BusinessMirror November 29, 2022

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court has declared that it is the Secretary of Justice or the Solicitor General who has the authority to settle the dispute between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)  over the latter’s demand for payment of deficiency excise taxes of P18.37 billion.

I n an 18-page decision  penned by Associate Justice Maria Filome na D. Singh, the SC’s Third Division junked the petition for review filed by the DOE seeking the reversal of the November 4, 2021 decision is sued by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA),  denying  its plea to set aside the warrants of distraint and/or levy and garnishment issued by the BIR on September 19, 2019.

T he CTA held that it has no ju risdiction over the case since it is a purely intra-governmental dispute.

T he DOE  then elevated the issue before the Supreme Court, assert ing that the CTA erred in dismissing

its petition on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.

T he DOE insisted that CTA has jurisdiction over the case as Republic Act 1125 (An Act Cre ating the Court of Tax Appeals) prevails over Presidential Decree No. 242 Prescribing the Procedure for Administrative Settlement or Adjudication of Disputes, Claims and Controversies Between or Among Government Offices, Agencies and Instrumentalities, Including Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations, and for Other Purposes.

‘CHINA’S FRESH COVID CRISIS COULD IMPERIL PHL RECOVERY’

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

WITH China reporting nearly 40,000 cases a day, some local econ omists are concerned that this could again lead to trade dis ruptions and imperil Philippine economic recovery.

F ormer University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) Dean Ramon L. Clarete told the BusinessMirror on Monday that with the possible impact on the country’s growth, the government should be more hell bent in diversifying the country’s trade partners.

W ire agency reports over the weekend said 25 million people were on lockdown in Shanghai in April and May, while shops and cafes were also mandated to close to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The “zero Covid” strategy of the Chinese govern ment has also prompted large protests across the country.

“It [China] will slow us down.

But on the other hand, it is time to diversify our value chain partners. The autocracy of Xi [Jinping] can not be compatible with sustained growth. China is going down,” Clarete told this newspaper.

Former Tariff Commissioner George B. Manzano also told the BusinessMirror the disrup tions in China will affect global supply chains.

More lockdowns, Manzano said, will affect the demand side of the country’s exports and sup ply side of Philippine imports.

“ PH exports to China have sizable inputs coming from China. It is a bit dated, but in 2017 close to 15 percent of the import content of Philippine exports to China, comes from China itself,” Manzano noted.

T he former dean of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Rene Ofreneo, agreed with Clarete and Manzano that whatever is happening in China now will reach the Philippines through trade.

THE Energy Regulatory Com mission (ERC) “chose to look the other way” when it ruled against the petition for a temporary relief to recover part of the P15 billion in losses incurred by the units of SMC Global Power Hold ings Corp. (SMCGP), the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said Monday.

“ ERC was made aware of the looming power rate hikes. It was also made aware of how it can ensure that the public gets the lowest possible rate while energy players continue to supply power viably amid rising geopolitical risks beyond anybody’s

control. Yet, it still chose to look the other way,” said SMCGP.

T he company’s statement was issued a day after President Ferdi nand R. Marcos Jr. said he was hop ing that the Court of Appeals (CA) would reconsider the “unfortunate” ruling of its 14th Division regard ing a 60-day temporary restrain ing order (TRO) in favor of South Premier Power Corporation (SPPC). The TRO, in effect, suspended the implementation of SPPC’s power supply agreement (PSA) with Ma nila Electric Company (Meralco).

Consumer advocacy group In frawatch commented, however, that the President “should allow full judicial proceedings to take its course,” and that  “his views may

ably be represented through ERC lawyers and the Solicitor General.”

T he ERC’s September 29 order denied the rate hike joint petitions of SPPC, San Miguel Corporation (SMEC), and Meralco for price ad justments to serve as temporary relief covering a combined P5.2billion losses incurred from Janu ary to May 2022 due to the unprec edented spike in fuel prices.

A ccording to the ERC, their plea for price increase was denied be cause the agreed price in the PSA is fixed in nature, and the grounds for increase cited by SPPC and Meralco were not among the exceptions that would allow for price adjustment.

C hairperson Monalisa Dima lanta expressed grave concern on

the impact of the TRO, saying this will expose approximately 7.5 mil lion Meralco customers  to higher electricity prices.

‘Least

costly option’

HOWEVER , SMCGP said ERC “knowingly exposed public to much higher power rates.”

In our joint petition before the ERC, Meralco already provided the Commission with in-depth compu tations and projections showing that granting the temporary rate hike would have been the least costly option for power consum ers. It would also be beneficial in the long term, as it would preserve the fixed-rate PSAs,” SMCGP said.

₧300 a kilo onion price prompts DA monitoring

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it is closely monitoring the supply of red onions as the prices went up as much as P300 per kilo.

B ased on their monitoring, Agri culture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said red onions were sold at around P280 to P300 per kilogram.

In our monitoring, we noticed a spike in the price of red onion. There are P280 and we even found P300 a kilo. So now, we are asking the Bureau of Plant Industry to see the supply situation so we can know what is the reason for the price spike,” said Evan gelista at the Laging Handa public briefing.

We are waiting for the inven tories from the Bureau of Plant Industry from cold storage facilities... But while we are doing that, the public can avail [themselves of] on ions at P170 at our Kadiwa stores,” she added.

Evangelista said the government has yet to consider importing red on ions because of the expected harvest in December.

They [farmers] said they have a harvest in December. We will look at the volume because that will help increase supply,” she said.

Within the week, we will have an inventory situation … That will defi nitely help our supply situation,” she said.

IT-BPM seen to reap $32-B revenue

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE IT and Business Process Association of the Philip pines (IBPAP) said the IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry is expected to contribute nearly $32 billion worth of revenue to the Philippine econo my in 2022, a sum that it said will surpass the industry’s 8-percent contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

I BPAP President Jack Madrid revealed on Monday that the ITBPM industry will end the year on a high note with the robust revenue contribution.

T he industry expects to end the year employing 1.56 million Filipi nos.

I am happy to say that we

remain very much on the same trajectory as 2021. We expect to end the year with a total of 1.56 million Filipino employees which really bodes well for 2023 and beyond; happy to also say that our revenue contribution to the Philippine economy is prob ably going to be in the vicinity of $32 billion USD, well on track to surpassing our 8 percent con tribution to the country’s GDP,” Madrid said in a televised inter view on Monday.

W hile the industry’s figures indicate continuous growth, Ma drid said the IT-BPM industry is not spared from challenges that need to be dealt with such as the availability of “employable talent.”

RARE ROLLBACK

attendant

PHL sovereign wealth fund, ‘Maharlika,’ pitched in House

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday proposed the creation of Maharlika Wealth Fund, a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), to maximize the profitability of investible government assets.

House Bill 6398, principally au thored by Speaker Martin Romual dez, seeks the establishment of the Fund, which would draw resources primarily from contributions from the Government Service Insur ance System (GSIS), Social Secu rity System (SSS), Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank), and Development Bank of the Philip pines (DBP).

Other authors of the measure are House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alex ander A. Marcos, Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre, and Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo.

T he proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) is patterned after the SWFs of 49 countries, includ ing Singapore, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and East Timor.

S WF are state-owned invest ment funds typically financed by a country’s surplus revenues or re serves. Governments invest these

funds in an array of both real and financial assets to stabilize na tional budgets, create savings for their citizens, or promote economic development.

I n filing the bill, Romualdez said to achieve the objectives of the Agenda for Prosperity and the eight-point socioeconomic roadmap of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., it is es sential for the government to “im prove investment opportunities, promote productivity-enhancing investments, and ensure that the Philippines becomes an invest ment destination.”

He said the proposed MWF “will provide for the management, in vestment, and use of the proceeds of the fund.”

“ Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment funds typically financed by a country’s surplus revenues or reserves. Gov ernments invest these funds in an array of both real and financial as sets to stabilize national budgets, create savings for their citizens, or

promote economic development,” Romualdez said.

T he Speaker added that his pro posal would give the GSIS, SSS, Land Bank, and DBP the oppor tunity “to ensure their respective funds’ optimal asset allocation as well as ensure that resources are ef ficiently channeled to investments that will provide the most value not only to the participating GFIs, but also to the country.”

T he Speaker cited the cases of Singapore and Indonesia that have successfully used their sovereign wealth funds.

H e said Singapore’s SWFs pro vide the financial means for the city-state “to manage its foreign reserves, defend itself and pro tect its sovereignty without com promising its domestic program, and augment its land-limited economic space with global in vestments.”

I ndonesia, he said, has attracted foreign investors to jointly capi talize its SWF to bring in muchneeded investments in such sec tors as transportation, including airports, supply chains, logistics, digital infrastructure, the green economy, healthcare services, the financial sector, technology, and tourism, ultimately propelling the country’s growth.

As the Philippines secures its place not only as the Rising Star of Asia but as a real economic leader in the Asia Pacific, the creation of

the MWF becomes imperative,” Romualdez said.

To ensure transparency and accountability, he said the MWF would adhere to the Santiago Principles—24 generally accepted principles and practices agreed to in October 2008 in Santiago, Chile, among countries with SWFs, in vestment recipient countries and international organizations.

T he stakeholders committed to observe that SWFs will comply with all applicable regulatory and disclosure requirements in coun tries in which SWFs invest and that the SWFs will have in place a transparent and sound governance structure that provides adequate operational controls, risk manage ment, and accountability, among other commitments.

T he bill creates the Maharlika Investment Corp., an independent corporate body, that shall act as vehicle for the purpose of mobi lizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions that will enable the fund to reap returns on investments while helping boost job creation and reduce poverty by steering the economy back to its high-growth path.

E ach government financial in stitution shall invest equity to start up the fund with an initial invest ment of P250 billion.

Under the bill, the envisioned MWF would have a governing board to be in charge of managing the fund, composed of nominees of the contributing GFIs. The board would include two independent directors.

SC...

Continued from A1

The CTA has the expertise and experience to resolve tax issues, the DOE stressed.

T he energy department main tained that not all disputes involving government agencies fall under the coverage of PD 242.

However, the SC junked DOE’s petition, declaring that “all disputes, claims and controversies, solely be tween or among executive agencies, including disputes on tax assess ments,  must perforce be submitted to administrative settlement by the Secretary of Justice or the Solicitor General, as the case may be.”

“ The CTA correctly steered clear of the case as it lacked jurisdiction over this dispute between the DOE and the BIR,” the high tribunal added.

T he SC further ruled that PD 242 should prevail against laws defining general jurisdiction of the CTA, such as RA 1125, as amended, and the Na tional Internal Revenue Coder.

PD 242, according to the SC, deals specifically with the resolution of disputes, claims and controversies where the parties involved are the agencies and instrumentalities of the government.

PD 242 should be read as an ex ception to the general rule set in RA 1125 and the NIRC that the CTA has jurisdiction over tax disputes involv ing laws administered by the BIR,” the SC explained.

This is consistent with the funda mental rule that special laws prevail over general laws,” it added.

Furthermore, the SC said the Pres

Onion...

ident, as Chief Executive, has control over all government agencies; thus, it is only proper that he first be given a chance to resolve a dispute before resorting to courts.

Because of such broad power vested in the President over the acts of subordinates in the Executive De partment, it is not only constitution ally infirm, but likewise downright impractical, to allow the judiciary to take cognizance of a matter which can still be undone, modified, or other wise subjected to the discretion of the Executive,” it added.

T he dispute stemmed from the BIR’s issuance of a preliminary as sessment notice (PAN) for deficiency excise taxes amounting to P18.37 bil lion to DOE on December 7, 2018 and gave the latter 15 days to settle it.  Ten days later, the BIR issued a formal letter of demand for the as sessment amount.

On December 21, 2018, the DOE responded to the BIR and insisted that it is not liable for the amounts since the department is not among those being compelled to pay excise taxes under Section 130(A)(I) of the National.

T he DOE maintained that it is not the “owner, lessee, concessionaire or operator of the mining claim,” and that it merely grants mining rights or service contracts on behalf of the State.

T he DOE further contended that the subject transactions involve con densates, which are classified as nat ural gas, that are exempt from excise taxes under BIR Revenue Regulations No. 1-2018 dated January 5, 2018.

Continued from A1

I n August, the DA told lawmakers that the Philippines is projected to suffer this year a shortage of key in gredients in making Filipino dishes, such as white onion and garlic, as to tal supplies, even with imports, are insufficient to meet overall demand for the commodities.

T he DA projected that the country’s onion supply this year would be more

than enough to meet total demand.

T he DA estimated that total sup ply, including imported volume, would be at 343,427 metric tons (MT), more than enough to meet 288,344 MT total demand.

T he country will end the year with an ending stock of 26,828 MT of onion, sufficient to last for 37 days. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Further, SMCGP said the projec tions were reviewed and validated by the ERC’s Regulatory Operations Service (ROS). “And yet, the ERC Chair and two Commissioners de nied the petition, forcing us to con tinue to absorb losses, and essen tially preventing us from exercising our legal options, clearly laid out in the PSAs, to preserve our financial standing. This, despite, two other commissioners delivering strong dissenting opinions,” said SMCGP.

W hile the company recognized that it is ERC’s responsibility to ensure the least cost of power for consumers, SMCGP said the agency should have taken this into consideration when review ing the merits of, and deciding on the joint petition.

“ Everyone—including Filipino enterprises—is entitled to a fair hearing by an independent, impar tial tribunal. We believe the ERC de cision, which forces us to continue absorbing billions in losses in the face of a continuing war in Ukraine and escalating global fuel prices, is against its mandate.

Going to the Court of Appeals is part of our right to due process among the legal remedies provided to us by the Constitution. We rec ognize and respect the indepen dence of the judiciary as part of our system of check and balance,” said SMCGP.

W hen sought for comment, the ERC said it “will wait for the CA to decide,” while reiterating that “this misinterpretation of the simula tions of ROS will be clarified” when it submits its comments to the CA.

ERC is confident that the Four teenth Division of the Court of Appeals, consistent with existing jurisprudence, will accord great re spect, if not finality, to the regula tor’s factual findings because of its special expertise over the energy sector,” Dimalanta had said.

Meanwhile, the petition for cer tiorari of SMEC is pending with the 17th Division of the CA.

T he Solicitor General has been in communication with the ERC

on the steps to be taken to lift the TRO, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE, Meralco coordinating “THE DOE is also coordinating with Meralco, the independent market operator, and all concerned, par ticularly on the contingency mea sures,” said DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

T he DOE also said the TRO does not provide the distribu tion utilities and all other parties concerned with adequate time for preparation. “As the ERC explained, the PSA would have required prior notice to Meralco in case of a pretermination,” added Lotilla.

Meralco, for its part, said it has already received an official copy of the TRO. “We are reviewing the Resolution in consultation with our counsel to determine the next steps,” it said.

