’ by art lozano, anD ‘gunita’ by Christian regis twO of Art Elaan’s four ongoing shows are backto-back solo exhibitions featuring Art Lozano and Christian Regis. Lozano, known for tapping archetypal images from retro-pop culture, invites viewers to take a ride past today’s negativities and onto a field of chosen bliss in The Bright Side of “It.” Perhaps the artist has developed pandemic fatigue to a point that he refuses to refer to the ongoing global health crisis as is, and calls on us to focus on the silver lining instead. in the show, the journey is the destination as Lozano’s signature retro Volkswagens cruise past fanciful trees with candy-colored leaves. Meanwhile, Christian Regis’s vehicle of choice in his exhibition, titled Gunita, is Manila jeepneys that ply memory lane. In Viajeng Pa Avenida (Tramvia at Jeepney), for instance, the cacophony of jeepneys honking, people greeting and Manila breathing rings through the canvas, reminding viewers of scenes of the past. Regis

Continued on b5

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid costly ventures or donations you cannot afford. Doing something in the spur of the moment will lead to setbacks. Stay focused on what’s attainable, and put your heart and soul into what you are trying to achieve. HHHHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Information you gather will lead to a change of mind and direction. Don’t let the unknown frighten you. It’s time to branch out, try something new and explore what the world has to offer. Fix your surroundings to suit your needs. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Back up and let things unfold before you take sides or let your thoughts be known. Get out and do something that will broaden your outlook, and you’ll discover you have more options than you realize. Don’t give in to manipulative people. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Step out of your comfort zone if that’s what it takes to help make changes that facilitate your happiness and peace of mind. Don’t live a lie or be a martyr. You owe it to yourself to do what’s best for you. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Get your facts straight before you decide to start a debate. An emotional incident will bring you closer to someone you think is special. Honesty will help you keep the peace. Look for a way to have fun without being indulgent. HHHHH

Saint Romançon statue unveiled in Benilde AN 8-foot statue of Saint Benilde Romançon, the patron saint of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, was unveiled recently and blessed during the commemoration of the canonization anniversary of the Christian Brother. The sculpture, which rests on a 4-feet-and-a-half pedestal, is a remembrance of the extraordinary life, principles and works of the French educator. The project was launched by the institution’s Office of the President through the Center for Campus Art (CCA) and its director Architect Gerry Torres. Saint Benilde Romançon’s newly erected effigy, presently installed at the lobby of the college’s newest 10-story campus, The Atrium at Benilde, serves as a reminder and motivation to the community to continue to “do ordinary things, extraordinarily well” especially amid these trying times. The program was spearheaded by Benilde and La Salle Green Hills President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put restrictions on entertainment, spending and over-thetop behavior. You can have fun without going into debt. Do something that appeals to your creative skills, and explore what you can do with the talents you possess. A unique path will lead to enlightenment. HH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Give credit where credit is due. Take the high road when faced with an ethical choice. Don’t be afraid to use your skills and experience to bring about positive change. Physical activities will encourage fitness, selfimprovement and romance. HH

together with Br. Emmanuel Gerardo Sia FSC. The floral offering was led by Benilde Board of Trustees Member Br. Michael Valenzuela FSC and former Benilde Vice Chancellor for Academics Geronio Ulayao. Born in the village of Thuret in south-central France in 1805, the frail-looking Pierre Romançon dedicated his life as a teacher and principal in the isolated village of Saugues, where he taught farm boys, conducted evening classes for adults, and tutored less gifted students. He taught catechism, prepared boys for first communion, visited and prayed with the sick, and inspired religious vocations of over 200 Brother-Priests. Created by Filipino contemporary artist and sculptor John Paul Duray, the Saint Benilde Romançon statue is made of fiberglass resin and finished with automotive enamel paint. He took inspiration from the existing statue of the patron saint located at the heart of the Taft Campus.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think things through before you make a decision that can influence what you do next. Get the proper documentation or qualifications in order before starting something new. Listen to what others have to say, but do what’s best for you. HHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Invest wisely. Abide by the rules and regulations. When in doubt, ask questions. A new look or image will lift your spirits. A professional change will allow you to use your skills more efficiently. Romance is encouraged. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are courageous, helpful and controlled. You are challenging and protective.

‘noodles around’ BY DAVID LITMAN The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Body pic 4 Admirer’s poem 7 MRI alternative 14 Poured poorly 16 Sea otter’s snack 17 Observing Yom Kippur 18 Put together in a pinch (See this answer’s last 3 letters + the previous answer’s first 5) 19 Near 21 Group of games 22 Steamed bun 24 Ice Bucket Challenge letters 26 Performs like Cardi B 29 Place for a hen 32 Raise, as a building 34 Kindergartner’s break 35 Basketball showstopper 37 Spaniels’ sounds (...last 4 letters + the previous answer’s first 4) 39 Loan figures: Abbr. 40 Name hidden in “loveliest” 41 ___ pig 44 Airship in a legendary band’s name (...last 3 letters + the previous answer’s first 5)

48 49 51 52 54 55 56 58 63 66

Side part of a sofa Smooth and shiny Intimidating look Chew persistently Sheep’s sound Nonetheless Talk endlessly Sugar from photosynthesis D or L, for this puzzle’s creator Dance in the NATO phonetic alphabet (...last 3 letters + the previous answer’s first 3) 69 Film series? 70 Subscription period, often 71 Pushes, or is pushy 72 Nine-digit ID 73 Like the Sahara DOWN 1 Org. at LAX 2 Bottom-row PC key 3 Really awesome 4 Buckeyes’ home 5 TV spots? 6 Barely beat 7 Persuade through flattery 8 ___ Dhabi 9 Covers, as a road

10 11 12 13 15 20 22 23 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 36 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 50 53

More crafty “Relative” of Siri Nickname for a Skywalker Opposite of pos. Ego Nwodim’s show, for short Baseball field cover Bikini half Internet pioneer Resell illegally 5, for a long golf hole Abbr. on a Banana Boat tube Actor Astin Kinds Goddess of dawn Psychedelic experiences iO toothbrush maker Two left ___ “So scary!” Prank Large vase Think up Great enthusiasm Like many fancy cakes Great anger Bottom line Birds on some quarters Late drummer Charlie

57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68

Prejudice Sci-fi vehicles They’ll never be pros Beasts that pull plows Total mess Little rascal It pairs with “neither” What tree rings measure Rower’s need Have a go at

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, November 16, 2021

FROM left: Heart Evangelista, Kylie Verzosa and Ariella Arida.

