BusinessMirror November 27, 2019 by BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Vol. 15 No. 48

Long way to go for PHL, S. Korea free-trade deal 30% T By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

HE Philippines and South Korea are targeting to conclude their free-trade agreement (FTA) by the first half of 2020, but they have a lot of catching up to do as just one of the seven chapters was finalized by the parties after nearly half a year of negotiations.

Trade Secretar y R amon M. Lopez on Monday signed with South Korean Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee an early achievement package for the FTA between Manila and Seoul. The package reported the progress of negotiations, particularly on bananas, garments and automobile parts

for the Philippines and on pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and auto parts for South Korea. Failing to meet the initial November deadline, the two camps are now targeting to conclude the trade deal by first half of next year even as only one chapter is settled so far—and it’s not even

a major chapter. Since FTA talks began in June, negotiators concluded just the chapter on competition. In the the next months, negotiators will be working on the remaining six chapters, namely, trade in goods, trade in services, investments, rules of origin, economic and

Tariff currently slapped by South Korea on bananas from the Philippines. Filipino exporters are seeking to reduce this rate to 5 percent, if not zero, under the FTA

technical cooperation and legal and institutional issues, according to Lopez. Lopez said, “it is commendable that both sides have achieved substantial progress both in the market access and text-based negotiations in a span of just six months” in spite of the failure to conclude the FTA this November. See “Free-trade,” A2

PESO exchange rates n

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

AWMAKERS are in a tug of war on whether local government units (LGUs) should already lift the temporary bans they imposed on the transport and sale of live hogs and pork-related products amid African swine fever (ASF) scare. Isabela First District Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano maintained that many provinces, such as Isabela, remain free from ASF due to the temporary bans put in placed by the respective LGUs. “Because of the ban, Isabela is still free from ASF. Unfortunately, it does raise concerns to economic concerns for hog growers,” Albano said during a joint hearing by the House of Representatives Committees on Agriculture and Food and Local Government last Monday. “We will stick with the ban until the swine fever has been totally eradicated. We have a huge industry of hog raisers and we are also affected as a lot of our hog growers want to sell outside [but cannot],” Albano added.

By Butch Fernandez

See “Luzon grid,” A12

SOLONS IN TUG OF WAR OVER LOCAL PORK BAN However, House Committee on Local Government Chairman Rep. Noel Villanueva of the Third District of Tarlac said LGUs should not act like an “empire” in this time of crisis. “LGUs are not empires. LGUs are sovereign subdivisions in one sovereign nation. One province cannot act as one empire,”Villanueva said during the hearing. “Provinces are acting on their own. We need a national framework to follow and complied with by all the stakeholders. We cannot act individually in this issue. We should adhere to the one nation approach,” Villanueva added. However, Albano refuted Villanueva’s point and argued that Isabela “is not a province of empire” and the provincial government did not violate any laws in imposing a temporary ban. “We’re not defying the national of the Department of Agriculture. Even the [Department of the Interior and Local Government] has opined already that they leave this to the province’s discretion,” he said. See “Pork,” A2

Natl security audit of power facilities by Congress urged

Luzon grid on yellow alert again

HE Luzon grid was placed anew on yellow alert for 11 hours on Tuesday, the 48th this year. Tuesday’s yellow alert happened due to insufficient operating power reserve brought about by the forced outage of several power plants. Some of these power plants include the San Buenaventura Power Ltd. (SBPL) coal plant, Quezon Power Ltd. coal plant, AP Renewables Inc. geothermal plant unit 6, South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp., GN Power Mariveles unit 2 coal plant and Prime Meridian Power Corp. Avion natural gas plant unit 2. These and some more plants that experienced Outside-Management-Control outage contributed

P25.00 nationwide | 5 sections 42 pages |

In this photo provided by the Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, from left, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Brunei Darussalam’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Lao PDR Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith pose during the Asean-ROK Commemorative Summit in Busan, South Korea, on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. ASEAN-ROK COMMEMORATIVE SUMMIT VIA AP

@butchfBM

MID reports of foreign access to and control of the country’s vital power grid system, Congress was asked to mount a joint Senate-House “national security audit” of the Philippines power transmission sector. In filing Resolution 223, Sen. Risa Hontiveros paved the way for a Senate inquiry to assess the need to craft remedial legislation following a national security audit of the operations and facilities of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) that is now 40-percent owned by the State Grid Corp. of China. Hontiveros also recalled that during a Senate hearing on the Department of Energy’s 2020 budget, Melvin Matibag, the president of

the National Transmission Corp. (Transco), had confirmed apprehensions that “it was possible for a hostile third party to disable the country’s power grid remotely.” Matibag also admitted to the Senate panel that despite exercising oversight function over the NGCP, Transco’s access to NGCP facilities had been limited, prompting Hontiveros to point out the need for senators to act on the matter. If the reports were accurate, she added, “these vulnerabilities pose a grave risk to public infrastructure, to national security and to daily lives of our people.” She asserted, “We must address and correct these flaws immediately.” Hontiveros said the upcoming probe will enable lawmakers to evaluate the NGCP’s performance See “Power facilities,” A12

US 50.7830 n japan 0.4661 n UK 65.5355 n HK 6.4893 n CHINA 7.2181 n singapore 37.2009 n australia 34.4156 n EU 55.9273 n SAUDI arabia 13.5422

Source: BSP (26 November 2019 )

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A2 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

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Duterte woos S. Korean investors, touts EODB

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

RESIDENT Duterte urged South Korean businessmen to invest in the Philippines, which the Chief Executive said needs more funds to sustain its economic growth. During a courtesy call of top officials of South Korea’s major companies on President Duterte on Monday in Paradise Hotel in Busan, the President assured top companies that he will be shield-

ing them from corruption and abuse, citing the sound macroeconomic policies of the administration, particularly the Ease of Doing Business law. The Chief Executive also promised the quick

issuance of permits and full guarantee on the return of their investments and remittances. “The President said the Philippines wants continued growth but does not have funds to sustain it, noting [that] foreign investors could play an important role. He welcomed South Korean companies to do business in almost all of the country’s industries, from infrastructure to food manufacturing and others,” read the statement released by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). In response, the Korean companies promised to invest in the Philippines, with some already

“The Philippines is the future of Asean as it continues to achieve an impressive growth rate of 6 percent each year, thanks to your [Duterte] outstanding leadership. Through our meeting today, I hope to strengthen my friendship with you and expand our bilateral cooperation to contribute further to the development of Asean.”—Moon

operating or even expanding their businesses in the country. They also promised to participate in the different infrastructure projects in the Philippines, especially the administration’s “Build. Build, Build” program.

Duterte-Moon meeting

Meanwhile, Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-In also had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 30th Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. In his opening remarks, President Moon lauded the country’s economic growth, adding that numerous Korean companies are doing business in the Philippines in the fields of energy, electricity, electronics, textiles, shipbuilding, among others. “The Philippines is the future of Asean as it continues to achieve an impressive growth rate of 6 percent each year, thanks to your outstanding leadership. Through our meeting today, I hope to strengthen my

friendship with you and expand our bilateral cooperation to contribute further to the development of Asean,” Moon said. For his part, Duterte noted how the economies of the Philippines and Korea took diverging paths and fortunes. “The Republic of Korea rose to become one of Asia’s economic and technological powerhouses. Ours faltered, but with perseverance, the Philippines has since recovered and is now [a] well-performing, emerging economy,” he said. The Chief Executive also took the opportunity to thank President Moon for the Korean government’s donation of $100,000 for the earthquake victims in Mindanao in October.

DOE tags 4 power Flexible working hrs pushed as traffic worsens projects ‘EPNS;’ S sets Dec. 20 deadline EN. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has asked Congress to pass a law allowing “flexible working hours” to ease workers’ physical and psychological burdens, and save costs from worsening traffic gridlocks. Revilla’s Senate Bill 673 proposed the adoption of “voluntary work arrangements to help local employers and employees save time and resources, especially in saving the cost of traffic congestion.”

Free-trade. . . Continued from A1

He stressed the objective for the Philippines is to improve access for its agricultural products, particularly bananas, and industrial goods and services to the South Korean market. Bananas, Lopez said, are a particular interest as the country needs a level playing field with its competitors from Southeast Asia and Central America.

Bananas

Bananas from the Philippines enter South Korea at 30-percent tariff, and exporters are seeking for the reduction of this rate to 5 percent, if not zero, under the FTA. On the other hand, bananas from Vietnam will begin enjoying duty-free privilege to South Korea by 2024. Further, bananas from Peru are taxed zero tariff at present, and those originating from Central American countries will enjoy the same preferential treatment by 2021.

PCSO. . .

Continued from A12

The PCSO revoked the agreement through a resolution issued on April 15, 2011, after the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) found that it was essentially a supply contract. The latter is void for being a ploy to circumvent Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, particularly on bidding for government procurement supplies, and to evade audit by the Commission on Audit (COA). Likewise, the SC also reversed and set side the CA decision issued on February 4, 2016, and resolution dated June 27, 2016. The CA ruling affirmed the orders of the Makati RTC in June and August 2014, which granted TMA’s motion for the garnishment of PCSO’s properties, assets and money to pay for the price of lotto paper deliveries in the amount of P82 million. The SC also declared that the said orders of the Makati RTC are “void and of no force and effect.” The Court explained that the injunctive writs appeared to have been issued

Revilla’s bill, entitled “An Act Amending Article 83 of the Presidential Decree 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines,” was crafted “to identify some flexible work arrangements that may be adopted by employers, including compressed workweek where the normal number of working days in a week is reduced but the total number of working hours remains, and flexi-holidays where the employees agree to avail the holidays at some

“The FTA, once enforced, will be an important vehicle for improving the balance of trade with South Korea through enhanced trade flows, facilitating the movement of natural persons and generating more investment opportunities and, by extension, job generation possibilities,”the trade chief said in a statement on Tuesday. Manila and Seoul, in April, agreed to negotiate a bilateral trade deal to enhance economies ties, as well expand trade and investment activities between them. They set November as the target date to conclude negotiations, in time for the commemorative summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and South Korea, but disputes on tariff reduction schedule, among others, prevented them from doing so.

other days.” Given the advancement in information and communication technology, employees can work outside the premises of the workplace and sustain working beyond eight hours “without sacrificing its quality,” Revilla said. This kind of arrangement, he noted, is recognized by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Department Advisory 2, “Guidelines on the Adoption of

Last year bilateral trade with South Korea improved 8.83 percent to $13.7 billion, from $12.79 billion in 2017, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

However, PSA data also reported this improvement was largely brought about by the increased volume of imports from South Korea. Imports from this trading partner swelled 33.68 percent to $11.31 billion, from $8.46 billion. On the other hand, exports to South Korea last year declined nearly 40 percent to $2.6 billion, from $4.33 billion in 2017, according to PSA records. If signed, the FTA with South Korea will become just the country’s second bilateral trade deal next to the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement that entered into force in 2008. The Philippines is also seeking trade deals with the United States and the European Union, but efforts to pursue these are gaining little to no progress at the moment. Lopez, along with President Duterte and several Cabinet members, was in Busan to participate in the commemorative summit between the Asean and South Korea, where Duterte signed bilateral agreements on education, tourism, social security and fisheries.

by the trial court despite the absence of facts that would justify its issuance. It noted that the issuance of injunctive writs should comply with the requisites set by the Court—that a clear and unmistakable right must be protected; and there is an urgent and paramount necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage. “In this case, TMA invoked and premised its purported rights solely on the basis of the CJVA that it had earlier executed with PCSO, and the trial court took such proposition hook, line and sinker, as the RTC found it necessary to protect such rights by the continued implementation of the contract between the parties,” the SC pointed out. “If only the trial court made a closer look into the terms of the contract as against the parties’ respective assertions, it would have readily determined the reasonable reservations on the validity of the CJVA, and that the claimed rights of TMA were far from being “clear and unmistakable,” it added. The SC also did not give weight to TMA’s claim that the suspension of the CJVA would cause serious damage to its operations. It noted that based on the records of the case, it was not even established that the thermal coating plant intended to be set up under the agreement was already organized and operating at the time of the RTC’s issuance of the writs of preliminary injunction. “Furthermore, any damage that TMA could sustain from the suspension of the CJVA’s implementation would be purely economic and is capable of reparation,”

the SC said. In fact, the SC said it is the PCSO that stood to sustain substantial and irreparable damage by the continued implementation of the CJVA while the main suit is pending. The SC cited the “the adverse and substantial impact that its terms could produce on the funds of the agency, as well as the damage, breach and corresponding liabilities that might result from the failure to observe procurement rules in case CJVA’s illegality is confirmed.” The High Tribunal continued: “The Court is mindful that the writs of preliminary injunction had been substituted by a writ of permanent mandatory and prohibitory injunction under the RTC’s Decision dated December 5, 2017, that disposed of the main case... yet the foregoing pronouncements remain crucial and material in determining the validity of the monetary claims against PCSO and the respective rights of the parties in the meantime that said main case has not yet been resolved with finality.” The Court, however, noted that the PCSO had already used up the P82,354,037.32 worth of thermal paper delivered to it as a consequence of the payment directed by the RTC’s orders. But, the SC said, it has yet to act on TMA’s prayer in its September 14, 2018, motion that it be ordered to deliver to PCSO lotto papers worth P707,223,555.44 in lieu of the posting of the required bond. The bond requirement, the SC pointed out, was embodied in its resolutions dated July 9, 2018, and November 5, 2018, and mandated under Section 4 (b) of Rule 58 of the Rules of Court.

Bilateral trade

Flexible Work Arrangements,” and its subsequent Department Advisory 4, Series of 2010, “Guidelines on the Implementatuon of Flexible Work Arrangements and the Exemption From the Nightwork Prohibition for Women Employees in the Business Process Outsourcing.” A flexible work schedule will allow employees to achieve a “work-life balance” which will make them “more energized, satisfied, fulfilled and productive.” Butch Fernandez

Budget. . .

Continued from A12

Angara explained that this was done “because under Republic Act 11260 or the 2019 General Appropriations Act [GAA] and Executive Order 91 on the implementation of a cash-budgeting system, all appropriations that were not released, obligated or paid by the December 31, 2019, shall lapse and revert to the national treasury.” He recalled this was “not the first time” that the Senate sponsored a measure extending the validity of the GAA. “My predecessors at the Finance committee, Senators Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero, also sponsored in 2013 and 2018, respectively, similar measures calling for extensions in the budget validity,” Angara said. At the same time, Angara affirmed that “the Senate is not oblivious to the travails of the Executive Branch and we must help them. We must see to it that the national budget we approved for 2019 would benefit our people in terms of better services and more efficient public spending.” Angara admitted that the non-extension of the budget’s validity would have the following negative impact on various vital government agencies, including the following: ■ For the Department of Education (DepEd) : 2,900 classrooms will not be repaired and rehabilitated as scheduled; 590 schools will remain without electricity; up to 57 Gabaldon school buildings will not be restored; up to 11,677 activity sheets and modules for kindergarten and Grade 1 students will not be printed and delivered; ■ For the Department of Health (DOH): funding for infrastructure projects, medical equipment of 2,800 Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) will be adversely affected; ■ The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) supplementary feedings program will not push through; ■ At least P8 billion of the remaining budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) will not be utilized to pay for the second semester billing under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; ■ The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would not be able to place more students under the government’s internship program or help workers beset with misfortune under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay program. “Many other agencies would be able to implement their projects and provide their services to the people if the budget’s validity is extended,” Angara said.

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE Department of Energy (DOE) has placed four power projects in the category of Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS) in accordance with Executive Order 30 (EO 30). The four projects are Galoc Field Area and Development of Galoc Production Co.; Mahanagdong Geothermal Brine Optimization Plant of Energy Development Corp. (EDC); TMI Hybrid DBS BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) project of Therma Marine Inc.; and Mount Malinao Geothermal project of Philippine Geothermal Inc. The EPNS certificates were issued August to September this year. EPNS are significant energy projects for power generation, transmission, and/or ancillary services, including those required to maintain grid stability and security, and which are in consonance with the policy thrusts and specific goals of the DOE’s Philippine Energy Plan (PEP). The issuance of EPNS certificates is stipulated under EO 30, which states that concerned government agencies shall act upon applications for permits within 30 day. If no decision is made by then, the application is deemed approved by the concerned agency. As of August 9, the DOE has received 368 EPNS applications. Of these, 297 were accepted while 71 did not comply with the necessary requirements. Of the 297, accepted applications, 140 were certified as CEPNS while 157 applications are

Pork. . .

Continued from A1

Such discretion was given, Albano added,“because we know for a fact how the situation is on the ground. One of the fast-acting measures of the LGUs in the ground is strictly imposing bans.” Albano pointed out that LGUs swiftly imposed a temporary ban since the national government, in this case the DA, “did not impose the right restrictions right away.” Albano asserted “the only controls we had that time that the ASF broke out [was to ban]. It is the right of the LGU to protect is local hog industries.”

‘Economic mess’ Nonetheless, Albano said the temporary bans have led to an “economic mess” since provinces, especially those free from ASF, are unable to transport and sell their live hogs and pork-related products to other areas. “I lament this. This is an economic mess. Who wants this to happen? We have to protect our borders,” he said. The congressman proposed that the government hold a national summit to be attended by lawmakers, national

still under evaluation. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, meanwhile, wants all pending applications filed before his office to be acted upon on or before December 20 this year. “One of the profound changes being effected under President Duterte’s leadership is the eradication of bureaucratic red tape. We, at the DOE, have been striving to help fully realize this vision by streamlining our processes, most especially those involving the service or operating contracts,” said Cusi. The energy chief reminded DOE officials to effectively implement Department Circular 201907-0018, providing a streamlined process for the awarding and administration of service/operating contracts, as well as the issuance of permits, endorsements, or certifications for energy projects. He said energy officials must ensure that all pending items relative thereto are acted upon on or before December 20, 2019. In his memorandum, Cusi also instructed all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and concerned bureau directors to submit an inventory of all pending applications for service/operating contracts, including their dates of application, status, and actions taken; and status reports on all existing service contracts. “We are undertaking all measures that would maximize our operational efficiency. These inventories would guide us in making sure that all pending action items are acted upon before 2019 comes to a close,” Cusi said.

government officials and LGU officials to thresh out issues related to ASF, such as the prevailing temporary bans. “We need stricter measures and talk about it as a whole but leave the protection of the provinces to the LGUs. They are the CEOs of the provinces,” he said. In a statement issued during the hearing, Meat Importers and Traders Association President Jesus C. Cham appealed to the lawmakers to “reason out” with their respective LGUs and reconsider the temporary bans they imposed due to ASF. Cham said the prevailing temporary bans have resulted in economic damage due to loss of markets for meat products. “We pray the Honorable Congressmen will reason with your respective LGUs to abide by DA and [Food and Drug Administration] guidelines on the transport of fresh and processed pork meat, as well as other meats, in order that trade and commerce may return to normal,” he said. “Our economy is already suffering severe damage, and our consumers burdened with unnecessary hardship. Let us prevent more damage and suffering,” Cham added.

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A4 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Big pay hike for highly skilled tech and AI workers next year

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

rofessionals who are moving to new jobs next year can expect their salaries to increase by as much as 40 percent, according to a survey by a recruitment specialist.

The Salary Survey 2020 by Robert Walters reported a 20-percent to 40-percent salary hike for job movers in 2020, depending on their seniority levels and skill sets. As for those who will stay within their roles, they can look forward to salary increments of up to 10 percent. The survey added 51 percent of professionals expect bonuses of 15 percent and above of their annual salaries, as they admitted competi-

tive pay and incentives are their primary reasons for work satisfaction. Among all sectors, job movers in technology and transformation can expect the highest salary hike of as much as 60 percent on the country’s surging requirement for information-technology security professionals, data analysts, engineers and scientists, as well as for development and operations engineers. Robert Walters Director for the

Philippines Monty Sujanani said candidates in the technology and transformation sector can get up to four job offers at any given time. “It’s definitely [in] technology that we see the highest increment, which is about 60 percent. The reason behind that is, again, we’re talking about the maturity of digital skill sets,” Sujanani said. “It becomes a fight, a war of talent. Everyone’s knocking on the doors of highly skilled talents, whether it’s on artificial intelligence (AI) or we’re talking about machine learning, or analytics, which is driving key business decisions here.” “Candidates will have three to four offers at any given time, [and] it becomes their decision as to what companies they want to choose,” he added. Professionals in banking and financial services transferring to new jobs can expect salary hike

of about 30 percent; in human resources up to 25 percent; and in sales and marketing of as much as 30 percent. On the other hand, job movers in supply chain, procurement and logistics can anticipate salary increments between 25 percent and 30 percent. As such, Sujanani advised employers to provide not only competitive salaries, but programs for skills development as well to be able to keep their talents, adding they might want to consider coming up with flexible benefits and working arrangements that are highly attractive, especially to the new generation of workers. The Salary Survey this year covered the insights of over 400 professionals in different sectors. In coming up with the salary hike projections, the survey made use of candidate expectations and industry commitments, as well as corporate figures.

Metro HSWs likely to get ₧1.5K monthly pay raise but none for minimum-wage earners at the moment By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

he regional wage board is now considering a P1,500 monthly wage increase for household service workers (HSW) in Metro Manila. At a news conference on Tuesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III announced the proposed raise was contained in the draft wage order of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR). He lamented this was still below his expectation that the new wage adjustment will raise daily minimumwage rates in NCR from P3,500 to P6,000, or an increase of P2,500. “I think if you could hire a household service worker, you can pay them P6,000. But I cannot dictate this to

the regional tripartite wage board, which recommended for a P1,500,” Bello said. If approved, the new daily minimum-wage rate for HSWs in NCR will be pegged at P5,000, considered as the highest rate nationwide. The RTWPB-NCR earlier said it will hold a meeting on November 28 to deliberate the final amount of the possible minimum-wage hike for HSWs in its jurisdiction. Once the RTWPB-NCR wraps its deliberation, it will then submit its new wage order to the National Wages Productivity Commission (NWPC) for consideration. “The commission cannot change the decision of the board [RTWPBNCR]. What the commission will do is to check if the provision of the wage order is compliant with the

law,” Labor Undersecretary Ana C. Dione said.

Under process

IN a related development, Dione said the RTWPB-NCR is not likely to complete its deliberation for the possible pay hike for minimum-wage earners in Metro Manila within the year. This, she said, was because the RTWPB-NCR only started accepting new wage petitions last week after the anniversary date of its previous wage order. RTWPBs cannot adjust wage rates in their respective jurisdiction more than once within the year unless it could identify a supervening condition. “I doubt it [m inimu m-wage hike] will be in 2019 since they have yet to start with the deliberation process,” Dione said.

DPWH opens Philippine Arena Interchange in Bocaue, Bulacan By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inaugurated on Tuesday the Philippine Arena Interchange of the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex). The Manila-bound section of the interchange will be opened on November 29, 2019, Friday, while the Philippine Arenabound section will be opened only for the Southeast Asian Games Opening on November 30, 2019, Saturday, as it has yet to be completed. The new interchange aims to improve mobility and accessibility within the Bulacan road network, particularly in Bocaue, Santa Maria, Pandi, Norzagaray, Angat and other nearby towns. “The Philippine Arena Interchange is just one of our priority projects in Bulacan to help ease mounting traffic along Gov. F. Halili Road in Bocaue-Santa Maria, and address the usual heavy traffic situation at the Bocaue Interchange,”

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said on Tuesday. Being constructed through government funds, the interchange features an 80-lineal meter bridge that connects Bocaue Municipal Hall, Nlex, Ciudad de Victoria and Bocaue-Santa Maria Bypass Road. “We also expect this new road to further accelerate trade and commerce within the province,” Villar added. The government also plans to build a 1.3-kilometer road from the Philippine Arena to the existing Patubig Road in Marilao, Bulacan, while also rehabilitating the 1.91-kilometer road from MacArthur Highway to Bocaue Municipal. “Nlex is keen on supporting the government’s infrastructure plan as it also provides travel convenience for motorists using the expressway system, and opens up opportunities for local communities,” Nlex Corp. President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista said.

It usually takes several weeks before a RTWPB comes out with a wager order since it has to conduct stakeholder consultations, public hearings, and board deliberations for it. As of Monday, RTWPB-NCR already received the unified wage petitions from Unity for Wage Increase asking for a P213 minimum-wage hike. The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) immediately thumbed down the proposal, saying it was too expensive for employers. Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) slammed Ecop for opposing the wage petition, which it said is justified. “Minimum wage in NCR is very low to start with, and has been prevented from substantially increasing throughout the years. And the culprit behind that is Ecop itself,” KMU Secretary-General Jerome Adonis said in a statement.

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Sustained combat and civil-military operations boost counterinsurgency campaign in Central Luzon provinces By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

he Philippine Army reported on Tuesday that its sustained combination of combat and civil-military operations (CMO) in Central Luzon has resulted in the neutralization and surrender of a big number of New People’s Army (NPA) members and their supporters, and the recovery of weapons. The Army’s 48th, 69th, 84th and 91st Infantry Battalions (IB), which are all under the 703rd Infantry Brigade, have reported that more than 600 former rebels and their supporters have yielded, while firearms of various types have been recovered, or were turned over to the government. From November 6 to 19 alone, at least 459 former NPA members and their supporters from Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora, have surrendered to soldiers, an unprecedented feat in the military’s campaign against the rebels since the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) was launched. The number included the 133 supporters of the NPA who are members of the Malayang Aniban ng mga Magsasaka sa Manggang Marikit, Bagong Barrio at Yuson in Nueva Ecija, who surrendered last week. “In just a short period of time, we were able to accomplish more than what we expected, or targeted. I am truly overwhelmed with the conquest of our operating troops on the ground,” said 703rd Brigade Commander Col. Andrew Costelo. Costelo credited the accomplishment to the sustained military operations and the nonstop implementation of the military’s community support program and projects in various provinces in Region 3 through his brigade’s four battalions in coordination with local officials. Just three days ago, two reb-

els aged 24 and 30, and identified through their alias as Julius and Nelva, yielded to the government through the efforts of the 91st IB, Nueva Ecija police and the municipal government of Bongabon. The two rebels who operated in Bongabon were members of the Platoon Dos of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Sierra Madre. “Originally residents of Bustos town in Bulacan, both were active members of the NPA. Julius is a vice commanding officer, while Nelva serves as a squad medic,” Costelo said. Through the duo’s surrender, the military located and recovered an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle, four M14 magazines with 32 rounds of ammunition, three M16 magazine with nine rounds of ammunition, and five-meter wires and detonating cord, which are components for making homemade bombs. The rif les were among the 19 firearms that the military recovered this month in Central Luzon, aside from other rebel equipment and logistics that included homemade bombs, handheld radios, mobile phones and food supplies. Three rebels were killed and five others were also captured in various encounters this month. Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, commander of the Seventh Infa nt r y Div ision, commended the 703rd Brigade and its four battalions for their accomplishment while encouraging them to sustain their efforts under the NTF-Elcac. “We will be persistent with our focused military operations to ensure the safety of our people,” Agustin said, adding “the Seventh Infantry Division…will remain dedicated in the performance of its duty and reinforce the realization of good governance, peace and sustainable development to significantly contribute to the total eradication of the local communist armed conflict by 2020.”