A lso, Meralco wrote the DOE to follow up on its previous letter requesting for CSP (Competitive Selection Process) exemption of certain emergency PSAs that are ready to be implemented to shield its customers against volatile and potentially higher WESM (Whole sale Electricity Spot Market) prices.

Meralco earlier forged emergen cy PSAs or EPSAs with other power suppliers to ensure continuity of stable, reliable and adequate sup ply to its customers.

M eralco First Vice President and head of regulatory manage ment Atty. Jose Ronald V. Valles said Meralco it had received five lowest EPSA offers from Consunjiled SEM-Calaca Power Corporation (SCPC-Calaca)-200 MW; GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD)-300 MW from Aboitiz Power Corp.; Masin loc Power Partners Co. Ltd (MP PCL)-250 MW; SMC Consolidated Power Corp. (SCPC-Limay)-200 MW; and South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC)-120 MW.

M PPCL, SCPC, and SPPC are units of SMCGP.

However, SEM Calaca withdrew its offer due to “technical issues in

its power plant, specifically that of Unit 2.” Thus, after immedi ately conducting rate simulations, Meralco said it will replace the 200 MW that should have been provided by SEM Calaca from the WESM as it has the lowest cost to Meralco’s customers, instead of taking such capacity from the other power suppliers that had the next lowest EPSA offers.

“ We are hoping for the swift action of the DOE in exempting the EPSAs from undergoing CSP. Without these EPSAs, our custom ers may become exposed to volatile prices,” said Valles.

Bottomline: Steady power supply

A LAWMAKER , meanwhile, said all parties involved must work on ensuring a steady supply of electric ity amid the legal tussle.

“ Pending the final resolution of the case, DOE, ERC, Meralco, and SMC must see to it that a steady sup ply of electricity is maintained and that there are no significant power interruptions,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said.

A ccording to Gatchalian, he will closely monitor the resolution of the case given that it will deter mine whether fixed price contracts of PSA can be changed or not.

“ This case will set a precedent for the energy sector as to whether or not power-generating companies along with distribution utilities could revise power supply contracts with fixed prices. We hope that at the end of the day, consumer inter est will be protected,” he said.

T he ERC’s decision stemmed from a contract entered into in 2019 by SPPC and SMEC for fixed-price agreements to sup ply energy to Meralco consum ers—one with its Sual coal-fired power plant in Pangasinan and the other with Ilijan natural gas plant in Batangas.

A t the time the deal was made, coal prices were around $65 per metric ton and have since risen to over $400/MT. Also, thinning sup ply from the Malampaya natural gas field resulted in San Miguel buying power from the spot market.

Senators tackle proliferation of ‘fake news’ in social media

By Butch Fernandez   @butchfBM

Two UCCP pastors seek SC protection vs alleged ‘red-tagging’ by military officers

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HOW do you

solve

a problem like “fake news”?

Senators on Monday sought the help of veteran journalists and fact-checkers, government infor mation offices, regulators, and the police in finding a way to resolve the growing menace of fake news, amid the complications of balancing the need to fight it without infringing on constitutional freedoms.

A s several media groups and advocates reiterated decades-long call to decriminalize libel, for in stance, Sen. Raffy Tulfo raised the risk from the flipside: what recourse for justice can someone harmed by peddlers of deliberate fake news have if the freelancer or blogger or independent party claims to have no means for com pensating victims?

There was a consensus that the established media outfits and in stitutions are not the problem be cause their self-regulatory mecha nisms have been functioning well. But concern was repeatedly raised by Tulfo and the Senate’s Public Information and Mass Media Com mittee Chairman Sen. Robinhood Padilla about the difficulty of call ing to account the independent bloggers and social media influ encers, and the block timers in broadcast, and making them liable if they peddle fake news.

During the hearing, Padilla as chairman of the committee and the inquiry, was told by National Press Club (NPC) President Paul Gutierrez that the NPC “rejected memberships of block timers” since a few years ago.

If not enough controls are put in place on the activities of block timers and freelancers-for-hire, the upcoming elections would be “most partisan,” even as Gutierrez recalled that “this last election, media was not used much by politicians in dirt muck-racking.” The greater battle was in social media, where candi dates with the budget could tap en tities running troll farms.

Padilla also stressed the importance of addressing the problem of fake news prolifera tion in the country and calls for the adoption of an inter-agency approach in the formulation of policies against it.

“The hearing should be focused on two aspects: the content and the medium. What is the content of fake news and how it flows quickly and repeatedly through social me dia and other means of communica tions,” Padilla said in Filipino. “This is despite the laws we have against fake news such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and Article 154 of our Revised Penal Code on Unlawful Use of Means of Publi cation and Unlawful Utterances,” he added.

Another concern raised by Tulfo is that “fake media are just there to collect funds,” warning that “if you do not give, titirahin nila.”

Tulfo also aired concerns that “if you decriminalize, a fake journo ex tortionist who can not pay damages to a party he libeled will go scot-free.” He recalled asking earlier if the gov ernment has plans and was told that a “fact-checking system is being fine-tuned.”

TWO pastors of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) on Monday sought protection before the Supreme Court (SC), through the issuance of a writ of amparo and temporary protection, order against several military officials who have allegedly red-tagged them, thus, putting their lives at risk.

In a 62-page petition, UCCP Rev. Edwin Egar, his wife, Rev. Julieta Egar and former barangay captain and UCCP member Ronald Ramos told the SC that in doing their ministry work, they were falsely accused of giving aid to commu nist insurgents by officers and enlisted

personnel of the 59th Battalion (IB) stationed in Rosario, Batangas, neigh boring Quezon province.

T he petitioners also cited other unlawful acts of the respondents that would warrant the issuance of a writ of amparo.

T hese include the conduct of sur veillance on petitioners, pressuring them to surrender and admit being members of the New People’s Army despite the lack of evidence and text messages threatening their safety and security.

“ Due to these illegal military surveillance, unwarranted visits, threats of illegal searches, and the outright threat of a deadly military operation akin to the ‘Bloody Sunday’ operations, the respondents officers and enlisted personnel of the 59th IB have implanted a genuine and crip pling fear in the minds of petition ers,” the petition read.

Now, the petitioners are living in fear wondering whether tomorrow will be their last. They have also yet to be able to return to their homes for fear that instead of presiding in a safe ha ven, they would be endangering them selves more by being open targets for the respondents officers and enlisted personnel of the 59th IB,” it added.

Egar said she has been put under sur

House forms TWG to unify 35 bills on creation of water resources dept

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz  @joveemarie

THE House Committee on Re organization and House Com mittee on Public Works on Monday created a technical working group (TWG) for the drafting of a substitute bill to the 35 bills propos ing the creation of the Department of Water Resources.

T he two committees named House Committee Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda as the chairman of the TWG.

Pending issues for the TWG to re solve include the attachment of the National Irrigation Administration to the proposed department, inclu sion of sewage systems under the jurisdiction of the department, and the inclusion of flood control plan ning in the department’s functions.

Salceda was also the chairperson of the TWG for the bill during the 18th Congress.

Salceda explained the measures as “imitating the model for energy regulation in the country, where you have NEA [National Electrifica tion Administration] for missionary connection, ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] for rate regulation,

Napocor [National Power Corpora tion] for generation, all under DOE [Department of Energy] for policysetting and direction.”

Under the current system for water, you don’t know where to go when you want to build a dam. Re source planning and management is disjointed. Disjointed gover nance means while water potential abounds, reliable, safe, and efficient delivery of potable water in the Phil ippines remains highly unequal,” Salceda pointed out.

S alceda estimated that only 43 percent of the country’s popu lation has access to level 3 water supply, even as the country only uses 21 percent of its total poten tial water supply.

“ We generate some 2200 mm of annual rainfall, nearly thrice what God gives China. So, we don’t have a water scarcity issue. We have a water management issue,” he explained.

Salceda also pointed out the high ly unequal access to water, especially across income classes.

91 percent of population has ac cess to basic water services, but across regions, access ranges between 62 percent to 100 percent. 99 percent of top 20 percent of households have

basic water services, while only 80 percent of bottom 20 percent have access,” Salceda said.

S alceda added, “Wide inconsis tency between the access to water of urban areas [61 percent] and rural areas [25 percent]. Rural ar eas’ access tends to be run by local water districts.”

Salceda described the proposed department as the “Apex body for the water sector responsible for wa ter resources planning, policy for mulation, and management of the ownership, appropriation, utiliza tion, exploitation, development, sus tainability and protection of water resources in the Philippines, except fisheries or aquaculture.”

T he bill, Salceda said, aims “to ensure and accelerate universal ac cess to water supply and sanitation services, to encourage responsible private sector participation, fos tering and prioritizing infrastruc ture and public works that adopt innovative solutions and interna tional best practices to address the challenges of climate change; and to declare all water and water treatment infrastructure projects as projects imbued with national interest.”

veillance while her husband has been in hiding for more than two weeks now amid their fears that what happened to the nine activists killed in last year’s Bloody Sunday incident in Calabarzon might also happened to them.

Named respondents in the peti tion are Armed Forces of the Phil ippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bar tolome Vicente Bacarro, Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army 2nd Infan try Division commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 58th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Al fredo Teneza Jr., one Lt. Taro, Sgts. Ronald Dalo and John Granpil, and Private First Class Borge Ebol and Roy Dela Pena and several John Does.

Specifically, the petitioners are seeking to prohibit the respondents, their officers and agents from ha rassing, annoying, telephoning, contacting or otherwise communi cating with the petitioners directly or indirectly and to stay away from them, their residence, school, place

of employment or detention or any specific place they frequented.

Likewise, petitioners also asked the SC that a private institution ca pable of keeping and securing their safety, specifically the UCCP, or any church group willing and able to provide such secure facility protect them and their family members.

In the same petition, they also asked the Philippine Army to “conduct an investigation” covering officers and men of the 59th Infantry Bat talion to “determine who are specifi cally responsible for the unlawful acts committed against the petitioners.”

T he petitioners also asked the Court that a production order be issued ordering the respondents in possession or custody of any materi als, which contain evidence relevant to the petition to produce and permit their inspection by the petitioners.

T hey also sought the transfer of the respondent officers and enlisted personnel of the 59th IB outside of Batangas province.

Romualdez foresees faster Internet in ’23 with P1.5-billion NBP funding

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Monday said the P1.5 billion allocation to the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is part of the P77-billion institutional amendments of the lower chamber to the 2023 national budget to improve the country’s Internet speed.

In a news statement, Romualdez said he expects the country’s Internet speed to go up a notch next year once the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) implements its NBP that has been allocated P1.5 billion in the proposed 2023 national budget.

Romualdez said the P1.5 billion allocation to the NBP is part of the P77-billion institutional amendments made by the lower chamber to augment the budget for education, health, transportation, and other critical social services.

And the Internet is a critical social service nowadays, as it is deeply entrenched in the way we live. We use the Internet for education, for delivering and availing of social services for our businesses and for almost every facet of our lives,” Romualdez pointed out.

Romualdez has expressed

confidence that the Senate contingent to the bicameral conference committee on the proposed P5.268-trillion 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) will agree to the P77-billion institutional amendments pushed by the lower chamber.

A ko Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the P1.5 billion allocated for the NBP will go a long way in jumpstarting the program that is envisioned to provide the backbone in providing Internet to all government agencies nationwide.

We can now use the bandwidth given by Facebook once the DICT conducts the rollout of national broadband infrastructure, which will now be finally funded,” Co said. He was referring to an earlier agreement forged by DICT, Facebook and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in which Facebook agreed to provide the Philippine government with spectrum equivalent to at least 2 million megabits per second (Mbps) once the Internet infrastructure has been established. Jovee

Marie N. Dela Cruz

Ejercito pushes for ‘in-city’ housing relocation for ISFs

THE national government’s housing program under the Marcos administration may be bound to fail if informal settler families (ISFs) are relocated far away from workplaces, sources of income and basic social services, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito warned on Monday.

Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Housing Committee, aired concerns that state-run housing projects are “caught in a vicious cycle,” where homes are built out of compliance and not to provide meaningful shelter to the homeless.

He added: “Kahit magtayo nang magtayo ang ating pamahalaan ng libo-

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

MAKATI CITY Mayor Abi gail Binay on Monday an nounced that senior citi zens in the city are set to receive their year-end cash incentives early as the

distribution has already started for the 83,857 Blu Card holders.

We want our senior Makatizens to be happy and feel that they are loved and cared for, that is why we made sure that they receive their cash incentives from the city government early,” Binay said.

libong pabahay, kung malayo naman ang mga ito sa lugar ng hanapbuhay ng mga ISFs at kulang ang mga basic facilities tulad ng health facilities, ed ucational facilities ay iiwanan nilang muli ang mga ito.”

Conveying his concern during the hearing of the Committee on Hous ing he acknowledged there is a reason why this was so, saying, “May dahilan kung bakit sila nananatili sa Metro Manila . Karamihan sa kanila ay narito sa mga lungsod dahil sa kanilang mga trabaho. Sa patuloy na urbanisasyon ng ating bansa, dapat ay mabigyang pansin ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayang ISFs.”

T he senator earlier backed several pending bills seeking to institution alize on-site, in-city and near-city resettlement, adding ISFs prefer staying within Metro Manila and other urban centers “due to various livelihood opportunities.”

If houses are built just for compli ance and living conditions of poten tial occupants are not considered,” Ejercito warned “a noble cause to provide shelter is bound to fail.”

Ejercito recalled that during his long term as mayor of San Juan City, he pioneered “in-city reloca tion” with the establishment of the St. Josephville compound, which

served as the “blueprint” for various in-city resettlement programs across the country.  “Marahil ay maaaring tingnan ang ginawa namin noon sa San Juan City na maituturing na success story at best practice para sa in-city relocation. Ito ay ang St. Josephville na mistulang naging blueprint na rin para sa mga in-city projects sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas. Mayroon ding naimplementa na in-city resettlement sa Iloilo City at Valenzuela City,” the senator said.

Enlisting the support of his fellow lawmakers to pursue these programs and address the country’s worsening housing backlogs, Ejercito prodded

T he mayor said that early distri bution of cash incentives to the ben eficiaries aims to spare them from the holiday rush and give them more time to plan ahead on what or where to spend their cash incentives.

T he cash incentives are directly sent to the GCash accounts of the

recipients to ensure safe, conve nient and fast delivery of their Christmas gift.

Under the expanded benefits program for senior citizens, Blu Card holders receive their cash in centives twice a year: Every July and December.

For the year-end, seniors 60-69 years old will receive P1,500; 70-79 years old, P2,000; 80-89 years old, P2,500; and 90-99 years old, P5,000.

Centenarians aged 101 and above will also receive P5,000 year-end cash incentive provided that he/ she has been a Blu Card holder for

his colleagues in Congress to update the corporate charter of the National Housing Authority (NHA) before it expires in 2025.