Where we feel safest Continued from B4

More than just beautiful

depicts his latest works as stamps, rendered in multi-colored impasto, alluding to how Filipinos keep their identity wherever they go. ‘Fortress’ Featuring reynold dela Cruz, CJ tañedo, roBert Besana, JoJo ramirez A group of artists ponder on where they turn to in the face of fright in Fortress. The quartet of Reynold Dela Cruz, CJ Tañedo, Robert Besana and Jojo Ramirez bare their terrors and where they gather strength with a thought-provoking collection of surrealist works and portraits. By opening themselves up, the participating artists invite the viewers to reflect upon their own fortresses. More information about the exhibitions can be found at www.artelaan.com. n

oMEN have taken up their rightful spaces in tinseltown and beauty has been continuously redefined over the years. Heart Evangelista, Ariella Arida, and Kylie Verzosa are but a few of the many leading ladies who continue to change the landscape for women onscreen. Evangelista is impeccable, Arida is inimitable, and Verzosa is indefatigable. Verzosa holds the distinction of being the sixth Filipina to have won the Miss International title. She was crowned in Japan in 2016. Two years after, she gave in to the lure of acting, accepting a guest role as a fairy in the festival entry Ang Panday. It was in this first movie that Verzosa would meet her boyfriend, actor Jake Cuenca. Verzosa worked again with Cuenca in the television drama Los Bastardos, their friendship blossomed into romance, and the couple has been happy together ever since. perhaps smitten by how serious her boyfriend is with his craft, Verzosa also

channeled her energies into improving herself in the acting arena. These days, Verzosa is on a roll as an actress. She bagged her first major title role in the local remake of the 2010 Korean erotic drama thriller The Housemaid, directed by Roman perez, Jr.. This month, Verzosa shares stellar billing with actors Adrian Alandy and Marco Gumabao in the Mac Alejandre movie My Husband, My Lover, streaming very soon on Vivamax. “I am happy that good roles continue to land on my lap, “ she said. “ It was not long ago when I discovered the joys of acting, and I must say that I’ve been bitten by the bug, and my yearning to learn more about acting is very evident in the decisions I make for myself.” Verzosa also shared that she can be both brave and bold as an actor, and that these are the same qualities that a modern woman should possess. “Women in this age should be brave and vocal about issues, and we must be bold enough to take action when needed and to take up space in society.” She is also a staunch supporter of mental health issues and advocacies on women. Another beauty queen, Miss universe 2013 runnerup Ariella Arida has also taken several big steps as an actor. She is the lead female character in Darryl Yap’s psychological comedy thriller Sarap Mong Patayin, where she has daring scenes with lead actor Kit Thompson. Arida believes that too much of anything can be detrimental to a person, even the use of technology. Her movie warns viewers about the dangers of “catfishing,” defined as the process of luring someone

into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona. “In general, there should always be balance. Truth is always essential especially in a relationship. When we cross the line, things may start to turn nasty and nobody likes that.” Another epitome of true beauty is actress, style influencer, and international fashion figure Heart Evangelista, who headlines the new romantic gMA drama series I Left My Heart in Sorsogon. Evangelista, who is married to Bicolano politician Chiz Escudero, first thought of the idea of a TV series that will feature the beauty that lies within the province of Sorsogon, now her second home. She suggested this to the executives of GMA Entertainment and they liked the idea and turned it into this new series about a lovely, headstrong lady who travels back to her hometown and finds herself in many crossroads about living, longing and loving. “This show is the best thing that I have been part of. I was able to use the many aspects of my colorful experiences as a woman in this very special project, and I will always treasure the many happy memories we have had during our shoot, especially those we did in Sorsogon.” Evangelista is a go-getter. She knows what she wants and is aware of her strengths and weaknesses. “We all have aspirations. We all have priorities. We know what makes us truly happy. So we focus on people and things that will make us happy. Such is life. We decide on our happiness.” Heart Evangelista. Ariella Arida. Kylie Verzosa. All women of style and substance. And definitely more than just beautiful. n

MADAM INUTZ RELEASES CHRISTMAS SONG, GIFTED HOUSE-AND-LOT

THINGS are turning rosy, literally, for Daisy Lopez, aka Madam Inutz, who recently joined Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Kumunity Season 10. With the tagline “Ang Mama-bentang Live Seller ng Cavite,” Madam Inutz brings with her colorful and vibrant personality and rich life experiences inside the Big Brother House of the famed reality show of ABS-CBN. Just recently, Inutz launched the music video of her debut single “Inutil” via her own YouTube channel. Now garnering 1.2 million views, the music video showcases Lopez’s dancing moves and raspy voice which is perfect for novelty, rap, hiphop or the so-called rock “Tunog Kalye” genre. Around that time, she also recorded her next song geared for the holiday season. Titled “Sangkap ng Pasko,” the song is a ballad which everyone can deeply relate to. It is a heartwarming song perfect for the Filipino family which never fails to celebrate Christmas together no matter what they’re going through. The song premiered on October 14 and is garnering nearly 450,000 views as of press time. Lopez acknowledges the solid support and guidance that she is getting from her manager, former Gay World titlist turned businessman and social-media influencer Wilbert Tolentino, popularly called as Sir Wil. Since Lopez signed up for a management contract with Tolentino, the known philanthropist hasn’t stopped from giving Lopez surprises “because she and her family truly deserve them.” On October 5, before her hotel quarantine for the PBB stint, Lopez received the early Christmas gift and the biggest surprise of her life from Tolentino—a house-and-lot unit in Bulacan. As documented in Wilbert Tolentino Vlogs (youtu.be/RkoNbgTgQes), Lopez cried with joy when she received the ultimate dream for her family. After the PBB stint, Lopez is scheduled to record 10 songs to complete her 12-song debut album, Inutil. Meantime, watch the official music video of “Sangkap ng Pasko” on the YouTube channel of Daisy Lopez (youtu.be/NhkcDLQZQ0c). More information is available at 09175468845 or dlinutil@ gmail.com.