Irish Food Board seeks to increase pork, beef exports to PHL, 2 Asian countries in next 3 years By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

he Irish Food Board eyes to raise its export of European pork and beef in three Asian countries, including the Philippines, through its €3.9-million promotion campaign that aims to capitalize on growing demand for meat in the region. The campaign, “European Pork and Beef: Love the taste, Trust the quality,” was launched by Bord Bia the Irish Food Board, in Manila on Tuesday. The three-year campaign eyes to “build awareness of Ireland as a supplier of highquality, safe, and sustainably produced pork and beef” to over 250 million consumers in the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam. Bord Bia’s EU Program Director Declan Fennell said the Philippines, which is Ireland’s top destination for beef in Asia, is a “priority market” for them due to its growing demand for meat products driven by the rising middle class. “The Philippines is a priority market for Ireland and we are looking to grow

our pork and beef business from €7.8 million and €14.3 million, respectively, in 2018. We have experienced unprecedented growth with our beef volumes for the first nine months of the year with 230-percent growth versus the previous year with volumes expanding from 4,146 [metric tons] to 13,719 [MT],” said Fennell, who is in the Philippines to lead the launching of the three-year campaign. “With a young and growing population and a rising middle class driving the demand for meat products, Irish pork and beef is well positioned to supply this increasing demand as we produce pork and beef to the strictest EU food safety standards,” Fennel added. Over the course of the three-year campaign, Bord Bia said it will target more than 500 key trade and decision-makers and over 300,000 buyers will have access to Irish meat exporters at international trade shows. “Bord Bia, with the support of EU funding, will intensify it’s promotional activities in the Philippines with [an array] of trade initiatives. Key trade events as part of the

campaign include attendance at WOFEX trade fair, showcasing the industry at technical seminars combined with market visits to Ireland to see first-hand the workings of farms and processors,” it said. “The EU Pork and Beef trade-focused campaign will run for three years [2019 to 2021] and will build awareness and understanding of food safety, quality assurance and sustainability of European pork and beef,” it added. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data showed that Ireland is the Philippines’s third-top source of beef imports in 2018 behind Brazil and Australia. The Philippines imported nearly 17,000 MT of Irish beef last year. BAI data also showed that the country’s import beef from Ireland from January to September of this year has already reached over 17,000 MT, surpassing last year’s fullyear record. The country’s import of Irish pork has been growing in recent years with volume reaching almost 10,000 MT in 2018, BAI data showed.

Manila, Seoul ink 5 pacts; South Korea donates $100K for Mindanao quake victims By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—The Philippines and South Korea on Monday signed five agreements, and the latter donated $100,000 to quake-hit Mindanao, during the bilateral meeting between President Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in

Busan, South Korea. President Duterte expressed his gratitude to President Moon for South Korea’s $100,000 donation for the victims of last month’s series of earthquakes in Mindanao. “Clearly, at no other time in our shared history have the bonds between our people this strong,” Duterte said. Solidarity and mutual aid have been the hallmark of the two countries’ ties since 1950,”

he added. This year, the Philippines and South Korea commemorate 70 years of bilateral relations. The bilateral meeting was held at The Westin Chosun Busan Hotel where the two countries signed five agreements on social security, tourism, culture and sports, as well as the much anticipated free-trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, the Presidential Com-

munications Operations Office said. Duterte and Moon witnessed the signing of the following agreements: Agreement on social security between the Philippines and South Korea signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Foreign Affairs Minister Kang Kyung-wha; Implementation program of the memorandum of understand-

ing on tourism cooperation between the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea, signed by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Yang-woo; Joint statement on the early achievement package of the negotiations of the Philippines-Korea free-trade agreement and signed

by the Secretary Ramon Lopez and Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee; MOU on cooperation in fisheries; and MOU on cooperation in the field of education. Duterte attended the 2019 Association of Southeast Asian NationsRepublic of Korea Commemorative Summit. The Asean and South Korea mark the 30th anniversary of their dialogue relations.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019 A5

BIR told to explain P104-B shortfall in revenue target By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday to explain before the Lower Chamber the shortfall in government’s revenue target for 2019.

With this, the House of Representatives will convene on November 27 its oversight to look into this fiscal deficit. Following the briefing on the revenue collection performance of the BIR, Albay Rep. Jose Ma. S. Salceda said he computed that the BIR is likely to miss P104 billion of its revenue target this year despite implementation of Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law. “The BIR target is P2.32 trillion and it has only collected P1.7 trillion as of October. While this is 10 percent higher than the collection in the same period in 2018, this is falling short of the” target set by the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) by 4.71 percent,

Salceda, who also presides over the House Ways and Means Committee, was quoted in a statement as saying. But the BIR cited in its report the emerging shortfall by noting the P55-billion foregone revenue in fuel excise tax and the delay in the passage of the budget. The BIR also explained that almost 100 percent of the petroleum products are now imported upon the decision of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Petron Corp. to import, rather than refine fuel in the country. “Thus, it is now the BOC [Bureau of Customs] that collects the VAT [valueadded tax] and excise taxes amounting to almost P55 billion,” Salceda said. “[But I] wondered whether the same P55 billion has been collected

China faces biggest state firm offshore debt failure in 20 years

major Chinese commodity trader looks poised to become the most high-profile stateowned enterprise (SOE) to default in the dollar bond market in over two decades. In a fresh sign that Beijing is more willing to allow failures in the politically sensitive SOE sector, Tewoo Group has offered an unprecedented debt restructuring plan that entails deep losses for investors, or a swap for new bonds with significantly lower returns. Ti a nji n- ba sed Te woo Group Co. is owned by the local government and operates in a number of industries, including infrastructure, logistics, mining, autos and ports, according to its web site. It also has footprints in countries including the US, Germany, Japan and Singapore. The trader ranked 132 in 2018’s Fortune Global 500 list, higher than many other conglomerates, including service carrier China Telecommunications Corp. and financial titan Citic Group Corp. It had an annual revenue of $66.6 billion, profits of about $122 million, assets worth $38.3 billion and more than 17,000 employees as of 2017, according to Fortune’s web site. The firm is neither listed on any stock exchange nor rated by the top 3 international ratings companies.

Financial difficulties

TEWOO Group’s financial difficulties came to the fore in April when it sought debt extension from its lenders and sold copper below market rates amid a cash crunch. That month, Fitch Ratings slashed the company’s credit score by six notches in one go to B- to reflect its weak liquidity and higher-than-expected leverage. The company has proposed an exchange/tender offer on three dollar bonds due

to mature over the next three years, as well as a perpetual note. It is the first distressed plan of its kind from a stateowned firm. Tewoo Group is very likely to default on its $300-million dollar bond due December 16, one of the notes included in the plan, according to buy-side sources citing the company’s offshore debt manager. Bondholders have just over two weeks to decide between either taking as much as 64 percent in losses or accepting delayed repayment with sharply reduced coupons on $1.25 billion of dollar bonds.

Lacking protection

THE proposal comes after Tewoo Group said last week it was unable to repay interest on a $500-million bond, prompting Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Ltd. to transfer $7.875 million to bondholders on its behalf. ICBC provided a standby letter of credit on the note—effectively a pledge to repay if the borrower can’t. The firm’s remaining $1.6 billion of dollar bonds lack such protection. Tewoo Group’s units have previously missed local debt payments—Tianjin Hopetone Co. missed a coupon payment on its 1.21-billion yuan note in July, while Tianjin Haoying Industry and Trade Co. missed paying loan interest due in June. Earlier this month, Tianjin state-owned Capital Investment and Management Co., an entity wholly owned by the Tianjin municipal government, was appointed to manage the company’s offshore debt. The entity has no plan to hold controlling stakes in Tewoo Group, according to buy-side sources citing an investor call on Monday. Tewoo Group said it plans to take a series of debt management measures. Bloomberg News

by the BOC, which is genetically prone to smuggling with oil products perennially constituting the biggest smuggled good in the country.”

Oversight

SALCEDA said his committee will convene and wield its oversight functions to further look revenue efforts of the government.

“We will ask and we will know from the BOC oversight meeting tomorrow whether the BIR alibi is excusable,” he said. Likewise, Salceda said the committee has requested the BIR to furnish them a breakdown of revenue collection per tax type as compared to the specific target set by the DBCC. Further, he added the committee

has also asked the BIR to report on the impact of the Train law on the collection from individual income tax given the P250,000 exemption in the law, the collection on the excise tax of sweetened beverages and the expansion of the tax base. Salceda said the committee also asked the BIR, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, to

find ways to monitor the composition of sweetened beverages as this directly affects tax collection. “The committee requested the BIR to disaggregate its collection data to trace the revenue gain due to tax administration reform initiatives,” he added. “The BIR was also asked to include similar success indicators in the finalization of its digitization road map.”

BusinessMirror

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NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP) Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s. Name and Address of Company/Employer

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019 A7

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LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YULEI LI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 113 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIHUI DONG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QINGYUN FANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 114 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAIJUN YU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FEIFEI PAN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 115 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LINHUI XIE/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BIYOU LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 116 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KAI LIN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YADONG HE/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 117 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WEI CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENZHI ZENG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 118 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIANG XU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANCHENG ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 119 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JIANJUN LI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MINGHUI ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 120 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZELIANG YU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. WENJIE TANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 121 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOHU FENG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JINJIAN FU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 122 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. BO ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANG YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 123 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANYU ZHOU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

BusinessMirror

A8 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Name and Address of Company/Employer

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 124 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUHONG HUANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. SHAOHAI XU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 125 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 154 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. MAOXIONG TAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MS. YU SUN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 126 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 155 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QIANJIN QIN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. WEI HUA/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 127 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 156 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LEI WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. WENJIE LI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 128 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 157 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. YANFENG ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. ZHIHONG MAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 129 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 158 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. JISHENG WU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. NING ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 130 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 159 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. FENGCHUAN ZOU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. DENGQIANG QIN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 131 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 160 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHENGFENG ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MS. ZHAOYUAN WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 132 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 161 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KAIKAI ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. KUN OUYANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 133 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 162 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. HAITAO LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. YANLI OU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 134 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 163 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHENGHUAN WEI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. HUAPING LIANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 135 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 164 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOBO HU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MS. XUEDAN ZHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 136 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 165 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LIANHONG DU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MS. MENGXIA ZHOU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 137 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 166 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. SHUAISHUAI QIAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. YANBIN CUI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 138 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 167 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. DAIMIAO HE/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MS. HONGSHUANG WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 139 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 168 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. MIN DU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. HARTONO / Indonesian

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 140 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 169 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. LEI WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. YICHAO WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 141 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 170 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. XIAOHUANG XU/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. ZHAOHUA XING/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 142 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 171 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CUNCUN XUE/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

88 HOT SPRING RESORT INC. 172 Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna

MR. DUCKHYUN NAM / Korean

Web Developer

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 143 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHONGLIANG LI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

MR. TAKASHI HORI / Japanese

Plant Manager

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 144 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. QUANQIANG ZHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 145 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. KE XIAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 146 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RONGFEN CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 147 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZIYUAN ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 148 SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TRAN VAN NGHI/ Vietnamese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 149 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MS. XUEMEI ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 150 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. CHENGXIN PAN/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. 151 Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. TAO ZHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 152 SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. ZHIWEI ZHANG / Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

LANCE EXPERT TECHNOLOGY 153 SOLUTIONS, INC. Brgy. San Francisco, Biñan City, Laguna

MR. RAN LI/ Chinese

Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

173

SENJU SOLDER (PHILS.), INC. CEZ, Rosario, Cavite

NAIGAI GOMU PHILIPPINES 174 CORPORATION FPIP-SEZ, Santo Tomas, Batangas

MR. TAKATOSHI ISHII / Japanese

Sr. Vice President

175

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. CHAO ZANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

176

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YONG SHI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

177

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SIHAO SHI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

178

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. CANJIE HAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

179

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XIAOFENG DING/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

180

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. CAIHONG WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

181

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. LIHUA MO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

182

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. QIAOMEI LUO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

183

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SENFEI ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

184

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. DAN WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

185

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHONGQING CAI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

186

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JI LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

187

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. RUILIANG LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

188

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. LUONG VAN BAC/ Vietnamese

189

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. DIANSHUANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Chinese Customer Service Representative

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

Name and Address of Company/Employer

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 A9

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Brief Description of Functions

190

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WENZHENG XIE/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

238

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. BRIAN TAN KIAN HOW/ Malaysian

191

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. HUANHUAN HU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

239

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHICHENG LIAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

192

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YINGBO HUANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

240

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WEIWEI ZHOU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

193

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YANAN CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

241

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. SHANSHAN CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

194

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JIAQI ZHU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

242

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. GUANG CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

195

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHOUFEI MU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

243

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZAW MOE HTOO/ Burmese

196

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHONGYUAN SU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

244

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHUANG MA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

197

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JACKY CHOW YEE FUNG/ Malaysian

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

245

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JINXIN ZHU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

198

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YU WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

246

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JINLONG XIA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

199

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XUEHANG YU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

247

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHIHAO ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

200

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JI CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

248

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. RUI LONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

201

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. HAITAO YU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

249

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. CHUANGWEN YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

202

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. JIAYANG ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

250

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XIONG YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

203

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. QIUCHEN PAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

251

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. NAN XI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

204

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YAN ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

252

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. SHILIN HONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

205

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. QUANZE LIANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

253

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. TING QIAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

206

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. PEI HAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

254

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YUNHAI MA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

207

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JILE WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

255

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. BOYU CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

208

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. QINGBO YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

256

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YIFAN YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

209

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XIANGHUI GU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

257

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. FENG CHENG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

210

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WENTING LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

258

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHIMING CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

211

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. LIANRUI YU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

259

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YANHONG LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

212

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JUNSHAN BI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

260

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. DONGMING WU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

213

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. BINMING ZHONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

261

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHOUYUE LIN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

214

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XIAODI CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

262

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. YANJUN ZHOU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

215

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. DELI KONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

263

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. TIANTIAN ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

216

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. CHENGWU YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

264

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. KANGPING XU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

217

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YUNDONG ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

265

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. BO GAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

218

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZENGJIANG WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

266

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZHIPENG SONG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

219

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. HAIZHEN ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

267

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. TING LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

220

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WENLEI MA/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

268

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. HANDAN ZHAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

221

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JIAN TAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

269

MR. KYAW SOE NYUNT/ Burmese

MR. YONGCHAO YAN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

222

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WEIHONG CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

270

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. PAN YANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 224 Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. HONGFU CHEN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

271

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. ZHISHI JIANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

225

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. JUNCHENG LIN/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

272

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. QIHAO LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

226

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. LIN ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

273

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MS. ZHENZHEN XU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

227

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. XINTIE DIAO/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

274

MS. SHUJUAN LIU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MR. WEI WANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

228

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

229

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YUWEI LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

275

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. BAO LU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

MR. BINBIN CAI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

276

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WEI FENG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

277

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YUGUO ZHANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

223

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 230 Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

231

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. WEIMING LIANG/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

232

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. YING LI/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at the DOLE Regional Office within 30 days from the date of publication.

233

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Brgy. Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

MR. ZUNSONG XU/ Chinese

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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A10 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Rice farmers need more than promises

he Philippines was on track to hit, or even surpass, the import volume of 3 million metric tons projected by the United States Department of Agriculture, based on the latest government data. As of October, government data indicated that shipments had already reached 2.99 MMT. Following the release of these figures, the BusinessMirror reported that rice planters had lost P61.77 billion due to the decline in the farm-gate price of rice (See, “Planters lose P61.77B due to rice price drop,” in the BusinessMirror, November 15, 2019). Immediately after the BusinessMirror reported the losses incurred by rice planters, the President apologized to farmers and promised them that help is on the way. To remedy the situation, Duterte ordered concerned government agencies to stop the importation of rice. He also told officials to buy all the palay of local planters. Farmers’ groups earlier warned about the influx of cheap rice imports following the implementation of Republic Act 11203, or the rice trade liberalization law. Some experts also urged the government to put in place safety nets that will cushion the impact of RA 11203 on the local rice sector. Recent developments have shown that the sector was illprepared for competition with farmers from other countries who can produce rice cheaply. Until now, many affected farmers have yet to receive the interventions that should have been bankrolled by the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund mandated by RA 11203. This may be due to the fact that the Philippine Rice Industry Roadmap (PRIR), which will guide the government’s programs, particularly those funded by the RCEF, has not yet been completed. It also did not help that officials had bickered over the nature of the P5 billion initially released by the Department of Budget and Management, and the source of the other P5 billion. The RCEF is supposed to consist of tariffs collected from importers, but government agreed to front-load the money. Under RA 11203, concerned government agencies were given a maximum of 180 days to “formulate and adopt” the rice industry road map. Following this provision, the agencies should have released the document in September. The PRIR is seen as a crucial instrument that will help farmers transition to a liberalized trade regime, but the government is not yet ready to unveil it. The paper prepared by the Philippine Rice Research Institute warned that the losses incurred by rice planters will reach P130 billion if the farm-gate price of the staple continues to decline. Also, farmers may be discouraged from planting rice as it is no longer profitable. Sans a viable plan to transition them to planting other cash crops and to ensure that the current level of rice production is maintained, the country will eventually have to rely on imports. The race to make good on its commitment to the World Trade Organization may have made it difficult for the government to immediately put in place safety nets to shield local producers from the impact of RA 11203. Unfortunately, an apology and pronouncements of banning imports will not help prevent the freefall of farm-gate prices and the exit of farmers from the rice sector. The key to ensuring that farmers will continue planting the staple is their access to credit. Without this, farmers may be left with no choice but to abandon their rice lands. Since 2005

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A good day for OFWs Susan V. Ople

Scribbles

N life, there will always be good days and bad days. The second day of this week turned out to be a very good day for our overseas Filipino workers and for genuine advocates of migrant workers’ rights. Yesterday (November 26), the House of Representatives through the joint hearing of the committee on reorganization and OFW affairs approved a consolidated bill detailing the powers, structures and functions of a new department for overseas Filipinos especially our OFWs.

Commendations are in order for Representatives Marvey Marino (Fifth District, Batangas) and Raymond Mendoza of the TUCP Partylist for chairing the joint hearing, as well Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Eric Pineda for their handling of the technical working group. The reasonable and timely amendments offered by Deputy Speaker LRay Villafuerte with the full support of OFW Family Party-list Rep. Bobby Pacquiao led to a sober and logical resolution of pending issues and concerns. The guiding hand of former Foreign Affairs Secretary and now House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano can be felt all throughout the discussions. To be fair and grateful, the technical working group led by Representative Salceda paved the way for an in-depth appreciation of what ought to be included and what can be deleted in previous versions. Contentious provisions involving insurance schemes were deleted. The decision to focus solely on the structure of the department accel-

erated the approval process. The House leadership has made sure that the consolidated version focused more and solely on the protection of our citizens abroad particularly those in dire need of government support and protection: our OFWs. The Philippines has always been considered in the international community as a role model in safe and orderly migration. This will be further reinforced with the enactment of the House committee report creating this OFW department. Our country will be the first among all nations to include a definition of ethical recruitment in our laws. We shall also be the first among UN member-states to include the 23 objectives under the UN Global Compact on Safe and Orderly Migration in the proposed law’s Declaration of Principles. As approved by the members of the joint committee, the proposed department shall be named, “Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment.” It will have at least five undersecretaries, and

regional offices that would become combination of current regional offices of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). What happens to services onsite in countries where our citizens are? As approved by the joint committee, this new provision has been added: “The Department shall immediately establish the career Assistance-to-Nationals [ATN] corps similar to the foreign service corps and the foreign trade representatives corps. The hiring and selection, continuous training and education, merit promotion system, and rotation system for deployment and recall shall also be established by the Department, in accordance with existing Civil Service Rules and Regulations.” The ATN unit of the Post shall be the foreign office of the Department of Overseas Filipinos in all embassies and consulates. This unit shall absorb all the powers and functions of the labor attaché, welfare attaché, and social welfare attaché. Who will head the ATN unit overseas? It will be up to the Secretary to appoint the ATN unit head who will then bear the rank of Consul. Pending such appointments, the current ATN Foreign Service Officer of the Post shall be the interim head of the ATN unit. Which of the existing agencies will be joining the new department? Based on joint committee deliberations, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will be retained as an attached agency to the new department. This will ensure that its P19.4-billion trust fund shall remain intact and under the governance of a Board of Trustees. The proposed

Gene editing might alter our DNA. It might destroy our humanity, too Mark Buchanan

BLOOMBERG VIEW

iologists recently revealed a new form of the gene-editing tool known as Crispr that allows researchers to make precise changes to almost any element of DNA, permanently altering cellular biochemistry. It could help treat tens of thousands of diseases linked to variations in a single gene and lead to the creation of better antibiotics. The latest development, called prime editing, is more accurate than older Crispr methods, which sometimes alter genomic DNA in the wrong places. The new method

will be a boon to the least contentious kind of gene editing—gene therapy—which introduces genetic changes only within the body’s somatic or nonreproductive cells. One

such method is already in clinical trials to treat Huntington’s disease, in which a genetic mutation leads to production of an abnormal protein in brain cells. As gene-editing technology races ahead, scientists are agonizing over ethical issues. How, for example, can they ensure that treatments don’t cause more problems than they fix? Some genetic variants that seem clearly beneficial—lowering the risk of heart disease, for example— could have other harmful effects we don’t yet know about. A far bigger concern is the prospect of editing germ-line cells, so that altered DNA gets passed on to future generations, forever changing our collective human genome. Many things can go wrong in gene therapy, but bioethicists wor-

House consolidated bill also states that the OWWA Fund cannot be used for non-members. What happens to the POEA? The POEA, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, as well as other relevant offices shall be subsumed in the department. All regional offices will maintain offices and functions that are relevant to the work of the current POEA. This will eliminate the need for prospective OFWs from distant provinces to travel all the way to Metro Manila to jump-start their application process. Interesting enough, the House version carries a sunset provision for the department it seeks to create: “Ten years from the creation of this Department, the Congressional Oversight Committee may choose to abolish the Department should circumstances prove that there is no more need for its existence. The relevance and practicality of maintaining the Department shall be reviewed every five years after the 10-year mandatory review.” Members of Congress should be lining up to support this new measure, which when passed, shall make President Duterte’s campaign promise to our OFWs a reality. Having a new department for overseas Filipinos and foreign employment will give our modern-day heroes an institution to call their own. Like I said, it was a very good day indeed for those who genuinely love our OFWs. Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues. She also represents the OFW sector in the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking.

ry more about the possibilities of editing germ-line cells, sperm or eggs, as modified genes will then be passed on to future generations. Some benefits could be amazing: We might, for example, solve the problem of AIDS by making a rare mutation conferring innate resistance to HIV infection far more common in the human gene pool. Such potential, many biologists think, makes this kind of gene editing almost inevitable. One biologist recently argued that we should begin experimenting as quickly as possible, despite the risks. We should be hypercautious and learn from what has happened with other technologies. Facebook seemed like a benign platform for connecting friends and family, See “Buchanan,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Chinese spies spook democracies from US to Europe to Australia Jason Scott

BLOOMBERG VIEW

pying, meddling and even torture allegations are riling China’s relations with some of the world’s top democracies just as Beijing seeks to convince nations that its 5G technology can be trusted. In Australia, it was reported on Sunday that China offered a Melbourne-based car dealer a bribe to run as a parliamentary candidate before he was found dead in March. The previous day, media reports in selected Australian outlets said that a man who spied for China in Hong Kong and Taiwan offered intelligence information to Australia and wanted political asylum. On Monday, just hours after China’s Foreign Ministry described the defector’s claims in Australia as “bizarre,” Xuehua “Ed” Peng—who became a naturalized American citizen in 2012—pleaded guilty to a US criminal charge of spying for Beijing’s security service. And last week, the UK accused China of torturing a former employee of its consulate in Hong Kong while seeking information about whether the British government was supporting pro-democracy protests. The incidents play into fears that China is becoming bolder in undermining democracies under President Xi Jinping, one of the country’s most powerful leaders in decades. While Beijing has consistently denied the claims made in Australia and elsewhere, the suspicions threaten to impact trade relations and the operations of tech giant Huawei Technologies Co.

‘Out and proud’

“The Chinese Communist Party doesn’t want democratic governments to be viable,” said Michael Shoebridge, a former intelligence official in Australia who is now a director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “The way the Chinese are operating under Xi shows they are becoming ‘out and proud’ in their attempts to infiltrate democracies.” Beijing’s more assertive foreign agenda prompted four of the largest democracies in the Indo-Pacific region—the US, Japan, India and Australia—to this year elevate socalled Quad talks to ministerial level. They plan to present a united front on regional security issues, a move that Beijing has complained could stoke a new Cold War. The US has also sought to convince nations around the globe to avoid Huawei for its 5G networks, arguing that China wasn’t a reliable partner. Last month, Germany’s spy chief said that Huawei “can’t fully be trusted” to participate in its 5G network due to its “very high level of dependence on the Communist Party and the country’s intelligence apparatus.” Last weekend, newspapers including The Age said an alleged spy, Wang Liqiang, sought asylum in Australia. He had offered secret information including the identities of China’s senior military intelligence officers in Hong Kong, as well as details on political interference operations in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia, the report said.

‘Bizarre’

Wang said he was personally involved in the 2015 kidnapping and abduction of Hong Kong bookseller Lee Bo to the Chinese mainland, and operated undercover in the city as a businessman for a company that was a front for Chinese intelligence agencies, it said. China has said the man is a fugitive found guilty of fraud. Then on Sunday the Nine Network reported that suspected

Beijing’s assertive foreign agenda prompted four of the largest democracies in the Indo-Pacific region—the US, Japan, India and Australia—to elevate so-called Quad talks to ministerial level. They plan to present a united front on regional security issues, a move that Beijing has complained could stoke a new Cold War. Chinese operatives had offered A$1 million ($690,000) to a luxury car dealer, Bo “Nick” Zhao, to run as a candidate for a parliamentary seat in Melbourne. Zhao, 32, approached the Australian Security Intelligence Organization with the claims and was later found dead in a Melbourne hotel room, it reported. That report was also denied by China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang in Beijing on Monday. “No matter how bizarre the plot is and how their tricks are refurbished, lies are always lies,” Geng told reporters. “We have never been and are not interested in interfering in others’ affairs.” Gao Zhikai, a former Chinese diplomat and interpreter for ex-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, said in an interview that few countries could claim innocence when it comes to spying games.

‘Until mankind disappears’

“Espionage started from the beginning of history and will continue until mankind disappears from the world,” Gao said. “Everyone needs to be vigilant and every country needs to protect its own secrets as much as it can. But to accuse another country of espionage as if it itself is an angel is a fallacy no one should believe in.” Indeed, the US has its own spies. The government said on Monday it uncovered the Californian spy’s identity through a double-agent operation in China that started in March 2015. According to prosecutors, Peng, 56, worked as a guide for Chinese tourists in the San Francisco area. Peng was snared in a sting operation in which he allegedly hid envelopes with $10,000 to $20,000 in cash in hotel rooms and returned later to pick up memory cards containing classified security information that had been planted by US agents. He would later fly to China with the cards to deliver them to his handlers at the Ministry of State Security, prosecutors alleged. Prosecutors are recommending a four-year prison sentence under the plea deal. At least three former US intelligence officers have been convicted in recent years of spying for China. Last year, the Justice Department launched a China initiative targeting trade-secret theft, hacking and economic espionage. China’s denials about spying are to be expected, according to Shoebridge from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “Like President Vladimir Putin in Russia, China is using deniability as a cover,” he said. “The louder that they deny it, the more they’re pointing to the fact that they’re probably doing it.” With assistance from Peter Martin and Robert Burnson

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 A11

Markets are tempted to renew pressure on the Fed Mohamed A. El-Erian

BLOOMBERG VIEW

he markets and the Federal Reserve have been engaged in a peculiar dance over the last year, with a large initial misalignment over the two parties’ interest-rate expectations having given way to a truce that could now be put at risk due to increasing market pressure on the central bank to cut rates. The evidence for growing market discomfort with a Fed on hold includes, but isn’t limited to: n Yields on US government bonds have continued to drift lower, with 10-year Treasury yields trading on Monday more than 20 basis points below their mid-August high; n The yield gap between twoand 10-year Treasuries has flattened for nine days in a row, narrowing to 14 basis points, compared to the recent high of 27 basis just two weeks ago; and n Yields on five-year Treasuries once again dipped below those on two-year US notes. On the one hand, this mounting market pressure has been very gradual, especially when compared to previous episodes, so the

significance may not be the same. And yet, it’s notable that these market moves have occurred despite Fed actions resulting in a significant step-up in liquidity, including purchases of Treasury bills and steps to stabilize the repo market that have made exceptional cash levels available to banks. It’s also confounding that the flattening in the Treasury yield curve—typically a sign of market expectations for a slowdown or contraction, as well as an equity selloff—has occurred in the context of favorable market and economic developments. US stocks recorded yet another all-time high on Monday, adding to a rally that has seen the S&P 500 Index gain 9 percent in its current leg up that started at the beginning

The last thing the Fed, or any central bank, wants is to be placed in a lose-lose situation: that is, either accommodating markets by cutting rates even though the economy neither needs it nor is likely to benefit from it; or resisting market pressures and risking a stock market sell-off that could have adverse spill-backs onto the real economy.

of last month. The credit markets have also been well-behaved, with the exception of the lowest-quality segment of high yield, where spread widening has been widely attributed to narrow and specific company and segment drivers. And the last few weeks have seen further partial indications that economic conditions in Europe may be bottoming, including Monday’s third successive monthly improvement in the Ifo measure of business confidence in Germany, the region’s economic powerhouse. This adds to the feel-good economic factors associated with the continued strength of the US labor market, the easing of trade tensions between China and the US, and a solid quarterly earnings season.