“Meanwhile,” he added, “there is no reason for us not to extend the corporate life of the NHA [as] we recognize the vital role of the agen cy in the housing sector as the sole production arm of the government. We must not disarm the NHA with their mandate.”

Ejercito reminded, “We cannot meet our target of building a million houses per year and 6 million by the end of President Bongbong Marcos’ term if the NHA will cease to exist.”

at least five years.

If not, the beneficiary will only be receiving P2,500 year-end cash incentive.

T he city will be distributing a to tal of P158,655,500 to 83,857 Blu Card holders registered as of Octo ber 31, 2022.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

ERC okays DER draft rules

power

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Energy Regulatory Com mission (ERC) has approved the draft rules for the Distrib uted Energy Resources (DER), a move that will “democratize” the grid.

D ERs are smaller power sourc es that could be aggregated to provide power necessary to meet regular demand.

The approved DER Rules aim to encourage development and utiliza tion of DER, promote energy qual ity, reliability, security, affordability and sustainability.

T his is consistent with the policy of the state to accelerate the devel opment of renewable energy (RE) toward reducing the country’s depen dence on fossil fuels and minimizing the exposure to price fluctuations in the international markets,” the agency said in a news statement.

Under the adopted DER rules, on-grid or off-grid DER end-users, utilizing RE, with a maximum name plate capacity of one megawatt, can export a maximum of 30 percent of its excess capacity to the distribution system and be compensated for it.

“ The DER Rules democratizes the power grid. This will enable consumers to supplement the power supply coming from large utilities and power producers. Its significance cannot be further em phasized as we seek ways to cush ion the impact of rising fuel prices that concommitantly impact upon electricity rates,” ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

T he DER rules include guide lines, interconnection standards, Certificate of Compliance (COC) requirements, pricing methodolo gies, commercial arrangements governing the sale of energy pro duced and operations of the DER and payment of subsidies (lifeline subsidy, Senior Citizen Subsidy and other relevant subsidies mandated by law), among others.

T he same rules also provides for a carve-out provision that will en able a Distribution Utility to reduce its existing contracted capacity under ERC-approved Power Sup ply Agreements (PSAs).  This will ensure the avoidance of stranded contracted capacities, while at the same time empowering individu als to participate in the energy network, it added.

Butch Fernandez

Group urges consumers to patronize Pinoy-made products for Christmas

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ufacturers and the community. Sup port the products made by Filipinos,” Eclavea added.

‘Fishy’ issue

IN a related development, Tugon Kabuhayan also expressed its sup port to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in its plan to strictly implement Fisheries Ad ministrative Order (FAO) 195 series of 1999, which prohibits the entry of imported fish into domestic wet markets if not covered by Certificate of Necessity to Import (CNI).

Appeal

BUT the Fisheries and Aquaculture Board of the Philippines (FAB), in a letter to President Ferdinand Mar cos Jr., asked the chief executive to maintain the status quo and continue to allow access of imported seafood to wet markets, supermarkets and online markets until the new FAO shall have been finalized.

400,000 metric tons.

Tugon Kabuhayan, in a news statement, said buying Christ mas gifts from locals would make Christmas merrier for community food producers.

We have always been consistent in our advocacy of supporting local food producers. We urge everyone to buy from our food producers, in cluding micro, small, and medium enterprises [MSMEs]. Whenever we buy from them, we not only boost the sale of their products but also ensure they have a stable source of income,” said Asis Perez, Tugon Ka buhayan convenor.

A s the economy recovers from the pandemic, Tugon Kabuhayan said local food producers are step ping up their production for both the domestic and export market.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hosts local

trade fairs showcasing local products and produce from farmers, fisher men, and local MSMEs.

Honeylee Eclavea, Trade and In dustry Development Specialist of DTI-Quezon, said that the One Town One Product (OTOP) program has been upgraded to OTOP Next Genera tion to highlight not just one product.

We want to try a fresh, new con cept. The product should be unique, compliant with product standards and certified under FDA [Food and Drug Administration] and License to Operate [LTO]. Through OTOP Next Gen, we are improving the packaging and labeling of one food product. We are also promoting mandatory label ing requirements,” said DTI’s OTOP Coordinator in Quezon.

“Buy local, shop at the local trade center. When you buy their products, you help the local farmers, local man

The effort of BFAR in informing wet market operators that imported pink salmon and pompano should not be sold in wet markets is a welcome de velopment—both for the food safety of our consuming public and the eco nomic security of our fisherfolk,” said Perez, a former BFAR national director.

Tugon Kabuhayan emphasized that these imported products should be kept frozen to be thawed out only when about to be cooked, adding exposing these in the wet market environment is a likely health hazard as studies indicate that doing so speeds up the multi plication of microorganisms.

“ The flooding of products not cov ered by CNI also puts our local produc ers at a disadvantage and has proven to be detrimental to local production, resulting in huge economic losses to our local fisherfolk,” Perez added.

T he BFAR has declared illegal to sell salmon, salmon heads, salmon bellies and imported pompano in the wet markets. The bureau would start confiscating these imported fish starting December 4.

“Coupled to this, BFAR issued a Legal Opinion in 2020 that all mar ketplaces, including supermarkets and online markets are to be con sidered as wet markets. Hence all supermarkets will not be allowed to sell salmon [and other imported seafood]. Supermarkets are already informing their suppliers to pull out all stocks by December 5,” said FAB.

This is causing turmoil not only in the wet markets but also in super markets. The economic impact and disruption will be severe across the supply chain—from importers to wholesalers to retailers to fish ven dors and ultimately to hospitality/ food service and consumers,” it added.

According to the group, the Philip pines suffer an annual supply deficit in seafood of 1,465,000 metric tons of which galunggong accounts for

As a result, affordable imported seafood has found their way into the small restaurants and consumers via supermarkets and wet markets. This has been the case since FAO 195 was issued. For the past decades BFAR had tacitly allowed fish vendors in the wet markets and supermarkets to merchandise imported seafood.  As stated previously, in 2020 the Legal Opinion was presented, which effectively lumped supermarkets with wet markets, despite the fact that all government agencies and regulations clearly distinguish one from the other,” it added.

Needless to say, this could not come at a worse time. Consumers are hard pressed for affordable seafood and the markets are being prevented from offering the same,” it said.

FAB said it has been working with BFAR on their draft to consolidate FAO 195 and FAO 259 into one har monized order that would address the above issues of market access, as well as availability and affordability.

It will also reconcile with RA 8550.

Hence, we appeal to Your Excel lency to maintain the status quo and continue to allow access of imported seafood to wet markets, supermar kets and online markets until the new FAO shall have been finalized. We look forward to this Christmas gift to our sector and to the nation,” said FAB.

Cyber security threats in 2023

OIL firms will implement nearly P4 per liter of rollback in diesel.

T hey said Monday that die sel prices will be reduced by P3.95 per liter, effective Tuesday morning. The price of kerosene and gasoline will also go down by P2.65 per liter and P0.85 per liter, respectively. Most oil firm announced the price rollback to take effect at 6 a.m. on November 29.

Cleanfuel, meanwhile, will implement the price adjustment at 12:01 am.

Last week, oil companies implemented a per liter decrease in gasoline price by P0.40, dieselbyP2.15andkerosenebyP2.10.These resulted to the year-to-date total adjust ments to stand at a net increase of P17.75/ liter for gasoline, P33.85/liter for diesel, and P27.85/liter for kerosene. Lenie Lectura

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

EMPLOYERS will have until next month to submit their online report on the distri bution of the 13th month benefit of their workers, according to the Department of Labor and Employ ment (DOLE).

Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma on Monday issued Labor Advisory No. 23, series of 2022, which set the deadline for the submission of the said report to January 15, 2023.

Every covered employer shall make a report of their compliance through DOLE Establishment Re port System at  http://reports.dole. gov.ph /  not later than January 15 following the reference year,” Laguesma said.

T he report should contain the name, address, principal business or product, total employment, to tal number of worker-beneficiaries, amount granted per employee and total amount of benefits of the con cerned business.

Likewise, it should also indicate the name, position, and telephone number, of the person who submit ted the report.

Compliance with the 13thmonth pay shall be enforced by the appropriate DOLE Regional/Field/ Provincial Office having jurisdiction over the workplace in accordance with the prescribed rules and regu lations,” Laguesma said.

Presidential Decree (PD) 851 re quires private sector companies to provide 13th month pay to their work ers, which should be “proportionate” to the total salary earned by workers in a year divided by 12 months.

It should be given to rank-andfile employees who are paid on piece-rate basis, fixed or guaran teed wage plus commission with multiple employers, resigned or were terminated or were on ma ternity leave and receive salary differentials, provided that they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.

By Henry J. Schumacher

CYBERCRIMINALS

will be as busy in 2023 as ever. Are you ready?

Cyber security is still topping the list of our concerns. This comes as no surprise. In the first half of 2022, there were 2.8 billion world wide  malware attacks and 236.1 million  ransomware attacks. By year end 2022, it is expected that 6 billion phishing attacks will have been launched.

Here are eight top security threats that we are likely to see in 2023:

1. Malware

MALWARE is malicious software that is injected into networks and systems with the intention of caus ing disruption to computers, serv ers, workstations and networks. Malware can extract confidential information, deny service and gain access to systems.

IT (Information Technology) de partments need to use security soft ware and firewalls to monitor and intercept malware before it gains entry to networks and systems; but malware bad actors continue to evolve ways to elude these defenses. That makes maintaining current updates to security software and firewalls essential.

2. Ransomware

RANSOMWARE is a type of mal ware. It blocks access to a system or threatens to publish proprietary

information. Ransomware perpe trators demand that their victims pay them cash ransoms to unlock systems or return information.

R ansomware attacks are costly. They can damage company reputa tions. Often ransomware can enter a corporate network through a chan nel that is open with a vendor or a supplier that has weaker security on its network.

Companies must audit the secu rity measures that their suppliers and vendors use to ensure that the end-to-end supply chain is secure.

3. Phishing

WE all have received suspicious email, or worse, an email that appears to be legitimate and from a trusted party but isn’t. This email trickery is known as phishing.

Phishing is a major threat to companies because it is easy for unsuspecting employees to open bogus emails and unleash viruses. Employee training on how to recog nize phony emails, report them and never open them can really help. IT should team with HR to ensure that sound email habits are taught.

4. IoT

IN 2020,  61 percent of companies were using IoT (Internet of Things) and this percentage continues to in crease. With the expansion of IoT, security risks also grow. IoT vendors are notorious for implementing lit tle to no security on their devices. IT can combat this threat by vetting IoT vendors upfront in the request for proposal process for security and by resetting IoT security defaults on devices so they conform to corpo rate standards.

5. Internal employees

DISGRUNTLED employees can sab otage networks or take off with in tellectual property and proprietary information; and employees who practice poor security habits can inadvertently share passwords and leave equipment unprotected. Com panies must use social engineering audits to check how well employee security policies and procedures are working. In 2023, social engineer ing audits must be used so IT can

check the robustness of its work force security policies and practices.

6. Data poisoning

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is go ing to open up new possibilities for companies in every industry. Unfor tunately, the bad actors know this too. Cases of data poisoning in AI systems have started to appear. In a data poisoning, a malicious actor finds a way to inject corrupted data into an AI system that will skew the results of an AI inquiry, potentially returning an AI result to company decision makers that is false.

One way to protect against it is to continuously monitor your AI results.

If you suddenly see a system trending significantly away from what it has revealed in the past, it’s time to look at the integrity of the data.

7. New technology

ORGANIZATIONS are adopting new technology like biometrics. These technologies yield enormous benefits, but they also introduce new security risks since IT has lim ited experience with them. One step IT can take is to carefully vet each new technology and its vendors be fore signing a purchase agreement.

8. Multi-layer security

HOW much security is enough?

If you’ve firewalled your network, installed security monitoring and interception software, secured your servers, issued multi-factor identi fication sign-ons to employees and implemented data encryption, but you forgot to lock physical facilities containing servers or to install the latest security updates on smart phones, are you covered?

T here are obviously many layers of security that IT must monitor. IT can tighten up security by creating a checklist for every security breach point in a workflow.

I hope that this cyber security threats survey that we unfortu nately will face in 2023 are help ful, and that the actions that need to be taken, will help. Should you need assistance, I will get you in touch with experts; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

AFOOD security and livelihood advocacy group on Monday urged Filipino consumers to buy Christmas gifts from their community food producers and patronize Filipino-made products.

in bid to ‘democratize’

grid Cheaper fuel price at the pump today DOLE issues rules on 13th month pay

NGCP: Luzon grid on ‘yellow alert’ on Monday due to forced outages

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Luzon grid was placed on “yellow alert” on Monday after six power plants conked out and three more experienced belowcapacity generation.

T he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued

the yellow alert notice from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A yellow alert means insufficient operating power reserve.  As of Mon day afternoon, the grid’s available capacity stood at 11,750 megawatts (MW) as against a peak demand of 10,437 MW.

T he power plants that went

on forced outage are Calaca 2 (300MW), GMEC 1 (316MW), Sta. Rita module 20 (256MW), Masinloc 3 (355MW), Sual 1 (657MW), SBPL (455MW). The derated plants are Masinloc 1 (250MW), Masinloc 2 (270MW), and Magat 1 (60MW).

T he Department of Energy (DOE) said there was a total of 2,648 MW

unavailable to the grid.

D epartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael P.M. Lo tilla assured the public that there is no fuel supply constraint after these power-generating plants went on forced outages.

“ We assure the public that there appears to be no fuel constraints.

PN to acquire 15 more missile gunboats from Israel–Adaci

THE Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to acquire at least 15 more Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats, which are the basis of its Acero-class patrol gunboats.

“ We are planning to get 15 addi tional ‘Acero’-class gunboats [to aug ment the] nine [now on the pipeline],” Navy chief Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the commissioning and send-off cer emony for the fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms) BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) Monday.

Adaci said the additional “Acero”-class gunboats would help them to meet their requirements in “patrolling the seas of the country.”

He also said the FAIC-Ms will be assigned to the Littoral Com bat Force.

He said four more FAIC-Ms, the other name of the “Acero” class in the PN service, will be delivered some time in 2023.

“I don’t know the exact deliv ery dates next year but this shall

Largest trade partner

OFRENEO stressed that China re mains the country’s largest trade partner. Latest data from the Phil ippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed China cornered 12.6 percent of the country’s exports and 20 per cent of imports in September.

China was the Philippines’s fourth top export destination in September and its top import source for the pe riod. Total trade with China reached $3.295 billion as of August 2022.