BEA ALONZO

DINGDONG DANTES

HOWIE SEVERINO

GMA launches 2021 Christmas station ID WITH adversities continuing to test the Filipino spirit, GMA Network seeks to make the Yuletide season brighter as the country’s leading broadcast company launches its 2021 Christmas station ID (CSID) with the theme “Love Together, Hope Together.” A holiday treat that the network’s viewers always look forward to every year, the Christmas station ID also serves as a reunion for the GMA artists and personalities joining forces in one touching video to celebrate this season of cheer. Opening the Christmas video are GMA News host Jessica Soho, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Alden Richards. Heart Evangelista and newly signed GMA star Bea Alonzo grace the CSID in special vignettes along with the growing roster of the network’s stars and News and Public Affairs personalities. In this year’s CSID, which was released on November 12, they are seen writing messages of hope in heart-shaped pieces of paper and hanging them on “trees of hope.” With the heartwarming messages dedicated to Filipinos from different sectors and walks of life, the video seeks to remind the public that despite the present and persistent challenges,

love is the best gift that we can give one another this Christmas. Expressing love in any manner whether through words or action truly goes a long way as it helps spark hope in everyone’s hearts. The latest GMA Christmas offering is made even more unforgettable with the jingle performed by the talented powerhouse singers led by Julie Anne San Jose, Lani Misalucha, Aicelle Santos, and Christian Bautista. The catchy upbeat tune paired with uplifting lyrics was composed and arranged by Simon Peter Tan with words by BJ Camaya, Emman Rivera and Jann Lopez. “Love Together, Hope Together” is also available for streaming worldwide on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. “Sa kabila ng lahat ng pagbabago, isang bagay ang hindi nagbago. Ikaw, ikaw na laging nasa tabi ko. Laging maliwanag ang Pasko if we love together, hope together. Laging makulay ang Pasko if we love together, hope together”—so goes the song’s simple yet powerful message of being there for one another. GMA’s 2021 Christmas Station ID can be viewed on the network’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts, or via www.gmanetwork.com.

MEL TIANGCO

Twitter permanently bans Newsmax White House correspondent NEW YoRK—Twitter says it has permanently banned Newsmax White House correspondent Emerald Robinson from its service for repeated violations of its Covid-19 misinformation policy. The social-media company had earlier given Robinson a one-week ban for sending out a message to “Christians” that falsely claimed that Covid-19 vaccines contained a bioluminescent marker called Luciferase that allows people to be tracked. Newsmax subsequently took her off the air for an investigation. on Tuesday, Robinson briefly returned to social media, tweeting that “I’m back...on Twitter at least” and linking to an article she had written on Substack about the supposed marker. A Twitter spokesman said Thursday her account had been permanently banned. Newsmax, which says it strongly supports the vaccine and urges its viewers to get the immunization, said it is reviewing Robinson’s case. The network said Tuesday that “we have no anticipated date she will return.” AP

B6 Tuesday, November 16, 2021

SSS approves 7,158 online funeral claim applications

Luxury, mid-income segments offer bright spots to real estate industry

HE Social Security System (SSS) has settled a total of 7,158 online Funeral claim applications from January to June 2021, amounting to P166.31 million, higher by 313.7 percent from the second semester of 2020. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said that more members are now comfortable using its various online service facilities. “Now that the My.SSS Portal is very accessible for members and claimants to virtually transact with SSS and conveniently receive their cash benefits through their disbursement accounts; we are highly receiving positive feedbacks from stakeholders that our services have greatly improved through the years,” Ignacio said. In compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Services Delivery Act of 2018, the SSS implemented the mandatory online filing of funeral claims through the My.SSS Portal, along with other services and programs. Funeral benefit, which ranges from P20,000 to P40,000, is granted to whoever defrayed the cost of funeral expenses of the deceased SSS member, permanent total disability pensioner, or retirement pensioner. To submit applications, the claimant must have a registered account in the My.SSS Portal in the SSS Website and enrolled disbursement

account under the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) located in the E-services Menu of the same portal. Member-claimants with no My.SSS account may now proceed with the registration link http://member.sss.gov.ph/members. Meanwhile, non-SSS member claimants may submit their duly-accomplished funeral claim application and supporting documents at the nearest SSS branch. Step-by-step procedure on submitting funeral claim application online and over-the-counter, as well as the list of documentary requirements, can be accessed through this link https://bit.ly/3dai4TK. For more information, visit the USSSapTayo Portal at crms.sss.gov.ph or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

Empower patients, break the stigma surrounding psoriasis

ROSPECTS for the real estate industry, one of the hardesthit sectors of the economy, are looking brighter for 2022, as the demand for luxury and mid-income residential projects point to a gradual, but sustainable recovery. Real estate analysts at Colliers International Philippines describe residential projects in the luxury and mid-income segments as bright spots for the industry. To sustain the resurgence in demand for residential sales, the accelerated pace of the government’s vaccination rollout and the “subsequent reabsorption of office space” would play an important role in the sectoral recovery, they said in a research note. Colliers expects the government’s vaccine rollout and the subsequent reabsorption of office spaces to help prop up residential demand. We also expect concessions and discounts, together with the 2% interest rate put in place by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), or central bank, to help boost residential sales,” the firm said in its research note titled “Jabs Key to Jumpstarting Property Recovery” published in May 2021.