Such competing impulses highlight the contrast that has been building up between supportive short-term economic and market dynamics, and the much more uncertain medium-term prospects that go well beyond the still-fragile global economy and the significant further decoupling of asset prices from underlying fundamentals. Without greater clarity on this basic contrast, the challenge for investors continues to be how best to maintain a claim on the short-term upside while increasing portfolio resilience to navigate well the longerterm uncertainties. As best as I can see, this involves the gradual portfolio tweaks that I discussed before— such as moving up in quality—and whose relevance has been amplified by recent market and economic developments. As for the Fed, I suspect officials there are hoping that markets will refrain from again placing undue pressure on them for further cuts. The last thing the Fed, or any central bank, wants is to be placed in a loselose situation: that is, either accommodating markets by cutting rates even though the economy neither needs it nor is likely to benefit from it; or resisting market pressures and risking a stock market sell-off that could have adverse spill-backs onto the real economy.

Tim Berners-Lee invented the Web. Can he save it?

keep online discourse civil and fight for their rights. In short, all the bad practices should be abandoned and all the good ones promoted. The same governments and companies that have allowed the bad practices to proliferate now will behave differently, Twitter’s howling mobs will be shamed into silence and Facebook’s fake newstargeting machine will grind to a halt. Not going to happen. It’s not that Berners-Lee is naive. The Solid project shows he understands that the Web’s problems are caused by predatory business models based on the monetization of people’s personal data without their informed consent (and no, hitting a button to make an annoying pop-up go away isn’t that). The idea behind Solid is that every Web user should keep personal data in a secure place, and applications should merely access it for their purposes with the user’s permission instead of accumulating the data. This would make life easier both for users and for app developers, who suddenly would be

free from the hassle of storing and manipulating all that data. But three years after the first version of Solid was released and a year after Berners-Lee launched a startup, Inrupt, to commercialize it, it’s still far from being a household name. There aren’t nearly enough apps built for the platform for anyone but a small group of enthusiasts to bother with trying to understand how it all works, and popular web sites still invite users to log in using Google or Facebook rather than a Solid POD, or personal online data store. Eich’s project tackles the dataharvesting problem from a different angle. Brave, Eich’s Web browser, doesn’t transmit everyone’s Internet usage data to its parent company the way Google’s Chrome does. What it does instead is allow users to sign up for blockchain-based “basic attention tokens,” which are rewards for viewing ads. The tokens can be used to pay for eligible services. This takes care of the consent and adpersonalization issues: I use Brave on my smartphone and see only those ads that can’t be kept out by its ad blocker, but if I chose to, I could opt into viewing more of them and get paid, sort of.

Eich’s project has made a bit more progress than Solid. The browser, according to its creators, has 8 million monthly active users and some 37,000 “content creators” who accept the tokens. The biggest of these is Wikipedia, and some major media outlets, such as the Washington Post and The Guardian are on the list. But it still doesn’t make much sense for users to sign up, unless they like the adult service Xhamster, which has the second-highest traffic rank after Wikipedia among Brave partners. There’s not enough useful content that can be bought for the tokens. And, of course, a number of other browsers have far more users than Brave. Inrupt’s and Brave’s attempts to reinvent how the Web works would take off in a big way if Internet giants, such as Google, Facebook and Twitter embraced them, agreeing to reinvent their business models to make them less harmful. Neither Berners-Lee nor Eich expects them to do that, of course, but the limited progress they have made show how late in the game they’ve come up with their fixes for what’s wrong with today’s Internet. I wouldn’t go so far as to call their efforts quixotic: These are great ideas, and they have enough followers to keep them alive if not to take over the world. But both Berners-Lee and Eich are Davids facing a number of corporate Goliaths who are good at batting away all kinds of stones. When it comes to generically civicspirited documents, the Goliaths are always happy to sign up. Hold on, though: Amazon wasn’t among the signatories at the time of this writing. Perhaps, it simply doesn’t want to appear hypocritical.

intelligence, beauty and physical endurance, even though these depend on many genes, not just one. This could forever change the relationship between parents and their children, who might become more like manufactured products, their character shaped entirely by parental choice, subject to pressures of fashion and marketing. The best such technology won’t be cheap, and it would likely increase the gap between haves and have-nots. The biggest risks are simply ignored in the naive cost-benefit analyses of those pushing for experimentation. For example, one can imagine a threat to the generational continuity that holds humanity together as a community of individuals with shared experiences. As Bill McKibben notes in his recent book Falter, the power of gene

editing technology may well advance in an ever-accelerating fashion, much as computing technology has. If so, the power and precision of genetic design could improve much as today’s mobile phones do, the best technology becoming obsolete every few years. The joy of being a superintelligent eldest child would turn to the nightmare of being positively dumb compared to a sibling just two years younger, who would, in turn, be considered feeble-minded by a still younger child. This is the threat posed by technology that is capable of rapidly changing the human genome. For the entire history of mankind, the very slow pace of genetic evolution kept different generations more or less comparable. Language aside, anyone today could talk to Plato or a Chinese farmer in the fourth-

century BC and share the experience of being similarly human. Crispr-like technologies used without caution could end all that, splintering our species apart by making parents and children, brothers and sisters, profoundly different. Biologists are right to express grave concerns over the future of the technology. Gene editing may be useful for treating some special diseases. But if we really care about humanity flourishing, we should aim to create an environment for people with all kinds of genomes. That means investing in the usual public goods, such as education, housing and public health. That sounds boring, and isn’t, the bioethicists note, “as sexy or profitable” as the newest DNA-altering technology, but it might have better consequences for everyone.

Leonid Bershidsky

BLOOMBERG

acebook Inc., Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Microsoft Corp., Twitter Inc.—they all endorsed the “Contract for the Web,” a document that Tim Berners-Lee, the man credited with inventing the World Wide Web, hopes will make sure the Internet doesn’t spawn a dystopia of unequal access, zero privacy and manipulated information. Those endorsements are enough to dismiss Berners-Lee’s action plan as so much idealistic blather. I’ll believe in the tech giants’ good intentions when they sign on to the Web inventor’s other project, Solid, designed to give users full control over their personal data. Or if they adopt the business model proposed by another Web pioneer, Brendan Eich, the creator of the JavaScript programming language. The contract is the product of a campaign to save the Web that Berners-Lee launched a year ago. Some 80 organizations worked on its nine principles, calling for action on the part of governments, corporations and ordinary users. Nations are supposed to make sure everyone has access to modern infrastructure and the necessary skills to use the Internet; that content and privacy regulations uphold human rights; and that healthy competition exists. Companies are supposed to keep services affordable, respect privacy and promote open-source technology. Users have a responsibility to

Buchanan. . . continued from A10

but it has morphed unpredictably into an engine of extremism and a threat to democracy. In a similar way, bioethicists warn, the biggest risks from Crispr and other gene-editing techniques won’t be unfortunate physical side effects, but cultural risks of another kind entirely, as the technology could irreversibly alter our experience of being human. The risks are staggering, and probably beyond our capacity even to imagine. Bioethicists consider a few in a new collection of essays, “Human Flourishing in an Age of Gene Editing.” As science advances, biologists may well learn how to use gene editing to improve traits like

It’s not that Berners-Lee is naive. The Solid project shows he understands that the Web’s problems are caused by predatory business models based on the monetization of people’s personal data without their informed consent (and no, hitting a button to make an annoying pop-up go away isn’t that).

A12 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

SC tells Aussie firm: Return PCSO’s ₧707M

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has directed an Australian-based firm to return P707.2 million representing the assets, properties and monies of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) that were earlier ordered garnished by a trial court to pay for thermal papers and bet slips manufactured by the former for lotto operations in the country. In a 33-page decision penned by Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., the SC’s Third Division also

reversed and set aside the decision issued on March 27, 2014, by the Court of Appeals (CA) which up-

held three orders—dated May 13, 2011, September 4, 2013, and November 6, 2013—of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Makati City. These had prevented the PCSO from implementing its decision to cancel the P4.4-billion Contractual Joint Venture Agreement (CJVA) it entered into with TMA Australia PTY Ltd. and its local subsidiary TMA Group Philippines Inc. on December 4, 2009. The SC held that the orders of the Makati RTC are “void and of no force and effect.” The agreement was for establishing the first thermal coating plant in the country, primarily for export sales, with the balance production for the local market and the PCSO requirements. See “PCSO,” A2

Senate OKs ’19 budget extension By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

HE Senate on Tuesday unanimously voted on final reading to adopt House Bill 5437 “extending” the availability of the 2019 Appropriations until December 31, 2020. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, finance committee chairman, said the passage of the enabling House

bill extends the validity of the current budget to enable government agencies to extend assistance in relief efforts for victims of recent calamities. Angara added that approval of the remedial legislation will “ensure availability” of over P12 billion from the Calamity Fund and other quick-response funds in various agencies. “Through this measure we would

NORTHEAST MONSOON AFFECTING EASTERN SECTION OF LUZON INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE (ITCZ) AFFECTING VISAYAS AND PALAWAN as of 4:00 pm - November 26, 2019

be extending a big helping hand to the Executive branch which has had to operate during the first few months of this year on a reenacted budget and the rest under pressure to spend up to P3.687 trillion of total available appropriations in a span of seven to eight months approximately amid the election ban on government projects this year,” he said. See “Budget,” A2

DIGITAL INNOVATION The Villar Group, represented by Manuel B. Villar (center) and Paolo A. Villar (left), formally inks a memorandum of understanding with Multisys Technologies Corp., a leading software solutions company, represented by David L. Almirol Jr., to deliver gamechanging solutions that will benefit its consumers. The digital innovation initiative of the group is meant to drive growth, create opportunities, transform its businesses into a highly efficient, customer-focused enterprise and streamline its processes. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

‘Property valuation reform is unconstitutional’

SENIOR lawmaker on Tuesday said the passage of the measure instituting reforms in the country’s real-property valuation is unconstitutional. In an interview with DWIZ’s Karambola, Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said the provision of the 1987 Constitution on local autonomy is very clear. “Local autonomy, as enshrined in the Constitution is very clear: the power to evaluate, assess, tax, keep the taxes of real estate to the local government. But we have passed a bill removing the powers to evaluate properties, giving it to the Department of Finance,” he said. Atienza claimed the House has approved the biggest “road block” to the nation’s progress. On Monday, the House approved on third and final reading House Bill 4664 or real property valuation reform bill, which provides for Package 3 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). “They said this is a tax reform bill. This is not tax reform. It’s nothing but a centralization of power! It’s all about power and with that goes corruption. Don’t tell me that elected officials are more corrupt than appointed officials?,” he said. In explaning his negative vote for the passage of the bill, Atienza said he voted “no” because this is against the constitutional guarantee of local autonomy. “Local autonomy means independence of decision and the sole power to plan the development of a city, municipality, province are all in the hands of the locally elected officials. We have given it away—that particular power —and gave it to the “technocrats” who will lord it over our country, he said. The “biggest setback in the country’s development was during martial law, when the technocrats were in power, and the elected officials did not have anything to say,” added Atienza, who was one of a handful of opposition politicians who were elected to the 1984 Interim Batansa controlled by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. “And I will be happy...to face myself in the mirror that I voted no [to] this measure and I will bring this issue to the people, and even bring this issue to the Supreme Court to prove that this is an unconstitutional measure that passed Congress” on Monday, he said. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Luzon grid. . . Continued from A1

a total of 1,716 megawatts (MW) that were unavailable to the grid. Moreover, there are seven power plants—with a capacity of 2,176 MW—that are still on planned outage. These are the coal plants of TeaM Energy Corp., Pagbilao Energy Inc., Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. and SEM-Calaca Power Corp. The hydropower plant of CBK Power Ltd., the geothermal power plant of AP Renewables Inc. and

PHL RED CROSS GIVES POLIO DROPS TO 22K KIDS

TOTAL of 22,029 children in Metro Manila and Mindanao were vaccinated by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) at the start of the second round of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio for children ages zero to five years old from November 25 to December 7. The number of children represented more than a fifth of its target for this round. “Children, being the most vulnerable in our society, need utmost care and protection, especially when it comes to their health. PRC aims to have 100,000 children vaccinated against Polio,”said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. PRC’s target for the 12-day period is 100,000 children, an average of 8,000 to 9,000 per day for both Metro Manila and Mindanao. Of the 22,029 vaccinated on the first day, 11,290 were from Metro Manila. A total of 1,113 volunteers and 73 staff were mobilized for this project: 633 volunteers in Metro Manila and 480 volunteers in Mindanao. These volunteers and staff were vaccinators divided into teams composed of a team leader, vaccinator, recorder and health educator. The PRC, through its vaccination teams, will ensure that eligible children get their patak, and the mother correctly understands the

vaccine that their child gets. Likewise, parents and guardians were also given orientation on health and hygiene, and the importance of adhering to all government-required child vaccinations. Under the program, children aged zero to 59 months old should receive oral poliomyelitis (polio) vaccination to help them fight the virus that may lead to lifetime paralysis (from lower extremities and muscles to organs that control our breathing) and even death. Around 4.4 million children, five years old below, need to be vaccinated: 1.3 million in Metro Manila and 3.1 million in Mindanao. A total of 25 chapters (nine from NCR and 16 from Mindanao) participated in the second wave of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio. PRC vaccination teams were deployed to Quezon City, Pasay, Marikina, Manila, Caloocan, Pasig, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Bukidnon, General Santos City, Iligan City, Zamboanga City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to administer the oral vaccine.

Power facilities. . .

Continued from A1

even as the Senate inquiry looks into reports “that China may control and remotely shut down” the Philippines’s power transmission system. The senator stressed the “need to know for certain if our energy systems and infrastructure fully remain under Filipino control.” Authorities must also verify “if we have implemented technical safeguards needed to prevent foreign interference in or sabotage of our national electricity grid,” the senator said. Moreover, the Hontiveros Resolution cited reports that “foreign executives” said to be connected

with NGCP have been “hiring and deploying foreign drivers and engineers” in violation of the antidummy law and the 1987 Constitution which “requires executive and managing officers of public utilities like NGCP to be Filipino citizens.” Reports reaching the senator’s office also disclosed that only Chinese engineers were able to “troubleshoot, operate and control” the NGCP’s power transmission facilities due to “currently installed information and communication technology for the automatic and remote monitoring and control of said facilities.”

the combined-cycle plant of Panasia Energy Inc. are also on planned outage. Aside from the planned and unplanned outage incidents, some power plants did not deliver their full capacity. In all, 5,310 MW of capacity was shaved off from the Luzon grid. The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it has advised its ILP (Interruptible Load Program) participants to deload, if needed. “We are still waiting for ILP participants to give feedback today, but yesterday [Monday], 104 accounts

confirmed availability to deload, equivalent to a deloading capacity of 213 MW,” said Meralco utility economics Head Lawrence Fernandez on Tuesday. Last Monday, more than 4,500 MW was shaved off from the Luzon grid, also for the same reasons. A yellow alert is issued when operating reserves have dropped below the required 647 MW contingency in Luzon, or equivalent to the largest unit in Luzon, which is the 647-MW coal-fired power plant in Sual, Pangasinan. Lenie Lectura

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If you have any information / objection to the above mentioned application/s, please communicate with the Regional Director thru Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare (EPWW) Division with Telephone No. 400-6011.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

‘Grab not cheating passengers’

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

rab Philippines insisted on Tuesday that it never overcharged its users, contrary to a statement made by a lawmaker, who called on transport regulators to slap a P15-billion fine on the company. Last week the company was ordered by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to refund P5.05 million to its users for violating its commitments to regulate prices and improve service quality. Brian P. Cu, the company’s president, clarified that Grab “has no liability to pay any fine,” as it only collects fares within the matrix set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). On Monday, Party-list Rep. Jeri-

cho B. Nograles of Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta called out the transport regulator for not issuing a fine against Grab for supposedly “overcharging” users in the Philippines. He said Grab should be slapped with P15 billion in total fines, after its “direct admission of 3 million offenses.” “These statements are incorrect, misleading, irresponsible and will only hurt the morale of drivers who only want to make a decent living by

serving the riding public,” said Cu. The lawmaker based this statement on Grab’s apparent lack of legal initiatives to counter the P5million fine that the PCC ordered from Grab, after it found “standard deviations”—either up or down— in fare collections from February to May 2019. “We complied with our regulator but in the interest of showing good faith, we will comply with the PCC although clearly we could have filed a motion for reconsideration or appealed to a higher authority, which we did not since we want to focus on our business instead,” said Cu. He added that the penalties that are spelled out in a joint administrative order issued in 2014 “should not be confused with the penalty imposed by the PCC.” Cu noted that the fares collected during the period fares are within the matrix set by the LTFRB. PCC Chairman A rsenio M. Balisacan announced on Novem-

ber 18 the agency imposed a penalty of P23.45 million on Grab for breaching its price commitments. The fine is an accumulation of all of the firm’s violations during the three quarters of its undertaking, he explained. Of this total, Grab has to transmit to government coffers the sanctions for the first quarter and the second quarter, and return to its users the penalty for the third quarter. “To break this down, a fine of P11.3 million has been imposed for the first quarter, P7.1 million for the second quarter and P5.05 million for the third quarter. To kick off the refund system, the disgorgement mechanism shall be applied on the third-quarter fine, with Grab being ordered to refund P5.05 million to affected riders,” said Balisacan. Grab has to refund its passengers through their accounts in GrabPay— the app’s online wallet—within a period of 60 days from receipt of the order, the PCC chief said.

Meralco to emulate Taiwan’s power sector

aipei—The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), said here that there is a lot to learn from Taiwan’s power sector. So far, company officials said, the Philippines has already taken a step in the right direction. “We have pioneered the utilization of HELE [high efficiency, low emission] technology in

the Philippines and I think we are in the right direction because no less than Taiwan has the technology to power almost 40 percent of the country’s power requirement,” said MGen Vice President Litz Santana. MGen has recently switched on the P56.2billion power plant of San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. (SBPL), a partnership between MGen, with

a 51-percent stake, and New Growth BV, a whollyowned subsidiary of the Electricity Generating Public Co. of Thailand (Egco), the first independent power producer in Thailand. This is the country’s first 455-megawatt (MW) supercritical coal-fired power project located in Mauban, Quezon, utilizing a HELE coal technology, which can reduce carbon di-

oxide emissions and improve the efficiency of the power plant by producing more amount of energy with less coal. It was built by the consortium of South Korea’s Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd. and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. which are both experienced engineering, procurement and construction contractors with very strong track records. Lenie Lectura

Medical City operator fined for violating disclosure rules

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has penalized the company that currently operates The Medical City, saying the camp of current Chairman Jose Xavier Gonzales used a “surreptitious” takeover scheme to get control of the company. The SEC’s special hearing panel found Viva Healthcare Ltd., Viva Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd., Felicitas Antoinette Inc. (FAI) and Fountel Corp., now majority owners of Professional Services Inc. (PSI), liable for violating several sections of Securities Regulation Code (SRC), mainly on the disclosure of the beneficial ownership of the company and on tender offer rule. The Medical City, operated by PSI, is a company led by its longtime chief executive officer, former Health Secretary Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, until he was booted out in September last year by its new chairman of the board, Jose Xavier Gonzales. Gonzales is Bengzon’s nephew. Bengzon’s camp then filed a criminal complaint for estafa and other deceits against Gonzales and other directors representing Fountel and FAI, as well as those of Viva Holdings, Gonzales’s Singapore partner in The Medical City investment The SEC on September 6, 2018, resolved to create the hearing panel after the complaint of Bengzon’s camp. Viva Healthcare, Viva Holdings, FAI and Fountel managed to increase their collective shareholding to over 50 percent in PSI largely through

subscriptions during the company’s capital stock increases in November 2013, July 2014, August 2017 and October 2017, from 1 million to 2 million shares, the SEC said. They intended to acquire 35 percent or more of the equity shares in PSI as early as 2013. “However, the oneness of respondents, including their plan to acquire majority of the shares in PSI, was not communicated or could not be inferred during the BOD meetings, where increases in the company’s capital stock were discussed and approved,” the SEC said. “The law and rules clearly impose upon the person intending to acquire more than 35 percent of equity shares, the obligation to disclose its purpose/intent/plan,” the SEC’s panel said. For the violation of SRC’s Section 18 on the disclosure of the acquisition of at least 5 percent of a company, the SEC imposed the penalty of P1 million plus P2,000 for each day of continuing violation from August 1, 2013, up to the time that SEC Form 18-A is filed. While for Section 19 on tender offers, each respondent must pay P1 million plus P2,000 for each continuing violation, from July 31, 2013, to May 15, 2018, the SEC said. Bengzon, a founding shareholder of Medical City, was responsible for rescuing the institution from near bankruptcy in the 1970s, and building it up into one of the biggest health-care institutions in the Philippines. VG Cabuag

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

November 26, 2019

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

53.7 150 87 25 12.74 67.5 39.7 57.4 24.9 201.4 59.45 18.1 4.19 0.39 805 0.83 173.8 1806 1.06

53.9 150.2 88.4 25.2 12.96 67.6 39.75 58.5 25 202 59.55 18.5 4.33 0.4 812 0.85 174 1880 1.07

53.7 150 90.1 25.1 12.8 67.05 40 58.6 24.85 201 59 18 4.22 0.39 805 0.85 174 1806 1.07

53.7 154 90.7 25.3 12.96 67.5 40 58.6 24.85 202 59.55 18.1 4.35 0.4 805 0.85 174 1806 1.07

53.7 149.1 87 25 12.72 66.15 39.7 58.5 24.75 199 59 18 4.16 0.39 805 0.85 173.8 1806 1.06

53.7 150 87 25 12.96 67.5 39.75 58.5 24.8 202 59.05 18.1 4.33 0.4 805 0.85 173.8 1806 1.06

1000 10780970 10056970 141300 253600 6181820 136200 600 46900 1060000 910 100100 132000 60000 420 39000 2110 515 312000

53700 1618263531 881715691 3533535 3270502 415381430.5 5431850 35155 1163290 214002334 53829 1808740 554540 23700 338100 33150 366764 930090 333670

-244997898 -347944210 -907530 -432458 60274643.5 -1821740 -1091435 -18315 -16150 -40020 -

INDUSTRIAL

AC ENERGY ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER AGRINURTURE AXELUM BOGO MEDELLIN CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP PEPSI COLA SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA LMG CHEMICALS PRYCE CORP GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PANASONIC SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

2.59 1.22 33.75 0.232 23.4 76 319 18 4.67 10.86 32 8.7 13.8 3.66 89.2 15.2 5.35 8.8 7.21 85.5 0.57 40.5 184.1 8.1 12.1 1.32 11.16 2.01 5.46 0.119 151.6 1.15 68 67.85 2.32 14.9 10.3 13.7 17 9.11 1.02 0.98 2.03 5 4.95 1.96 7.8 1.38 5.24 0.96 5.38

2.6 1.29 34.45 0.239 23.55 76.1 322.8 18.48 4.72 11.06 32.5 8.8 13.96 3.67 101 15.3 5.4 8.87 7.22 86.95 0.58 40.95 186 8.81 12.14 1.36 11.2 2.04 5.47 0.12 152 1.16 71.15 69 2.33 14.92 10.32 14 17.08 9.55 1.06 0.99 2.07 5.15 5.15 1.97 7.9 1.4 5.69 1.01 5.4

2.44 1.23 35.55 0.242 23.5 75.95 320 18.34 4.6 10.82 32 8.31 14.16 3.73 89.1 15.2 5.35 8.87 7.22 87.6 0.58 40.5 186.6 8.75 12.08 1.28 11.28 2.05 5.47 0.124 151.2 1.17 67.5 69 2.36 15.02 10.32 13.82 17.14 9.55 1.02 0.99 2.07 5.05 4.95 1.96 7.9 1.4 5.22 1.03 5.23

2.61 1.29 36.45 0.242 23.95 76.05 325 18.46 4.72 11.06 32.5 9 14.18 3.73 101.6 15.4 5.35 8.88 7.22 89.35 0.58 41 190.5 8.81 12.1 1.37 11.28 2.06 5.47 0.124 154 1.17 71.15 69 2.36 15.02 10.36 14 17.14 9.55 1.08 0.99 2.07 5.05 4.95 2 8.02 1.41 5.22 1.03 5.6

2.39 1.23 33.75 0.23 23.1 75.95 313.2 18 4.6 10.82 31.9 8.31 13.5 3.66 89.1 15.18 5.35 8.78 7.21 85.05 0.56 40.05 184.1 8.75 12.02 1.28 11.16 2 5.47 0.119 150.8 1.15 67.5 69 2.28 14.92 10.3 13.7 16.9 9.55 1.01 0.98 2.02 5 4.95 1.95 7.8 1.4 5.22 0.96 5.21

2.6 1.29 33.75 0.239 23.4 76 319 18 4.72 11.06 32.5 8.7 14.14 3.67 101.6 15.2 5.35 8.8 7.22 86.95 0.58 40.5 184.1 8.81 12.1 1.36 11.16 2.04 5.47 0.119 152 1.16 71.15 69 2.32 14.92 10.32 14 17.08 9.55 1.08 0.98 2.02 5 4.95 1.96 7.8 1.41 5.22 0.96 5.4

5014000 3000 23524500 3120000 2248500 62920 793090 2287600 949000 19200 483400 959500 339500 771000 60 424000 1900 6249500 1233000 305610 252000 31500 2546200 3200 73300 5807000 135700 884000 30400 4990000 2434450 5261000 330 580 1026000 451500 222300 80100 1047200 6000 251000 1243000 23000 291000 2000 5732000 121600 2000 400 74000 954300

0.8 12.3 784.5 48.9 10.78 3.41 6.52 0.7 0.91 0.92 7.05 6.56 13 0.207 878 76.3 0.48 4.03 12.2 0.55 4.31 0.036 1.22 1091 157 0.8 2.25 213.2 0.214 0.217

0.81 12.46 785 48.95 10.82 3.42 6.89 0.72 0.93 0.94 7.08 6.59 13.38 0.225 881.5 77.5 0.485 4.07 12.5 0.57 4.32 0.037 1.27 1092 159 0.85 2.44 215 0.223 0.224

0.79 12.48 820 50.4 11.14 3.4 6.83 0.72 0.95 0.97 7.05 6.56 13.1 0.206 882 78.45 0.48 4.02 12.5 0.57 4.34 0.036 1.25 1070 156.9 0.85 2.25 213.2 0.214 0.218

0.81 12.5 824 51.2 11.28 3.46 6.9 0.72 0.95 0.97 7.11 6.85 13.38 0.206 882 78.45 0.495 4.05 12.58 0.57 4.38 0.036 1.25 1091 159 0.85 2.25 213.2 0.214 0.218

0.78 12.24 784.5 48.95 10.78 3.38 6.82 0.72 0.88 0.9 7.05 6.45 13 0.205 872 76.2 0.48 4.02 12.2 0.57 4.3 0.036 1.23 1069 155.1 0.85 2.25 213.2 0.214 0.216

0.8 12.5 784.5 48.95 10.78 3.42 6.89 0.72 0.91 0.94 7.08 6.56 13.38 0.205 878 76.3 0.485 4.03 12.2 0.57 4.31 0.036 1.25 1091 159 0.85 2.25 213.2 0.214 0.217

15397000 7400 1408530 26159200 305565500 632000 74500 25000 3673000 1851000 3329000 348635800 12200 400000 285090 8729780 270000 118000 1340600 1000 55884000 800000 130000 962620 88420 1000 5000 10 200000 90000

12616230 -209520 3750 797,804,860( 267,526,629.9999) 718890 -256150 52780830 -10686225 4781634 -611040 252770116 -23033446 41252314 -21676930 4460720 2904820 210150 15511700 4511365 8323136 4797486 -4542042 2846680 5846 6456280 6072116 10165 -3210 55042129 16972092.0004 8890726 -3681130 26623169.5 -12921828 142320 1274305 891665 471547970 -144673895 28128 884410 -34932 7714750 2871670 1519416 -1290572 1786150 26520 166288 597220 370132018 -21336070 6151390 1216800 23030.5 40020 2367900 -343970 6738854 -6355256 2291910 -533696 1115654 -605216 17877932 1855082 57300 255710 1228940 -9900 46960 1457405 -1457405 9900 11294140 129260 950954 -47572 2810 2088 73510 5142995 579360 12312870 91310 1112436725 1282279730 3310967300 2165200 512821 18000 3335320 1717620 23566178 2302637805 160686 82200 250253390 666679832.5 129655 475770 16464286 570 241046170 28800 162260 1048832895 13963036 850 11250 2132 42800 19570