“At the height of the pandemic of 2020-21, the world blamed global supply disruptions as a major reason for economic depression. Despite efforts of [US President Joe] Biden and company for ‘decoupling’ from China, global production is still very much tied with China—look at Apple’s iPhone. So the Philippines’s low-level GVC production [e.g., elec tronics] are naturally affected by dis ruptions in China,” Ofreneo said in an email to the BusinessMirror

Travel, tourism

FOR De La Salle University econo mist Maria Ella Oplas, apart from trade, the Philippines could also be affected through travel and tourism.

She expressed concern that the ar rival of persons from countries that currently have high Covid-19 cases could also trigger another spike in cases domestically.

T he spike in Covid-19 cases had prompted the previous adminis

be throughout [next year],” the PN chief added.

The last batch of three, which will be built at the PN shipyard in the Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite, is scheduled for 2024.

Adaci said Israel Shipyard Lim ited would help the PN rehabilitate the old shipyard and make it more

modern and allow it to build these types of ships.

“In that way, our people can learn how to do it, maintain these ‘Acero’ class boats and that will be the start of the transfer of technology,” he said.

These 32-meter high-speed ves sels are equipped with quick inter cept ability, remote stabilized weap

ons and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) mis siles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers, while the oth er five will be armed with Typhoonmounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

T he acquisition of these FAIC-Ms is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.

T he notice of award for the FAICM project, worth around P10 bil lion, was issued on January 5 last year. These are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium or medium-sized patrol craft.

Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can in terdict surface threats and launch non-line-of-sight missiles safely us ing the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover. PNA

Some of these generating plants are on forced outage caused by power plant tripping,” Lotilla said. “We an ticipate that the Energy Regulatory Commission will also look into the root of this to prevent similar occur rence,” he added.

T he DOE has coordinated with the Manila Electric Company

(Meralco) to advise its Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants to be prepared with their manual load dropping as a precautionary measure.

I n this case, the ILP participants may run their facilities to allow more grid capacity to serve other customers.

Naia beefs up security measures amid expected surge of Holiday Season pax

ADDITIONAL security mea sures will be implemented at the Ninoy Aquino Interna tional Airport (Naia) following the terminal transfer of some flights amid the expected influx of passen gers this holiday season, an official disclosed Monday.

Ma. O Aplasca, Office for Trans portation Security (OTS) Adminis trator, said additional manpower, equipment, and screening process are among those that can be expected at the country’s main gateway.

Aplasca said Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers going to and from the United States and Canada using Naia’s Terminal 1 should expect an added screening process beginning December 1.

E arlier, PAL announced that from Terminal 2, its flights to and from the United States, Guam, and Doha will be operating at Ter minal 1 beginning December 1.

OTS personnel assigned at the head quarters, will be deployed at the Naia to augment the manpower this Holi day Season.

C urrently, there are 1,156 OTS staff deployed in the four terminals of Naia. Aplasca said the additional 40 would help in the baggage screening now that they are expecting a surge in the passenger volume.

Computer tomography or CTs and advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners are also placed at Terminals 1, 2 and 3, to help in the screening of passengers and their packages.

T hese scanners that could detect possible explosives are more ad vanced compared to the single-view and double-view X-ray screeners the airport has long been using.

tration to impose lockdowns that caused massive unemployment and thousands of business clo sures nationwide.

“ There should be heightened regulation of people with a history of travel from places with a high rate of Covid,” Oplas said. “This is a big problem because with the Christmas season we are putting our economy at risk again.”

Trade flow shifts

NONETHELESS, economists from the Ateneo de Manila University, Alvin P. Ang and Leonardo Lanzona Jr., said the impact on the economy through trade would not be that significant given the recent shift in trade flows.

W hile China’s rising cases would affect the global supply chain, its impact may not be felt immediately or in the fourth quarter, Ang said. The impact will largely depend on the Chinese government’s efforts to implement its policies.

T he impact, he said, may also be cushioned since the global supply chain has been shifting toward other producers like Vietnam.

A ng said Vietnam’s emergence in electronics production has prompted the divergence in the supply chains. It may be noted that the Philippines’s top export and import are Electronic Products, particularly semiconductors.

“ They [link between China and the Philippines] have been weak for

three years now,” Ang noted. “We have been seeing the weak connec tion from the previous lockdowns.”

L anzona said apart from Viet nam, new supply chains are already being developed. The only impor tant thing now for the government is to ensure that the Philippine economy is healthy and has beefed up its health system.

T the country does not even have a Health Secretary right now, he lamented. Having a health secretary, he said, is crucial in en suring the health sector has suf ficient investments and support from the government.

L anzona said the government needs to strengthen its social pro tection system in order to support those who will be negatively affected by any spike in Covid-19 bases.

Up to this point, the global econ omy is being affected.  But it seems that new supply chains are being de veloped. If we have a strong health system that can withstand these health disruptions, we can still re cover,” Lanzona said.

However, he said, imposing lock downs or stringent restrictions would not help the country and its recovery from the pandemic. Lanzona said the government does not have sufficient funds to pay for another lockdown.

‘Spinning

ness as usual should not continue. He expressed concern that “the global crisis is spinning out of control so much so that even the IMF and the World Bank are predicting a horrible year in 2023.”

Civil society organizations (CSOs) like the Freedom from Debt Coali tion, and government should sit down with all sectors, especially those at the grassroots and commu nities, he said.

G overnment should heed the proposal for full societal/people mobilization, which entails mobi lization of all producers, not just big corporations, multinationals and FDI (foreign direct invest ments). There is a need to take advantage of the big domestic market of 110 million, Ofreneo said.

Ofreneo added that support for agriculture should be ramped up. China’s agriculture sector, he noted, is currently “in trouble because of drought.”

He said even if the government has funds to support agriculture imports, if China encountered problems, they could also not pro duce goods that may be needed by the Philippines.

out of control’

ULTIMATELY, Ofreneo said, busi

The solution then is to strength en local agri capacity.  This cannot happen without empowering the agri producers through appropri ate land, extension and other re forms,” Ofreneo said.

The equipment that PAL is us ing at Terminal 2, and some of the staff, were transferred to Terminal 1. We conducted an inspection last week, and we asked for some adjust ments,” Aplasca told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

PAL will require additional predeparture screenings.

Meanwhile, at least 40 additional

“ The CT scanner would detect possible explosives, even without removing liquid or laptop from the baggage. Similarly, the AIT would immediately locate a metal from the passenger,” he said.

At present, the airport has four units of CT and six AIT scanners that are operational.

Aplasca expressed hope that the government would purchase more of this equipment to make the country at par with other nations in terms of airport security and safety. PNA

“And so I think we will solidify our role as an indispensable economic pil lar in the years ahead, but there will be challenges and I want to highlight first and foremost the availability of employable talent that we will need,” said Madrid.

With this, the head of the flagship organization of the IT-BPM industry said, “So we are working hard with our partners in government—[De partment of Education] DepEd, Com mission on Higher Education [CHED], [Technical Education and Skills Devel opment Authority] TESDA, to upskill our existing workforce.”

Apart from upskilling the current workforce, Madrid underscored the need to build “long-term founda tion with early-stage interventions to improve and strengthen our cur riculum so we can compete more ef fectively with the emerging IT-BPM locations.”

In a televised interview last week, Celeste Ilagan, Chief Policy and Regu latory Affairs Officer of IBPAP, said the DepEd and the CHED should ensure that students have skills aligned with the job roles related to

the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Ilagan underscored the importance of upskilling the workforce, especially for jobs which are evolving, such as those that require digital skills.

T he IBPAP chief policy offi cer  stressed  need to hone the skills of Filipino employees amid the digital transformation in the global arena. Hence, she called on DepEd and CHED to equip students with the necessary skills to join the BPO work force.

We’ve been 20 years in the in dustry, all of our services are be coming  higher value and the skills required are also increasing; the re quirements of employees in the old days are now vastly different from those required today,” Ilagan had said, speaking partly in Filipino.

T he IT-BPM sector’s revenues rose 10.6 percent from 2020 levels to $29.49 billion in 2021, eclipsing its recalibrated target for 2022.  Meanwhile, the number of fulltime employees (FTEs) in the indus try increased by 120,000 in 2021, bringing the sector’s total headcount to 1.44 million in 2021.

DOST-FNRI: Labels can boost Yuletide sales of food entreps New insurance rule for Boracay visitors

WITH the holiday season fast approaching, the De partment of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Re search Institute (DOST-FNRI) is urg ing food and beverage entrepreneurs to add nutrition facts labels to their products to potentially boost sales.

Nutrition labels are an informa tive way for consumers to know the nutritional composition or qualities of a packaged food product. These labels appear in a tabular form on the product’s packaging and help consumers plan a healthy diet.

Nutrition labels list down the components of the food so that con sumers, especially those who are watching what they eat, can deter

mine if the product is for them. The labels also show that the food or bev erage being offered has undergone testing in accordance with safety and nutritional standards which gives consumers assurance that your product is safe to consume,” DOSTFNRI Director Dr. Imelda AngelesAgdeppa said.

L abels also boost the credibility of the product or the brand, which increases the chances of customer purchase. In a study by Food Indus try Asia (FIA), 81 percent of Filipi nos acknowledge the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and would like clearer nutrition labels that also show food or beverage benefits. In the Philippines, the Food and Drug

Administration or FDA requires food manufacturers, importers, and dis tributors to include nutrition facts in the packaging of their prepack aged products.

A side from the nutrition label, food entrepreneurs who want to check their food product’s quality, safety, and nutritional value can also consult the DOST-FNRI.

Food and beverage owners can partner with the DOST-FNRI to help them with their laboratory needs. They can rely on our service labora tories’ competence so that they can ensure that they’re putting out the best and safest version of their prod uct in the market,” explained Dr. Angeles-Agdeppa.

However, Mayor Frolibar Bautista in an interview with another publication over the weekend said, “Yes, tourists have to pay for insurance. It’s for their protection.” He added that “a private company,” which signed a memorandum of agreement with the LGU, is collecting the travel insurance. He did not reveal the name of the insurance company.

Depleted LGU funds

FORMER councilor Nenette Aguirre-Graf, who was among the members of the Sangguniang Bayan, which approved the ordinance said, “If the guest has accident insurance, they don’t need

to pay for the travel insurance.”

She explained, “The resources of the LGU are being depleted for cases that they shouldn’t be paying for, as in the cases of visitors who have no money.” To which TCP’s Clemente responded, “No one goes to Boracay without bringing money.”

A s per the municipal ordinance, “Only DOH [Department of Health] and LGU-accredited, through the Sangguniang Bayan, and with complete documentation insurance companies will be allowed to offer insurance policy to tourists. The insurer or insurance company shall also be required to put up a branch office within...

Malay.” It failed to include the provision that only companies registered with the Insurance Commission, can offer insurance products in the country.

S ection 6 of the ordinance said, “The insurance is voluntary but should be encouraged to all tourists, so that there may be immediate support to an uneventful circumstances that may happen to vacationing tourists that will hinder their full enjoyment and recreation while in Malay.”

T he authorized insurance companies will be stationed at all ports leading to Boracay, as per the ordinance.

PHILIPPINE Navy chief Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. PNA PHOTO BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO

‘China’s fresh Covid crisis could imperil PHL recovery’ continued from a1

IT-BPM seen to reap $32-B revenue continued from a1

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Citizens angered by lockdowns call for

step down

By Dake kang & Huizhong Wu The Associated Press

Police using pepper spray drove away demonstrators in Shanghai who called for Xi Jinping to step down and an end to one-party rule, but hours later people rallied again in the same spot. Police again broke up the demonstration, and a reporter saw protesters under arrest being driven away in a bus.

The protests—which began Friday and have spread to cities including the capital, Beijing, and dozens of university campuses—are the most widespread show of opposition to the ruling party in decades.

In a video of the protest in Shanghai verified by The Associated Press, chants against Xi, the most powerful leader since at least the 1980s, and the Chinese Communist Party sounded loud and clear: “Xi Jinping! Step down! CCP! Step down!”

Three years after the virus emerged, China is the only major country still trying to stop transmission of Covid-19. Its “zero Covid” strategy has suspended access to neighborhoods for weeks at a time. Some cities carry out daily virus tests on millions of residents.

That has kept China’s infection numbers lower than those the United States and other major countries, but public acceptance has worn thin. People who are quarantined at home in some areas say they lack food and medicine. The ruling party faced public anger following the deaths of two children whose parents said anti-virus controls hampered efforts to get medical help.

The current protests erupted after a fire broke out Thursday and killed at least 10 people in an apartment building in the city of Urumqi in the northwest, where some have been locked in their homes for four months. That prompted an outpouring of angry questions online about whether firefighters or people trying to escape were blocked by locked doors or other restrictions.

About 300 demonstrators gathered late Saturday in Shanghai, most of whose 25 million people were confined to their homes for almost two months starting in late March.

On a street named for Urumqi, one group of protesters brought candles, flowers and signs honoring those who died in the blaze. Another group, according to a protester who insisted on anonymity, was more active, shouting slogans and singing the national anthem.

That protester and another, who gave only his family name, Zhao, confirmed the chants against Xi, who has awarded himself a third five-year term as leader of the ruling party and who some expect to try to stay in power for life. Like others who spoke to the AP, the protesters didn’t want to be identified due to fear of arrest or retaliation.

The atmosphere of the protest encouraged people to speak about topics considered taboo, including the 1989 crackdown on the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests, the protester who insisted on anonymity said.

Some called for an official apology for the deaths in the fire in Urumqi in the Xinjiang region. One member of Xinjiang’s Uyghur ethnic group, which has been the target of a security crackdown that includes mass detentions, shared his experiences of discrimination and police violence.

“Everyone thinks that Chinese people are afraid to come out and protest, that they don’t have any

courage,” said the protester, adding it was his first time demonstrating. “Actually in my heart, I also thought this way. But then when I went there, I found that the environment was such that everyone was very brave.”

The scene turned violent early Sunday. Hundreds of police broke up the more active group before they came for the second as they tried to move people off the main street. The protester said that he saw people being taken away, forced by police into vans, but could not identify them.

Zhao said one of his friends was beaten by police and two were pepper-sprayed. He lost his shoes and left barefoot.

He said protesters yelled slogans, including one that has become a rallying cry: “(We) do not want PCR (tests), but want freedom.”

On Sunday afternoon, crowds returned to the same spot and again railed against PCR tests. People stood and filmed as police shoved people.

Officers in surgical masks and yellow safety vests told the crowd of about 300 spectators to leave but appeared to be trying to avoid a confrontation. There was no sign of shields or other riot gear.

In Beijing, a group of about 200 people gathered in a park on the capital’s east side and held up blank sheets of paper, a symbol of defiance against the ruling party’s pervasive censorship.

“The lockdown policy is so strict,” said a protestor, who would give only his surname, Li. “You cannot compare it to any other country. We have to find a way out.”