“To further bolster demand growth, we recommend investors and buyers to take advantage of the attractive payment terms currently being offered in the market,” it added. The property research firm noted that while data indicated demand for residential developments shrank in 2021, sales did not ground to a halt despite the pandemic. Some 4,404 units were launched in the pre-sales market in the first quarter of 2021, while take-up in the same period reached 5,358 units. Of the first-quarter data, “midincome-to-luxury projects continued to dominate, accounting for 97% of launches and 98% of take-up,” Colliers noted. “Higher-priced joint venture developments between local and foreign developers, which offer innovative facilities and amenities, is likely to help drive demand until the end of the year,” it continued. With a more discerning market on the horizon, the challenge for property developers is to be able to showcase its strengths in style and substance to pique the interest of investors willing to spend

for design, aesthetics, and use. For Shang Properties Inc. (SPI), developing residential spaces all boils down to making it uniquely personal, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Shang Residences at Wack Wack in Mandaluyong promises privacy and exclusivity for residences. It is beautifully designed amenities such as the lap pool, the well-manicured landscape, and the club lounge with a resort feel are complemented by effortless connections to Ortigas and Makati. Meanwhile, The Rise Makati breathes new life in the area known for its art, design, and cuisine. A stone’s throw away from the financial capital’s business district, its facilities and amenities are tailor-fit for the active lifestyle of young, tech-savvy professionals and budding families. “We take great lengths to design spaces for our respective markets. At SPI, our goal has always been to provide an exemplary living space, curated carefully to reflect a unique personal touch,” said Jose Juan Z. Jugo, Executive Vice President for Commercial.

ROUND two million Filipinos have been diagnosed with psoriasis, an immune-mediated disease that causes red scaly patches on the skin. What is difficult about psoriasis is that it affects patients not only physically, but also psychologically as it is closely linked to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. “The relationship between psoriasis and mental health can be a vicious cycle,” said the head of the Medical Affairs Department of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., Dr. Erwin Benedicto. “The amount of unwanted attention patients receive can cause them to develop anxiety and depression in the long run, which can trigger if not intensify psoriasis flare-ups.” “In addition to the skin, psoriasis can put patients at higher risk of comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. There are also studies that show links between psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, which causes the digestive tract to become swollen. This is why increasing awareness about psoriasis should be a public health priority, as to also encourage more patients to seek proper treatment.”

There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments available to help manage the disease. Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. is at the forefront of bringing new and innovative solutions for this condition including biologic medicines. The company is also working with relevant stakeholders to launch and sustain programs that educate Filipinos on psoriasis, correcting misconceptions that make living with the disease even more challenging for patients. “One of our most recent partnerships is with the Department of Health, the Philippine Dermatological Society, and Psoriasis Philippines. Together, we conducted a lay forum entitled Psoriasis: Bigyang Halaga at Pag-aaruga where facts about the disease were highlighted to help alleviate the plight of psoriatic patients.” “Psoriasis is a lifelong disease, but it is not fatal nor contagious,” added Dr. Benedicto. “Proper treatment and holistic care are needed to ensure that psoriatic patients will continue to lead full, productive lives. It is also our hope that someday, our society would become fully aware of what psoriasis is, to be able to break free from the stigma that fuels discrimination towards those suffering from the disease.”

Eastern Communications, DepEd hold upskilling webinar for public school teachers

Cleen and Green offers eco-friendly cleaning service

ABEL Amante-Villena and husband, Papillon Villena the Villena’s aspiring business entrepreneurs are first and foremost dutiful parents who strive to always nurture their son in the safest space possible. Accustomed to a standard level of cleanliness, they became aware, while visiting their home in the Philippines, of the need to create a service lacking in Batangas. The incident happened when Mabel's husband had an allergic reaction to dust and pollen in the surroundings. Concerned for her family, she suddenly realized that a cleaning service was needed which could provide the people

with professional quality cleaning. Thus, they created a service like no other before-one that fully gives importance to kid and pet safety and those with sensitivities and allergies all while being completely environment-friendly. They then discovered a plant-based cleaning solution that is made from neem which is known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anti-viral benefits . Their vision was materialized as what we now know as Cleen and Green, the eco-friendly cleaning service, and which we also love today. Cleen and Green has impressed everyone with their advanced use of plant-based, non-

toxic,non-chemical cleaning solutions, modern cleaning technology and very efficient cleaners that can manage from ceiling, wall to floor. They are also known for doing high ceiling cleaning because of their professional cleaners with complete cleaning tools including scaffoldings and high ladders. Cleen and Green has brought great development to the community since its inception and has inspired all with their mission towards greatness. This company has now become a force of nature in the industry pushing beyond expectations and advancing to new territories. Starting out with their home with only three cleaners, now they have grown to a good number of cleaners currently assigned to four different locations (Lipa, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon City) in a span of just one year. Their advancement is clear, as well as their innovative franchise model, actively partnering with overseas Filipinos. It leads us now to wonder how much bigger will the success be for C&G in the near future. Check their website and social media channel links below: Website: https://cleenandgreen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/cleenandgreencleaningservices/ Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/cleenandgreencleaningservices/