-420540 -362484720 -481920085 -505576588 -357850 468900 1879293 -819005470 32186 -69671005 -137784429 2631390 -32241590 -106966375 -8715214 -42800 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.84 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.83 0.86 765000 642070 134400 ANCHOR LAND 8.83 9.5 9 9 8.83 8.83 2200 19766 42.55 42.8 43.95 44.2 42.55 42.55 37427400 1603241890 -499687070 AYALA LAND 1.56 1.59 1.62 1.62 1.6 1.6 6000 9700 ARANETA PROP BELLE CORP 2 2.01 2 2.01 2 2 424000 848010 -742000 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.73 0.74 84000 62470 A BROWN CROWN EQUITIES 0.188 0.196 0.188 0.198 0.188 0.198 240000 45220 6.3 6.47 6.7 6.7 6.6 6.67 21200 140197 CEBU HLDG 4.69 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.66 4.7 259000 1216960 18790 CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP 0.58 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.58 0.58 34485000 20205730 -87000.0001 CYBER BAY 0.415 0.425 0.425 0.425 0.42 0.42 270000 113500 19.58 19.8 18.9 19.8 18.9 19.8 479000 9228856 7076740 DOUBLEDRAGON DM WENCESLAO 10.26 10.3 10.3 10.32 10.26 10.3 236900 2440084 2391750 0.445 0.455 0.45 0.45 0.445 0.445 8530000 3837050 -3285000 EMPIRE EAST 1.54 1.55 1.53 1.55 1.52 1.54 12748000 19616520 -895940 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 1.23 1.24 1.23 1.24 1.23 1.23 358000 442440 -19780 14.84 14.96 14.9 14.98 14.9 14.96 6200 92716 -67272 8990 HLDG 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.32 1.28 1.3 1326000 1723980 1300 PHIL INFRADEV KEPPEL PROP 4.4 4.69 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.35 3000 13050 4.45 4.48 4.5 4.54 4.42 4.45 37766000 168455190 -40955980 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.229 0.23 0.226 0.231 0.223 0.23 8090000 1837240 2.02 2.03 2.03 2.04 2.01 2.02 115000 232310 PRIMEX CORP 27.05 27.1 25.9 27.1 25.9 27.1 6638600 179410650 58917150 ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY 0.35 0.36 0.35 0.355 0.35 0.35 70000 24600 2.15 2.18 2.18 2.18 2.14 2.15 2026000 4415920 -0 ROCKWELL 2.42 2.46 2.39 2.45 2.39 2.42 106000 255270 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 38.9 39.1 39.2 39.8 38.85 38.9 30312700 1181105245 -207315750 5 5.38 5 5.5 5 5.44 4000 21380 VISTAMALLS 1.45 1.48 1.53 1.57 1.45 1.45 14311000 21449190 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 7.55 7.59 7.51 7.61 7.51 7.59 3940900 29877596 -10853109 SERVICES ABS CBN 17.4 17.44 17.6 17.6 17.44 17.44 32200 562890 GMA NETWORK 5.22 5.24 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.24 132600 695776 0.415 0.425 0.42 0.435 0.41 0.425 3920000 1642450 MANILA BULLETIN 1950 1951 1945 1950 1900 1950 100935 196674430 55169245 GLOBE TELECOM PLDT 1106 1108 1094 1108 1094 1108 285125 315687455 -8638285 5.24 5.67 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 100 570 DFNN INC ISLAND INFO 0.103 0.108 0.103 0.109 0.103 0.103 510000 52950 4.18 4.19 4.19 4.24 4.16 4.18 1376000 5791460 -4230 ISM COMM 2.05 2.29 2.29 2.31 2.29 2.31 15000 34610 JACKSTONES NOW CORP 2.87 2.89 2.89 2.94 2.8 2.89 1028000 2953550 153670 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.305 0.31 0.305 0.31 0.305 0.305 1060000 324000 2.71 2.75 2.72 2.75 2.7 2.75 205000 557320 -29790 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 10 10.08 9.89 10 9.82 10 4500 44742 18 18.74 18 18 18 18 120100 2161800 2161800 ASIAN TERMINALS 5.8 5.83 5.83 5.93 5.79 5.8 862300 5016134 -40617 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 91.25 92.8 91.5 92.8 91 92.8 97560 8972693 -1523582 123 123.3 121.5 123 120.4 123 3834300 470196211 731696 INTL CONTAINER 13.5 13.98 14 14 13.96 13.98 5700 79654 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.89 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 20000 18000 17.96 18 18.24 18.26 17.94 18 591400 10,657,782( 7,217,886.0003) MACROASIA METROALLIANCE A 1 1.05 0.99 1.1 0.99 1.05 14000 14470 7.9 7.95 7.95 7.95 7.95 7.95 2600 20670 PAL HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.23 1.24 1.19 1.19 890000 1072720 -30250 HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL 1.55 1.64 1.65 1.66 1.63 1.66 40000 66260 9.9 10.56 9.9 10.54 9.9 10.54 400 4024 GRAND PLAZA 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.61 609000 374480 WATERFRONT CENTRO ESCOLAR 7.08 7.09 7.08 7.08 7.08 7.08 2700 19116 891 920 890.5 890.5 890.5 890.5 470 418535 FAR EASTERN U 0.67 0.69 0.66 0.68 0.66 0.68 578000 392760 9240 STI HLDG BERJAYA 2.79 2.8 2.83 2.86 2.79 2.8 790000 2222240 11.16 11.2 11.46 11.48 11.12 11.2 5244300 58993580 26406494 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 2.58 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.55 2.58 40000 102170 2.8 2.81 2.77 2.8 2.75 2.8 858000 2388170 LEISURE AND RES 4.58 4.94 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 8000 36800 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.62 0.63 990000 623610 -447930 ALLHOME 11.46 11.5 11.56 11.56 11.46 11.5 2820100 32430288 -5033442 2.28 2.3 2.3 2.34 2.28 2.3 544000 1244410 337570 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 39.95 40 40 40.4 40 40 1321200 53006625 16640630 74.5 75 75 76 74.55 75 493340 36993994.5 -15503416 ROBINSONS RTL 2.66 2.67 2.7 2.73 2.62 2.67 1064000 2854360 568180 SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT 18.06 18.2 18.2 18.2 17.98 18.2 1763600 32041380 14973386 0.47 0.475 0.465 0.47 0.465 0.47 150000 70400 APC GROUP 8.78 9.15 8.98 9.15 8.72 9.15 22600 204193 EASYCALL GOLDEN BRIA 422 425 418 450 414 425 30140 13065106 0.485 0.49 0.43 0.495 0.43 0.49 64560000 30374750 -347050 PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP 8.95 9.15 9.13 9.15 9.13 9.15 12500 114165 MINING & OIL ATOK 10.08 10.98 11 11 10.06 10.98 2600 27674 APEX MINING 1.06 1.07 1.09 1.09 1.06 1.07 1500000 1608540 -275130 0.0015 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 0.0016 265000000 424000 ABRA MINING 2.55 2.59 2.54 2.58 2.54 2.58 30000 76700 ATLAS MINING CENTURY PEAK 2.52 2.53 2.52 2.53 2.52 2.52 508000 1281210 1.87 1.88 1.87 1.89 1.85 1.88 1975000 3705800 337720 FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE 0.203 0.205 0.209 0.209 0.2 0.205 170000 34770 0.1 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.098 0.101 6790000 678720 LEPANTO A 0.104 0.105 0.104 0.104 0.104 0.104 140000 14560 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0083 0.0085 0.0084 0.0084 0.0084 0.0084 1000000 8400 1.01 1.04 1.01 1.03 1.01 1.03 140000 143600 MARCVENTURES 1.02 1.06 1.06 1.06 1.05 1.06 3000 3170 NIHAO NICKEL ASIA 3.44 3.45 3.45 3.49 3.4 3.44 4123000 14206140 -638950 0.5 0.54 0.52 0.55 0.5 0.55 149000 75850 OMICO CORP 0.8 0.82 0.8 0.82 0.8 0.82 31000 24820 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 3.29 3.38 3.38 3.39 3.28 3.39 206000 696240 -33700 21.65 22 20.55 22 20.55 22 2756700 58816525 18116925 SEMIRARA MINING 0.0057 0.0059 0.0058 0.0058 0.0058 0.0058 1000000 5800 UNITED PARAGON AC ENEXOR 9.12 9.16 9.14 9.5 9.09 9.16 906100 8389994 -260129 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 12000000 137900 ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1000000 11000 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 5000000 55000 PHILODRILL 10.8 10.82 11.32 11.32 10.78 10.8 948800 10438086 -679100 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 97 99.6 97.05 97.05 97 97 5000 485050 AC PREF B1 509 510 509 509 509 509 260 132340 100.2 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.2 100.2 206000 20736337 DD PREF 990 999 971 995 970 995 200 196510 SMC FB PREF 2 FGEN PREF G 109.6 112 110 110 109 109 1410 154690 493 500 500.5 500.5 500 500 2770 1385050 GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A 971 997 999 999 999 999 100 99900 981 1000 1000 1010 1000 1010 980 988800 GTCAP PREF B 1.01 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 100000 103000 LR PREF MWIDE PREF 100.1 101 100.1 100.1 100.1 100.1 650 65065 107.1 109 104 107 104 107 880 93680 PNX PREF 3B 1025 1029 1027 1029 1024 1024 1355 1389005 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1050 1052 1050 1050 1050 1050 2955 3102750 1066 1070 1065 1066 1065 1066 510 543160 PCOR PREF 3B 78.4 78.5 77.6 78.45 77.6 78.45 34960 2714607.5 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D 75.15 75.5 75.1 75.15 75.1 75.15 1006500 75638150 75.1 75.6 75.1 75.1 75.05 75.05 27300 2050184.5 SMC PREF 2G 75.3 75.45 75.3 75.3 75.3 75.3 38800 2921640 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 75.25 75.5 75.15 75.15 75.15 75.15 250 18787.5 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

16.8 5.06

16.84 5.07

16.9 5.08

16.84 5.07

44000 324600

741020 1648268

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.42

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 4.35 12.18 KEPWEALTH XURPAS 0.89

1.53

4.36 12.2 0.91

4.4 12.48 0.91

4.44 12.66 0.91

4.28 12.02 0.88

4.35 12.2 0.91

178000 758800 1758000

776330 9312306 1568130

47640 2472 -16020

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

115.8

-124616 -1648268

116.6

117.2

115.8

19140

2227744

www.businessmirror.com.ph

AboitizPower unit seeks TRO vs auction of Ilocos Sur property By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

uzon Hydro Corp. (LHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., moves to protect its hydropower facility by filing a petition to enjoin the Municipality of Alilem from auctioning the real properties located in Alilem, Ilocos Sur. “LHC advised AboitizPower that it filed a petition for prohibition and mandamus, with prayer for a temporary restraining order [TRO] and preliminary injunction, to enjoin the Municipality of Alilem from auctioning the real properties located in Alilem, Ilocos Sur,” AboitizPower disclosed. LHC received a notice of realproperty tax delinquency from the Office of the Municipal Treasurer of Alilem, Ilocos Sur, seeking to collect a total of P446,029,609.46 in unpaid RPT and accrued penalties covering

the period from 2002 to August 2019. The municipal treasurer then issued a notice of publication and auction sale covering the real properties of LHC, consisting of industrial machineries and buildings. LHC owns, operates and manages the 70-megawatt Bakun AC run-ofriver hydropower plant located in Amilongan, Alilem, Ilocos Sur. The plant was constructed and operated under the government’s build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. LHC is contesting this. Prior to its receipt of Alilem’s notice

of RPT delinquency, LHC has a standing offer to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, that it is willing to pay RPT computed in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 60, Series of 2018. The tender of payment, however, was rejected. EO 60 allows the reduction and condonation of real-property taxes and penalties assessed on powergeneration facilities of IPPs (independent power producers) under BOT contracts. The reduction and condonation cover all liabilities for RPT, including any special levies accruing to the Special Education Fund for 2017, and prior years. LHC’s petition seeks to challenge the correctness of the amount assessed by the local government. “The action will seek the enforcement of the executive orders issued by the Office of the President directing the reduction of RPT on property, machinery and equipment actually and directly used by IPPs under BOT contracts, and condoning related RPT interest and penalties,” the company said.

Also, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. issued a letter to the Municipality of Alilem, urging it to reconsider the auction of the levied assets, in consideration of the ownership rights and interest of the government over the levied assets. Moreover, Malacañang issued EO 88 last August reiterating the terms under EO 60 and confirming the reduction of the RPT obligations of IPPs for all years up to 2018. AboitizPower recorded P13.5 billion in net income in January to September, 19 percent lower than the P16.7 billion recorded in the same period a year ago. The power firm posted nonrecurring losses of P220 million versus last year’s losses of P1.7 billion. Without these one-off losses, the company’s core net income was P13.7 billion, 26 percent lower than the P18.4 billion recorded in the same period last year. This was primarily due to the higher volume and cost of purchased power, lower spot market revenues, and lower plant availability, it reported.

FPH disposes stake in MHE-Demag By VG Cabuag @villygc

opez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) on Tuesday said it disposed of its minority holdings in materials handling equipment provider MHEDemag (P) Inc. to its Singaporean partner in the company. In its disclosure, FPH said it sold the Philippine unit of MHEDemag to its co -shareholder MHE-Demag (S) Pte. Ltd. for P85 million. FPH had a 25-percent stake in the equipment provider. MHE-Demag mainly provides material handling in the region. It has 1,700 employees, 300 service vehicles, more than 70 strategically located branches in the region and 11 manufacturing plants.

The company engineers, manufactures and maintains a range of industrial cranes and hoists, warehousing equipment, such as lift trucks and dock levelers, aerial work platforms, building maintenance units for safe working at heights, compact construction equipment, as well as automated car parking systems, according to its web site. FPH posted an 87-percent increase in attributable net income to P3.75 billion for the first quarter of the year, from P2 billion last year. Revenues rose 19 percent to P32.77 billion for the period, from P27.565 billion last year. Sale of electricity accounted for 86 percent of revenues for the period. Net foreign-exchange losses were almost wiped out to P5 million, from P881 million last year.

Mapfre Insurance paid-up capital raised to ₧900M

onlife insurance company Mapfre Insurance has announced that it raised its paid-up capital to P900 million, and was able to comply with the minimum net worth requirement set for 2019 by the Insurance Commission. According to Mapfre Insurance Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jean Israel, financial stability of an insurance company plays a big role for consumers. “This is also relevant to the consumers, it will put us in a more competitive market, because only a financially stable insurer can provide more for the country,” said Israel. Under Republic Act 1067, or the Amended Insurance Code of the Philippines, domestic life or nonlife insurance company should have at least a net worth of P250 million by June 2013, P550 million by December 31, 2016, and P900 million by the end of 2019. “This development shows the strengthened presence of Mapfre Insurance in the country, with significant investment that will contribute to the Industry and most especially improve lives of Filipinos,” Mapfre Insurance President

and CEO Tirso Abad said. The insurance company has also introduced the Mapfre Insular Virtual Office, centralized policy claims, QR code for verifying policies, 24/7 claim reporting, and use of nonlife insurance intermediaries where partners can access accounts for renewal, draft quotations instantly, and make payments online. “As we leap toward the digital future, we are presented with more choices to connect with people. This is a great opportunity to be more efficient and agile to serve our client’s unique needs. Since our launch in 2018, we have been continuously developing our channels and we look forward to be digital leader, as well for the insurance industry,” said Abad. Mapfre Insurance offers general insurance and risk management covering fire allied lines, motor vehicles, personal accident, casuality, liability, engineering, marine cargo and surety. The company has also developed its network in Isabela, Lipa, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Jove Moya

mutual funds

November 26, 2019

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 251.03 1.68% 1.33% -1.17% -0.46% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.476 8.33% 2.85% -0.6% 2.44% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7501 -2.25% -0.95% -3.2% -3.92% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.8961 1.37% n.a. n.a. -0.54% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.8443 2.94% n.a. n.a. 2.88% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 5.3017 2.55% 2.62% -0.9% 0.54% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,6 0.8505 3.1% -1.46% n.a. 1.65% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 108.69 -2.73% n.a. n.a. -6.44% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 51.0558 5.33% 3.77% n.a. 3.72% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 531.59 4.95% 2.53% -0.57% 3.27% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.287 3.82% 3.09% 0.42% 2.63% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 37.8113 4.66% 3.98% 0.23% 3.22% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.0106 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 5.195 6.49% 4.49% 1.36% 4.76% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 867.09 6.44% 4.39% 1.27% 4.67% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.8676 2.57% 1.95% n.a. 0.88% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.1928 3.93% 3.65% 0.24% 3.3% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9957 6.05% 4.2% n.a. 4.34% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.6372 5.26% 5.71% 2.12% 3.9% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 116.2789 6.82% 5.13% 2.27% 4.99% ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.9805 3.8% 4.66% -0.43% 5.53% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.333 14.05% 9.06% n.a. 20.61% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities 1.5665 -4.49% -2.13% -4.19% -5.13% ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2112 1.45% -0.03% -1.27% 0.09% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6171 4.73% 2.63% -1.41% 2.91% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,5 0.2298 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Grepalife Balanced Fund Corporation -a 1.3316 2.88% n.a. n.a. 2.09% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9557 7.12% 3.36% 0.88% 6.11% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.7735 8.23% 2.64% 0.03% 6.92% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.8773 7.34% 2.4% -0.06% 6.1% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.1244 4.06% 2.03% 0.65% 2.67% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.8398 5.65% 3.46% 0.23% 5.16% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d,2 1.0088 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9898 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d,2 0.987 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9702 4.72% 2.71% -0.84% 5.26% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03814 9.69% 2.86% 1.98% 8.05% $0.9993 3.7% 4.23% 0.14% 9.37% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -a Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.8199 11.31% 7.16% 3.3% 15.45% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,7 $1.1126 8.92% 4.35% n.a. 10.71% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 356.31 4.05% 2.76% 2.24% 3.74% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9269 4.5% 0.78% -0.32% 3.64% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.1087 5.16% 5.25% 5.23% 4.46% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2118 4.03% 2.51% 1.75% 3.88% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.3453 6.37% 2.1% 1.39% 6.36% Grepalife Fixed Income Fund Corp. -a P 1.6083 2.88% 1.62% -0.29% 2.81% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.3366 11.57% 2.83% 1.41% 10.63% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.7548 7.71% 2.85% 1.36% 6.76% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 0.955 7.63% 1.48% n.a. 7.16% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.0411 10.22% 5.07% 2.32% 9.95% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.6806 9.77% 4.58% 1.75% 9.14% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $466.66 4.45% 2.57% 2.77% 4.07% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.62 3.42% 1.59% 1.36% 3.27% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2033 7.21% 3% 2.57% 6.89% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0258 4.03% 1.33% 1.29% 4.03% Grepalife Dollar Bond Fund Corp. -a $1.7097 1.34% -0.35% 0.19% 1.15% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -a $1.095 6.89% 1.26% -0.82% 5.66% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.3937 12.04% 3.36% 3.02% 10.27% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0602739 5.93% 2.22% 1.99% 5.74% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1632 10.27% 2.66% 2.61% 10.14% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 125.4 4.2% 2.79% 2.14% 3.74% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a,3 1.0286 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.2496 6.13% 2.57% 1.61% 5.73% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2609 3.82% 2.85% 2.28% 3.42% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0356 2.11% n.a. n.a. 1.94% Feeder Fund Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,4 $0.99 n.a. n.a. 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 - Launch date is January 3, 2019. 2 - Launch date is January 28, 2019. 3 - Launch date is February 1, 2019. 4 - Launch date is August 1, 2019. 5 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 6 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 7 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. "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 | Editor: Angel R. Calso

Hong Kong leader refuses to give ground despite poll setback

ONG KONG—Hong Kong’s embattled Leader Carrie Lam refused to offer any concessions to anti-government protesters despite a local election trouncing, saying on Tuesday that she will instead accelerate dialogue and identify ways to address societal grievances. Lam said the central government in Beijing, didn’t blame her for the election outcome that gave the prodemocracy bloc a landslide victory with 90 percent of seats and control of 17 out of 18 district councils. Nearly 3 million voters cast their ballot in a record turnout for an election that was viewed as a barometer of public support for more than five months of prodemocracy protests. The government’s refusal to compromise despite the election outcome could spark fresh unrest at a time when the semiautonomous Chinese territory has plunged into its first recession in a decade. Lam said Sunday’s election may have reflected unhappiness with the government handling of the unrest but it also showed that many people want a stop to violence. “Let me just stress that after these five to six months, Hong Kong people have realized very clearly that Hong Kong could no longer tolerate this chaotic situation,” Lam said at her weekly news conference. “Please help us to maintain the relative calm and peace that we have seen in the last week or so and, provide a good basis for Hong Kong to move forward.” In early September when she withdrew an extradition bill that sparked the protests, Lam said she had also given a detailed response to protesters’ other demands including free elections for the city’s leader and legislature, as well as a probe into accusations of police brutality. She said the government hopes to take advantage of the current lull in violence to accelerate public dialogue and set up an independent review committee to find solutions to deep-seated societal issues. “The next step to go forward is really, as you have put it, to engage the people. And we have started

public dialogue with the community,” Lam said. “But unfortunately, with the unstable environment and a chaotic situation, I could not do more on that sort of engagement. I hope that the environment will allow me to do it now.” Some pro-establishment figures have pointed fingers at Lam for their loss, while the pro-democracy camp has asked her to step down. Protesters saw the extradition bill as an the erosion of their rights promised when the former British colony returned to Chinese control in 1997. The demonstrations have since expanded into a protest over what they see as Beijing’s growing interference in the city. Some analysts said China’s ruling party isn’t likely to soften its stand on Hong Kong. Chinese media has muted reports on the poll outcome, focusing instead on how pro-Beijing candidates were harassed and the need to restore law and order. Beijing is treading cautiously partly to avoid jeopardizing trade talks with the US. It also faces pressure from planned US legislation that could derail Hong Kong’s special trade status and sanction Hong Kong and China officials found to violate human rights. China’s foreign ministry on Monday summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad for a second time to demand Washington block the bipartisan legislation on Hong Kong. Chinese Vice Minister Zheng Zeguang warned the US would “bear all the consequences that arise” if the bill came into law. President Donald J. Trump has not committed to signing the bill and has 10 days from the time of passage last week to veto it. If he does not do so, it automatically becomes law while Congress could also override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses. In a boost to the city, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, rising nearly 7 percent in a strong showing before losing most of its gains later. Alibaba’s share sale of at least $11.3 billion in its secondary listing is the world’s biggest this year. AP

The World BusinessMirror

hina and the US “reached consensus on properly resolving relevant issues” and agreed to stay in contact on the remaining points for a phase one trade deal during a phone call on Tuesday morning Beijing time, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin discussed core concerns, according to the statement, which didn’t provide further details. It follows a phone conversation earlier this month that the ministry called “constructive.” The US Trade Representative’s office confirmed Tuesday’s discussion took place but declined to comment on the contents. Talks on the phase one deal have continued since it was first announced in October, with both sides making concessions recently on issues such as food imports, intellectual property and tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. Liu, China’s chief negotiator, said last week that he was “cautiously optimistic” about concluding a phase one deal, but the lack of a deadline and comments from President Donald J. Trump and others have led to speculation that talks could extend into next year. Asian stocks gained on Tuesday amid optimism over the talks and a fresh wave of merger and acquisition activity. The yen slipped. If a phase one deal does not materialize before December 15, Trump will have to choose whether to carry out his previous threat to impose 15-percent tariffs on some $160 billion in imports from

China. Relations between the two sides are also complicated by passage of a bill through the US legislature that supports pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong, and President Xi Jinping has called for an equal agreement. Officials on the call Tuesday may have discussed tariff removal, agricultural purchases and a review mechanism for the implementation of a potential agreement, Global Times reported, citing unidentified expert close to the trade talks. Trump said last week that a trade deal with China was “potentially very close” but it “can’t be like an even deal” because the US is “starting off from the floor” and China is “already at the ceiling.” “Key is what happens if we do not get a deal by 15 December,” said Khoon Goh, head of Asia research at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in Singapore. “Will the US agree to suspend the tariffs out of goodwill?” Even if a first phase deal is signed, it may well skirt more difficult issues, such as US concern about Chinese subsidies and protectionism, or attempts to shut out Chinese technology companies from the US market over security threats. Ongoing civil unrest in Hong Kong and China’s actions in Xinjiang are becoming additional points of tension. Bloomberg News

People stand next to a damaged hotel after an earthquake, in Durres, western Albania, on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. A powerful earthquake shook Albania, early Tuesday, causing at least minor damage. AP Photo

take out other people from the building. The quake was felt along the Albanian coast. People reported seeing cracks in their apartment walls. People were seen leaving homes to go to open areas. Local media reported that a restaurant was destroyed in western Durres, where army soldiers were helping people get out of a collapsed building. At least three apartment buildings and the power-distribution station were damaged in the northern commune of Thumane. An earthquake in September in roughly the same area damaged hundreds of homes. AP

Oil holds gain on trade deal hopes, US stockpiles survey

il held gains near $58 a barrel on signs a limited US-China trade agreement is within reach and after analysts forecast the first drop in American crude inventories in five weeks. Futures edged lower in New York after rising 0.4 percent on Monday. China and the US “reached consensus on properly resolving relevant issues” and agreed to stay in contact on the remaining points for a Phase one trade deal during a phone call on Tuesday morning Beijing time, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. American oil stockpiles fell by 939,000 barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg

survey before the official data due on Wednesday. Crude has been rising since early October on the thaw in trade hostilities between the world’s two largest economies, although investors are becoming increasingly fatigued over how long the negotiations are taking. The other major event that could give the oil market fresh direction is the Opec+ meeting in Vienna, next week where the grouping will decide on whether or not to deepen production cuts. “The longer we drag on without a formal agreement between the US and China, the more sentiment is likely to deteriorate,” said Michael McCarthy, chief market

China, US hold phone call in sign of progress on trade deal’s phase 1

Strong quake hits Albania; at least 2 dead, 150 injured IR ANA, Albania—A strong earthquake shook A lbania, early Tuesday, killing at least two people, injuring 150 and collapsing buildings. The US Geological Survey said the 6.4 magnitude quake was centered 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of the capital, Tirana. It was at a depth of 20 km (12 miles). The Defense Ministr y said a person in Kurbin, 50 km (30 miles) north of Tirana, died after jumping from his home to escape shaking from the quake. A nother person was killed when a building collapsed in Durres, 33 km (20 miles) west of Tirana, emergency officials said. Rescuers were working to

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. “We’re coming close to a ceiling for both Brent and WTI [West Texas Intermediate], which suggests upside moves are limited.” WTI for January delivery declined 10 cents to $57.91 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange as of 7:24 a.m. in London. The contract rose 24 cents to settle at $58.01 a barrel on Monday. Brent for January settlement fell 6 cents to $63.59 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange after climbing 0.4 percent on Monday. The global benchmark traded at a $5.68 premium to WTI. Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthiz-

er and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin discussed core concerns on the call, China’s commerce ministry said in the statement, without providing further details. If a phase one deal doesn’t happen before December 15, President Donald J. Trump will have to choose whether to carry out his threat to impose 15 percent tariffs on some $160 billion in imports from China. US crude inventories probably fell to 449.4 million barrels in the week through November 22, according to the Bloomberg survey. That would still be the highest level since July as the country’s oil output keeps rising. Bloomberg News

In this October 11, 2019, file photo, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (center right) shakes hands with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (center left) after a minister-level trade meeting at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington. China’s Commerce Ministry says the lead envoys in trade talks between China and the US spoke on the phone and agreed to continue to work toward a preliminary agreement for resolving their tariff war. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

B4 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Korean derma-cosmetics BRTC is now in the Philippines

Tudor Black Bay Ceramic One sells 100 times its pre-sale estimate at biennial charity auction 2019

UDOR’s unique Black Bay Ceramic One sells for CHF 350’000.– / USD 352’195.– or 100 times its pre-sale estimate at Only Watch biennial charity auction. The proceeds from this sale will go to support the research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A pioneer in the field of watchmaking, a historical supplier of the world’s largest navies and adventurers alike, TUDOR has a long history of fitting daring wrists with cuttingedge, robust time-keeping instruments. The Black Bay Ceramic One, with its unique combination of design, color and materials, echoes this heritage. This new model in TUDOR’s flagship Black Bay line is offered to Only Watch in a unique matte black ceramic, titanium and stainless steel 41mm case. Fitted with the high-performance Manufacture Calibre MT5602, complete with a black PVDcoated rotor, this unique “sporty” piece is a concentration of the brand’s distinctive spirit, blending innovation, audacity and robustness. The Black Bay Ceramic One, is TUDOR’s third contribution to Only Watch after the Black Bay One in 2015 and the Black Bay Bronze One – LHD in 2017, which sold for impressive CHF 375,000.– and CHF 350,000.–

respectively. For reference, a regular production Black Bay model in stainless steel on leather strap retails for CHF 3250.–. The results achieved at Only Watch are thus more than 100 times the average price in that line of product and can be partly explained by the fact that aside from the Only Watch project, TUDOR never produces one-offs. TUDOR is an award-winning Swiss made watch brand, offering mechanical watches with refined designs, proven reliability and unique value for money. The origins of TUDOR date back to 1926, when ‘The Tudor’ was first registered as a brand on behalf of the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf. Today, the TUDOR collection includes emblematic models such as Black Bay, Pelagos, Glamour or 1926. Since 2015, it has offered mechanical manufacture movements with many diverse functions.