Postings on social media said there were also demonstrations at 50 universities.

About 2,000 students at Xi’s alma mater, Tsinghua University in Beijing, gathered to demand an easing of antivirus controls, according to social media posts. Students shouted “freedom of speech!” and sang the Internationale, the socialist anthem.

The protesters left after the university’s deputy Communist Party secretary promised to hold a school-wide discussion.

Videos on social media that said they were filmed in Nanjing in the east, Guangzhou in the south and at least six other cities showed protesters tussling with police in white protective suits or dismantling barricades used to seal off neighborhoods. The Associated Press could not verify that all those protests took place or where.

The human rights group Amnesty International appealed to Beijing to allow peaceful protest.

“The tragedy of the Urumqi fire has inspired remarkable bravery across China,” the group’s regional director, Hanna Young, said in a statement. “These unprecedented protests show that people are at the end of their tolerance for excessive Covid-19 restrictions.”

Urumqi and a smaller city in Xinjiang, Korla, eased some anti-virus controls in what appeared to be an attempt to mollify the public following Friday’s protests.

Markets and other businesses will reopen in areas deemed at low risk of virus transmission and bus, train and airline service will resume, state media reported. They gave no indication whether residents in higher-risk areas would be allowed out of their homes.

Wu reported from Taipei, Taiwan.

SHANGHAI—Protesters angered by strict anti-virus measures called for China’s powerful leader to resign, an unprecedented rebuke as authorities in at least eight cities struggled to suppress demonstrations Sunday that represent a rare direct challenge to the ruling Communist Party.

Xi Jinping to

Riots in Belgium, Netherlands after Morocco win at World Cup

By Raf Casert The Associated Press

BRUSSELS—Riots broke out in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco’s 2-0 up set win over Belgium at the World Cup Sunday.

Police detained about a dozen people after they deployed water cannons and fire tear gas to dis perse crowds in Brussels and eight more in the Northern city of An twerp. Two police officials were injured in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. By late evening Sun day, an uneasy calm had returned to most of the cities involved.

Dozens of rioters overturned and torched cars, set electric scoot ers on fire and pelted cars with bricks. Police moved in after one person suffered facial injuries, said Brussels police spokesman Ilse Van de Keere.

Brussels mayor Philippe Close urged people to stay away from the city center and said authorities

were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets. Even subway and tram traffic had to be inter rupted on police orders.

“Those are not fans, they are rioters. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate,” Close said. There were also disturbances in the city of Antwerp and Liege.

“Sad to see how a few individu als abuse a situation to run amok,” said Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden.

Police in the neighboring Neth erlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam, with riot officers attempting to break up a group of 500 soccer support ers who pelted police with fire works and glass. Media reported unrest in the capital Amsterdam and The Hague.

Morocco’s victory was a ma jor upset at the World Cup and was enthusiastically celebrated by fans with Moroccan immi grant roots in many Belgian and Dutch cities.

Mexico’s López Obrador leads massive pro-government march

By MARÍA VERZA The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY—Hundreds of thousands of people marched in Mexico’s capital Sunday in a show of support for President Manuel López Obrador, who before assuming the presidency had led some of the country’s biggest protests.

The “people’s march” marked four years in office for the leftist leader and was a response to a large opposition march two weeks ago to protest López Obrador’s proposal to reform the country’s electoral authority.

The president himself led Sunday’s march through central Mexico City, which was accompanied by mariachi music, singing and a festive atmosphere. Many participants had been bused in from provinces across Mexico in trips organized by the ruling Morena party, unions and social groups.

“Effective suffrage, effective democracy, and no to re-election,” he said in a speech after the march in which he repeated his slogans of favoring the poor and fighting the oligarchy.

The opposition insisted that many participants were forced to join the march, but López Obrador said he had not put “a penny” of the federal budget into the march. Demonstrators questioned said they had come voluntarily.

But in many cases the transportation was provided by local governments or politicians who wanted to be well thought of inside the ruling party.

Gaby Contreras, a former Morena mayor, brought a group from Teoloyucan, north of the capital, and was the only one of her group authorized to speak. “We are here to support the president.”

Pedro Sánchez, a bricklayer who came with his wife from the Tehuantepec isthmus in southern Mexico, said his municipality organized everything. Hundreds of buses that had brought participants lined nearby streets.

“I come from Sonora by plane and I paid for my ticket,” said lawyer and López Obrador supporter América Verdugo.

Nelly Muñoz, an administrator from the

National Autonomous University of Mexico, said “it’s called ‘organization’ and believe it or not, it’s what we’ve been doing since 2006.”

That date was a reference to the year López Obrador came within 0.56 percent of the vote of winning the presidency and denounced his loss as fraudulent. Many supported him, launching a mass protest movement.

López Obrador was elected to the presidency 12 years later and his Morena party won four of six races for governor in last year’s midterm elections, giving the ruling party control of 22 of Mexico’s 32 states, an important advantage heading into the 2024 presidential elections.

But the government has been criticized for its increased use of the military, laws whose constitutionality has been questioned in the courts, and its support for controversial mega-projects, Some people who support the president are now are his critics.

Clara Jusidman, founder of INCIDE Social, an NGO specialized in democracy, development and human rights, said that what is important isn’t the number of participants in the march, but “why they participated.”

She said many Mexicans feel compelled to participate because they receive money transfers from the government, which is its main way of supporting those in need. Others want to be in the good graces of the party ahead of the 2024 local, state and presidential elections. The leading contenders to replace López Obrador as Morena’s presidential candidate in 2024 appeared in the march.

But there was no shortage of fans of Mexico’s president, who maintains a high approval rating.

Alberto Cervantes, who traveled from Los Angeles to join the march, had the president’s face and “AMLO 4T” tattooed on his arm. AMLO is the popular acronym for López Obrador’s name, and 4T refers to the “4th Transformation,” which López Obrador says he is carrying out in Mexico.

Lorena Vaca, who waved a flag of the LGBTQ community, said she came to ask for more attention for women and transgenders.

APjournalistMarkStevensoncontribution tothisreport.

World

Russia steps up shelling as wintry warfare looms

By Sam Mednick & Jamey Keaten Associated Press

KHERSON, Ukraine—Russian forces struck eastern and southern Ukraine early Sunday as utility crews scrambled to restore power, water and heating with the onset of snow and frigid temperatures, while civilians continued to leave the southern city of Kherson because of the devastation wreaked by recent attacks and their fears of more ahead.

With persistent snowfall blanketing the capital, Kyiv, Sunday, analysts predicted that wintry weather—bringing with it frozen terrain and grueling fighting conditions—could have an increasing impact on the conflict that has raged since Russian forces invaded Ukraine more than nine months ago.

Both sides were already bogged down by heavy rain and muddy battlefield conditions, experts said.

After a blistering series of Russian artillery strikes on infrastructure that started last month, workers were fanning out in around-theclock deployments to restore key basic services as many Ukrainians were forced to cope with only a few hours of electricity per day—if any.

Ukrenergo, the state power grid operator, said Sunday that electricity producers are now supplying about 80 percent of demand, compared to 75 percent the previous day.

The deprivations have revived jousting between Ukraine’s president and Kyiv’s mayor. Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Sunday defended himself against allegations leveled by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that too many Kyiv residents were still without power and that insufficient centers had been set up for them to stock up on food, water, battery power and other essentials.

Kitschko wrote on Telegram that hundreds of such centers are in operation, as well as hundreds of emergency generators, adding that “I do not want, especially in the current situation, to enter into political battles. It’s ridiculous.”

The president and the mayor have sporadically sparred since Zelenskyy took office in 2019. Zelenskyy has accused Klitschko and officials around him of corruption, while Klitschko contends the president’s office has put him under political pressure.

The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank that has been closely monitoring developments in Ukraine, said reporting from both sides indicated that heavy rain and mud have had an impact—along with wider freezing expected along the front lines in the coming days.

“It is unclear if either side is actively planning or preparing to resume major offensive or counteroffensive operations at that time, but the meteorological factors that have been hindering such operations will begin lifting,” it said in a note published Saturday.

ISW said Russian forces were digging in further east of the city of Kherson, from which Ukrainian forces expelled them more than two weeks ago, and continued “routine artillery fire” across the Dnieper River.

The think tank also cited reports that Russian forces were moving multiple launch rocket and groundto-air missile systems into positions

closer to the city as part of a possible plan to step up “the tempo of rocket and anti-air missile strikes against ground targets north of the Dnieper River in the coming days.”

Kherson city, which was liberated more than two weeks ago—a development that Zelenskyy called a turning point in the war—has faced intense shelling in recent days by Russian forces nearby.

The top UN official in Ukraine said civilians, many of whom lamented unlivable conditions and feared more strikes to come, continued to pour out of Kherson on Sunday.

“The level of destruction, the scope of the destruction, what’s required in the city and in the oblast— it’s massive,” said UN resident coordinator Denise Brown, referring to the region. UN teams were ferrying in supplies like food, water, shelter materials, medicines, and blankets and mattresses, she said.

“Time is of the essence, of course, before it becomes an absolute catastrophe,” Brown told The Associated Press in Kherson.

Galina Lugova, head of the city’s military administration, said in an interview that evacuation trains had been lined up and bomb shelters set up in all city districts with stoves, beds, first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

“We are preparing for a winter in difficult conditions, but we will do everything to make people safe,” Lugova said. Her biggest worry, she said, was “shelling that intensifies every day. Shelling, shelling and shelling again.”

On the roads out of the city, some residents felt they had no choice but to leave.

“The day before yesterday, artillery hit our house. Four flats burned down. Windows shattered,” said Vitaliy Nadochiy, driving out with a terrier on his lap and a Ukrainian flag dangling from a sun visor. “We can’t be there. There is no electricity, no water, heating. So we are leaving to go to my brother.”

In the eastern Donetsk region, five people were killed in shelling over the past day, governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said. Overnight shelling was reported by regional leaders in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk areas to the west. In addition, he said two people were killed in artillery firing on the town of Kurakhove.

Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said one person was killed and three wounded in the northeastern region.

Russian rockets hit unspecified railroad facilities in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, on Sunday, according to a regional official. No injuries were immediately reported.

Keaten reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Mstyslav Chernov in Kherson contributed to this report.

DAMAGES in a home, at the scene in the aftermath of a Russian air strike in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Shelling by Russian forces struck several areas in eastern and southern Ukraine overnight as utility crews continued a scramble to restore power, water and heating following widespread strikes in recent weeks, officials said Sunday. AP/ANDRIY ANDRIYENKO

POLICE cars drive through a main boulevard in Brussels on Sunday, November 27, 2022, as violence broke out during and after Morocco’s 2-0 win over Belgium at the World Cup. Police had to seal off parts of the center of Brussels and moved in with water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. AP/GEERT VANDEN WIJNGAERT

editorial

Giving every Filipino a chance to succeed

The problem of poverty and inequality in the Philippines remains a big challenge. That’s because economic growth in recent years did not translate into poverty reduction, making the economic situation in the country one of the most unequal in the world. The World Bank said this inequality is expected to worsen due to the lingering effects of the pandemic.

In a recent report dubbed “Overcoming Poverty and Inequality in the Philippines: Past, Present, and Prospects for the Future,” the World Bank said the Philippines has made important gains in poverty reduction. Driven by high growth rates and the expansion of jobs outside agriculture, poverty fell by two-thirds—from 49.2 percent in 1985 to 16.7 percent in 2018. By 2018, the middle class had expanded to nearly 12 million people and the economically secure population had risen to 44 million.

Yet inequality remains high: The World Bank said the top one percent of earners together capture 17 percent of national income, with only 14 percent being shared by the bottom 50 percent.

“The Philippines aims to become a middle-class society free of poverty by 2040, but we know from global experience that no country has managed to make this transition while maintaining high levels of inequality,” said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. “Inequality of opportunity and low mobility across generations wastes human potential and slow down innovation, which is crucial for building a competitive and prosperous economy that will in turn improve the well-being and quality of life of all Filipinos.”

Despite the strong recovery of growth and the labor market, the pandemic has partly reversed decades-long gains in reducing poverty and inequality in the Philippines. It halted economic growth momentum in 2020, and unemployment shot up in industries that require in-person work. In 2021, the national poverty rate rose to 18.1 percent despite government assistance, the report said.

“Recovery in the Philippines is uneven across the income distribution and the poorest that suffered the most from Covid have yet to fully recover their incomes. With food prices going up, many families coped by reducing their consumption, including eating less. These coping strategies can have serious consequences on the health and nutrition of children in these vulnerable households,” it added.

The study said that inequality starts even before birth and is perpetuated over the life cycle. It starts with maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy. Differences continue into childhood, where disparities in access to health care, proper nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation, and quality education determine the extent to which a child’s human capital develops.

“Inequality shapes outcomes later in life, such as employment opportunities and income, which in turn influence how much support adult Filipinos are able to provide for their children to help maximize their potential,” said Nadia Belhaj Hassine Belghith, senior economist with the East Asia Poverty Global Practice covering Thailand and the Philippines who led the study.

The report said that policy priorities to reduce inequality in the country can be structured around three themes, including healing the pandemic’s scars and building resilience, setting the stage for a vibrant and inclusive recovery, and promoting greater equality of opportunity.

Healing the scars of the pandemic will require promoting greater vaccine booster uptake, overcoming the learning loss due to Covid-19, strengthening social assistance, unemployment insurance programs for the informal sector, and taming inflation. Setting the stage for vibrant recovery entails reskilling of workers, promoting entrepreneurship, increasing the participation of women in the labor force, and raising the productivity of agriculture.

Promoting greater equality of opportunity entails increasing access to quality health care, increasing equality of opportunity in education, and improving access to quality housing, among others.

The World Bank study said equality of opportunity needs to target the lagging regions and other people disadvantaged in accessing these because of the circumstances of their birth.

Bayanihan is the most valued culture of the Filipino people. It refers to the communal desire of Filipinos to show acts of kindness to those in need. It would do well for our leaders in government and the private sector to stay true to the values that make us who we are. Let’s promote greater economic equality in the country. As a wise man once said, economies do better when everyone has a chance to succeed.

Battling with inflation

THE EnTrEprEnEur

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not oblivious to the complaints of the consumers. He knows the problem well, even conceding that life “is getting hard” for Filipinos amid rising inflation.

Immediately easing the plight of the ordinary Filipinos, however, is not that easy. But the government can lighten the burden of the poorest of the poor. President Marcos, in response, has committed to giving continuous assistance to vulnerable sectors that are most hurt by surging consumer prices.