ASTERN Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the country, recently concluded its webinar entitled “Onward: Nurturing Fearless Educators” in partnership with the Department of Education among public elementary school teachers in Manila and Caloocan. In line with its continued commitment to empowering various sectors including education amidst the pandemic, the virtual event aimed to address the growing needs of teachers, educators, and facilitators when it comes to efficient distance learning and was graced by motivational speakers and industry leaders. Director and Executive Producer of Mind S-Cool TV Mitzi Borromeo shared how media was able to shape culture and worldview which also contributes as a celebration of creativity, innovation, constant learning, respect, and appreciation for nature. Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Project Development Officer Carlo Fernando introduced best practices for online and distance learning, from innovative tools to common misconceptions. “As educators, it is important for us to

continuously innovate because it improves the learning outcomes and the quality of education provision. Innovating helps us to remain relevant in the face of rapid changes to society and the national economy,” shared Fernando. Furthermore, educators had the chance to experience a “Mindfulness Session” with Mindfulness Asia Founder Imee Contreras. Aside from discussing how one can develop mindfulness skills, such as through deep breathing and meditation, she also recommended mindfulness tools online to help teachers manage the challenges brought by the current set up. “Eastern Communications fully supports Filipino teachers in finding ways to adapt to the now normal, where distance learning has become the norm. We are grateful for the Department of Education for giving us the opportunity to share solutions to the challenges of online learning to our fearless educators. We hope that this initiative would empower and inspire them as they impart knowledge in their virt ual classrooms,” said Eastern Communications Marketing Division Head Jed Estanislao. To learn more about their services, visit eastern.com.ph.

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Global wealth surges as China overtakes US to grab top spot

Anti-government protesters hold banners calling for the monarchy reform marching to the German embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14. Protesters calling for the reform of the monarchy returned to the streets of Bangkok despite the ruling of the Constitutional Court on Wednesday that such demands are tantamount to attempting to overthrow the system of government with the king as head of state. AP/Surat Sappakun

3 injured as Thai protesters rally for reform of monarchy

A N G K O K—T h r e e p r o democracy activists were injured during a rally in Bangkok on Sunday that criticized a ruling by the country’s Constitutional Court that said the protesters’ demands for reform of the monarchy were tantamount to attempts to overthrow the system of government. Hundreds of protesters had planned to march to the capital’s Democracy Monument but changed route after police blocked their way, and instead trooped to the German Embassy to submit a petition. A protest representative read out a statement saying the rally was to protect democracy and to raise voices against absolute monarchy. King Maha Vajiralongkorn is a frequent visitor to Germany, and is believed to have traveled there recently. Thai authorities and media have not commented on his whereabouts. Police and the city’s Erawan emergency ser v ice confirmed three injuries among the protesters, two of whom were later discharged from a hospital while one remained. The cause of the injuries was not clear, deputy police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen said, adding there were explosive sounds heard as the protesters made their way to the embassy. According to local media reports, two of the protesters were shot in front of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital. The protesters burnt effigies of the Constitutional Court judges to protest the court’s ruling on Wednesday that some previous calls for reform of the monarchy were illegal. The decision implied that the authority of the

royal palace supersedes other institutions in a country that’s nominally a democracy under a constitutional monarchy. It appeared to broadly deter all calls for reform of the monarchy by highlighting there are legal liabilities beyond a royal anti-defamation law under which more than 150 activists have been charged in the past two years. The protests were started last year to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha, who came to power in 2014 by staging a coup as army commander; amendment of the constitution to make it more democratic; and reform of the monarchy to make it more accountable. The demand for reform of the monarchy is the most radical and controversial because the royal institution has rarely faced public scrutiny and is considered by many to be a sacrosanct pillar of Thai identity. Its reputation is fiercely guarded by the country’s ruling elite, including the courts and the military. The statement read outside the German Embassy said the protest movement was “the fight to insist that this country must be ruled with equality.” Sirachad Treewisawawet, a representative from the Coalition of Salaya for Democracy, said that the protest against the threat of what he termed “absolute monarchy” will continue until its goals are achieved. Protesters say Vajiralongkorn, who took the throne after the death in 2016 of his father, has steadily accumulated power and has downplayed the historical significance of the 1932 revolution, which established a constitutional monarchy. AP

Austria orders nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated

E R L I N —T h e A u s t r i a n government has ordered a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated people starting at midnight Sunday to combat rising coronavirus infections and deaths. The move prohibits unvaccinated people 12 and older from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping, going for a walk—or getting vaccinated. Aut hor it ies a re concer ned about rising infections and deaths and that soon hospital staff will no longer be able to handle the growing influx of Covid-19 patients. “It’s our job as the government of Austria to protect the people,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told reporters in Vienna on Sunday. “Therefore we decided that starting Monday... there will be a lockdown for the unvaccinated.” The lockdown affects about 2 million people in the Alpine country of 8.9 million, the APA news agency reported. It doesn’t apply to children under 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated.

The lockdown will initially last for 10 days and police will go on patrol to check people outside to make sure they are vaccinated, Schallenberg said, adding that additional forces will be assigned to the patrols. Unvaccinated people can be fined up to 1,450 euros ($1,660) if they violate the lockdown. Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe: only around 65 percent of the total population is fully vaccinated. In recent weeks, Austria has faced a worrying rise in infections. Authorities reported 11,552 new cases on Sunday; a week ago there were 8,554 new daily infections. Deaths have also been increasing in recent weeks. On Sunday, 17 new deaths were reported. Overall, Austria’s pandemic death toll stands at 11,706, APA reported. The seven-day infection rate stands at 775.5 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison, the rate is at 289 in neighboring Germany, which has already also sounded the alarm over the rising numbers. AP

lobal wealth tripled over the last two decades, with China leading the way and overtaking the US for the top spot worldwide. That’s one of the takeaways from a new report by the research arm of consultants McKinsey & Co. that examines the national balance sheets of 10 countries representing more than 60 percent of world income. “We are now wealthier than we have ever been,” Jan Mischke, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute in Zurich, said in an interview. Net worth worldwide rose to $514 trillion in 2020, from $156 trillion in 2000, according to the study. China accounted for almost one-third of the increase. Its wealth skyrocketed to $120

trillion from a mere $7 trillion in 2000, the year before it joined the World Trade Organization, speeding its economic ascent.