Security Bank recognized at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards in Singapore

ECURITY Bank Corporation (SBC) took home international citations from the recently held Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards in Singapore. Build A School, Build A Nation: The Classrooms Project, the flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program of the Security Bank Foundation, was hailed as the Best CSR Initiative. Meanwhile, SBC bank products and services were highly acclaimed in their respective categories: Salary Advance (Loan Offering of the Year), Gold Circle (Best Mass Affluent Banking Offering), Corporate Utility ePayments (Best Payments Innovation) and digital campaigns (Outstanding Digital Marketing Initiative). “This award ceremony is particularly meaningful. The outstanding and impactful work of Security Bank Foundation was recognized by an international awardgiving body in addition to our excellent products and services. These awards are

a true reflection of BetterBanking, a promise to all our stakeholders – clients, employees and the communities we serve,” said Security Bank President & CEO Sanjiv Vohra. The Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards program celebrates the world’s most cutting-edge retail banks that are pioneering unrivalled standards and capabilities – those that are transforming the industry by setting new benchmarks in service delivery, digital innovation, product

development, payments, technology, customer experience and more. Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. and Security Bank EVP & Branch Banking Group Head Leslie Y. Cham received the awards.

Globe Business launches leading cloud-enabled and hardware-agnostic conferencing platform in PH

LOBE Business, the enterprise arm of Globe, introduces another game-changing solution for Philippine businesses that will enable them with a reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. Zoom, a video-first unified communications solution provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc., is designed to eliminate overlapping communication systems, on-premise hardware, and weak mobile experience. Zoom is able to do all of these things for one reason Zoom’s architecture was built video-first from the ground up, which results in a platform that is highly scalable and globally distributed. “Currently, our customers are using a mix of legacy conferencing solutions for their communication and are now seeking answers that could fix problems such as difficulty in setting up a meeting, quality of audio and video, and other complicated features,” said Globe Business Senior

Vice President Peter Maquera. “Globe Business, through Zoom, will now be the top Philippine corporation’s trusted partner for all their modern communication needs.” Globe uses the latest technology to make communications faster, with greater clarity, reliability and depth, and at a more affordable cost. In fact, Globe “walks the talk” by being one of the biggest Zoom users in the country. At present, the company has over 1,000 active users. In the coming months, it plans to deploy 21 Zoom Rooms all over the Globe office. Globe Business continues to redefine how businesses work—which goes beyond functions, numbers, and performance. It, likewise, enables its clients and partners to catapult their enterprises to success by providing the right technology, infrastructure, and know-how to create a positive impact and transform people’s lives. Visit https://www.globe.com.ph/business/ enterprise/voice/zoom.html to know more about Zoom and how it can move your digital future.

Know more about real estate investments and wellness living. Sandari Batulao is a premier mountainside development located at the foot of Mount Batulao and Mount Talamitan in Nasugbu, Batangas. Interested parties are invited to join Sandari Batulao’s Investors’ Night on November 27, 2019 at Romulo Café. Limited slots. For inquiries and pre-registration, please contact the Marketing Dept. at 63 9175506873, or email marketing@cpmc.ph.

ERE’S another reason to shop claimed South korean brand Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics (BRTC) is now available in the Philippines! “The positive responses that we received from Filipino consumers who have tried BRTC products gave us a lot of insights, leading to this launch. We have reviewed their needs and product experiences before deciding what products to bring in. As we bring BRTC to the country, we will continue to deliver customized skincare solutions for you,” said Jason Park, General Manager of Global Sales & Strategy Team from AMI Cosmetics, the company behind BRTC. All BRTC products contain Blue Phyto Complex™, a patented vegetable ingredient from lavender, chamomile, and other blue plants known for their soothing and healing power. Aside from healing, BRTC’s active components extracted from plants will restore one’s skin, giving it that glowing, refreshed, and rejuvenated look. Its natural ingredients also contribute to the products’ light texture,

which makes skin absorption easier. BRTC products are non-comedogenic, paraben- and silicone-free, and non-drying so there’s definitely no harshness on the skin. They are also light and non-sticky so it’s easily absorbed deep into the skin—perfect for the humid Philippine weather. Launching in the Philippines is their bestselling BRTC multi-vital 10 series containing Multi Vital Force[1]™ which works to first reduce imperfections, then revitalizes skin to leave even and bright complexion. Each product in this series contains over 10% of Vitamins A, B3, B5, C, E, F, and H that work together to hydrate, soothe, revilatize, and regenerate skin as well as inhibit melanin synthesis, resulting in healthier, fairer skin. Of course, Korean skincare would not be complete without their signature sheet masks, and BRTC is bringing over three of their popular hypoallergenic velvet sheet masks: BRTC Vitamin H mask for skin relief, BRTC Vitamin F mask for oil and moisture balance, and BRTC Vitamin A mask for improvement of wrinkled and damaged skin.

Russia cheats again—and laughs its way to Tokyo By Eddie Pells

The Associated Press

HE message the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) sent Monday, in case everyone in the sports world hadn’t already heard it: Russia can cheat and get away with it. In fact, the Russians can pin up pictures of Wada’s leaders on their bulletin boards, draw clown’s noses on their faces, walk up to them and lie straight to their faces—and at worst, the Wada folks will throw part of the book at them, then check in to make sure they aren’t mad. Buried in a news release announcing a list of proposed sanctions for the Russians—a list that did not include a full ban of the country and its athletes from the Olympics—was a nugget that pierced Wada’s already shaky credibility. Under a sweetheart deal Russia brokered to be brought back into the Olympic fold, it had to provide unaltered data from its Moscow lab by December 31,

2018. The data, in turn, was to be used to corroborate many of the doping cases from its wide-ranging scandal dating to the 2014 Olympics and before. But, according to the news release, “someone in the Moscow laboratory,” which was controlled by the Russian government, was still tampering with the data after it had made the agreement...and after December 31...and into January 2019, when the Russians finally handed over the data, two weeks past the deadline. That “someone,” the release says, was busy planting fabricated evidence in an attempt to implicate the lab’s former director, Grigory Rodchenkov. The unidentified person claimed Rodchenkov, who blew the whistle on the Russian doping plot, did so as part of a scheme to extort money from athletes. The mysterious someone was also deleting evidence that showed another lab staff member had been involved in the cover-up of the 2014-15 plot. That staff member is, according to Wada, a key Russian witness in several cases and someone who calls Rodchenkov a liar.

Again, all this happened after the leaders at Wada had cut this supposedly great deal, one that reinstated Russia’s anti-doping agency and made Russia legit again. Getting the data, Wada claimed, was the most important thing, even if some other requirements for Russia’s reinstatement had to be overlooked. Eleven months later, Wada gets another pie in its face. It was being played. Making matters worse: n Among the 380-plus pages in the report that Wada’s executive committee will discuss on December 9 is the blood-curdling assessment that tampering has

“materially prejudiced the ability to pursue” as many as 145 cases. That’s 145 cases involving athletes who may or may not still be competing. That’s 145 reasons for clean athletes to wonder about any Russians who might be cleared for Tokyo. n Also, some of the fabricated evidence has already been used to defend Russian athletes at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In some countries, they’d call using false evidence like that a cut-and-dried case of perjury. About those sanctions: They’re harsh—Russia’s flag and its government leaders would be verboten at the Olympics—but nowhere near as harsh as they might have been. That’s because Wada does not call for a blanket ban of Russians from the Olympics. Under this proposal, there could be a system similar to what was in place in 2018, when 168 athletes were vetted and approved to compete in Pyeongchang. They combined to win 17 medals, which might not go in Russia’s win column but will certainly have a home in the country itself. “The big picture is, if we don’t do something that has the highest consequences for Russia, athletes will suffer forever,” said Rob Koehler of Global Athlete. “In Russia, they’ll be forced into programs they shouldn’t have to be in. The more complicit [Wada] is in allowing them to

compete, the less likely we are to seeing change in sport in Russia.” Would it be too harsh to preclude a new, supposedly clean generation of athletes from the Olympics for misdeeds from five years ago? Possibly. That hasn’t stopped track and field from considering it, however. After uncovering a new batch of corruption last week, World Athletics said it would consider suspending the program that vets Russian athletes and allows them to compete in major events as neutrals. That’s how focused that sport is on getting to the bottom of the corruption in Russia. But don’t expect Wada, or the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which pays half of Wada’s bills, to go to those lengths. IOC President Thomas Bach was already on record as saying he was against a blanket ban, just as he has been from the beginning. It seems Russia is just too important a cog in the Olympic world to be cast aside completely. It seems the sanctions revealed Monday are about as bad as it will ever get for a country that cheats, gets caught cheating, cheats some more, and never needs to ask for forgiveness.

Sports BusinessMirror

| Wednesday, November 27, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Wada ON RUSSIA: NEUTRAL STATUS

Under the proposal, Russians would operate under a system similar to what was done in 2018, when 168 athletes went to Pyeongchang, South Korea, and competed under the banner “Olympic Athlete from Russia.”AP

The Wada compliance review committee proposed a four-year ban on Russia hosting major events but stopped short of asking for the blanket ban on Russian athletes that is among the possible sanctions for the most egregious violations.

ONTREAL—Russian athletes will have a chance to compete at next year’s Olympics, but their flag would not fly in Tokyo if the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) approves a recommendation it received Monday. The Wada compliance review committee proposed a four-year ban on Russia hosting major events but stopped short of asking for the blanket ban on Russian athletes that is among the possible sanctions for the most egregious violations. The Wada executive committee will rule on the recommendations December 9. The proposal follows a lengthy investigation into lab data handed over by Russia in January. Giving the data to Wada was part of a deal to lift a suspension of the Russian antidoping agency, and the data was supposed to be used to expose past cover-ups of drug use by Russian athletes. But in a damning admission, Wada said the Russians were tampering with the data as late as January 2019—days before they handed over the data that had originally been due on December 31, 2018. Among the alterations, Wada says, was the planting of evidence in an attempt to implicate the lab’s former director, Grigory Rodchenkov. The planted evidence claimed Rodchenkov, who blew the whistle on the

Russian doping plot, did so as part of a scheme to extort money from athletes. Under the proposal, Russians would operate under a system similar to what was done in 2018, when 168 athletes went to Pyeongchang, South Korea, and competed under the banner “Olympic Athlete from Russia.” The system would be in place in Tokyo, at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and at world championships in a number of sports. It would fall in line with what IOC President Thomas Bach has supported since the Russian doping scandal emerged in 2016. “Our principle is that the guilty ones must be punished as hard as possible and the innocent ones must be protected,” Bach said in London last week. But the lack of a blanket ban left some incensed, wondering what it might possibly take for Wada to invoke its harshest sanction. “It’s just, ‘Here we go again,’” said Rob Koehler, a former Wada executive who now leads the athletes’ group Global Athlete. “Russians still compete, their athletes still go home with medals and Russia trumps everyone.” The data handover was the latest development in a scandal that began with a government-hatched scheme to allow Russian athletes to dope at the Sochi Games without getting caught. As part of the

Russian Olympic Committee tells track leaders to reform

OSCOW—The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) added to the pressure on the country’s athletics federation on Monday, calling for entirely new leadership after its president was implicated in obstructing an anti-doping investigation. ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov said he wants to see “a complete change of the whole management” at the federation after meeting its interim head Yulia

Tarasenko on Monday. She took office on Saturday, replacing Dmitry Shlyakhtin, who resigned after he became one of seven Russians charged in the obstruction case. Pozdnyakov said the case damages Russia’s effort to restore its sports standing after doping scandals, and “inflicts colossal reputational damage on our country as a whole.” The charges center on allegedly fake medical

documents used as an alibi by the high jumper Danil Lysenko after he was accused of failing to make himself available for drug testing. Besides Shlyakhtin, four other officials, Lysenko, and Lysenko’s coach are facing charges from the Athletics Integrity Unit. The ROC could exclude the federation from membership if it doesn’t appoint new management. The federation is already facing possible expulsion by

elaborate scheme, authorities at the antidoping lab used a small hole drilled in the wall to make dark-of-night exchanges of previously stored clean samples from the athletes with the dirty samples they gave after competition. The Wada recommendations could have serious implications for European soccer body UEFA if accepted in full by the executive committee. The recommendations include stripping Russia of sports events already awarded “unless it is legally or practically impossible to do so.” Saint Petersburg in Russia is set to host four games, including a quarterfinal, at soccer’s 2020 European Championship, which is being cohosted in 12 different countries. Saint Petersburg was also chosen by UEFA two months ago to host the biggest club game in world soccer—the Champions League final— in 2021. Other major events scheduled in Russia during the four-year period include the 2023 men’s world championship in ice hockey, already awarded to Saint Petersburg, and the first World Cup races at the Alpine ski resort of Rosa Khutor since the Sochi Olympics. But the main focus will be Russia’s presence at the Olympics, where it has not fielded a full team since 2014—in Sochi, where the scandal began in earnest. AP World Athletics, and the Russian Sports Ministry has suggested it could withdraw recognition. In a case with striking similarities to that of Lysenko, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (Rusada) said on Monday that a weightlifter had been banned for four years for using a false medical document. The agency, known as Rusada, said former world junior champion Konstantin Roshchupkin was facing questions over his whereabouts for testing purposes when he produced the document. Rusada investigators determined it was fake and said he was banned for four years. AP

Spo

Business

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

BAMBOL: LET’S STAND AS ONE P

HILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino yesterday appealed to Filipinos to “stand as one” as the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games is ready to go full blast. Tolentino reminded everyone that this is only the fourth time the Philippines is hosting the SEA Games, after 1981, 1991 and 2005, and the next hosting will not come until 10 or 12 years from now.

“Remember, the next time we will host this could be in 2030. So, let’s not pull each other down. This is for the country,” he said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel in Manila. The past two days were marred by failure of the local organizers in meeting the demands of a multination event, including accommodation, transportation and other basic needs of foreign delegates. “We all make mistakes that’s why we

should work together. Those in the social media, the netizens, let’s move on first with our hosting,” the congressman from Tagaytay City and chief of Philippine cycling said. “It’s normal,” he said of what he described as minor glitches, leading to complaints regarding the food being provided to the athletes and accreditations with mistaken identities. “I’ve experienced that myself,” Tolentino said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel,

and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. What’s important, the POC chief added, is for Filipinos to rally on the athletes and the hosting in general. “Let’s just focus on our athletes. With this, my statement will be not only for us to ‘we win as one’, but ‘we stand as one’ in hosting this SEA Games,’” he added. “All these problems have solutions, and they are being addressed and being solved,” Tolentino said. The Philippine SEA Games open on

Saturday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, but competitions in polo, football, netball, floorball and water polo have started in earnest. The Games go full blast on December 1, and will continue until December 10. Under the policy set by the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, there will be no competitions on Saturday and on closing day.

Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino: Let’s not pull each other down. This is for the country. ROY DOMINGO

BUKIDNON TOPS IN LUZON MEET

HE Bukidnon Football Association (FA) toppled One La Salle, 2-0, to seize the overall championship of the first Luzon Cup Under-12 Football Tournament spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa) recently. Held from November 22 to 24 at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Complex in San Jose, Tarlac, the Luzon Cup is the third of a series of football tournaments spearheaded by Nofa for under-12 and under-13 boys. The event was staged with the Central Luzon Football Association and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Department of Education-Tarlac, and the provincial and city governments of Tarlac. The first two, the Nofa Cup—on its fourth edition—was held last summer, and the second, the Mindanao Cup, was held last October. It was also Bukidnon FA that topped that Mindanao Cup and their feat qualified them for a berth at the Luzon Cup. One La Salle Salle emerged runnerup, followed by Rizal Football Association Quezon City (Rifa QC) and Masbate Football Association. Cordillera Football Association-Baguio secured the Division 1 Plate Championship, with Central Bicol Regional Football Association finishing first runner-up; Laguna Football Association, third; and Youth Football Academy Muntinlupa, fourth. In the Second Division, the top winners were Pangasinan United Football Club, followed by Tuguegarao City Football Club,

Camarines Norte United and Central Luzon Football Association-Tarlac. Players of Bukidnon FA obtained most of the individual awards—Jun Dominique Melig was awarded Best Goalkeeper; Jimm Leowell Fabela, Best Defender and Most Valuable Player. One La Salle’s Fritz Kenzo Chua was chosen as the Best Midfielder, and Rifa QC’s Filbert Martin Tacardon got the Best Striker Award with 27 goals. CLFA President Alvin Yalung and General Secretary Ed Flaminiano thanked Nofa President Ricardo “Ricky” Yanson Jr., for his efforts in spearheading the Luzon Cup, especially since the said age-group tournament is the first in the region in the last three years. “I know in his heart, he wants to develop the young players so they can one day play for the national team,” Yalung said of Yanson. A number of teams, such as those from Camarines Sur, Pangasinan and Tuguegarao traveled by land for many hours in order to be part of the tournament. “Because the Luzon Cup is a very good platform, it is a true platform for true grassroots development,” Tuguegarao City Football Club Head Coach Ricky Enolva said. Pangasinan United FC Head Coach Floyd Jefferson agreed. “The Luzon Cup is very good for local teams, especially for those of us coming from North Luzon. The level of competition is very high which is kailangan ng mga bata,” Jefferson said.

Gilas girls in harness for SEA Games hoops

#ThirstForTheWin Summit Natural Drinking Water signs Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics silver medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (fourth from left) as the face of its #ThirstForTheWin campaign, the brand’s way to rally support for the Philippine national athletes for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. With Diaz are her Coach Kaiwen Gao (from left) and conditioning and strengthening coach; Asia Brewery Inc. Chief Financial Officer Enrique Martinez, Senior Brand Managers Tricia Ronas and Alveen Ramos.

Top juniors boost cast Philam age-group tennis tilt

ETRO Manila’s top and rising junior players take the spotlight as they slug it out for top honors and ranking points in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Philam national age group 2019, which unfolds on Thursday at the Philam Tennis Club in Quezon City. Justine Manela, Kryshana Brazal and Kaye Emana set out for a fierce showdown in the girls’ premier 18-andunder division, with the first two also bannering the big 32-player 16-U draw with Mica Emana and Melody Dizon. More than 250 entries are listed in this top-ranking tournament presented by Dunlop and serving as part of the country’s premier talent search put up by Palawan Pawnshop President and CEO Bobby Castro,

with Miguel Castillo and Juan Pablo Gonzaga headlining the boys’ centerpiece event. Thomas Bernardo and Lance Fernandez, on the other hand, gained the top 2 seeds in the 16-U play of the five-day tournament with John Prince Lim, Frank Dilao, Kurt Balena and Darwin Cosca expected to crowd top 2 seeds Joshua Diva and France Dilao for the 14-U diadem. To accommodate the big number of entries in the boys’ 14-U, organizers will hold a one-day qualifier for three berths in the main draw of the tournament sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. Marielle Jarata, Mica Emana, Dizon and Carrilyn Pesengco lead the girls’ 14-U cast, while Abegail Ansay, Pesengco, Christina Reyes and Jayden Ballado are fancied to dispute the girls 12-U plum with Lim and Dilao also eyeing to fight it out in the boys’ side.

HE national women’s team is expected to have a piece of the limelight with its celebrated men’s counterpart as it stands a great chance of winning a breakthrough gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. SEA Games 3x3 and Basketball Competition Manager Bernie Atienza believes the Filipinas are ripe enough for the gold medal despite going up against perennial contenders Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. “I’m wishing for it, and it is my prayer always to win the gold. We’ve been frustrated many times, especially in the last two SEA Games by Indonesia,” Atienza told the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the Amelie Hotel-Manila. “This time around we’re ready, and I’m hoping that we finally win it because we have the readiness and strength as per my assessment. We will win it this time,” added the deputy executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). The Gilas women’s team is coached by multititled Patrick Aquino and bannered by former UAAP MVP Jack Animam. Unlike Gilas Pilipinas in men’s basketball where a total of eight teams are seeing action, the women’s field has been reduced to just four teams, making it a four-way battle among the contenders, according to Atienza. “Those which doesn’t feel they have a chance [of competing], didn’t field in an entry anymore,” said the SBP official, who was joined by Fiba-appointed Technical Delegate and Seaba Secretary-General Agus Antares Mauro in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. The Filipinas open their campaign on December 5 against Indonesia, followed by Malaysia on December 8, and finally Thailand on December 10. The competition is a one-round battle, with the team that has the best record emerging as the goldmedal winner. “These are all important game. One miss, you die,” said Atienza. The SBP official has no doubt Gilas Pilipinas will once again emerged gold medalist in the men’s side, although he said the 3x3 men’s and women’s competitions will be a wide-open race.

ANTHONY’S NO HAS BEEN Negros Occidental Football Association President Ricky Yanson (from left) poses with Best Goalkeeper Jun Dominque Melig, Best Defender and Most Valuable Player Jimm Leowell Fabela both of Bukidnon, Best Striker Filbert Martin Tacardon of Rifa Quezon City, Best Midfielder Fritz Kenzo Chua of One La Salle and Central Luzon Football Association President Alvin Yalung.

Ball, 18, becomes youngest NBL player with triple-double

OLLONGONG, Australia—American import LaMelo Ball became the youngest player in National Basketball League (NBL) history to record a triple-double—32 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists—on Monday. The 18-year-old Ball achieved the feat as his Illawarra Hawks beat the Cairns Taipans, 114-106, in overtime. “Everyone saw what he’s capable of—he just impacts the game in so many ways,” Illawarra Coach Matt Flinn said. “There’s plenty of good players in this league but it’s the great ones that have the ability to get the best out of their teammates, which is what LaMelo is doing. He’s a completely different player to when he arrived

here and he’s only going to get better the more time he spends on court.” Cairns Coach Mike Kelly said Ball “controlled the tempo far beyond his years.” “He made plenty of great passes and hit big shots when the Hawks needed him to,” Kelly said. “He was the difference maker for them.” Ball, who is averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists on the season, played previously in Lithuania and is the third brother from the family known for the “Big Baller Brand” apparel company. Playing in the NBL’s “Next Stars” program to attract elite NBA prospects, Ball is expected to be a potential top National Basketball Association draft pick, and the Hawks are often followed by dozens of scouts. AP

HICAGO—After waiting a year for an opportunity to return to the National Basketball Association (NBA), Carmelo Anthony proved he’s still capable of a big performance. Anthony scored 25 points in just his fourth game of the season, CJ McCollum added 21 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Chicago Bulls, 117-94, on Monday night. Anthony was 10 for 20 from the field, including four of seven on 3-pointers. He had averaged 13 points on 15-for-44 (34.1 percent) shooting in his first three games. “It’s a humbling situation for me, but it’s a testament to the work I’ve been putting in,” he said. “My body feels good, mentally I feel good.” Besides sharp shooting behind the threepoint line, the 10-time All-Star featured his usual mid-range game and even had a dunk. “Vintage,” McCollum said. “We pulled out some old, good wine in there. Getting to his spots, hitting threes, he got a dunk and he was talking like he always does on defense.” Anthony now has 25,615 career points to move ahead of Alex English (26,613) into 18th place on the NBA’s career scoring list. “You don’t want to take none of that stuff for granted,” he said. “When you’ve been away from the game, these small [milestones], they start to

mean more and more.” Damian Lillard had 13 points and 12 assists as Portland snapped a four-game losing streak. Zach LaVine had 18 points for Chicago, which has dropped two of three. LaVine was just one for five on 3-pointers two days after making 13 of 17, while scoring a career-high 49 points Saturday at Charlotte. “We played against a good half-court defensive team,” LaVine said. “We need to get out on transition more. They just killed us on the other end. We couldn’t keep up.” Anthony, who signed with the Trail Blazers on November 19, got off to a fast start with 12 points in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the game. Chicago led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter before Portland took command early in the second. The Blazers led by as 13 points before the Bulls scored 11 straight to pull within 50-48. Portland closed the first half with a 12-6 spurt for a 62-54 halftime advantage. The Trail Blazers further stretched the lead in the third, taking a 90-68 advantage—their biggest to that point—on Anthony’s three-point play with 1:27 to go in the quarter. Early in the fourth, Anthony hit a 3-pointer to move past English and give Portland a 10077 lead. AP

PORTLAND’S Carmelo Anthony flashes his vintage form. AP

orts

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

DAY OF RECKONING By Ramon Rafael Bonilla

Athletes urge public to unite, support PHL team

FORMER captain of the men’s basketball team, an ex-Under 22 Azkals member and a badminton athlete urged the public to unite and support “Team Philippines.” They are basketball star Chris Tiu, footballer Alejandro Baldo Jr. and shuttler Anton Cayanan. They shared the “common problems” that they experienced in the past international sports events they joined in their respective social-media accounts. The national athletes narrated their own experiences pertaining to some inconveniences they felt when they represented the country abroad but noted that they were not distracted by these “natural and inevitable” glitches in sports events. Baldo called on the public to pour their energies to support the Filipino athletes rather than find faults on others. The former midfielder for the Azkals U22 team shared a video in social media of their past experience where they had to push their doubledecker bus in the middle of the road while they were being transported back to their hotel in Bangkok. “Dahil wais tayong mga Pinoy imbis na magalit at magreklamo. ginawa na lang natin ito sa pinakamasayang experience,” Baldo said. Baldo pointed out that national athletes experienced several issues related to transportation, food when they join international events and stressed that games are more important than these problems. “Problema sa pagkain kasi paulit-ulit, problema sa transpo at kung anu-ano pa. Lahat po ’yan ay napagdaanan ng mga atletang Pinoy ’pag tayo po ang dumadayo sa ibang bansa,” he said. He shared his past experience during their tune-up game in Thailand in 2012 when they competed in the Asian Football Confederation U22 Championship qualifiers to show that they were not bothered by these problems back then. Cayanan shared his own experience in the 2017 SEA games in Malaysia where their service transportation was delayed and their team was brought to a wrong hotel. He recalled that they had “inadequate food supply” in their hotels but eventually the service improved. Tiu also cited the inevitable hitches and inconveniences he personally experienced as a sports delegate before. “Sports is certainly a great platform to inspire the youth, promote good values and unite a nation. Let us not use it to divide us” Tiu wrote in his Instagram post.

TAKRAW BETS TARGET 1ST GAMES GOLD

epak Takraw may finally win its first ever gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Sepak Takraw President Karen Caballero said on Tuesday that all the six SEA countries competing can only field athletes in three of the eight events— two in the men’s and one in the women’s division except the Philippines. The Philippines—as Games host—has the option of competing in all six regu and hoops events. The Philippine team is made up of veterans and youth players. The veterans in the lineup are Jason Huerta, Reyjay Ortuste, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Josefina Maat, Des Oltor, Ronsted Cabayeron and Sara Catain. Caballero said the players, especially the world champion team in the 2016 Kings Cup, are eyeing to win two to three gold medals in the biennial games. Thailand will still be the team to beat but could only dominate three of the six events. Malaysia, Vietnam and Myanmar will be the other toughest rivals of the Philippine Team. Sepak Takraw competitions will be in Subic from December 1 to 8. The team is coming into the Games well prepared, especially with the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission that funded the team’s training preparations in Thailand and Korea, along with several other international tournaments. The Philippines is pinning its hopes for gold in the men’s hoop doubles and women’s hoop.