The last few weeks were indeed trying times for Filipino consumers. We have heard of the ordinary consumer cursing at the high prices of vegetables in the public and wet markets. White onion is being sold as high as P400 a kilo, while the medium-sized red variety is being peddled at P350 a kilo, or P15 apiece. The calamansi can be bought for P1 per piece, while one can buy green chili pepper for sinigang for P5 to 10 apiece, depending on its length. The price of ampalaya, or bitter gourd, meanwhile, has risen to P180 a kilo from just

P100 a few months ago. It is no wonder then that the October inflation rate rose to an almost 14-year high of 7.7 percent year-onyear. The high inflation rate in key commodity groups, especially food and non-alcoholic beverages, was one of the major contributors to the steeper rise in prices in October. Food prices increased 9.4 percent in September from 6.9 percent in October, and accounted for 18 percent of the overall inflation rate.

The bad weather in October disrupted the food supply chain for certain vegetable products. President Marcos, though, presented a wider perspective on the supply chain problem.

He stressed the need to solve the logistics problem bugging the agriculture sector in order to lower food prices in the Philippines. I am in full agreement with his observation. The flow of agricultural goods in the country is hampered by old practices. We often hear about the complaints of forwarders and cargo handlers on the restrictions imposed by certain local government units, as well as the presence of

The last few weeks were indeed trying times for Filipino consumers. We have heard of the ordinary consumer cursing at the high prices of vegetables in the public and wet markets. White onion is being sold as high as P400 a kilo, while the medium-sized red variety is being peddled at P350 a kilo, or P15 apiece. The calamansi can be bought for P1 per piece, while one can buy green chili pepper for sinigang for P5 to 10 apiece, depending on its length. The price of ampalaya, or bitter gourd, meanwhile, has risen to P180 a kilo from just P100 a few months ago.

several checkpoints along the food delivery route.

Straightening out the logistical problem in the food sector is just one solution. Improving the yields of the farmers is equally important, as well as resorting to the timely importation of critical commodities during times of shortages.

Financial assistance to farmers, of course, is critical. The provision of cold storage facilities, for one, will modernize our farming methods and increase the earnings of growers.

Land Bank of the Philippines made a timely intervention when it approved P1.1 billion in loans to support the production and trading of onion and the acquisition of cold storage equipment.

Onion is a high-value crop that the Philippines should nurture. I am

Did they burn the house down?

John Mangun

OuTSIDE THE BOX

The greatest problem is being willing to examine data and trends from the data that go against preconceived notions and personal narratives.

John Kenneth Galbraith once wrote, “Faced with a choice between changing one’s mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy with the proof.”

John Maynard Keynes wrote: “When the facts change, I change my mind.”

And those are quotes from two of the most “stubborn” men that ever

walked the planet. Both were considered iconoclasts and roundly criticized for their economic concepts, you would be hard pressed to find either one ever saying, “I was wrong.”

It is an “Old Boys/Girls Club” idea that the local stock market tracks the New York market and that is 100 percent accurate, until it doesn’t. The data—daily price changes over a five-year period—shows that the PSE has a 50 percent chance of trading up or down as the Dow Jones did

The interest rate increases were supposed to lower inflation with a gentle effect on economies. It looks like the Fed and other central banks burned the house down to kill the inflation cockroach infestation.

the day before. But what about longer term? On a monthly basis over years, of course both exchanges track each other. The “Crash of 2020” was worldwide. Even the Somalia and Cambodian exchanges crashed in March 2020 “following” the DJIA. Or maybe it was the US that was tracking those markets.

However, despite local Philippine economic conditions, government fiscal and monetary policies, and the overall place in the world economy, I am noticing something that historically is unusual.

Realize that the great financial thinkers are saying that the Dow is ready for a massive decline. They have been saying that for many months

encouraged by the success story of some 20,000 onion farmers in Nueva Ecija and neighboring towns, who enjoyed bountiful harvests because of a cold storage facility financed by Land Bank. That facility can accommodate up to 450,000 bags of onions.

Post-harvest facilities are crucial to raising the country’s agricultural production. The Nueva Ecija cold storage helps prolong the shelf life of onion and lower post-harvest losses from insect infestation. They also help farmers in selling their produce at a competitive market price. The same is true with our fishermen. Cold storage plants give our fishermen more leverage in selling their products than offering their produce immediately to traders. Such post-harvest facilities at the end of the day will reduce agricultural losses or spoilage, in the case of rice, and better manage the supply. Some crops are produced only during the dry season or the wet season, but the demand for these products is all year round.

Preserving the quality of agricultural produce in post-harvest facilities ensures sufficient supply for the whole year. In sum, a modern agriculture sector utilizing modern technology and equipped with postharvest facilities improves the yields of our farmers and fishermen. It leads to efficient production and stable supply. More importantly, it lowers prices of the commodities and the nation’s overall inflation rate.

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

and the recent market peak came in August with nearly a 20 percent fall to the September bottom. The PSE did almost the same identical pattern. But since the early October bottom, the Dow is up 20 percent, with the PSE gaining 15 percent. Superimpose both price charts back to April 2022, and the correlation is too close for comfort.

I am not comfortable because looking at global economic growth is like watching a Low-Pressure Area develop into a super typhoon. The latest IMF forecast is for 3.2 percent global growth—from 6 percent in 2021—and 2.7 growth in 2023. The US forecast has gone from 5.7 percent in 2021 to 1.6 percent this year.

The Asean 5—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—is looking at increasing growth to 5.3 percent in 2022 from 3.4 percent in 2021. The Philippines is expected by the Japan Center for Economic Research/Nikkei Asia to be the second strongest behind a lower

Manny B. Villar

EvEryThinG we need to know about the future is right before our eyes. Granted we must know where to look but even that is not as challenging as it may seem. The past leads to the present and the present to the future.

ThE high prices of food, fuel and transport are testing the patience of Filipino consumers. it is common for ordinary Filipinos nowadays to complain about their shrinking budget.

Covid Zero cuts China’s economic activity as cities up control

CovId’s spread across all of China and the increasingly strict controls in cities and provinces is undermining the economy’s recovery and prompting stronger action from the central bank to bolster growth.

China is in the middle of its largest and most widespread outbreak of the pandemic, with almost 450,000 new cases this month popping up in every province. Major cities like Guangzhou, Beijing and Zhengzhou have imposed new restrictions to contain infections, curbing residents’ mobility and business activity, and prompting demonstrations in major cities.

The effect of those restrictions is already visible in Bloomberg’s aggregate index of eight early indicators for this month. The overall gauge was at 3—indicating a contraction from the already slowing pace in October—and the lowest level since April and May, when the economy almost ground to a halt after Shanghai and other cities around it went into lockdown.

The central bank ramped up its stimulus for the economy late last week by reducing the reserve requirement ratio for banks by 25 basis points. That would inject 500 billion yuan ($70 billion) of liquidity into the economy, enabling banks to extend more loans to businesses hit by Covid disruptions. More concerted steps have also been taken to bolster the property market recently.

As of November 21, cities comprising about 20 percent of China’s gross domestic product were under some form of lockdown measure, according to estimates by Nomura Holdings Inc. About 412 million people were affected by these restrictions last week, up from 340 million the previous week.

Small businesses are already feeling the damage. Service industries contracted for a second straight month, falling to the worst level since May, according to Standard Chartered Plc. Domestically focused firms were worse off than export-oriented companies, and expectations fell too.

“Both manufacturing and nonmanufacturing output continued to contract in November,” according to a report from Wei Li and Ding Shuang, economists at Standard Chartered who compiled the survey of more than 500 small and medium enterprises.

“The accommodation and catering sector fell the most in November” followed by declines in wholesale and retail, along with real-estate sales, they wrote.

Homes sales in the top four cities fell more than 30 percent in the first three weeks of the month, while the value of sales in the top 50 cities continued to decline. Car sales, which have been a bright spot for China’s economy due to government subsidies, are also struggling this month.

The restrictions on movement are limiting people from traveling around the country and also stopping

As of November 21, cities comprising about 20 percent of China’s gross domestic product were under some form of lockdown measure, according to estimates by Nomura Holdings Inc. About 412 million people were affected by these restrictions last week, up from 340 million the previous week.

people from moving around inside cities, with subway usage plummeting in cities such as Beijing, Chongqing and Guangzhou.

Only 12,000 trips were made on Chongqing’s subway last Thursday, well below the daily average this year of 2.7 million trips. Congestion in major Chinese cities also fell last week, as restaurants, businesses and some workplaces closed and people stayed home.

The spread of the virus is also affecting industrial production, with riots at an iPhone factory in Zhengzhou showing what can happen when companies try to maintain output through increasingly common outbreaks.

The rise in cases is also affecting coal output, as cases spread to some mines in Shaanxi province, according to industrial news outlet Coal Vision. There have also been lockdowns in Ordos in Inner Mongolia.

Steel output is also falling this month and stockpiles are rising, according to an industry association, with inventories up more than 50 percent from the start of the year. Daily production at major steelmakers is well below the recent peak in mid-September.

Sinter plants in Tangshan—China’s major steel-making hub—cut production by 30 percent for 10 days from Nov. 15, according to researcher Mysteel, while factories in Jiangsu province have also considered imposing reductions, it said.

In addition to the slowdown in the domestic economy, overseas demand has started to decline.

Exports and imports both unexpectedly fell last month, and the leading indicator of Korean trade indicates that may have continued this month. Korean imports from China in the first 20 days of the month fell 12.1 percent from a year ago, while Korean exports to China dropped almost 30 percent.

One bright spot has been the stock market. The benchmark index is up almost 8 percent so far this month, with much of that since the government announced an easing of some Covid restrictions and more support for some property developers and the housing market. With assistance from Kathy Chen / Bloomberg.

supposed to lower inflation with a gentle effect on economies. It looks like the Fed and other central banks burned the house down to kill the inflation cockroach infestation.

Struggles under the withholding tax system

atty. Mabel L. Buted

Tax Law for Business

The withholding tax system of collecting taxes by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been in place for a long time.

Under the said system, the taxes due from the income earners are collected in advance at source—from the payors of the income who are constituted as the withholding tax agents.

T he withholding tax agents withhold at special rates and remit the taxes withheld to the government on a monthly basis or as often as required by the applicable rules. Except for the final withholding taxes, the taxes withheld shall be credited against the taxes due on the related income at the end of a quarter or year when the income earner is required to file his tax returns.

While the system reduces the collection efforts of the government, the current withholding tax rules present some struggles on the recipients of income.

The first one relates to the claiming of tax credit. The present rules allow the income earners to claim the tax withheld as tax credit so long as there is proof that the tax was withheld by presenting the withholding tax certificate or BIR Form No. 2307 provided by the payor. The payor provides the said certificate when it withholds the tax—that is, when an expense or asset is accrued or

recorded, or when the same is paid, whichever comes first. So, here is a situation where the tax withheld may already be utilized as tax credit even if the corresponding income has not been earned. And the current rules allow this. However, during tax investigations, the examiners would usually treat the income payment upon which the tax was withheld as already earned and assess the corresponding income tax due. The taxpayer is then faced with the dilemma of claiming the tax credit but with the possible risk of paying additional tax on the income allegedly already earned.

Another problem relates to the excess taxes withheld. Under the current rules, almost all types of income are subject to withholding taxes, and the bases are the gross amounts. Because of these factors, plus the fact that the withholding tax rates are high, oftentimes, the taxes collected and withheld on income are more than the final income tax due

The withholding tax system is just a method in the collection of taxes. Even in this system, taxpayers should be paying only the taxes that are properly due from them. So, rules and processes should not be difficult for the recovery of unused advance tax payments.

at year-end, resulting in excess tax credits. And the only available remedies to utilize or recover these excess taxes are—to carry over or to claim for a refund or tax credit certificate. Notwithstanding that these have already been paid in advance, the BIR would, during tax audits, not consider these as tax credits against the resulting deficiency taxes due unless tax credit certificates are presented.

Taxpayers would normally opt for the carry-over, with the hope that they can use the excess amount as payment of the income taxes in the succeeding periods. This is so because refund process involves a difficult and tedious task.

With the present practices, however, taxpayers are struggling to have their excess taxes paid recovered in the form of refund. The BIR seldom acts on refund claims and even if acted upon, disallowances cannot be avoided. That’s the reason why a number of refund claims are elevated to the Courts. If the BIR ever acts upon a claim, this will undergo the audit process. In undertaking such audit, some documents are requested which are not presently

warranted—like proof of remittance of withholding tax and the alphalist of income payors—and unless these documents are provided, the claim is denied.

Further, based on a recent pronouncement by the Court (GR 242647 & 243814, March 15, 2022), in the refund of excess withholding taxes, the taxpayer needs to prove not only the taxes withheld in the current period, but also the prior year’s excess tax credits. If the prior year’s excess tax credits are applied against the income tax due for the period of claim, these prior year’s excess tax credits must be supported as well with withholding tax certificates. Otherwise, the income tax due will be paid by the creditable taxes withheld for the current period, thus reducing or eliminating the refundable amount.

The withholding tax system is just a method in the collection of taxes. Even in this system, taxpayers should be paying only the taxes that are properly due from them. So, rules and processes should not be difficult for the recovery of unused advance tax payments.

The author is a junior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a memberfirm of WTS Global.

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 160.

Cuba’s informal market finds new space on growing Internet

By Megan Janetsky | The Associated Press

hAvANA—In the Telegram group chat, the messages roll in like waves.

“I need liquid ibuprofen and acetaminophen, please,” wrote one user. “It’s urgent, it’s for my 10-month-old baby.”

Others offer medicine brought from outside of Cuba, adding, “Write to me in a direct message.” Emojispeckled lists offer antibiotics, pregnancy tests, vitamins, rash creams and more.

The group message, which includes 170,000 people, is just one of many that have flourished in recent years in Cuba alongside an exponential increase in Internet usage on the communist-governed island.

The informal sale of everything from eggs to car parts—the country’s so-called black market—is a time-honored practice in crisisstricken Cuba, where access to the most basic items such as milk, chicken, medicine and cleaning products has always been limited. The market is technically illegal, but the extent of illegality, in official eyes, can vary by the sort of items sold and how they were obtained.

Before the Internet, such exchanges took place “through your contacts, your neighbors, your local community,” said Ricardo Torres, a Cuban and economics fellow at American University in Washington. “But now, through the Internet, you get to reach out to an entire province.”

from abroad—can afford more lavish items, many basic items remain unaffordable for people like Leonardo, a state-employed engineer who asked that his real name not be used because he fears retribution from the government.

Three months ago, Leonardo began buying items such as inhalers, antibiotics and rash creams from friends arriving from other countries, and then reselling them for a small profit online. Government authorities are harshly critical of such “revendedores,” or resellers, especially those who buy products in Cuban stores then sell them at a higher price.

In late October, President Miguel Díaz-Canel called for a crackdown on the practice, referring to the revendedores as “criminals, swindlers, riffraff, the lazy and the corrupt.”