Richest 10%

The US, held back by more muted increases in property prices, saw its net worth more than double over the period, to $90 trillion. In bot h countr ies—t he world ’s big gest econom ies — more than two-thirds of the wealth is held by the richest 10 percent of households, and their share has been increasing, the report said. As computed by McK insey,

68 percent of global net worth is stored in real estate. The balance is held in such things as infrastructure, machinery and equipment and, to a much lesser extent, socalled intangibles like intellectual property and patents. Financial assets are not counted in the global wealth calculations because they are effectively offset by liabilities: A corporate bond held by an individual investor, for instance, represents an I.O.U. by that company.

‘Side effects’

The steep rise in net worth over the past two decades has outstripped the increase in global gross domestic product and has been fueled by ballooning property prices pumped up by declining interest rates, according to McKinsey. It found that asset prices are almost 50 percent above their long-run average relative to income. That raises questions

about the sustainability of the wealth boom. “Net worth via price increases above and beyond inf lation is questionable in so many ways,” Mischke said. “It comes with all kinds of side effects.” Surging real-estate values can make home ownership unaffordable for many people and increase the risk of a financial crisis—like the one that hit the US in 2008 after a housing bubble burst. China could potentially run into similar trouble over the debt of property developers like China Evergrande Group. The ideal resolution would be for the world’s wealth to find its way into more productive investments that expand global GDP, according to the report. The nightmare scenario would be a collapse in asset prices that could erase as much as one-third of global wealth, bringing it more in line with world income. Bloomberg News

Smog chokes Indian capital as air pollution levels soar

EW DELHI—Sky obscured b y t h ic k , g r ay smog. Monu ments a nd h ighr ise bu i ld ings swa l lowed by a bl a n ket of ha ze. People st r uggl ing to breat he. In the Indian capital, it is that time of the year again. The city’s air quality index fell into the “very poor” category on Sunday, according to SAFAR, India’s main environmental monitoring agency, and in many areas levels of the deadly particulate matter reached around six times the global safety threshold. NASA satellite imagery also showed most of India’s northern plains covered by thick haze. Among the many Indian cities gasping for breath, New Delhi tops the list every year. The crisis deepens particularly in the winter when the burning of crop residues in neighboring states coincides with cooler temperatures that trap deadly smoke. That smoke travels to New Delhi, leading to a surge in pollution in the city of more than 20 million people and exacerbating what is already a public health crisis. The New Delhi government on Saturday ordered the closing of schools for a week and construction sites for four days beginning Monday. Government offices were also told to shift to work from home for a week to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The capital’s top elected leader, Arvind Kejriwal, said a complete lockdown of the city was likely but the decision would be taken after consultation with the federal government.

Morning haze and smog envelops the skyline in New Delhi, India on November 5, 2021. New Delhi’s pollution crisis worsened on Sunday as air quality hit dangerous levels, a problem that rears its head every winter. AP/Altaf Qadri

India’s pollution problems are not limited to the capital. Emissions from industries with no pollution control technology and coal, which helps produce most of the country’s electricity, have been linked to the bad air quality in other urban areas. India’s energy needs are expected to grow faster in the coming decades than in any other country. A part of that demand is expected to be met by dirty coal power, a key source of carbon emissions that pollute the air. That’s why on Saturday, India asked for a last-minute change to the final agreement at crucial climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, calling for the “phase down” not the “phase out” of coal power. Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav argued against

a provision on phasing out coal, saying that developing countries were “entitled to the responsible use of fossil fuels.” Many experts criticized this move. They worr y it has weakened the final agreement and could also hamper India’s fight a g a i n st c l i m ate c h a n ge a nd worsening air quality. “It is not at all desirable,” said Samrat Sengupta, the program director for climate change and energy at the Centre for Science and Environment think tank. But he also said India needed enough “carbon space” in the atmosphere for its developmental needs to coexist with the global ambition of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. “Phasing out coal is technically

impossible at the moment. None of the scenarios can project India will be having zero dependencies on coal by 2050,” Sengupta said. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the country would aim to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by 2070—two decades after the US, and at least 10 years later than China. India’s coal reserves have a high ash content that burns inefficiently and results in increased air pollution. But millions of Indians depend on coal to earn their livelihoods. “In our country, this is the only means of livelihood for many. If the foreign countries say we should stop using coal, then what will we eat,” said Hari Ram, a coal trader. AP

China blames cold-chain foods for virus flareup in key port city

hina has linked the coronavirus outbreak in Dalian, a major port city that has become the country’s latest hot spot, to cold-chain foods and authorities are stepping up scrutiny of imported products. The northeastern city is battling the biggest flareup in the countr y’s current virus wave, placing tens of thousands of university students under lockdown. The first identified case was linked to a cold-storage facility and several other infections were reported among employees in the cold-chain industry, local

media said, adding that this is the third cold-chain related outbreak in the city. Dalian is an important coldchain storage and transportation base, handling about 70 percent of China’s total imported cold-chain products. Cities across the country have stepped up investigation of cold-chain foods from Dalian in recent days. Shopping centers and food companies were asked to suspend sales and conduct nucleic acid tests on these products immediately, Global Times said. China claims that the virus can persist in conditions found

in cold-chain food and packaging, and authorities have been testing imported meat and seafood for traces of the virus. International health authorities have downplayed the likelihood of such transmission, with the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying the chance of getting Covid-19 from frozen foods is very low. “ T here is still controversy about the scientific merits of the coronavirus being transmitted in cold-chain products, but from a practical perspective, it doesn’t

matter,” said Darin Friedrichs, senior Asian commodity analyst at StoneX in Shanghai. “Chinese officials and scientists believe it is possible and poses a real threat, and they are going to take action.” The cold-chain scrutiny in Dalian could hit European and US seafood markets ahead of the holiday, given that China is a major processing and re-export hub, Friedrichs said. It could also have logistics implications outside of cold chain, spurring issues at ports that handle bulk cargo and further disrupting global freight markets, he added. Bloomberg News