VERYTHING goes down to the day of reckoning. The host country found itself at the pelting end of negative feedbacks but that does little effect on the national track and field athletes for the 30th Southeast Asian Games beginning on December 6. Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) President Philip Ella Juico expects the 60-member athletics team to perform well at the world-class New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Juico said the singing of the national anthem at the world-class athletics facility and elsewhere would be the antidote for a country that ails from

the backlash of poor handling of the Games. “There are many negative things and it is our wish to recover from the negative events. It’s our duty now to lift our country from what has happened,” Juico said in a send-off party arranged at the Marriott Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. “It’s better if we sing the national anthem six to 12 times. The day of reckoning has come,” the former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission added. Realistically, Patafa foresees a haul of five to six gold medals but it could shoot upwards when the actual events kick off. Ernest John Obiena and Natalie Uy are best potentials in pole vault, while 800 m specialist Carter Lilly, hurdles king Eric Cray, sprinter Kristina Knott and

ATHLETICS Chief Philip Ella Juico sees a haul of five to six gold medals at the New Clark City.

shot putter William Morrison are shoo-ins to clinch mints. Also projected to come up big are reigning Southeast Asian Games marathon champion Mary Joy Tabal, who has the first crack at the women’s event on the first day of athletics action on December 6. She will be joined by fellow marathoners Jerald Sabala and Anthony Nerza in the men’s side, and Christine Hallasgo in the women’s category. “I prepared for five months and my training went well. We’re into our final conditioning and preparations,” said Tabal, who trained for two months in Japan. “I checked the route and it’s challenging because it’s not a flat course, it’s a combination of uphill and downhill venue,” she added.

Al Mendoza alsol47@yahoo.com

THAT’S ALL

Why SMB missed the Slam

Pacquiao wowed by New Clark City sports complex T

HE world-class sports facilities at New Clark City impressed international boxing icon, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, when he visited the facility days before the 30th Southeast Asian Games begin on Friday. During his visit, Pacquiao interacted with athletes from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, asking them about their stay in New Clark City. The athletes replied in unison, “Everything’s great!” referring to the accommodation, food and training facilities. In a video message, the senator encouraged Filipinos to show support to national athletes as they bring pride and glory to the country. “Pilipinas, meron na tayong magandang facility. Kailangan suportahan natin ang ating mga atleta para sa karangalan ng ating bansa. We win as one!” he said. Pacquiao toured the 20,000 seater-Athletics Stadium with a track certified as Class 1 by the International Association of Athletics Federations,

the 2,000-seater Aquatics Center certified by the International Swimming Federation, and the Athletes’ Village complete with housing amenities and gym facilities. Pacquiao will lead the ceremonial lighting of the SEA Games cauldron in New Clark City to mark the opening of the games. Designed by National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, the cauldron serves as a tribute to Filipino athletes and a testament of government’s commitment in giving value and importance to national athletes and the continuous development of the country’s sports program. Aside from the sports facilities, a polyclinic of the Philippine General Hospital Satellite for Sports Medicine and Wellness was also built to

SEN. Manny Pacquiao strikes a pose with world boxing champion Nesthy Petecio, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Vivencio Dizon.

FOOTBALL action gets going at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Monday night. NONIE REYES

provide free medical and health-care services to athletes participating in the SEA Games. The PGH Polyclinic will be equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Room Facility,

Primary Care and Sports Medicine, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Imaging Center (x-ray and Ultrasound), Diagnostic Laboratory and Pharmacy during the games.

Azkals take on Myanmar next

HE Philippines takes on Myanmar in men’s football on Wednesday bringing the momentum of a 1-1 draw the Azkals notched with Cambodia on Monday night. The Philippines-Myanmar is set at 4 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Myanmar will never be easy for the local side. The Myanmarese are the reigning gold medalist—they beat powerhouse Thailand in 2017 in Malaysia. Myanmar also split its opening match with Malaysia, 1-1, on Monday. The Philippines women’s team, meanwhile, debuts against Myanmar at 8 p.m. at the Biñan Stadium in Laguna. Cambodia and Timor Leste face in the 8 p.m. Dennis Chung came off the bench to lift the Philippines to that face-saving draw against Cambodia. With the hopes of the Junior Azkals fading away, Chung, who subbed for Dylan de Bruycker in the 88th minute, struck the tying goal in the 93rd minute, much to the delight and relief of the 2,980 hometown fans who witnessed the pulsating Group A match. Veteran midfielder and skipper Stephan Schrock had a hand in that goal, feeding his fellow Fil-German, who saw a sliver of light as the Cambodian defense broke down to slot in the

10-yard equalizer. Until then, it was the visitors who had the upper hand against their fancied hosts, with striker Keo Sukpheng scoring first blood in the 41st minute from the right wing past the sloppy Philippine defense. Also sharing the Cambodian spotlight was goalie Keo Sorsela, who had his hands full in parrying the Junior Azkals’ repeated attacks with his brilliant saves, only to come to grief with just two minutes to go in injury time. “I am speechless because this is absolutely amazing,” said Chung, whose mother hails from Camiguin, in being the savior of the embattled Nationals in the crunch in his SEA Games debut. But the Philippine Serbian Coach Goran Milojevic, speaking through an interpreter, was more low-key about his player’s goal, quipping: “He [Chung] is a forward so he is supposed to score goals.” “While I believe my boys were the better team, the Cambodians played extremely well,” added Milojevic at the post-match conference. “But they never gave up so I am proud how they recovered in the second half. Overall it was a good game for us.” In a Group B match, Vietnam got off to a sizzling start by swamping Brunei, 6-0. Ryniel Berlanga

WHAT happened to San Miguel Beer’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Grand Slam dream? Which of the following triggered the franchise’s early demise? One, choosing the wrong import? Two, team discipline breakdown? Or three, the release of Christian Standhardinger? Dez Wells wasn’t exactly a bad import. Except for his penchant for individual play, he was a sound player who could deliver the goods when needed most. But then he got injured. And San Miguel Beer had to scrounge for a replacement. Unfortunately, John Holland wasn’t what you might call what the doctor ordered. Holland can play but, unlike Wells, he could not grind it out when the going got tough. Wells was frantically recalled but, alas, during practice, he ran into a nasty pick by Arwind Santos. Piqued, Wells quickly rose with the aim to maim Santos. That’s when all hell broke loose. Ronald Tubid came to Santos’s rescue and punched Wells in the face. Towering Kelly Nabong took pity on Wells and uncorked blows against the smaller Tubid, who would absorb more facial hits from Wells. Last heard, Vicky Belo might be dispatched to return the rearranged face of Tubid to its original form. Management quickly acted and the Pacquiao wannabes were suspended indefinitely without pay. And, with the harm on team morale done, the remaining Beermen became easy pickings when the win-once Gin Kings battled them on Sunday. The quarterfinal date became but a mere formality for Ginebra to reenter the semifinals, capturing a well-calculated 100-97 victory from a squad clinging haplessly, hopelessly, to its last remaining thread of sanity. After winning the first two conferences to position itself for a rare chance to win a Grand Slam, targeting the triple crown affair for SMB should have been the natural course for the team. Sadly, SMB seemed not serious enough to nail it. When was the last time a team had a Slam shot? In 2017, it was San Miguel Beer itself that had that chance. It bungled it then. It bungled it now. This time, it began with Standhardinger’s unceremonious departure. It ended with Wells leaving for home. Here’s a dirge for gold turning garbage. THAT’S IT Happy birthday today to Senen Glorioso, the mucho simpatico hubby of Jay Valencia, the theater thespian cum opera singer par excellence. Abel and Malu Manliclic have generously offered to host a birthday dinner at Tiong Bahru at the Met Live Mall, Macapagal Avenue corner Edsa Extension, whose house specialty of boneless Hainanese chicken rice is reputedly the best of its kind in the nation today. Dying to pig on it. Cheers!

Chavit stakes P250K for every shooting gold medal

arvacan Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson exhorted the Philippine national shooting team to win more honors for the country as he offered P250,000 for every gold medal won in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. “I wish them all the luck and pray that we will win as one,” said Singson, president of both the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), after giving a pep talk to the shooters who paid a courtesy call at his residence in Quezon City recently. Singson, himself a respected practical shooter, said the team has a good chance of winning at least six events in the Games after the team became the top Southeast Asian country in the recent Asian Shooting Championships in Doha, Qatar, finishing seventh out of 14 squads. He said trap shooters Carlos Carag and Hagen Topacio qualified for next year’s Tokyo Olympics and other team members—trap’s Eric Ang; rifle’s Jayson Valdez, Amparo Acuña, Denise Basila and Sean Jayfred Ocampo; pistol’s Shanin Lyn Gonzales, Juliette Rose Arellano, Marcelo Gonzales and Angelo Michael Fernandez—are also serious threats for the gold medals. Singson also lauded PNSA Vice President Irene Garcia, coaches Julius Valdez, Fernando Mercado, Susan Aguado and armorer Mario Dasalla for their roles in gaining top honors for the country in the Asian championships. Mercado had earlier expressed confidence in his trapshooting squad because their scores at the Asian championship were equivalent to gold medals in both the individual and team competitions in the SEA Games.

Singson said that his wards, who will be participating in the Rifle 10m, Pistol 10m, Benchrest Rifle Shooting, Precision Pistol Competition, MS and Moving Target category, will contribute to the country’s bid to win the targeted 274 gold medals in the Games, earlier set by leaders of the various national sports associations.

Narvacan (Ilocos Sur) Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson poses with members of the national shooting team during their courtesy call at his residence in Quezon City recently.

RACISM ISSUES WORSEN M

ILAN—Mario Balotelli was the subject of a racist remark by the president of his club on Monday in the latest discriminatory incident of a Serie A season marred by derogatory chants and other offensive

behavior. Balotelli has struggled since returning to the Italian league with Brescia, his hometown club, and was dropped from the weekend’s match following a dispute with Coach Fabio Grosso. Asked about Balotelli before a league meeting on Monday, Brescia President Massimo Cellino said: “He’s black, what can I say, he’s working on clearing himself but he’s having a lot of difficulty.” Brescia later attempted to downplay Cellino’s comment, saying in a statement that it was merely “a quip” that was “clearly misunderstood.” The club added that Cellino was “attempting to downplay the excessive media coverage by protecting [Balotelli].” Upon exiting the league meeting, Cellino added, “Who’s calling me a racist?...I don’t have to excuse myself from something that I don’t believe in.” Balotelli experienced racism at the beginning of his career in Italy, where he rose to prominence with Inter Milan, and he was also the target of racist chants this month during a match at Hellas Verona. The game in Verona was suspended for several minutes and Balotelli threatened to leave the field after angrily kicking a ball into the stands. Derogatory chants have also been aimed at Romelu Lukaku, Franck Kessie, Dalbert Henrique, Miralem Pjanic, Ronaldo Vieira and Kalidou Koulibaly in Serie A. All the players targeted—except for Pjanic, who is Bosnian— are black. Balotelli rejoined Serie A after three years in the French league. With two goals in seven matches, Balotelli has not been able to help Brescia climb out of last place. “I bought [Balotelli] because I thought he could add something to the squad,” Cellino said. “But due to overexposure we’ve made him become a weakness. If we continue to talk about Balotelli we’ll be hurting both him and ourselves.” Retired Dutch football star Marco van Basten, meanwhile, has been benched for a week by Fox Sports for saying sieg heil on air. Van Basten, working as an analyst, was off camera on Saturday when he used the German phrase for “hail victory” that became notorious for its use at Nazi rallies. Van Basten, who made the comment after a German coach had been interviewed by a reporter, apologized later in the show. Fox Sports said in a statement on Monday that it distanced itself from the comment, which the broadcaster called “stupid and inappropriate.” Fox says it will not use Van Basten as an analyst this week and will donate his fee to a Dutch institute to promote knowledge about World War II. Van Basten was a striker for Ajax and AC Milan, and was one of the stars of the Netherlands team that won the European Championship in 1988. After his playing career, he coached the Netherlands and other teams, and was a senior official at Fifa. The chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, on the other hand, has apologized in person to England fast bowler Jofra Archer for the racist abuse he received from a spectator Monday on the final day of the first cricket test at Mount Maunganui. David White visited the 24-year-old Archer to offer an apology and an assurance that heightened security will be in place for the second test which begins at Hamilton on Friday.

Sports BusinessMirror

| Wednesday, November 27, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Brescia’s President Massimo Cellino (left) holds a jersey with Mario Balotelli during a press conference in Brescia, Italy, in August. AP

“I just had a good chat to him [and] said that we were very sorry that he had to experience that in our country,” White told Television New Zealand. “We’re very disappointed but he was very thankful that I’d made the effort to come and see him. It was very disappointing what happened yesterday. It common courtesy to go and apologize to him.” Captain Kane Williamson will seek out Arthur before the test begins to offer the apologies of the New Zealand team. “It’s a horrific thing,” Williamson said.

BEATEN L TO THE TAPE

AVAL, Quebec—Olympic champion sprinter Bruny Surin was just beaten to the tape in his first political race. He ran in a municipal district contest in Laval, Quebec, outside Montreal. He lost Sunday by 82 votes in his bid to become councilor. Surin has said his interest in healthy lifestyles and community involvement was behind his decision to enter politics. The seat was vacant after the death of the

GONE IN NO TIME

ONDON—The incoming CEO of Britain’s governing body for track and field has resigned before starting work amid questions over her husband’s conduct. UK Athletics Chairman Chris Cook says in a statement that he met with new CEO Zara Hyde Peters on Sunday and “we have agreed together that she will now not be taking up her position.” Hyde Peters had been due to start December 1. The Times newspaper reported that Hyde Peters’s husband had been banned from

Initially the trial in a Vienna regional criminal court was set to begin nearly three years ago, but the case was adjourned in December 2016 after Seisenbacher failed to show up in court. His whereabouts were unknown for months before he was arrested in Kyiv in August 2017 but released from detention before Ukrainian authorities decided on an extradition request from Austria. He was again arrested when he tried to cross the Ukrainian-Polish border with a fake passport three months ago. In 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, Seisenbacher became the first judoka to win gold at two consecutive Olympics, having also won in 1984 in Los Angeles. As a coach, he helped Georgia’s Lasha Shavdatuashvili win gold in the men’s 66-kilogram division at the 2012 London Olympics, and led the Azerbaijan team to two silver medals at the Rio de Janeiro Games four years later. AP

working as a school teacher but later coached athletes at a club where his wife was an official. A British teaching regulatory panel ruled in 2012 that Mike Peters had exchanged “inappropriate photographs” with a 15-year-old girl, amounting to “unacceptable professional conduct.” He was cleared of sexual misconduct. AP

not be allowed into a cricket ground for the rest of their lives in New Zealand.” Archer highlighted the abuse in a Twitter post at the end of the final day’s play at Bay Oval. “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today while battling to help save my team,” he tweeted. “The crowd was been [sic] amazing this week except for that one guy.” Archer later said the person responsible for the abuse had contacted him through the social-media site Instagram, posting further insults. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also opened an investigation into the incident. AP previous councilor. The four-time Olympian lost to Michel Trottier—1,501 votes to 1,419—in the Marc-AureleFortin district. The 52-year-old Surin was on the Canadian team that won the 4x100 meter relay at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Since retiring from track and field in 2002, he has worked as a businessman, speaker and head of a foundation that promotes healthy living for youngsters. AP

Mourinho returns to Champs League

Austrian Olympic judo champ denies sexual assault of kids IENNA—Two-time Olympic judo champion Peter Seisenbacher of Austria has denied the alleged sexual assault of two young girls he was coaching in the early 2000s. At the start of his trial on Monday, Seisenbacher said: “I am not guilty.” According to state prosecutors, the alleged abuse took place in Vienna between 1999 and 2004. The women filed charges against their former coach in 2013. “Nothing has happened. Nobody has been attacked,” Seisenbacher’s attorney, Bernhard Lehofer, said. Seisenbacher is alleged to have sexually assaulted one of the girls in 1999, when she was 11, and then abused her on multiple occasions until 2002. Also, he allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in 2004. He has also been charged with the attempted assault of a 16-year-old pupil while at a training camp in Croatia in 2001. If found guilty, the 59-year-old Seisenbacher could face a prison term of up to 10 years.

“In a country and a setting where it is very much multicultural it’s something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again. It certainly won’t if there’s any influence we can have on it.” White said New Zealand Cricket is making every effort to identify the person responsible for the abuse. If identified, the person will be referred to police and, White said, likely banned for life from New Zealand cricket grounds. “If we do find out who that person is, they’ll be banned from attending cricket games in New Zealand in the future,” he said. “My sense is that person should

Getting the team through to the knockout stage of the Champions League wouldn’t do Jose Mourinho any harm in the ingratiation process. AP

ose Mourinho’s charm offensive has been in overdrive during his whirlwind first few days at Tottenham. He has lauded Tottenham’s training complex as being “second to none” and without comparison across Europe “at any level.” He says he has slept in the club’s pajamas at its onsite hotel which he rates as “six star,” with its “soft pillows, amazing duvet.” Now it’s time for a first taste of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—“the best stadium in the world,” he has purred—as Mourinho continues his quest to win over fans who might still be skeptical about his appointment. Getting the team through to the knockout stage of the Champions League wouldn’t do him any harm in the ingratiation process. Three days after guiding Spurs to a Premier League victory at West Ham in his first match since replacing Mauricio Pochettino, Mourinho will take charge of them in a home match for the first time when Olympiakos visits Tuesday in the Champions League. A victory guarantees progress out of Group B alongside

Bayern Munich with a game to spare. It would complete a decent week’s work for Mourinho as he attempts to rebuild his coaching reputation after a fractious, and ultimately disappointing, 2 1/2 year spell at Manchester United that ended almost 12 months ago. The Portuguese coach hugged his players and kept a respectful distance from the traveling Spurs fans while he celebrated the 3-2 win against West Ham on Saturday. It might take some time for them to accept Mourinho and take him to their hearts, especially considering the work Pochettino did in raising standards at Tottenham—even getting the team to a Champions League final last season when it lost to Liverpool. Mourinho has done that with Porto and Inter Milan, winning the title match on both occasions, so is seeking to become the first manager to win European club soccer’s biggest prize with three different clubs—all from different countries. None of them could be classed as modern-day continental heavyweights, either, making that achievement all the more impressive. “The gaffer’s won at every club he’s gone to—there’s no hiding away from that,” Tottenham striker Harry Kane said. “He wants to win. He’s a proven winner. I’ve made it clear that I’m at the stage of my career where I want to win trophies. “Realistically we look at the Champions League and the FA Cup this season to try and do that.... You could say that [Mourinho could make the difference] because of his reputation. It’s been three days so, until we build that relationship and see how things get on over the next two or three months, we won’t really know.” The closest Mourinho has come to winning the Champions League since that 2010 triumph with Inter was a trio of semifinal appearances—all with Real Madrid—in 2011, ’12 and ’13. He got Manchester United out of its group last season, only to get fired before the knockout stages even began. If he was happy to be back in the Premier League—his “natural habitat,” he called it—at the weekend, imagine how he will feel making a return to the Champions League arena. “Give me time, give me time to develop my ideas and we will have no problem going to play any team in Europe,” Mourinho said Monday. “We are not afraid of anyone.” Three teams have already qualified after four of the six rounds of games: Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. AP

God of Mystery

od of Mystery, Your thoughts are not our thoughts, and Your ways are not our ways.In faith we pray: Fix our hearts on Your will, Oh God. You delight in us: help us to center ourselves on Your living word and expend our energy on living the Gospel. You adorn the poor and generous rich with salvation: animate efforts to secure housing, health care, and dental care for the poor and the needy. You are working in everything: make us mindful of Your loving presence, and let us extend Your peace and love to all we meet today and all days. May God prosper the work of our minds and hands, through Jesus, Son of Joseph and Mary. Amen. Give Us This Day, Shared by Luisa Lacson, HFL

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Life

Q&A: Mark Ruffalo on playing the lawyer who took on DuPont D3

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 D1

Web inventor has an ambitious plan to take back the net By Frank Bajak The Associated Press

orld Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee released an ambitious rule book for online governance—a bill of rights and obligations for the Internet— designed to counteract the growing prevalence of such antidemocratic poisons as misinformation, mass surveillance and censorship. The product of a year’s work by the World Wide Web Foundation where Berners-Lee is a founding director, the “Contract for the Web” seeks commitments from governments and industry to make and keep knowledge freely available—a digital policy agenda true to the design vision of the 30-year-old Web. The contract is nonbinding, however. And funders and partners in the endeavor include Google and Facebook, whose data-collecting business models and sensation-rewarding algorithms have been blamed for exacerbating online toxicity. “We haven’t had a fairly complex, fairly complete plan of action for the Web going forward,” Berners-Lee said in an interview. “This is the first time we’ve had a rule book in which responsibility is being shared.” For instance, the contract proposes a framework for protecting online privacy and personal data with clearly defined national laws that give individuals greater control over the data collected about them. Independent, well-resourced regulators would offer the public effective means for redress. Current laws and institutions don’t measure up to that standard. Amnesty International just released a report charging that Google and Facebook’s business models are predicated on the abuse of human rights. Berners-Lee nevertheless says that “having them in the room is really important.” He said both companies had approached the foundation seeking participation.

“We feel that companies and governments deserve equal seats at the table and understanding where they’re coming from is equally valuable,” he said. “To have this conversation around a table without the tech companies, it just wouldn’t have the clout and we wouldn’t have ended up with the insights.” The nonprofit foundation’s top donors include the Swedish, Canadian and US governments, and the

Ford and Omidyar foundations. One of its biggest challenges is the growing balkanization of the Internet, with national governments led by China, Russia and Iran exerting increasing technical control over their domestic networks, tightening censorship and surveillance. “The trend for balkanization is really worrying and it’s extreme at the moment in Iran,” said Berners-Lee. A strong government exhibits tolerance, the computer

scientist added, for “other voices, opposition voices, foreign voices to be heard by its citizens.” So how to prevent governments from restricting Internet access at their borders? One approach, said Berners-Lee, could be financial pressure. Multinational lenders could condition lower interest rates, for example, on a nation’s willingness to let information flow freely on its domestic network.

More than just money: Sending love across the miles When thinking of traits that best describe Filipinos, the words “generous,” “kind” or “giving,” among others, often come to mind. True enough, the Filipino spirit of thoughtfulness is heavily ingrained in our culture that we even created traditions such as pasalubong or the act of bringing back home even the smallest tokens for loved ones and friends. Celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries and any holiday imaginable get us excited because they signal another opportunity to give gifts to each other. These days, the act of sending money—be it repaying a friend, giving a cash gift to a loved one, or even just sending your child’s daily allowance—has been made even more personal and memorable. GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, takes the

monotony out of an everyday task such as sending money with innovative and creative Send Money options on the app. Users can now send money with a more personalized touch with the added options to attach photos, videos or audio messages through the Send with a Clip feature. Especially for those sending money from miles away, the addition of a photo or short video makes the act more heartwarming and exciting on the receiving end. To celebrate special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and the Lunar New Year, GCash has also added an Ang Pao Send Money feature. Users can send their best wishes to relatives and friends along with a cash gift enclosed in a virtual version of the classic red envelope.

Sometimes, thoughtfulness also comes with keeping the welfare and convenience of the receiver in mind. The Express Send option on GCash is a quick, easy and fuss-free way to instantly send money to someone in dire need. The Send to Bank feature also credits the amount directly to the recipient’s bank account, enabling immediate withdrawal or use. The great news is that GCash customers are able to enjoy these features free of charge— instantaneously and with the same ease as other GCash financial transactions and features. Through such thoughtful innovations, Filipinos around the country and in other places abroad who may be separated by miles can be brought together in celebrating small milestones through the power of their mobile phones and e-wallets.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Pet Corner BusinessMirror

Seniors bake doggie treats By Katherine Grandstrand

The Associated Press

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

BERDEEN, South Dakota—Many of the residents at Primrose Place have been baking their whole lives. So this autumn, the life enrichment coordinators at different Primrose properties in town challenged some of the residents to try a new recipe—one for the dogs, the Aberdeen News reported. “We basically want to instill quality programing—more like purposeful programing,” said Kelsey Hunt, the life enrichment coordinator for Primrose Place. On a snowy October Friday, Gina Breitling, Mary Ellen Heitmann and Alene Hilsendeger were mixing up dough for dog treats—something none of them would have made before moving to the assisted-living facility. I asked them about what they thought about baking for dogs, adding that I know what my own 91-year-old grandmother would think of it. She’s a woman who likes pets outside, and I’m pretty sure the only thing she’d ever feed a pet from her kitchen is scraps. “I think I’d be with your grandma,” said Breitling, who previously lived in Ipswich. The residents do bake for humans quite a bit, Hunt said. “Sometimes we’ll do baking where they’ll make a treat and maybe we’ll send it with them to a doctor’s appointment,” Hunt said. “Especially around the holidays we do that quite frequently just because it’s such a nice surprise.” It was something they did out of necessity when they were younger, raising families. “If I wanted sweets I had to bake them,” said Heitmann, who lived in Eden before moving to Aberdeen. The dog treats will head out to the animals awaiting adoption at the Aberdeen Area Humane Society, she added. Not only do the residents get to make the dog treats, they go out and visit the dogs when the treats are dropped off, said Erin Paulson, life enrichment coordinator at Primrose Cottages, which is on the south side of town. Making the treats was a group effort. Each lady measured a different ingredient. Breitling ended up having to measure out the sticky peanut butter. The dough is stiff, but that’s needed for the crispy crunch dogs like in a treat. There are dogs that visit Primrose Place quite frequently and one resident has a cat, Hunt said. And many of Friday’s bakers previously had pets. Hilsendeger, who has lived in Aberdeen since childhood, didn’t have pets after her husband died. That was when her youngest son was five. But it was a different story when he was alive. “When he was around, he had more dogs than kids I think,” said Hilsendeger, who had six kids. While the dog treats are safe for humans to eat, they’re likely much more tasty for canine companions.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alison Pill, 34; Jaleel White, 43; Fisher Stevens, 56; Kathryn Bigelow, 68. Happy Birthday: Keep an open mind, but don’t believe everything you hear. Mull over what’s going on around you this year. Refuse to be pressured into something you aren’t ready to do. Be honest with yourself, as well as others, and you will avoid someone pushing you in a direction that doesn’t suit your needs. It’s time to reflect, revise and restart. Your lucky numbers are 4, 15, 23, 27, 33, 38, 41.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Being too accommodating or sharing too much information will put you in a vulnerable position. You are best not to let anyone know how you feel or what you think until you have a bird’s-eye view of the possibilities. «««««

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Lots of opportunities and good times are heading your way. An unexpected change will turn out better than anticipated. Relax and enjoy the company of someone you love. Personal improvement will lead to a positive lifestyle change. «««

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Listen carefully. Don’t let someone confuse you with vague information that doesn’t establish any concrete facts. A meaningful partnership will require nurturing, honesty and openness if you intend to avoid confusion and uncertainty. Avoid indulgence. «««

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A change will be enlightening. Trying something new and meeting new people will trigger your imagination and help you process some of the situations you are currently facing. Having a clear understanding of what’s happening will encourage a positive change. «««

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate in activities that require you to use your physical skills. An opportunity will arise that will give you the chance to show off what you have to offer. Don’t expect everyone to be happy for you; jealousy may be a problem.