“What we can’t allow is that those who don’t work, don’t contribute and break the law earn more and have more opportunities to live well than those who actually contribute,” he said during a meeting with government officials. “If we did that… we’d be breaking the concepts of socialism.”

The rise of the new digital marketplaces speaks to a specific brand of creative resilience that Cubans have developed during decades of economic turmoil.

Much of the crisis is a result of the US government’s six-decade trade embargo on the island, but critics say it’s also due to government mismanagement of the economy and reluctance to embrace the private sector.

to be highly resourceful, working with whatever they have available to them—think old cars from the 1950s that still roll through the streets, thanks to mechanics using ingenuity and spare parts to address a shortage of new vehicles.

Entrepreneurs have used the same creativity to deal with what was initially very limited Internet access. Carlos Javier Peña and Hiram Centelles, Cuban expatriates who live in Spain, created Revolico in 2007 to help “alleviate the hardships of life in Cuba.”

when Cubans gained access to the Internet on their phones, something American University fellow Torres described as a “game changer.”

Between 2000 and 2021 the number of Cubans using the Internet rose from less than 1 percent of the population to 71 percent, International Telecommunications Union data shows. The Internet was a lifeline for Heriberto and many other Cubans during the Covid-19 pandemic, they said.

Now, with the island’s main economic sector, tourism, still recovering, many have built entire enterprises on the online sale of goods — both basic necessities such as medicine, as well as many higher-priced specialty items. Heriberto recently used the site to sell a mountain bike he priced in dollars.

Revolico co-founder Centelles says the site and similar tools have evolved to adapt to a constantly changing Cuba. For example, as the island suffers crippling blackouts, sales of power generators and rechargeable batteries have skyrocketed, he said.

base 2021 Malaysia coming in yearend 2022 at 6.5 percent.

Two things hammered global economies with inflation in 2022: supply chain problems and high oil prices, which drove shipping costs skyward with equally high food cost. US inflation in June was 9 percent and has come down to 7.7 percent.

Signs of lower consumer/industrial demand is seen in the price of the container freight rate, which peaked in September 2021 at $11,000 and is now at $2,800. The FAO Food Price Index has fallen 15 percent since then with the largest declines being in cereals—notwithstanding the Ukraine war—and vegetable oils.

The interest rate increases were

Or, what if with lower oil prices ($115 to $83) and the supply chain smoothing out, the inflation cockroaches were already leaving “naturally”? What if the higher-interest rate “house fire” has only just begun? How bad will global economic growth be in 2023?

The Philippines: Sub-$100 oil prices are very good. Inadequate agricultural policies are very bad. If the US stock market goes down on the back of a bad US economy and if the local market follows that fall, do we blame the US Federal Reserve?

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

With shortages and economic turmoil at the worst they’ve been in years, the online marketplace “has exploded,” Torres said.

Bustling WhatsApp groups discuss the informal exchange rate, which provides more pesos per dollar or euro than the official bank rate.

Meanwhile, Cuba’s versions of Craigslist—sites such as Revolico, the island’s first digital buying-andselling tool—advertise everything from electric bicycles brought in from other countries to “capitalist apartments” in Havana’s wealthy districts.

Many products are sold in pesos, but higher-priced items are often listed in dollars, with payments either handled in cash or through bank transfers outside the country.

While wealthier Cubans—or those with families sending money

But Leonardo said he and others like him are just trying to get by.

“This medicine goes to the people who need it, people who have respiratory issues,” he said. “Those who use them are people who really need them.... More than anything else, we sell antibiotics.”

With the money he’s earned from his sales, Leonardo has been able to buy soap and food, as well as antibiotics and vitamins for his elderly parents.

The rise of the new digital marketplaces speaks to a specific brand of creative resilience that Cubans have developed during decades of economic turmoil. Much of the crisis is a result of the US government’s six-decade trade embargo on the island, but critics say it’s also due to government mismanagement of the economy and reluctance to embrace the private sector.

So people on the island tend

They kept the site design simple, similar to Craigslist, to match the island’s sluggish Internet. But in 2008 — the same year the government lifted a ban on sales of personal computers — it blocked access to Revolico. The ban remained in place until 2016. In the meantime, Peña and Centelles used digital tools and different host sites to jump the firewall.

Using the site was still a challenge for many, however, given the lack of cellphone Internet.

Heriberto, a university student in 2008, was able to access it through a small monthly Internet package given to him by the school. Others asked friends and family to buy items for them while at work, where they sometimes had Internet access.

“Here, the markets more often than not don’t have the things you’re looking for,” said Heriberto, now 33, who asked that only his first name be used because he also feared repercussions from the government. “So you develop this custom of looking first in the store. Then when they don’t have it, you look on Revolico.”

Sales on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram really took off in 2018,

Government officials have said the Internet is important for the country’s economic growth—but have treated it with a “grudging acceptance,” said Valerie Wirtschafter, a senior data analyst at the Brookings Institution who tracks Internet usage in Cuba.

“They have never really been able to control the Internet in many ways,” Wirtschafter said.

Perhaps the most visible example came when mass protests erupted in 2021, largely thanks to rapidly spreading communications on social media sites including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram. The government blocked many key social media and messaging sites for a number of days to stop protests from spreading.

While Leonardo said he considers it risky to sell on Telegram, “in the end, you need medicine...so you assume that risk.”

Heriberto still uses Revolico, but he said he now prefers sites such as Facebook that offer a level of anonymity. On those sites, he can sell using a fake profile, he said, as opposed to Revolico, which requires you to post your phone number.

“It’s a basic necessity now,” Heriberto said. “The Internet has arrived in Cuba, and now it’s fundamental.”

NEW INSURANCE RULE FOR BORACAY VISITORS

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

TOURISM stakeholders are decrying the latest requirement of the Malay local government unit (LGU) requiring visitors to Boracay Island to pay P100 for travel insurance.

T he new requirement not only covers a tourist’s accidental death/disablement, unprovoked murder and assault, accidental medical reimbursement, and medical evacuation, but also “ac cidental burial reimbursement.”

T he additional requirement raises to at least P450 the total fees that Boracay tourists have to pay to have fun under the sun, and swim in the clean waters of the island. Aside from the P100 insurance, tourists have to pay P150 in environmental fees (P300 for foreigners); P150 in terminal fee, and P50 for boat fee.

I n a statement sent to the BusinessMirror , Tourism Congress of the Philippines president Jose C. Clemente III said, “We find this imposition of ‘insurance’ to enter the island as another needless expense con sidering how much tourists have already shelled out to travel.”

He added, “Furthermore, the ambiguity of the ordinance has

already caused confusion. It has not even been disseminated to most of the stakeholders, who send our guests to the island. We hope the municipality rethinks this requirement, which could give Boracay a black eye.”

T he LGU, through the in surer, stands to collect P200 million from an estimated 2 mil lion tourists that will be visiting Boracay annually.

Must or optional?

ON its Facebook page, LGU Malay notified the public that starting November 23, 2022, it will be implementing Municipal Ordinance No. 444, series of 2021 or “an Ordinance Estab lishing an Insurance System that will Provide Protection Coverage that will Answer for Legal Liability for Bodily In juries and for Death that may be Sustained by Tourists while Staying in the Island of Bora cay.” It failed to post the ordi nance itself, a copy of which was obtained by this paper.

D epartment of TourismRegional Director for Western Visayas Cristine Mansinares said in a Viber message, “They passed the ordinance last year, but did not fully implement it. It indicates that the insurance is optional.”

Continued on A5

House panel OKs draft govt rightsizing blueprint

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House Committee on Government Reorganization on Monday approved the Marcos administration’s proposed National Government Rightsizing Act of 2022.

T he committee approved an un numbered substitute bill to elimi nate obsolete and unnecessary or ganizational units in the Executive Branch.

T he bill authorized the Presi dent to rightsize the operation of the Executive Branch.

T he measure covers rightsizing as to the process of analyzing and designing the appropriate role, mandate, structure, functions, size, systems and process of the government agencies in order to ensure effective, responsive and efficient service delivery.

T he proposal covers all agencies of the Executive Branch, includ ing departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, boards, councils and all other entities attached or under their supervision, governmentowned or -controlled corporations not covered by the Republic Act 10149 or the GOCC Act of 2011.

T he bill said the Legislature, the Judiciary, Constitutional Com missions, Commission on Human Rights, and Office of the Ombuds man may, within their respective authorized appropriations, like wise rightsize their respective of fices, consistent with the principles and guidelines contained in this proposal, and within the param eters of the Unified Position Classi fication and Compensation System established under RA 6758.

It also seeks to create the Com mittee on Rightsizing the Executive Branch (CREB) to the best interest of the State to reorganize, merge, streamline or abolish agencies and officers.

Under the bill, the committee shall be composed of the  execu tive secretary as chairperson, and the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management as cochairperson, with the secretary

of the Socio-Economic Planning, chairperson of the Civil Service Commission and the director gen eral of the Anti-Red Tape Authority as members.

T he bill also mandates the com mittee to conduct strategic review and study on the role, mandates, functions, programs, projects, op erations, structure and manpower complement of the different agen cies under the Executive Branch.

T he CREB shall submit to the President the rightsized organi zation structure of agencies con cerned and the corresponding ex ecutive issuances with due consid eration for the results and finding of strategic review and study that will be conducted, within 60 days from approval by the committee of the results of the strategic review and study.

T he bill grants the President a power to create new agencies, of ficers, positions as needed in order to strengthen the capacity of gov ernment agencies to perform their mandate; regularize ad hoc offices whose function are vital and sig nificant, thus must be continually undertaken by the government; merge and consolidate agencies whose functions are unnecessar ily overlapping or duplicating and could be undertaken by a single en tity, or client are similar related, to rationalize the use of government resources and split agencies with multifarious functions which are deemed distinct but equally im portant aspect of governance.

T he bill said affected personnel hired on a permanent basis and with appointments attested by the CSC shall be entitled to retirement benefits and separation incentives.

It added that affected person nel who retired/separated from the service as a result of the im plementation of the rightsizing program shall not be reemployed in any agency of the government, including GOCCs, for a period of 5 years, except in the exigency of service or as teaching or medical staff in educational institutions and hospitals, respectively.

150 IT-BPM Peza locators endorsed to BOI for WFH

By Andrea E. San Juan

IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid said about 150 registered business enterprises (RBEs) under the IT and Business Process Management (ITBPM) industry have already been endorsed to the Board of Investments (BOI) as of November 27, to adopt up to 100 percent work-from-home (WFH) arrangement.

As of last night, our update from [Philippine Economic Zone Author ity] Peza is that a total of 254 RBEs have applied for this so-called pa per transfer, and out of this, 243, over 60 percent have already been endorsed to the BOI; that’s about 150 out of the 243,” Madrid said in a televised interview on Monday.

T he IBPAP chief added that the industry expects “this pace” of ap plications and endorsements to accelerate in the coming days be cause Peza has given an internal deadline of December 16 for RBEs to express their application for the

paper transfer.  M adrid expects the number to be much higher in the coming days, knowing that Peza is “working very hard to process and endorse these applications.”

BOI’s role MEANWHILE , Madrid said once the BOI gets the endorsement of the Peza, the effectivity of the paper transfer should already be “pretty much immediate.”

A ccording to the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22-19  issued by the Department of Trade and In

dustry (DTI), the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) issued FIRB Resolution No. 026-22 dated Sep tember 14,2022, allowing the af fected RBEs in the IT-BPM sector to transfer their registration to the BOI until December 31,2022 and to adopt up to 100 percent WFH arrangement.

T he FIRB Resolution cited by the DTI states the “affected RBEs” shall cover those affected RBEs with remaining tax incentives un der Section 311 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, or those with approved incentives on or before September 14,2022 under the Corporate Re covery and Tax Incentives for En terprises (CREATE) law with the concerned Investment Promotion Agency (IPA).

Under this paper transfer regis tration, BOI will issue a certificate of registration to the transferee RBEs for their conduct of 100 per cent WFH. However, Peza earlier clarified that it will continue to administer to them the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for the “sun set period.”

Moreover, Peza said it would re tain the monitoring and reporting of the subject locators’ performance and for other compliance requirements.

T he paper transfer of registra tion will not involve physically re locating the operations of RBEs or giving up the incentives they cur rently enjoy.

Speaking at the 2022 Investors’ Recognition Day Peza officer-incharge Tereso O. Panga on Friday cited the need to amend the 27 year-old Peza law, particularly to institutionalize the work-fromhome policy so that the BOI and Peza are put on an equal footing, where both can avail of WFH with incentives.

A ccording to the DTI MC No. 22-19, those who did not exercise the option to register with the BOI shall be covered by Section 309 of CREATE, which states: “A qualified registered project or activity under an Investment Promotion Agency administering an economic zone or freeport shall be exclusively con ducted or operated within the geo graphical boundaries of the zone or free port being administered by the Investment Promotion Agency in which the project or activity is registered.”

S ection 309 of CREATE applies to RBEs registered with Peza. Mean while, the BOI is the only IPA not af fected by the boundary constraints or zone limits.

DTI: Price hikes for 55 basic items very likely

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices of 55 stock keeping units (SKUs) including canned sardines, coffee, bread, milk, and canned meat, might increase.

I n a radio interview, Trade Sec retary Alfredo E. Pascual revealed that prices of 55 out of 280 SKUs will increase. The Trade chief also bared the range of price increase in terms of percentage.

For BNPCs [basic necessities and prime commodities], we see a possible hike in 55 SKUs out of 280; for 10 SKUs, a 1-5 percent [hike]; for 14 SKUs, about 6-10 percent; for 31, more than 10 percent—most are candles in the items with more than 10 percent increase,” Pascual said on Saturday, speaking partly in Filipino.

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Ruth B. Castelo told the BusinessMir ror on Monday that these 55 SKUs in clude BNPCs such as, “canned sardines, coffee, bread, milk, canned meat.”

Pascual said 25 percent of the

products for which manufacturers requested for a price increase will have price adjustments.

He added that they are “studying the requests,” and expected that most likely, “25 percent  of the requests will have a price adjustment.”

L ast month, DTI-CPG Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan said in a televised interview that the Trade department received petitions for price increases for canned meat, canned sardines, coffee, milk, and bread.

Jerome Ong, Vice President of Philippine Association of Meat Pro cessors Inc. (Pampi), said in an earlier televised interview they are seeking a price increase ranging from P1.50 to P2 per canned meat.

“ We understand that everyone’s having a hard time right now. We are ready to make the sacrifice and ask for a smaller price increase compared to what we really need. The price in crease that we need is P3 to P4 per can. But since we are also backing the DTI and the government’s goal

of selling canned meat at cheaper prices in order to help consumers, our request only ranges from P1.50 to P2 per can,” Ong said last month.

Meanwhile, for bread manufac turers, Philippine Baking Industry Group (PhilBaking) President Jerry Lao also said last month that some of their members have cut down produc tion because of the increase in price of flour.