Sports BusinessMirror

| Tuesday, November 16, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

RACELA

Adamson U taps Racela as Soaring Falcons coach

BIG DOME, MOA ARENA BECKON

HOLD TIGHT Japan’s Riku Miura

and Ryuichi Kihara perform during the gala exhibition at the International Skating Union Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy in Tokyo on Sunday. AP

PSA Forum on MPBL, esports

HE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitationals and the Collegiate Center for Esports (CCE) Mobile Legends Varsity Cup will be discussed in the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday. Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes will talk about the December 11 to 21 MPBL special tournament backed by Chooks-To-Go. CCE spokesperson Waiyip Chong will be with finance head Stanley Lao as they discuss the ongoing Mobile Legends Varsity Cup involving schools from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The public sports program starts at 11 a.m. It is presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. The weekly Forum is being livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Tapales takes on Japanese in super bantam title eliminator

By Josef Ramos

RE we about to hear a crowd of 8,000 cheering at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or some 7,000 fans clapping their hands sore at the Mall of Asia Arena? These possibilities cropped up on Monday after Metro Manila mayors agreed over the weekend to allow the conduct, resumption and organization of contact sports following the significant decline in Covid-19 cases in the region. “MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] Chairman Benhur Abalos and all the Metro Manila mayors set guidelines that include vaccinated participants and at least 50 percent [capacity] vaccinated crowd,” Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial told BusinessMirror on Monday. “We are just waiting for the response of the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases]. Once we get a positive response, we’ll go for it.” The PBA, according to Marcial, intended to return

ORMER WORLD champion Marlon Tapales fights Japanese Hiroaki Teshigawara in a super bantamweight title eliminator set by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) next month in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight is set for either December 5 or 11 at a still to be determined venue in Las Vegas. Tapales has been in the United States since late July preparing and training for his upcoming fight under the tutelage of Ernel Fontanilla and Lucas Sugar. “This is my second chance so I cannot afford to lose here again,” Tapales, a 29-year-old southpaw from Tubod, Lanao del Norte, told BusinessMirror over the phone on Sunday from Los Angeles, California. “I want to be a world champion again.” The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion suffered a devastating 11th round technical knockout loss to Japanese Ryosuke Iwasa last December 7, 2019, in Brooklyn for the interim IBF super bantamweight belt. “It was a very painful defeat, but I have already moved on,” Tapales (34-3 win-loss record with 17 knockouts) said. He is also supported by MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons. “After this fight, I want to stay and continue my training here until I become a world champion again—that’s my goal,” he said. “I will give my best for this fight, I am motivated by the people around me who keep believing. I don’t want to fail them.” Tapales defeated Thai Panya Uthok last July 27, 2016 via 11th round technical knockout in Ayutthaya, Thailand, to win the WBO belt. He was stripped of his title in April 23, 2017, because of being overweight limit but went on to beat Japanese Shohei Omori by technical knockout in Kyoto after that. The 31-year-old Teshigawara is no patsy with his 22-2-2 win-loss-draw record with 15 knockouts. Josef Ramos

with the Governors’ Cup on November 28 at the earliest—depending upon the arrival of all 12 imports. And with the easing of protocols to Alert Level 2, the IATF allowed indoor venues to accommodate individuals at 50 percent capacity. The Smart Araneta Coliseum lists its seating capacity at 16,500 and the MOA Arena at 15,000. The PBA played the Philippine Cup without fans at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga, and has gotten the approval of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to hold its inaugural 3x3 tournament at the Ynares Sports Arena which sits only 3,000. The league also announced earlier that if it returns to Metro Manila, the import-laced second conference will be at the Ynares Sports Arena. “But everything still depends on finances and health and safety protocols of the local government units,” Marcial said, referring to Quezon City, Pasay City, Antipolo and Pasig City. Terrafirma Head Coach John Cardel, meanwhile, said that the leadership of veteran combo guard Alex Cabagnot would be a great asset to the Dyip’s bid in the second conference. Cardel said they didn’t think twice when San Miguel Beer offered Cabagnot for Simon Enciso over the weekend. The 38-year-old Cabagnot’s 16-year experience in the pro league and winning ways would elevate Dyip’s standard, according to Cardel. “He [Cabagnot] really knows how to win despite his age. I am hoping he will bring us to the playoffs or at least in quarterfinals,” Cardel said on Monday, adding Cabagnot would be at

the team’s practice on Tuesday. “We have another veteran after Aldrech Ramos. I know him very well,” Cardel said. Cabagnot’s season average from 2005 until 2020 is pegged at 12.3 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds. He has nine PBA titles all with San Miguel Beer. San Miguel Beer Coach Leo Austria, on the other hand, said they initiated the Cabagnot trade because of “changes they want to implement after being stagnant for the last three conferences.” “Simon played really well during his stint with TNT and Blackwater. He is the ideal aggressive player that we wanted for our team,” Austria said. “This is just another opportunity for us after acquiring Vic Manuel from Northport for Arwind Santos last week.” Enciso will be playing in his sixth team in the PBA after NLEX and Phoenix in 2015, Alaska in 2017, TNT in 2020 and Blackwater in the last conference. As a member of the Bossing last Philippine Cup, he averaged a team-best 13.7 points for the Bossing who lost all their games in the in the previous Philippine Cup. Blackwater Coach Ariel Vanguardia also confirmed on Monday that they are set to acquire NLEX’s swingman Mike Ayonayon and 6-foot-4 Will McAloney in exchange for 6-foot-7 center-forward Marion Magat and a second round pick in the 2024 rookie draft.