«««««

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Getting out with friends, traveling, communicating and learning something new are favored. A personal change you make will bring out the best in you. Concentrate on self-improvement, peace, love and happiness. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. ««

Author endeavors to show how animals relate to humans By Jeff Rowe The Associated Press

Are we on the threshold of major advances in communicating with and learning from animals? Richard Louv thinks so. Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives—and Save Theirs (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill) is a thoughtful, calm, reasoned book, best read at a chaptera-day pace, allowing time to think and digest what the author has presented. This reader imagined Louv seated at Walden Pond writing it, channeling Henry David Thoreau, who spent two years at the pond west of Boston, watching wildlife and thinking about environmental solutions and social challenges. The title would appear to play on Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, the story of a sled dog in the Yukon. The dog on the cover sure looks a lot like the one on London’s cover. Both authors endeavor to show how animals relate to humans; Louv’s work has the benefit of a century of science since London published his famous book. What happens when an animal looks us right in the eye or interacts with us in some way? Scientists are steadily finding out more about animal behavior and Louv theorizes, speculates and rhapsodizes that beyond the science, something mystical is taking place. He offers examples: n A wolf that led two hikers away from where wolves had hunted and killed a moose. n A golden retriever, dolphins and a manta ray helped researchers teach desirable behaviors to autistic children. n A giant octopus released its hold on a diver after the two

made eye contact. Louv is given to digressions—to climate change, psychology, theologians, indigenous healers, loneliness and, especially, the degradation of the environment. Climate-change skeptics say the agenda presented by scientists to save the Earth from catastrophic consequences is too severe. Louv thinks it’s too modest, noting a World Wildlife Fund report showing that the global wildlife population shrank 60 percent from 1970 to 2014. Louv wants to designate half the planet for nature and wildlife, which he thinks will pay untold benefits. “Our relationships with otherthan-human beings can have profoundly positive impact on our health, our spirit and our sense of inclusiveness in the world.” The reader begins to think that many of the world’s problems could be solved if we would just connect better with animals. More important, Louv calls for a revolution in thinking about our place on this planet. We’re learning how to do that better. Just a few weeks ago, the Long Beach (California) Airport began deploying a squad of therapy dogs to interact with passengers. For many readers though, the most interesting parts focus on the emerging evidence showing that our relationships with animals extend farther than we have thought. For example, Louv notes that horses can present 17 different facial expressions, depending on whether the horse is happy, sad, annoyed or has other feelings. Dogs reflect their state of mind with 16 different facial expressions. Imagine the progress we can make when we understand all those expressions and relate to the animals accordingly. “We humans need all the other-than-human friends we can get,” Louv writes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t let the changes going on around you stop you from following the path that excites you the most. Expand your interests; surround yourself with people who motivate and encourage you. Don’t mix business with pleasure or let someone mislead you. ««««

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Look for unique ways to enjoy life. Focus on a personal relationship with someone who has been there for you through all your ups and downs. Romance is favored. «««

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take a closer look at what’s going on in your backyard. Spending too much time trying to change others when you should be looking inward and self-evaluating will set you back. Focus on love, honesty and personal happiness. «««

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you want something, make it a priority. Do what you need to do, and reap the rewards. It’s up to you to put your ideas to work and to finish what you start. Personal improvement will brighten your day. «««

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t listen to anyone trying to persuade you to do something questionable. Let your inner voice guide you in a direction that you’ve been longing to pursue. You make a better leader than you do a follower. ««««

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pay more attention to your business, and do your best not to get involved in other people’s concerns. Use your intelligence when it comes to money, health or legal matters. A physical change you make will result in compliments. «« Birthday Baby: You are entertaining, imaginative and responsive. You are passionate and possessive.

‘extracurricular’ by gary cee The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Person from Florence, e.g. 7 Bird that glides when swimming 11 Bring into play 14 1-Across’ country, to a 1-Across 15 One may be unsung 16 Veto 17 Cannonball launcher? 19 It’s hidden backward in “strands” 20 Put into office 21 Like many old coins 22 Ball-balancing aquarium resident 23 Piece of classroom furniture 24 Trinity member 26 Office number: Abbr. 28 Fuss 29 Thumbs-down vote 32 Jamaican who follows Jah 36 A new ___ on life 39 Windows, for example 42 Sticky pine substance 43 Welcome mat’s place 44 Fez or kepi 45 15th-century Peruvian 47 LAw’s land

9 Peter Pan fairy 4 54 Harvest 58 Likelihood 59 What Popsicles do on hot days 60 Ghana’s capital 61 Boot’s end 62 Common time for a student club, or a hint to the ends of 17-, 24-, 39and 49-Across 64 Brewpub order 65 Chinese currency 66 End of an intimidating warning 67 ‘60s hallucinogen 68 Frozen 2 snow queen 69 Baseball’s World ___ DOWN 1 Helped through adversity, with “over” 2 Scrabble draw that can go in front of NEATEN 3 Clips coupons, say 4 Digital advertiser’s measures 5 “You ___ seen nothing yet!” 6 Remind again and again 7 Submerged ridge

8 Run-down 9 Take into custody 10 Silent acknowledgment 11 Bound to tell the truth 12 Moses’s mount 13 Glorify 18 Non-palindromic sib 22 Corn bread and coleslaw, often 24 Warmth 25 Coral producers 27 Hypnotic stupor 29 Neither rhyme ___ reason 30 Gibbon or gorilla 31 “I couldn’t agree more!” 33 Palindromic sib 34 Explosive sticks 35 A long time ___ 37 Oceanographer’s study 38 CPR expert 40 Skating sites 41 Motown genre 46 Holding capacity? 48 Pro with a bow 49 Damage beyond repair 50 Teen heartthrobs

1 Prerelease versions 5 52 Justice Kagan 53 Copier tray abbr. 55 Reason for a food recall 56 Popped up 57 Turns white 60 Unit of forestland 62 Thumbs-up vote 63 Emergency signal Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

BLIND SPOT BRUCE C.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Q&A: Mark Ruffalo on playing the lawyer who took on DuPont By Lindsey Bahr

NEW BENEFACTOR?

The actor, who has been inactive from showbusiness in the past few years, has just been dumped by his latest rich lover because he has a tendency to have sticky fingers. Anyway, the actor appeared on a TV show and met the rich celebrity. The latter doesn’t have a reputation for liking pretty boys. In fact, he has a longtime boyfriend. But after the rich celebrity met the handsome actor, they have been seen together a number of times. Those who know the actor wish the rich celebrity knows what he is getting himself into because the actor may be handsome—but he’s bad news. The men and women he’s had relationships with only have bitter words about him and they don’t even want a reconciliation. Most of them gave the actor everything, including money and material things, but he repaid everything by either cheating on them, or stealing from them—or both.

LADIES’ MAN

This death of a businessman brought back memories of his days as someone who became associated with one or two, or even three, celebrities. One of them is a former sexy star who has since retired from show business. The other one is a former beauty queen and TV host. The beauty queen won in a pageant where the businessman was a judge. She later on became the girlfriend of a TV host who is now married. The businessman’s third celebrity girlfriend was a beautiful starlet who never became very famous. She is now married with a child. The thing about the businessman was that he was a generous lover. We’re sure all the girls he loved remember him with fondness.

HER SCANDAL

The TV host, who became popular online, is said to be on the verge of being eased out of a popular show because of a sex video. Someone reportedly sent the show’s producers a sex video of the TV host with a man who definitely isn’t her fiancé. The thing is that the man isn’t single and he is quite well-known, too, and the video isn’t an old one. It seems that for all her being an independent and strong woman, the TV host has had her weak moments. She has decided to leave the country to avoid any scandal in relation to the sex video. It is not clear whether the actor who she is reportedly set to marry is aware of the sex video’s existence.

SHE’S GOT ATTITUDE

Who is the beauty queen who is snooty beyond words? At an event hosted by the network she is contracted with, the beauty queen told off someone who took a picture of her after she requested it. After the beauty queen looked at the photo, she told the person to do better next week. She didn’t know that the person was a manager at network. There have been many horror stories about the beauty queen’s snootiness and the way she talks down on people. She orders them around without saying “please” or “thank you.” Hasn’t her mother, who is considered beauty pageant and showbiz royalty, taught her anything?

K-pop star Goo Ha-ra found dead at her Seoul home SEOUL, South Korea—K-pop star and TV celebrity Goo Ha-ra was found dead at her home in Seoul on Sunday, police said. Police said an acquaintance found the 28-year-old dead at her home in southern Seoul and reported it to authorities. The cause Goo Ha-ra of death wasn’t immediately known. Police refused to provide further details. Goo made her debut in 2008 as a member of the girl group Kara, which had big followings in South Korea, Japan and other Asian countries. She later worked as a solo artist and appeared on many TV shows. In May, Goo was reportedly found unconscious at her home and was hospitalized. She was embroiled last year in public disputes with an ex-boyfriend who claimed to be assaulted by her. Goo accused the man of having threatened to circulate a sex video of her. The case made her the subject of tabloid fodder and malicious online messages. In October, another K-pop star and actress, Sulli, was found dead at her home near Seoul. The 25-year-old was known for her feminist voice and outspokenness that was rare among female entertainers in deeply conservative South Korea. Before her death, she appeared in a TV show and spoke out against online backlash she received over her lifestyle. AP

The Associated Press

OS ANGELES—Mark Ruffalo learned about corporate attorney Rob Bilott, who for 20 years battled DuPont to expose the harmful effects of the chemical PFOA, along with most of the country: in 2016 through an article in The New York Times Magazine. A cold call from a West Virginia farmer in 1998, who believed his creek was being contaminated and his animals poisoned by DuPont runoffs began the long investigation that ended in 2017 when DuPont and Chemours Co. agreed to pay more than $600 million in a class action lawsuit on behalf of thousands. Ruffalo was captivated and immediately set out to acquire the rights to make Nathaniel Rich’s The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare into a legal thriller in which he’d play Bilott. “It’s a horror story that has to be told,” Ruffalo said. “It’s a story for our time.” The result, Dark Waters, directed by Todd Haynes and costarring an impressive ensemble, including Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, William Jackson Harper and Bill Pullman, opens Thursday night in theaters. Bilott also authored a book about the ordeal, Exposure, which hit shelves in October. DuPont said in a statement that it believes the film “misrepresents things that happened years ago, including our history, our values and science.” The company also said it supports regulating the chemicals spotlighted in Dark Waters. Was it difficult to get the rights? I was in the process of acquiring the rights after reading (the article) and I got a call from my friends at Participant Media who said, “Hey, I think we’re actually bidding against each other for this story. We love it. Would you like to join forces with us?” I’d done Spotlight with them and I was like, “I would like that.” And then we started to develop it.... This thing happened in record time. It (usually) takes five to seven years to get a movie made. Why did you think of Todd Haynes to direct? We’d been bumping into each other for years, and I’d been such a big fan of his. I thought he would do something really beautiful with this. It needs that kind of spaciousness and depth to really make it work because there’s so much legalese and data that unless we’re attached to this character and really understand him, no one will stay with this story. (Haynes) would figure out a way to bridge 20 years in a movie elegantly, and he would make the most gorgeous version of this movie. When did you meet Rob Billot and start to develop a relationship with him? Very early on. While we were in talks of acquiring the story, I wanted to talk to him about it. I was on the phone with him for quite some time,

laying out my vision for it. But I wanted to know more. I felt like the whole story wasn’t really in that New York Times article. Especially concerning his relationship to (his law firm) Taft and what that must have been like, and how difficult that must have been. The article really doesn’t get into that. Was there anything that surprised you about him? He’s passionate, (but) he’s not emotional. He’s the opposite of what, as an actor, you’d want him to be. He’s deeply righteous, but he’s not political. He doesn’t have an axe to grind. He’s a corporate defense attorney! He’s the guy who would normally defend these companies. That was so remarkable to me. That’s what made the story. That’s what made me thought this could be a movie. When you read that initial story, did you have a late-night moment like Rob does in the movie where you’re throwing out all the Teflon products?

Yes. I (changed) everything. I have a water filter on the house. I’ve stopped buying even my favorite progressive sports brands that use PFOA in their waterproofing. What are you hoping audiences take from this? Just having the knowledge. Knowledge is power. Before you didn’t know, so you couldn’t even make a choice. We were living with this stuff. It was all around us and we had no idea so we couldn’t even decide whether it was something we wanted in our life or not. There’s power in that, just being able to say, “Hey I don’t want this in my life. This causes six diseases so I’m not going to cook on this anymore, I’m not going to buy these products anymore. I’m going to find the alternative.” It’s like the priest molestation scandal in Spotlight. What really made the change in the world was what people learned from what that they didn’t know about before, told in a human story that they could relate to in their hearts and minds.

GMA dramas draw strong viewership in Kenya, Dominican Republic GMA dramas continue to be popular among viewers in Kenya and Dominican Republic through the solid partnerships built by the network’s content distribution subsidiary, GMA Worldwide Inc. (GWI). According to data from African surveying platform GeoPoll, English-dubbed versions of several GMA programs airing in Kenya via KTN TV are exceeding expected figures for prime-time viewership. Among the most-watched programs on KTN TV was the 2016 romantic drama Once Again. It debuted with a strong 1.4 million viewers and soared to a peak of 2.3 million viewers. Airing prime time on weekdays, the intriguing story of resurrected star-crossed lovers received positive reviews from Kenyan viewers. Following Once Again is the internationally acclaimed drama Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real (The Other Mrs. Real) with viewership that peaked to 1.8 million. The drama, which was a Silver Screen Awardee of the US International Film and Video Festival, was praised by Kenyan viewers for its delicate and mature treatment of the controversial theme of infidelity.

Also with a peak viewership of 1.8 million was Pamilya Roces (Family Jewels). The comedy-drama about feuding sisters drew many viewers, especially fans of actress Carla Abellana who became popular among Kenyans after starring in My Destiny, Together Again and Losing Heaven. KTN TV also aired the dramas Hanggang Makita Kang Muli (Until We Meet Again), an intriguing drama about a feral child; and Someone to Watch Over Me, the story of a wife’s sacrifice for her husband diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Viewership of these dramas peaked at 1.5 million and 1.4 million, respectively. The dramas’ unique storylines which portray the struggles of characters who eventually triumph appeal to Kenyan viewers. Made possible by GWI’s collaboration with Standard Media Group, GMA continues to strengthen its presence in the region by providing toprating content not only to Kenya, but to the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. Likewise, GMA’s groundbreaking drama Onanay (The Way To Your Heart) is making waves in the Dominican Republic as it delivers high ratings for broadcaster Color Vision. The Spanish-dubbed version, titled El Amor Mas Grande, scored an average audience share of 12.48 percent between October 10 and 23, making it the second most-watched program on the 4 to 5 pm timeslot and contributing to Color Vision’s strong daytime ratings. Dominican fans of the series also show their support on social media, praising it for its unique and unpredictable plot, and for shedding light on the story of little people. El Amor Mas Grande entered the Dominican Republic via GWI’s successful partnership with Latin Media Corp. It tells the story of a mother with achondroplastic dwarfism longing for the acceptance of her daughter, while struggling through her difficult situation complicated by the lies, prejudice and discrimination around her.

THE top-rating prime-time drama series Onanay

South BordeR

4 popular ’90s bands in one romantic concert RedCrane Productions and Resorts World Manila give concert-goers a love-filled concert this Christmas season, titled Romantic Wednesdate, on December 4, 8 pm, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater with four big bands to perform on one stage. The 1990s was dubbed as the golden age of OPM, giving way to numerous bands whose songs remain in-demand and loved by different generations. Reminisce and fall back in love with the timeless songs of True Faith, Side A, Freestyle and South Border. Hear them perform their greatest hits “Perfect,” “Forevermore,” “Before I Let You Go,” “Kahit Kailan” and many more. Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Image BusinessMirror

D4 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Hand in hand

The F&B team of F1 Hotel Manila

F1 Hotel Manila earns 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor Recognized as the first hotel in Bonifacio Global City, F1 Hotel Manila remains one of the most competitive when it comes to delivering excellent service in the hospitality industry. This was recently acknowledged by TripAdvisor as they awarded F1 Hotel Manila a Certificate of Excellence as proof that the hotel consistently delivered excellent service throughout the year. With seven successful years under its belt, TripAdvisor has been an important tool in determining where the hotel stands. Each department is exhibiting more than what is expected, making the hotel’s mission and vision possible and in arm’s length every functioning day. The establishment continues to progress and evolve along with the supervision of General Manager Cindy Brual, who has been in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years. Applying her years of experience, F1 Hotel Manila was able to achieve excellent ratings on TripAdvisor from guests under her management and also with the help of her respective department heads. Notable for its modern amenities and spacious upscale accommodations located at the heart of bustling BGC, F1 Hotel Manila continues to strive for excellence in terms of guest service as it is the bread-and-butter of the hospitality business.

CHARITABLE ART EXHIBIT SHOWCASES CULINARY CREATIVITY, BOUNTY OF PHL

The Mama Sita Foundation, the social arm of the international Filipino food brand Mama Sita’s, in partnership with Art Circle Gallery will stage an art exhibit at the Art Center of SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, from December 9 to 19, 10 am to 9pm. Open to the public, the art exhibit is titled Patikim! The Art of Filipino Hospitality, a curated, charitable exhibit that explores the roots of Filipino food, agriculture and generosity through the visual arts. The exhibit continues the legacy of Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes, a lifelong advocate of the culinary heritage of the country. Participating artists were tasked to express this proud heritage by channeling the fecundity of the Philippines’s land and seas, as well as the creativity of its kitchens and dining tables. Naturally, an art exhibit billed as Patikim will include some food samplings and refreshments for guests to enjoy during the opening on December 9 at 10 am. Art Circle Gallery artists include some of our greatest living treasures, including Manuel “Manny” Baldemor who art columnist Rosalinda Orosa described as “The Chronicler of the Motherland.” Proceeds of this fund-raising event will benefit a scholarship program for deserving aspiring chefs who will be awarded free tuition to the Filipino Cuisine classes at the Academy of Culinary Education, given by instructor and school owner Chef Cecilia de Castro, a distinguished Filipino-American chef who has worked under some of the biggest names in the food world, such as Wolfgang Puck and Julia Child. As an added attraction, Anvil Publishing House’s Let’s Cook with Nora, reedited by Nina Daza-Puyat, daughter of the late culinary icon, Nora Daza, will be available to interested guests. Nina will be at the opening day for book signing. Other related cooking and food books will also be available for sale for the duration of the exhibit.

t was my first time to meet the new executive at work and he extended his hand for a handshake and I instinctively did the same. I cannot remember the last time I shook hands with someone. It has become common practice in my work to meet someone through a Web call and it takes away the social practice of shaking hands. A handshake used to be a regular social courtesy I was required to extend, and in that one moment when somebody offered a handshake, I could not remember the last time I received or offered one. The handshake was introduced to me when I started working for a school which values it as part of its social conduct. Students would greet teachers through a handshake and teachers also had to greet school officers with a handshake, which became a source of anxiety for some especially when they came across the school owner or someone they did not like. The handshake was only suspended on flu season when there was a high risk of contaminating others. But it was a good practice for students to become confident in dealing with just about anyone, and helped them practice one of the most important social graces. In that one moment when the new executive shook my hand, I realized I have missed the practice and the way a handshake helped ease the way for me to ask for his assistance in dealing with a business transaction I was not familiar with. The handshake was first used to ascertain that a person is not concealing any weapons in his hand, hence the open palm offering of the hand. It became a sign of goodwill and proof that a person could be trusted. Later on, the handshake evolved into one’s word and honor, and agreements were finalized and concluded with a handshake. Such was the power of the gesture. And until today, contracts concluded with a handshake are considered binding and enforceable. But whether you are meeting someone for the first time or closing a deal, your handshake will influence their first impression of you. Your handshake will say a lot about your confidence and how you perceive the other person. It will also

People today use other forms of greeting like a polite nod, a tap on the shoulder, or even a high five. But for me, a handshake is still the best way to show enthusiasm for meeting someone new, or engaging in a business transaction. And while I have long left the school’s employ and am no longer required to shake hands, I continue to appreciate how important it is to make a good impression— and it all starts with a firm and friendly handshake. show how socially intelligent you are in conducting yourself and underscore how willing you are to understand the other person. A good handshake tells others that you are confident, friendly and trustworthy. To ensure you maximize what a handshake can do for you, here are some things you can do. Offer a handshake whenever you meet someone new unless it is a woman, where you have to wait for her to extend her hand. And when you do reach out for a handshake, make sure your thumbs are touching and give the other’s hand a firm handshake. The pressure of the handshake should be enough to be felt as genuine but not too much it becomes uncomfortable. Some people do not know their own strengths, so it would be better if you practice with your friends and get honest feedback on the pressure of your handshake. Your handshake should also not exceed two seconds or two to three pumps, which are the acceptable duration of a handshake. Too long and you run the risk of being perceived as too eager or lacking the social graces to know when to let go. Either way, you engender a bad impression. Again, practice with trusted friends so you have an idea of how long you should be holding other people’s hands before it becomes uncomfortable. I have had lots of practice when I was still a teacher and I have come across all kinds of handshakes and by far, the worst handshakes are the limp ones. Remember also that the handshake is more than just the handshake—look people in the eye when shaking their hands and do not forget to smile. Eye contact and smiling enforce your sincerity to know the person and helps you project a confident and cordial nature. I have also had instances when I had to ask students to repeat their handshakes because it lacked enthusiasm and it was obviously done out of

routine rather than a genuine greeting. Rushing into the handshake and looking somewhere else indicate a lack of interest. Engage your entire body into the handshake and focus your attention on the other person so they will be engaged and feel important. It is important to say the other person’s name during a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It shows you were paying attention and at the same time, it provides an opportunity for you to correct yourself when needed. It also affirms the person because we are wired to listen to someone who says our name out loud. Do the same by introducing yourself when no one is there to do the formalities. Speaking a person’s name also reinforces your memory so you can remember them later, but do so sparingly so as not to appear being overzealous. Before an office meeting or in a social event, be ready to shake hands with people. Always keep your right hand free to offer or accept a handshake. This means putting down whatever you are carrying so you can shake hands freely, or carrying your things in the left hand. Being ready to shake hands also means making sure your hands are dry. To avoid having damp hands, always carry with you a handkerchief to wipe them dry. If it cannot be avoided, keep your right hand to your side and surreptitiously wipe it on your pants as you lift it to shake the other person’s hands. People today use other forms of greeting like a polite nod, a tap on the shoulder, or even a high five. But for me, a handshake is still the best way to show enthusiasm for meeting someone new, or engaging in a business transaction. And while I have long left the school’s employ and am no longer required to shake hands, I continue to appreciate how important it is to make a good impression—and it all starts with a firm and friendly handshake.

Was that joke funny or offensive? Who’s telling it matters In September, before the start of its 45th season, Saturday Night Live brought on some new cast members. The decision to hire one of them, Shane Gillis, was roundly criticized after disparaging jokes he’d made at the expense of Asian and gay people quickly surfaced. A week after announcing Gillis’s hire, the show fired him. On the other hand, critics widely lauded the addition of comedian Bowen Yang. Ironically, Yang also tends to poke fun at Asian and gay people during his sets. So, why did Yang get to keep his job, while Gillis lost his? We study why some jokes land and others don’t—and why the identity of the person telling the joke matters. Yang, it seems, can “get away” with this sort of humor precisely because he is both Asian and gay, while Gillis is neither.

Being ‘in’ on the joke

Many of us intuitively understand that it’s more permissible for people to openly judge or criticize social groups they belong to than those they do not belong to. For example, many Americans may feel justified in calling out the country’s faults while lambasting a non-American for doing the same. This phenomenon is called the intergroup sensitivity effect, and we wondered whether it applied to humor. To test this, we ran a series of studies in which we examined whether people’s reactions to disparaging jokes would change based on who was telling the joke.

In our first study, we showed participants a mock Facebook profile belonging to either a gay or a straight man who had posted a joke about gay people. We then asked the participants to rate how funny, offensive and acceptable they found the joke. Participants considered the joke funnier, less offensive and more acceptable if the poster was gay. We wanted to know whether this effect also applied to jokes about race. So, in a second study, we showed participants a mock Facebook profile belonging to an Asian, black or white man who had posted a joke about Asian people. Here, participants rated the joke as funnier, less offensive and more acceptable when the owner of the Facebook profile was Asian. We then ran a third study in which we directly asked participants how acceptable it was for members of different social groups to make jokes about their in-group or various out-groups. We found that participants, on a consistent basis, were more receptive to humor based on gender, race and sexual orientation if the person making the joke was also a member of the targeted group.

Why might group membership matter?

So why, exactly, does the group membership of the joke teller matter so much? We think it may have something to do with how an audience interprets the joke’s intent. Some humor researchers distinguish between what they call “antisocial intentions”—in which humor is used to inflict harm

and reinforce stereotypes about a social group—and “prosocial intentions”—where humor is used to empower the group and challenge stereotypes about it. When humor is deployed in a self-referential way, perhaps the audience is more prone to perceive it through a prosocial lens. For example, when Bowen Yang speaks with an exaggerated Chinese accent, audiences may more readily construe this as coming from a benign place. Maybe he’s satirizing the racist ways in which others portray Chinese people, or perhaps he’s affectionately parodying his own culture. But no matter the real reason, he certainly wouldn’t want to inflict harm on his own group—or so the thinking goes. On the other hand, when Shane Gillis does the same, audiences may be less likely to give him the benefit of the doubt—and more likely to infer malign and racist intentions. He doesn’t identify with his targets in any way. Maybe he truly does harbor disdain. Alternatively, it may simply be the case that people are given greater “license” to make disparaging jokes about groups they’re a part of, irrespective of their motives. We plan to test these potential processes across a new set of studies. Nonetheless, our findings show that comedians and humorists, professional or otherwise, should be ever mindful of group dynamics. They could be the difference between a joke being met with rollicking laughter or awkward silence. AP

BusinessMirror E1 | Wednesday, November 27, 2019 • Editor : Tet Andolong

Artist’s perspective of The Junction Place

ALI brings vaunted development touch in Novaliches By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

VERY Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) development project brings amazing changes to the community and the people, as well. It has a stellar record to back it up from the several projects that it has undertaken. This time the property colossus is developing an 11-hectare district called The Junction Place in Novaliches, Quezon City. Moreover, ALI will create a pocket urban development located right between Quirino Avenue and Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City’s busiest thoroughfares. “This is a first for ALI. We want to create something strategic in the area. The impact of The Junction will be very significant to the neighborhood,” ALI Vice President and estate Head of Makati and Bonifacio Global City Manuel Blas II said in a recent press briefing held in Makati City. The Junction Place is located in Novaliches, on the western side of the city. The location is one of the city’s busiest trade areas with a mix of homes, schools, markets,

Artist’s perspective of commercial district

retail, and hospitals with about 15 percent of the city’s population either live or work there. Blas said ALI’s presence in the area would ease some of the urban congestion in the area. ALI will build a road between Quirino Highway and Tandang Sora Avenue, which will provide an alternative access for motorists and will cut travel time between the two roads. To give residents easier access to transportation, The Junction Place will have its own transport hub to link Novaliches to other key hubs across Quezon City and Manila, including TriNoma, Balintawak and Blumentritt. Blas said the project would also benefit from the upcoming Mega Manila Subway project, as planned stations in Quirino Highway and

Artist’s perspective of public spaces

Tandang Sora Avenue will be less than a kilometer away from this new development. “We’re creating a comfortable and refreshing new neighborhood that will connect people to other hubs in Quezon City and beyond. At the same time, The Junction Place will be a refreshing area for shopping and dining, and affordable products and services will be available for everyday needs. It will also provide a great platform for homegrown, small and medium

enterprises with its urban location,” ALI estate Head Stephen Comia said in a press briefing. Just like any significant master-planned communities it has developed in the past, Comia said ALI would ensure The Junction Place would have residential, commercial and recreational components that fit the needs of the nearby communities. The residential area will be nestled near the public spaces of the estate and the Tandang Sora Avenue exit.

Amaia Land, the affordable property development subsidiary of ALI, will anchor the residential development in The Junction Place. Comia said ALI will bring the same experience provided to other developments to residents such as a highly organized, comfortable, green and safe neighborhood complemented by conveniences like shopping, dining and transport within walking distance. The retail component will be handled by the 5,000-squaremeter Walter Mart Mall. It will have supermarket, department store, Abenson’s, and other retail, dining and service stores. There will also be a commercial hub especially designed with activity nodes envisioned to host regular community fairs and other activities. This can also function as a meet-up area that’s fresh, green and close to home. Comia said The Junction Place would also promote entrepreneurship in the area. “We know this is a very business-minded community. You can see it from the multitude of small and medium sized enterprises lining Quirino Highway and Tandang Sora. We want to welcome and encourage this in The Junction Place. This is why we have allocated commercial lots for sale where our buyers can put up their own small BPO buildings, event venues, car showrooms and service centers. These are bite-size and ready to be developed into whatever an innovative entrepreneur may have in mind.

Today, we are grateful to our first seven buyers who have trusted to partner with us at The Junction Place,” he said. “Buyers can put up their own office buildings, event venues, car showrooms or service centers. These are bite-size areas, averaging 1,200-sq-m lots that are ready to be developed into whatever an innovative entrepreneur has in mind.” To foster closer social interaction among the residents, it will have a community center that integrates retail, dining, and service options with activity nodes for community fairs and events. It is envisioned as a meeting place with refreshing green spaces. The Junction Place will also be built on the concept of encouraging social interaction with multipurpose areas for sports and recreation that allow people to relax and unwind. Being a staunch advocate of sustainability, A LI w ill build tree-lined roads, energy efficient street lighting, walkable connections between the residential to the commercial spaces, and ample convergence spaces. “Staying true to our commitment to responsible and sustainable estate development, we are putting in place tried and tested principles to provide an organized, safe and convenient environment here at The Junction Place,” Comia shared. With the completion of the development’s main spine road, Junction Place Boulevard, a new commercial corridor will open up new opportunities for enterprises. Comia said 8,000 sq m of commercial lots facing this spine road have been sold to enterprising investors to date. “This district, in a sense, represents a new estate product for us. Ayala Land is building a relatively smaller estate in an established and populated urban location. This is a pocket urban development showcasing all the experience and leanings of Ayala Land as the pioneer in estate development. We’re creating a comfortable, safe, organized and refreshing new neighborhood that will connect people to other hubs in Quezon City and beyond. At the same time, The Junction Place will be an inviting area for shopping, dining and getting affordable services for everyday needs. It will provide a great platform for homegrown, small and medium enterprises with its urban location,” Blas said.

Business

E2 Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Cary Floirendo-Lagdameo, future of innovative real estate

Amor Maclang

first dibs in real estate

Cary shows off one of his property development projects.

DLI pioneered the first Peza-accredited IT park in Davao.

As Cary grows as the strategic lead of DLI, the property development arm of the Anflo Corp., the company grows along with him, having achieved a 400-percent increase in revenue from 2013 to 2018.

Agriya, whose name was a play on the words “agricultural city,” is an 88-hectare township that promotes sustainability and houses residential, commercial, institutional and agro-tourism facilities.

ITH the fast and constant evolution of people’s needs, it is to no one’s surprise that industries are finding ways to innovate their products and services to keep pace with customers’ evolving needs.

This situation though, is not a problem to this new-generation property developer whose mission is to upgrade their region’s real-estate industry while staying true to their roots. With his forward-thinking vision and his experience in the investments industry, real-estate entrepreneur Cary Floirendo-Lagdameo sees the vast opportunity in designing purposeful innova-

tions backed by strong, strategic leadership, further driving the economy and the people’s quality of life forward.

Transitioning to property development

Prior to leading his family’s realestate business, this third-generation Floirendo kick-started his career in the banking industry. “I was working outside the fam-

ily business for about 15 years before I decided to join. I honestly believed that I was going to be a banker for the rest of my life, but somewhere along the way, I had an epiphany and took the challenge to

manage our real-estate projects,” Cary shared. His decision to finally take over their property business meant a lot of movements from his end. Cary had to give up his corporate job, and with the company being based in Mindanao, and him being born and raised in Manila, he had to uproot and move his life from the metro to Davao. It is not an easy task to go back and forth between Manila and Davao weekly but Cary knew he had to make that sacrifice as the new head of Damosa Land. He had to make some adjustments and adapt to the business landscape of Davao.

Cary as Damosa’s lead strategist

As Cary grows as the strategic lead of Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), the property development arm of the Anflo Corp., the company grows along with him, having achieved a 400-percent increase in revenue from 2013 to 2018. “I’m proud to say that we are a homegrown company of Davao. We have been here long enough to know the ins and outs of the locality, as well as the taste of the people. We won’t say that we’re the biggest real-estate company in the region, but we’re known for a lot of firsts.” DLI pioneered the first Pezaaccredited IT park in Davao, and was responsible for the development of the region’s first agro-industrial estate and for bringing in the first major flexible workspace solution in Davao. Their communities have institutional, commercial and residential components, but what makes them interesting is their innovative vision to carefully integrate agriculture in most of them. Cary believes that this is what makes them standout in the wide array of developers now entering Davao. “Our agricultural heritage was cultivated through our affiliation with Tadeco, our Group’s flagship agricultural company, which is one of the largest producers of cavendish bananas in the world. Agriculture is in our blood, our heritage, and it is important for us to find this niche to thrive in our home region as other big realestate corporations start expanding their operations here.” Cary’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as he was named a finalist

for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. Though Cary is humbled with this accolade, what he is most proud of are the numerous awards granted to DLI, via the Philippine Property Awards, Asia Pacific Property Awards, Lamudi, and Asia CEO, which he credits directly to his hard working team.

Reinventing Davao’s property landscape

More than just incorporating agriculture in most of their developments, DLI utilizes the vast lands in Davao to innovate the real-estate industry of the region. “The Philippines is an agricultural country, and it is high time for us to recognize and fully embrace it. More than paying homage to agriculture, we have dedicated our time and resources to further cultivating our lands to promote sustainability and agricultural innovation,” Cary revealed. DLI recently launched the first agri-tourism estate here in the country early next year. Agriya, whose name was a play on the words “agricultural city,” is an 88-hectare township that promotes sustainability and houses residential, commercial, institutional and agro-tourism facilities. Agriya will be home to the UP Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment campus that will provide agricultural studies in Mindanao, and prevent the outflow of agricultural professionals to other regions. These aspiring professionals are seen as the future and the keys to revamping Davao’s and the region’s lands. True to its name, Agriya hosts different opportunities for people to fully utilize the rich lands of Davao. The township offers spaces for their residents’ backyard farming that will give them the opportunity to grow their own crops for personal or for business purposes. Next year, DLI is expected to open their tallest office building designed to translate their agricultural and regional heritage. Its façade is patterned after wavy banana fibers, which perfectly embodies their goal to represent their culture as bananas are Davao’s top export commodity. The building may not be entirely agricultural, but its unique design bears the elements of agriculture they were aiming for.

Cary, of course, sees the fastgrowing economy of Davao, and he plans to learn and implement new ways to innovate the real-estate industry of the region to hopefully contribute to this advancement. “We always say that we are a homegrown company of Davao, and calling a place ‘home’ entails a certain responsibility to always strive for its betterment. As time changes and people’s needs evolve, we are conscious in staying on track and innovating our developments and services to best suits their needs,” Cary noted. DLI’s current projects mirrors their leader’s strong will to constantly add value to the region’s growing economy. Its modernized and innovative designs, locations and amenities rooted in their culture and local expertise provides the people of Davao the right space, facilities and opportunities to grow along with the region’s expanding economy.

The final pitch

C ary is one of the investorjudges in the fifth season of The Final Pitch, the country’s first and only business reality show, where entrepreneur contestants pitch their businesses to our esteemed panel of investor-judges who are looking to own a piece of their companies. The show’s fifth season, which will air in March 2020, will have the theme “Real Estate and Livable Cities.” Aside from Cary, the other investor-judges in the show are Jet Yu, founder and managing director of Prime Philippines and a returning judge; Victor Consunji, CEO of Victor Consunji Development Corp.; George Royeca, chief transport advocate for Angkas; and Cesar Wee, president of Community Developers Inc. I am honored to be tapped for The Final Pitch as well, but as a mentor in the show’s upcoming season. As one of the mentors in the show, I will be coaching the contestants as they prepare their business proposals, their final pitches, which they will present to the investor-judges who are looking to invest in the best proposal they will find. Produced by Streetpark Productions, The Final Pitch airs Sundays at 8 p.m., with replays every Monday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. on CNN Philippines.

sMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Menarco Tower: Built by Filipinos, for Filipinos

Housing Fair all set for OFWs next month By Roderick L. Abad @rodrick

UE to the growing interest of prospective buyers abroad, Lamudi will hold an event showcasing various residential projects and services to property seekers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on December 14. Various real estate and related industry players, including major developers, will gather in this activity aimed at guiding home buyers find and realize their lifelong dream house for their own use and even as potential investment. This upcoming Lamudi Housing Fair is timely as more OFWs are expected to come back to the Philippines to spend the holiday season with their loved ones back home. The last leg of its series this year is, likewise, driven by the constant growth of appetite for properties from OFWs and foreign investors over a couple years alone, given that there has been an 81-percent increase in the number of sessions recorded by the real-estate platform outside of the Philippines in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The top 10 foreign destinations where the high interest in properties in the country are the United States (US), Canada, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Japan, India and Hong Kong. More than a fifth or 21.5 percent of sessions on Lamudi outside the Philippines was from the US, and it has shown a 93-percent hike during

the two periods in review. Hong Kong, on the other hand, partook 18.41 percent of searchers on the portal in the last two years. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the “most preferred country of destination among OFWs,” accounted for 7 percent of the sessions on Lamudi from outside the Philippines during the period of October to December year-on-year. The Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that 25.4 percent of the 2.3 million OFWs have worked in this oil rich Middle Eastern country anytime during the period from April to September 2017. Growth-wise, India was where the activities of seekers of properties in the country was at the highest at 425 percent from two years ago. Sessions in the same time period in Australia and Singapore surged by 82 percent and 79 percent, respectively. Canada, on the other hand, rose by 216 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. At the fair, attendees may visit the booths of exhibitors to know their housing and realestate investment offerings. This one-day event is also a place for brokers and agents to network and find potential clients, as learning development coaches from Lamudi Academy will be sharing pointers on converting online leads to sales and improving online strategies. Those who want to save money from the real estate that they will buy can avail themselves of the UnionBank foreclosed properties up for auction.

AboitizLand further expands in Central Luzon

S office buildings continue to rise in the Philippines’s central business districts, Menarco Tower stands tall and proud above everything else if only because it was conceptualized, designed, constructed and managed by world-class Filipino companies. What makes this outstanding is that the project is both LEED Gold and WELL Certified Gold—one of the first in Southeast Asia.

Aidea Philippines Inc., Jose Aliling Construction Management Inc. (Jacmi), DATEM Inc., C|S Design Consultancy Inc., and Arcadis Philippines all worked on the vision of Menarco Tower Founder Carmen Jimenez-Ong: to build an office tower that puts the wellness of its tenants first. The idea is to provide office workers with an environment that is safe, convenient and healthful to induce productivity. It is a concept that shows Jimenez-Ong’s commitment to set a new standard of excellence among Philippine office towers of the future. “Ms. Carmen genuinely cares about the well-being of all building tenants, resulting in the Menarco Tower becoming the first WELL Certified Gold structure in the country. The desire to advance health and well-being of occupants in the building is reflective of her values as a person and introduces this new concept to the local building industry,” said Aidea President and CEO Abelardo Tolentino Jr. “Integrity should never be compromised so that the project is completed in accordance with the agreed specifications and standards, within budget, and on

time,” added Jacmi President and CEO Jose Ramon Aliling. Building features like energy efficiency and waste management has led many companies in the Philippines to be LEED Gold. Menarco Tower went the distance by infusing elements that are not found in ordinary offices in the Philippines. The building’s water filtration system, for example, makes tap water inside tenants’ offices drinkable. Its indoor air quality is comparable to that of international hospitals because of the high efficiency air filters being used to prevent particulate matter, such as dust and smoke, and other pollutants from entering occupied spaces. Another reason that makes Menarco Tower special is its intention to pay tribute to contemporary Filipino talent, having it designed as a vertical museum where Filipino works of art are installed in every floor for everyone to enjoy. Aside from location and climate, Menarco Tower also pays attention to the habits, practices and regular routine of Filipino employees. Considering the country’s climate, culture, and the work habits of Filipi-

nos, Menarco Tower proves to be the right fit for the hardworking Filipino. The entire Filipino team behind the project pushed boundaries to show how an office building in the Philippines should be designed and built to be as efficient and hardworking as its occupants. One of the tenants, Pilates instructor Katrina Santos-Mercado, attests to feeling rejuvenated each time she enters Menarco Tower. “I work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and teach eight clients without feeling tired. I’m more productive now than when I’m someplace else,” Santos-Mercado

said. “I see the WELL Certified Gold plaque in the lobby, and was told that it’s proof that the building really makes the working environment different.” Menarco Tower, the first project of Menarco Development Corp., may be the brainchild of Jimenez-Ong, but the inspiration springs from her father Menardo R. Jimenez Sr. The patriarch’s discipline, hard work, dedication and love for the arts—traits that Filipinos are generally known for—are all part of the foundation that holds the 32-story structure high above prevailing standards.

Home

boitizLand continues the roll out of its expansion plans with the launch of Asiera Homes, its economic housing brand. It will be the developer’s second offering in Pampanga following Ajoya, making quality homes accessible to more Filipinos in Central Luzon. Asiera Homes features affordable, well-built houses in a gated community with its own amenities. With its affordable pricing ranging from P1.2 million to P1.7 million, as well as flexible financing schemes, Asiera Homes will give many more hardworking Filipinos the ability to attain the home they have always dreamed of. Asiera Homes features more than 400 twostory townhouses within a gated community. Future residents can choose from the mid unit, which features a 44 square meter lot and a 40 sq m home, or the end unit, which comes with 66 sq m of land and a 40 sq m house. All townhouses have an open layout on the second floor so residents can customize space based on their needs. They can also enjoy Asiera’s suite of amenities, which promotes bonding time with friends and family. A multipurpose hall and pocket green spaces can host gatherings and parties, while a basketball court helps develop camaraderie among neighbors. A nearby town plaza has commercial establishments that meet daily needs, and security personnel are present to ensure the safety of residents 24/7. “We understand that every hardworking Filipino dreams of having their own home. We want to help turn this into a reality with Asiera Homes, an affordable and master-planned de-

LG launches the brand-new lineup for single commercial air conditioners

velopment perfect for starting families,” said AboitizLand President And Chief Executive Officer David Rafael. While the International Monetary Fund expects the Philippines to be the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, the national government estimates that almost 6 million houses need to be built to accommodate the growing population. AboitizLand aims to assist in the country’s housing challenges with this new residential project. Asiera Homes is located in Mexico, Pampanga, a progressive part of Central Luzon. With a burgeoning economy with a growth of 7.1 percent in 2018, this region is poised to be the next hub for major trade and investment. Additionally, Asiera Homes is less than an hour away from New Clark City, the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient and sustainable megacity that is 40 times bigger than Bonifacio Global City. “As we celebrate 25 years in the real-estate industry, we continue to challenge ourselves to create more properties that help address the country’s housing needs,” ends Rafael. “At the same time, we want to empower Filipinos by giving them the opportunity to have a house they can call their own.” Asiera follows the success of Ajoya Pampanga, a 17-hectare property launched in August of this year. The Ajoya communities are also present in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and Capas, Tarlac. Asiera Homes will begin development in the first quarter of 2020. For inquiries, visit www. aboitizland.com.

s the leader in the HVAC industry, LG Electronics (LG) recently held a press conference at Solaire to formally introduce the brand-new 2020 lineup for single commercial air conditioners (CAC). Air-conditioning is integral to everyday life in the Philippines, owing to the tropical climate that can get blazing hot at times. However, according to the Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), electricity in the Philippines ranks a lowly 92nd globally, meaning the price of electricity is very high. This makes air-conditioning not feasible for some households due to the costs involved. Recognizing this issue, LG, by applying innovative technology, has achieved a highefficiency and cost-effective solution in the brand-new lineup for single CAC. LG’s brand-new lineup for single CAC, which are perfect for restaurants, small and medium-sized stores, and small and medium-sized offices, include the Floor Standing, the Ceiling Mounted Cassette, the 1 Way Ceiling Cassette, the Ceiling Suspended and the Ceiling Concealed Duct. To attain high-efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the products are rigged with LG’s revolutionary R1 Compressor and Smart Inverter. The compressor used in the new lineup is an LGexclusive R1 Compressor with a shaft-through bottom compression structure. With its innovative technology, the R1 Compressor has resolved the endemic problem of a relatively low efficiency in the widely used rotary compressor and improves the tiling motion of scroll. By virtue of the compressor, it lowers the noise to 4dB and reduces its weight by 20 percent. LG also introduced the Dual Vane Cassette, an upgraded version of the 4 Way Ceiling Cassette, and the Round Cassette which raised expectations and set the bar high.

LGEPH Brand Ambassador James Deakin (from left), LGEPH Air Solutions Business Development Manager Rod Astoriano, LG Electronics Asia B2B Air Solutions Sales Manager Joohoon Kim, LG Electronics Commercial Air Conditioner Business Leader Junsuk Lee, LGEPH Vice President for Air Conditioners and Energy Solutions Young Park, LGEPH Air Solutions Sales Head Michael Piccio

These products will be launched in the second quarter of 2020 after launching single CAC. The conventional 4 Way Ceiling Cassette is equipped with four vanes, so it used to offer air flow in four ways. However, LG also introduced the Dual Vane Cassette which is equipped with innovative dual vane technology. Since the Dual Vane Cassette has eight vanes, it manages air flow more precisely and provides optimized air flow for users. Also, the Dual Vane Cassette allows users to choose

six different modes, including three patented ones. Thus, it offers the best air flow over various spaces. “Last year, sales of LG Electronics in the Philippines have grown significantly and HVAC business was an important part of it,” said Inkwun Heo, managing director of LG Electronics in the Philippines. “LG’s HVAC Division will continue to develop the world’s best HVAC for contributing to conserve the environment, as well as creating better living conditions for everyone.” Reni Salvador

Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

E4 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Santé feted at Asia CEO Awards 2019 By Roderick L. Abad

@rodrik_28

Contributor

RGANIC health and wellness products and services provider Santé International was cited not once, but twice, at the Asia CEO Awards held recently at Manila Marriott Hotel. The firm was awarded as one of the members of this year’s Circle of Excellence for the SME Company of the Year. This category is conferred to small- and medium-scale businesses that achieved important success, demonstrating excellence in leadership, financial contribution, global recognition, pioneering achievements and social causes. Santé International Chief Executive Officer Joey Marcelo, on the other hand, was feted as among the Circle of Excellence finalists for the Entrepreneurs of the Year. Such distinction honors business leaders who have shown a commitment to introducing and boosting economic capabilities of Southeast Asia and competitiveness within the region.

“These recognitions greatly impact Santé as an organization. Being part of the Circle of Excellence for two categories symbolizes our readiness to compete in the global market,” he said. Santé is the only direct-selling Filipino and Southeast Asian company nominated and recognized as a finalist in the Asia CEO Awards this year. The top executive recalled the humble beginnings of the

firm, whose inception in 2007 was guided by a mission to uplift the public’s understanding on direct selling as a business model, as well as to do more via its premier organic health and wellness products to help prolong lives. “These recognitions symbolize our continuous success. Our advocacy of providing business opportunities to Filipinos is now, indeed, paying off,” Marcelo said. With barley as its flagship brand, Santé has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday products based on such raw material. It has, since then, expanded its offerings to include an array of natural products, and a fitness and rehabilitation center called the Santé Fitness Lab. Headquartered in the Philippines, the homegrown company now has offices in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Nigeria and Cyprus.

These recognitions symbolize our continuous success. Our advocacy of providing business opportunities to Filipinos is now, indeed, paying off.—Marcelo

Tacloban trade fair showcases products from resilient entreps

SANTÉ International Chief Executive Officer Joey Marcelo holds the two trophies for the citations he and the company won during the Asia CEO Awards held recently at Manila Marriott Hotel.

PhilCare, Fundline tie up for health-care Las Vegas-based vacation ownership exec among world’s plan-microlending bundle for SMEs most influential Filipinos P

ona Lisa Jovellanos Kozel, senior vice president for marketing operations of timeshare company Take A Break Travel DBA Paramount Consultant, was recognized with other leaders included in the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award (Global FWN100). She is the only Filipina holding an executive position in the largest, male-dominated vacation ownership company in Las Vegas. San Francisco-based nonprofit The Filipina Women’s Network gives this award to Filipina global leaders for outstanding contributions in their respective professions, industries and communities. The Global FWN100 also recognizes leaders for their work on “femtorship” or female mentoring. This year, Global FWN100 awardees were honored at the Awards Ceremony and Gala of the 16th Filipina Leadership Global Summit, which is scheduled on October 31 at The Westin Paris-Vendôme, in Paris, France. Mona has been holding her position for the past 16 years. As her organization’s marketing chief, she is in charge of over 400 employees—the majority of which are Filipinos—in 14 prime locations across the Las Vegas Strip. “This recognition from FWN100 is a humbling experience, a testament to the impact that Filipinos can make to communities and organizations around the world,” Mona said. “It is also a challenge for us to open more opportunities for women around the world. When a woman makes it to the top, I believe she must use her power to help other women, as well and inspire them to be courageous and resilient.” For her contribution to the organization and for opening up opportunities to Filipinos in Las Vegas, Mona will receive the Builder Category award of the FWN100. According to the FWN, the Builder award category is given to leaders who “have demonstrated exceptional organizational impact at a large workplace environment.”

Paying it forward

Her career break came in when she landed a job as an off premises contact for a small booth in the property Vegas World in Las Vegas, now known as Stratosphere. It was her first job at the vacation ownership industry and from there, she quickly rose to the ranks and became a corporate trainer. She helped grow the

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company’s employment and opened massive job opportunities especially to the Filipino-American community in Nevada. For Mona, reaching the pinnacle of her career comes with the responsibility of empowering others, especially women. One of the most successful women she trained is Lisa Mitchell, who is now a site manager in one of Take A Break Travel’s most productive locations. A single mother of 21 with no prior experience when she started as an OPC, Mona took her under her wing.

Commitment to diversity, inclusion

Mona works with different organizations like the Las Vegas Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as vice president for Business Development. She spearheaded a community outreach program held from June to July 2019, which able to open opportunities to hundreds of immigrants and recruit them. Many of these new employees hail from the Filipino-American community supporting diverse families from all over the world. For her contribution to the Filipino-American community, the National Federation of Filipino American Association, which is the United States’s largest national affiliation of Filipino-American institutions and organizations with 4 million Filipino-American members, gave Mona the “Community Builders Award.” For Mona, her latest accolade from the FWN is a reminder that empowering women in the workplace can deliver outstanding results. She also believes that while women tend to be nurturers, they also deserve an environment that would allow them to develop a meaningful career.

hilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco and Fundline President Edgar Surtida III seal the partnership for the firstever health-care plan-microlending bundle for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). PhilCare, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO), is now offering the first-ever prepaid plan for SMEs bundled with a microfinancing loan. Under a memorandum of agreement recently signed by PhilCare and lending firm Fundline Finance Corp., SME owners that avail themselves of the microfinancing company’s Fundlite loan program automatically get a Tuloy Asenso health plan from PhilCare. Each Tuloy Asenso health plan provides for P40,000 worth of onetime emergency health care and

hospitalization coverage for acute viral and bacterial illnesses, assuring SME owners that they need not worry about incurring additional expenses due to medical concerns. The Tuloy Asenso health plan can also be used in over 500 PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide within 100 days from activation. Tanco believes that the partnership with Fundline is one realization of the HMO company’s push for inclusive health care, which began with its introduction of prepaid health plans in the market. “SMEs are the backbone of our economy, as they comprise nearly all businesses in the country. And since we at PhilCare are about inclusive health care, we made it a point to make our presence felt to them, so they can continue to move and help our country grow,” said Tanco.

DTI eyes initial ₧125 million in venture fund for start-ups

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting an initial P125 million in venture funds to match investments from selected investors to Philippine-based start-ups as authorities have signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law providing incentives to these firms. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the amount, representing half of the projected P250 million to assist the first batch of 50 start-ups, will serve as a commercial investment fund to scale up deserving start-ups. Lopez said the DTI, in coordination with the government’s investment arm, the National Development Co. (NDC), will administer the Startup Venture Fund. “NDC can develop that fund now that the IRR is out,” he told reporters. “Of course, they [start-ups] are open to solicit and pitch to other venture capitalists.” The IRR for Republic Act 11337, also known as the Innovation Startup Act, was signed on Friday [November 22, 2019]. Such legislation creates the Philippine Startup Development Program that is set to offer “programs, benefits and incentives” for both start-ups and enablers. Aside from the investment fund, Lopez said the government will provide deserving start-ups with an

accelerator program, training, and mentorship connecting them to the global market, among others. “These are the other non-fiscal support, the benefits that we can grant the participants,” he added. Present at the signing of the IRR were Lopez, Department of Science of Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan II, and QBO Innovation Hub President Rene Meily, along with Filipino start-up advocates, enablers and communities. De la Peña said his department has incubated 220 start-ups, 70 of which have graduated into full-blown enterprises. “So this new Startup Act, we expect to be able to do more,” he said. Honasan said his department will create a Startup Philippine web site which will serve as the primary source of an online database of information, such as events and programs that will benefit the start-ups, enablers, and related enterprises in the country. “For three years, your DICT has been implementing and continuously developing programs aimed at promoting start-ups. The passage of RA 11337 will enable us to explore more ways to widen our reach in this area,” he said. PNA

PhilCare’s partnership with Fundline comes in response to the recently concluded Second PhilCare Wellness Index, which revealed that 95 percent of Filipinos do not have any health insurance and that 40 percent are unsure if they can pay their medical bills. “Our commitment to SMEs is just one way of signifying our belief that every Filipino deserves health care that is affordable and accessible. This way, we hope to help empower them to do their best by helping them have a sound body,” Tanco added. To know how you can avail yourselves of PhilCare’s Tuloy Asenso health plan for SMEs, visit www.fundline.com.ph. PhilCare also offers the most comprehensive smart health-care solutions on its flagship store on Lazada. Just visit https://www.lazada.com.ph/ shop/philcare.

he Department of Trade and Industry Region 8 will be conducting its Post-Yolanda and Pre-Christmas Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair from November 25 to 29, 2019, at the Robinsons North, Tacloban City. “Unity in Resilience,” this year’s theme for the Post-Yolanda Anniversary and Pre-Christmas Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair proves the resilience and growth of 76 producer-exhibitors, six years after the Supertyphoon Yolanda’s devastation. This will be shown through the improved packaging and labeling, and sophisticated designs of the products; visual merchandising skills and how these micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs) professionally developed with their interaction to buyers. The trade fair will showcase results from the efforts of the Rural Agroenterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth Project which prioritizes broadening market access of MSEs who have agri-based products under the priority industries of cacao, coffee, jackfruit, coconut and pili. The fair also welcomes tourists, balikbayans, and local customers who will shop for their pre-Christmas needs and gifts. The Trade Fair is expected to generate P2 million total sales for the MSEs.

Pangasinan’s sampaguita farms eyed as agriculture-tourism spots

angasinan fourth district Rep. Christopher de Venecia aims to develop sampaguita farms at Barangay Baritao here as agricultural-tourism destinations in the province. Some 15 to 20 minutes away from the famous pilgrimage site, Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary of Manaoag, hundreds of sampaguita trees, as well as ilang-ilang trees, are being cultured by some 20 farmers here. “When you find yourself in Manaoag, be sure to drop by the sampaguita farms in Barangay Baritao. You can check out [and take selfies] by hundreds of fragrant sampaguita trees from which the flowers are harvested daily. You can even talk to nearby residents if they can let you experience creating your own sampaguita lei. Been buying these things for years but it’s my first time to actually make them. Looking to organize and develop these farms as a bonafide agritourism spot in the district,” de Venecia said in his Facebook post on Friday, November 22, 2019. De Venecia and his staff visited the farms, observed how sampaguita flowers are harvested, talked to some residents, and later they were given tutorial session on how to make a sampaguita and ilang-ilang leis.

“I read the thesis of students from University of the Philippines-Asian Institute of Tourism. Of the things they identified as potential for tourism is this sampaguita farm,” he said in an interview Friday. De Venecia said he sees a big potential of agritourism site in Barangay Baritao, Manaoag. “I’m having a lot of ideas now on how to develop this. Our visit here is a starter, we have a lot of things to do. We have to organize the farmers, we have to introduce the concept of agritourism and that it will give additional income to them,” he added. Esther Quidilig, one of the owners of over 20 small sampaguita farms, said harvesting flowers starts as early as 5 a.m. The flowers are then brought home and lei makers start to create the lei using abaca threads, which are sourced from Divisoria in Manila. The lei makers, she added, can make an average of 3,000 leis per day during bloom season, which is usually from March to May, and 1,500 pieces during lean months. Sampaguita flowers are available year-round as the trees are well taken cared of. They deliver their lei products to Dagupan City, and other towns in Pangasinan, and as far as Baguio City, Quidilig said. PNA