PHILIPPINE Basketball Association Commissioner hints of the league’s return to the big venues and with fans.

Korda overcomes triple bogey to win in playoff; Saso winds up in 14th spot

ELLEAIR, Florida—Nelly Korda made such a mess of the 17th hole that missing what amounts to a tap-in barely registered. She made triple bogey and part of her couldn’t help but think she had thrown away her chances in the Pelican Women’s Championship. “I honestly lost hope,” Korda said. “I was like, ‘OK, just try to make a solid par’—18 is a really tough hole—‘If you have a chance or birdie, then try and go after it.’ My caddie really kept me in the moment and I didn’t give up. “Thank God I didn’t.” She birdied the 18th and got a second chance when Lexi Thompson had another late collapse, this time going bogey-bogey, that turned an epic duel between

YUKA SASO closes out with a 67. AP

Korda and Thompson into a fourway playoff. Korda ended it quickly, making a 12-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole at No. 18 to win for the four time this year on the Ladies Professional Golf Associatoon (LPGA) Tour. None were this wild. Korda fell out of the lead on the 17th hole at Pelican Golf Club by chopping her way to a triple bogey to fall two shots behind. She answered with an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a oneunder 69 and got into a playoff when Thompson missed another par putt and shot 69. They were joined at 17-under 263 by defending champion Sei Young Kim (67) and Lydia Ko (66), neither of whom expected to be playing extra holes until Thompson and Korda imploded over the final two holes. Yuka Saso closed out with 67 to finish at 14th place. The reigning US Women’s Open champion made five birdies but bogeyed the seventh and 15th holes to finish with at 269 following rounds on earlier rounds of 68, 64 and 70. Saso banked $27,253 (around P1.3 million). “It was a heated battle. I actually really enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun,” Korda said. “She played some solid golf. Unfortunate on 17, 18. Seventeen, there were a lot of spike

marks around the hole, so I don’t know if she hit one to three-putt. But that’s how golf is sometimes. “You’re going to lose these and sometimes you’re going to win them.” The victory paid off handsomely for the 23-year-old American. She secured her spot at No. 1 in the women’s world ranking, and moved 12 points ahead of Jin Young Ko for LPGA player of the year going into the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship next week in Naples. Korda now has five wins this year—four on the LPGA Tour to match Jin Young Ko’s total, one a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. She lost a two-shot lead on the par-3 12th hole when Korda made bogey and Thompson made birdie, and they matched par for the next four holes in a two-player race. And then it was four players. Kim birdied the 18th and figured she had tied for third with Jin Young Ko, who played bogeyfree. It was a matter of whether Korda or Thompson would win the tournament. And then it changed so quickly. Korda pulled her second shot to the 17th, dumped a wedge into a bunker and missed what appeared to be a tap-in. It added to a triple bogey with one hole left. AP

DAMSON University tapped Raoul Cesar “Nash” Racela as its men’s basketball head coach in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Gilbert Cruz, a member of the school’s board of trustees, told BusinessMirror of Racela’s hiring on Monday. He will handle the school’s basketball operations and programs for five years. just the way he did during his stint with Far Eastern University (FEU). “I really like the guy. He is really a nice guy. We played golf at Orchard the other day,” Cruz said. “I recommended a five-year contract, but there are options that I can get as a consultant.” Racela took over from Franz Pumaren. Cruz said that long-time Adamson Baby Falcons Coach Mike Fermin would stay as one of Racela’s deputies. Racela steered Far Eastern University to the UAAP crown in 2015. He also coached TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association from 2016 to 2018 and Blackwater in 2019. Racela deferred commenting on his hiring but said the school would make an official announcement soon. Former PBA best import Sean Chambers was Cruz’s first choice. He offered the job to the former PBA Best Import but his hiring didn’t materialize because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Racela has a 48-29 win-loss record in his collegiate coaching career that included a brief stint at San Beda (2004-2005) and FEU (2013-2016). In his two years as PBA coach, he established a 3624 record for TNT. Josef Ramos

Quarterfinals showdowns turn fever-pitch

EDICAL Depot and Burlington EOG Sports thrashed their opponents Sunday to strengthen their respective quarterfinal seedings in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym. Medical Depot routed 7A Primus, 86-72, while Burlington ripped FSD Makati-Army, 105-85, to end the round-robin eliminations with identical 6-4 marks at joint fourth. The final quarters seeding will be known late Monday after the tripleheader pitting Nueva Ecija Bespren against MTrans Batangas City, Pasig Sta. Lucia versus Muntinlupa Defenders, and the San Juan Knights over AICC Manila. Patrick Cabahug erupted for 31 points highlighted by nine three-pointers and grabbed eight rebounds for Medical Depot, who led by as many as 20 points, 83-63, in the last 2:55 of the game. Simon Camacho also paced Medical Depot with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Villafranca added nine points and 10 boards. 7A Primus, who was already out of contention, finished the tournament with two wins against eight losses despite the combined 34-point output of Achie Iñigo and Marc Paolo Javillonar. Medical Depot leaned on its outside shooting by draining 14 triples, while also outrebounding 7A Primus, 63-38. They also banked on their 27 second-chance points. Meanwhile, Burlington waxed hot in the opening quarter, 32-19, and dictated the game throughout with Jett Vidal, Enoch Valdez, Jeymark Mallari and Bryan Hilario spearheading the assault. Vidal and Valdez fired 17 points apiece while Mallari and Hilario chipped in 14 and 12 points. Burlington turned Makati’s 19 turnovers into 24 points and managed 12 steals. Ezer Rosopa and Jay Motol finished with 14 and 12 points for Makati, who tied with 7A Primus near the bottom standings with 2-8.