L ao said they’ve been asking the DTI for a “very minimal increase” of P4. The PhilBaking chief said the industry’s price-increase request has been delayed for “six months already” because, he said, they wanted to help consumers stretch their purchasing power. However, he said, the industry can no longer hold the line with the effect of the price increase in sugar and fuel.

A ccording to the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin published Au gust 12, Pinoy Tasty currently sells at P38.50 per 450-gram pack and Pinoy Pandesal, P23.50.

For canned sardines, Canned Sar

dines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) Executive Director Francisco Buencamino also said last month the petition to increase the SRP for canned sardine by P3 was filed by CSAP in July, months before the group warned of a “looming” raw material shortage in the latter part of the year.

Buencamino said the P3 proposed increase is a “very small portion” of the finished canned prices, and noted that it’s a very small hike despite the fact that they maintained their prices for two years now.

T he prevailing price for a 155gram canned sardines in tomato sauce, based on the government’s SRP as of August 12, ranges from a low of P13.25 to a high of P19.58.

C SAP explained last month that their petition to increase prices of canned sardines was driven by the rising cost of materials like imported tin cans and tomato paste, as well as fuel due to the weakening of the peso and the consequences of the UkraineRussia war A ndrea E. San Juan

SUNSET AT SUBIC Boats and ships berthed at the mouth of Subic Bay are silhouetted against a sunset in Olongapo City, Zambales, in this photo taken on Friday, November 25, 2022. BERNARD TESTA

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230, Narra Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina

MUI, SUT IAN Project Coordinator

66.

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments; Must be willing to work on field.

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

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Unit 2ecbo05005, Tower B, Two E-com Center, Bayshore Ave. St., Moa Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City

LIAO, ZHIPING Mandarin Business Manager

67.

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

WANG, CHANGHAI Mandarin Business Manager

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

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

68.

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

YANG, ZHENGZHI Mandarin Business Manager

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

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

69.

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

GUO, SHIMI Mandarin Deputy Managing Director

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

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

70.

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

77.

ZHENG, BIYING Mandarin Mechanical Project Administrator

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

78.

ZHENG, HUI Mandarin Mechanical Project Administrator

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin mechanical project administrator, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN MECHANICAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

79.

ZHANG, MINGKUAN Mandarin Project Controls Analyst

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN PROJECT CONTROLS ANALYST, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

80.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin deputy managing director, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

71.

DENG, CHANGHUA Mandarin Field Service Coordinator

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

LI, ZHINENG Mandarin Field Service Coordinator

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin field service coordinator, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

72.

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

81.

ZHAO, JUN Mandarin Project Controls Analyst

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

HAN, JIAN Mandarin Quality Inspector

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project controls analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

Basic

Salary

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as MANDARIN

73.

LIANG, GUOZHANG Mandarin Finance Senior Staff

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin field service coordinator, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as

YING, LINFU Mandarin Mechanical Project Administrator

74.

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

- Php 59,999

100.

101.

DANG THI THUY Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

HOANG THI THANH HIEN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

NGUYEN THI LAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese speaking

102.

103.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

NGUYEN THI LINH Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

NGUYEN THI PHUONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese speaking

104.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

EXCELLENT JNGR RESTO

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

Basic

Basic

Basic

Basic

Basic

Basic

254.

DONG MY KHANH Customer Service Representative

Brief

Salary

255.

FONG MUN HOOW Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs. Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

Salary

Basic

Salary

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 266.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 267.

and policies.

257.

268.

Brief

Salary

Basic Qualification:

TAN LOO YONG Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs. Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

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

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

258.

Brief

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

259.

IVY TING YEE HIE Customer Service Representative

Brief

THUYEN NHUAN CHI

Basic Qualification: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs. Handle

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 269.

HO TU NGUYEN Customer Service Representative

HUYNH CHAN THANH Customer Service Representative

296.

59,999

DWIVEDI, KARUNA NIDHI Rf Optimization Consultant

Brief Job Description:

• Experience in optimization No. of Site’s to meet a set of KPI’s.

• Monitoring 3G Site KPI Statistic including Accessibility, Retainability, Mobility, and Integrity • Analysis done on daily basis to improve/escalate degraded issues. • Soft optimization- NBR addition/deletion, PSC changes.

Basic

Basic

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor College Degree, Professional License (Passed Board/Bar/ Professional License Exam), Engineering (Computer/ Telecommunication), Engineering (Electrical/ Electronic) or equivalent. With work experience in providing solution and Engineering support to 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G rolloutRequired skill(s): KPI, Optimization, Drive testing, Planning, and Design At least 2 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position Fluent English Speaker Fluent in Hindi and Urdu

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

RAMACHANDRAN, MURUGANANDAM

Rf Optimization Consultant

297.

Brief Job Description: • Experience in optimization No. of Site’s to meet a set of KPI’s.

• Monitoring 3G Site KPI Statistic including Accessibility, Retainability, Mobility, and Integrity • Analysis done on daily basis to improve/escalate degraded issues. • Soft optimization- NBR addition/deletion, PSC changes.

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor College Degree, Professional License (Passed Board/Bar/ Professional License Exam), Engineering (Computer/ Telecommunication), Engineering (Electrical/ Electronic) or equivalent. With work experience in providing solution and Engineering support to 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G rolloutRequired skill(s): KPI,

311.

ZIMI

Brief

Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

WENDY SUTRISNO Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TECH, INC. 29th/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Professionally handle incoming requests from customers and ensure that issues are resolved both promptly and thoroughly

DEFIN SIXSIANO Bahasa Language Customer Service Representative

313.

customers

ERWIN SATRIA Bahasa Language Customer Service Representative

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

315.

316.

Basic Qualification:

language speaking

FRENDICK LIANGGA Bahasa Language Customer Service Representative

Brief

Job Description: Professionally handle incoming requests from customers and ensure that issues are resolved both promptly and thoroughly

MELVINO SUTAN Bahasa Language Customer Service Representative

WANG, XUEDONG Chinese Language - Marketing Staff

Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati 301.

Brief Job Description: Providing details to clients relative to services being offered

RODRIGUES,

317.

Brief Job Description: Professionally handle incoming requests from customers and ensure that issues are resolved both promptly and thoroughly

NUR CHAIRANI Bahasa Language

Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in writing, reading and speaking in both English and Korean/Bahasa/ Chinese/Vietnamese/ Malaysian/Cambodian

Brief Job

reading and

Representative Brief Job Description:

Capital spending reaches ₧74.7B in Jan-Sept–Globe

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

has yielded 1,064 new cell sites, 10,600 mobile sites upgraded to LT e and 1,887 new 5G sites nationwide.

Close to 1.4 million fiber to the home (FTTH) lines were also deployed as of end- september 2022, compared to over 1 million lines from a year ago.

grade and expansion initiative drove Globe’s win as the “Most reliable Mobile network in the Philippines,” according to ookla.

Consunji to foray into agriculture

in a statement, Globe Head of network Planning and engineering joel Agustin said Globe has spent P74.7 billion in capex as of end- september, a figure that is 14 percent higher than the year prior, to widen its reach and further bolster its network.

Globe has allotted P89 billion for its capex program this year to build more cell sites, upgrade existing ones, deploy 4G and 5G radios, and add more fiber lines across the country.

s o far, the network investment

“Globe’s network rollout momentum continues and is expected to surpass last year’s builds. These accelerated upgrading and network expansion efforts will not only deliver a more consistent level of network quality but will further elevate the standard of connectivity in the country,” Agustin said.

He added that the network up-

The Ayala-led telco booked a net income of P26.5 billion, a 48 percent rise from P18 billion the year prior. This was driven mainly by a 3-percent increase in revenues to P118 billion as well as the P8.4 billion onetime net gain from the sale of its data center business and the P1.4 billion sale-and-leaseback transaction of its tower assets.

its core net income—which strips off the impact of non-recurring charges, and foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges—stood at P16.0 billion for the period.

‘OFWs again keen on real estate’

OV erse A s Filipino workers (oFWs) are again keen on using their hard-earned money to lease a house or purchase a permanent dwelling for their families back home, according to a study.

Lamudi’s study titled “The outlook Quarterly: A Wrap-up of the Philippine Housing Market in 2Q2022 (second Quarter of 2022),” showed the reemergence of this trend since the last quarter of 2021 as the economy has reopened and the situation gradually has returned to normalcy.

of all the oFWs looking for homes, those based in singapore were most interested in condominiums and houses for sale.

Condominiums and apartments accounted for the biggest share of leads on Lamudi, with listings in lower price categories attracting more than a third of total inquiries for both potential buyers and renters. over half of the listed residential properties for sale on the platform were priced P6 million and below.

in terms of commercial properties for rent, majority of the leads came from the world’s largest service outsourcers, such as the united states and Australia, from April to june.

even though si ngapore’s prop-

erty hunters topped the residential segment, its vibrant start-up scene and multinational-locators, together with japan, an established source of industrial, retail and education interest in the country, have both entrepreneurs and professionals wanting to invest in commercial real estate market as well.

other interested foreign tenants for commercial spaces here were Canadians, south Koreans, British and united Arab emirate nationals.

They prioritized office and retail spaces the most, followed by related commercial properties such as buildings, warehouses, service offices, and co-working spaces.

“These trends all tell the same story: that the Philippines is headed towards greater heights as the economy reopens in the post-Covid era. More and more developed countries are undoubtedly setting their sights on building a Philippine base, which means that the domestic real estate market is expected to be busier than ever,” said Lamudi Philippines Country Head Anurag Verma.

Location-wise, oFWs based in the Middle east—dubai, doha, r iyadh, Abu dhabi—and singapore showed high interest for properties in Cala-

barzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, r izal, and Quezon) during the period in review.

Most of Filipino migrant workers come from this region, with half of them bound to central Arab areas, per 2020 data of the Philippine statistics Authority. Majority of them originated from Cavite and Batangas.

Houses and then land gained most pageviews from Middle east-based property seekers. Close to 50 percent of all leads from east Asian property seekers were for properties located in the national Capital region (nCr) other than cities in nCr , provincial areas, such as the hilly Baguio and Tagaytay, agricultural town of naguilian, La union and coastal Lapulapu, Cebu were the preferred destinations for oFW and north and south American markets for both leisure and retirement. sub-categories such as house and lot, townhouse, ‘residential lot, beach house and agricultural lot attracted foreign property seekers.

Metro Manila cities, particularly Taguig, Makati and Quezon City, followed by Cebu and Cavite got most of the leads from south and southeast Asian (excluding the Philippines) countries. ex pats and students from these neighboring countries may be

Isidro A. Consunji, chairman of engineering conglomerate d MC i Holdings i n c., on Monday said he wants to go into the management of agriculture lands in the southern part of Visayas and parts of Mindanao.

Consunji, 73, said his family is keen on palm oil or rubber cultivation and carbon credits.

“My story is nowhere near

done. i think i have enough gas in the tank to start a second career. i n a few years, i may just surprise all of you. With more idle time, i hope to foray into agriculture and create sustainable value in the countryside,” Consunji said in his speech during the Management Association of the Philippines event where he received his Man of the Year award. VG Cabuag

looking into housing as they take on new onsite work or start a new school year here. Roderick L. Abad

Globe Telecom Inc. said on Monday it is “on track” with its network rollout, citing its capital expenditures (capex) spend in January to September.

IsIdro “sId ” ConsunjI is the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) Man of the Year for 2022. Consunji was chosen for his business acumen and management qualities in transforming a private construction company into one of the country’s engineering conglomerates. Also in photo are MAP President rogelio singson (second from right); Aurelio Montinola III, chair of MAP’s Membership Committee (right); and Atty. Mike Toledo (left), head of Government re lations and Public Affairs of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Photo by: NoNie Reyes

Banking&Finance

BTr: Awards to provide short-term liquidity

THE national government raised P9.62 billion from the auction of treasury notes on Monday, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

The BTr said the auction committee made a full award for the P5-billion worth 91-day Treasury Bills (TBills) but made partial awards for the 182-day and 364day TBills.

The government raised P2.1 billion from the partial award for the 182-day TBills and another P2.52 billion for the 364-day TBills.

“Full award for 91 but partial for 182 and 364 day. Rates are aligned with secondary level and award provides good supply to market to deploy short term liquidity,” National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon told reporters on Monday.

The auction was 2.4-times over-

subscribed, fetching total bids reaching P35.787 billion on Monday.

Tenders received for the 91-day notes reached P25.987 billion; more than five times the government’s offer of P5 billion. The auction committee rejected P20.987 billion of the tenders.

For the 182-day TBills, the BTr said the auction committee received total tenders worth P5.78 billion and rejected P3.68 billion.

The data also showed that for the 364-day treasury notes, fetched total tenders worth P4.02 billion, lower than the government’s offer. The auction committee rejected P1.5 billion of these tenders.

The 91-day notes fetched an average interest rate of 4.205 percent while the 182- and 364-day TBills were capped at 4.92 percent and 5.15 percent. Cai U. Ordinario

Only fools want to become millionaires, so don’t be one

DO you want to become a millionaire? If you do, then you’re a fool. Why? Because having a million in your bank account won’t make you happy. Do you know what will make you happy?  Spending that million. Am I right?

If you had a million to spend today, what would you buy? What would you do? Would you go  on vacation with your family? Or sell your old car and buy a new one? Or maybe quit your job,  and start your own business?

It doesn’t matter what you want, and there’s no right or wrong answer here. So go ahead and  imagine how you would spend all that money. Then pause, take a piece of paper and write it  down.

Done? Good. Now here’s the thing…

No, you don’t really want to become a millionaire. What you actually want is to have what  you’ve written down–to travel, to buy a new car, to start a business, to buy or do whatever’s  on that paper.

This is the reason why I say that you’re a fool if you want to become a millionaire… if you simply want to become a millionaire. Because having the money is not, and should not be your goal. Instead, your goal is to achieve your dreams–to have and to do what it is that you truly want.

So shift your focus away from the money, and towards what you’ve written down on that paper—because that’s your finish line. Simple, right? Well, not really…and here’s why. I want you to meet Richard, a guy who wants to put up his own business someday. So he works  hard and tries to save as much of his salary as he can every month. He’s also been investing  regularly, so he can grow his money faster.

“When I have a million pesos, I will quit my job and start my own business.”

Finally, after eight years, his savings and investments grew past a million. He has become a  millionaire. “I can now quit and start my own business! But…what business should I go into?”

Slowly, he realizes that he’s back to square one.

A nd then there’s John, another guy who also wants to put up his own business someday. Like Richard, he’s also hard-working, lives frugally and invests regularly. But unlike Richard, he  doesn’t want to become a millionaire, he wants to become an entrepreneur.

“I want to put up a restaurant someday, so I can quit my job.”

Every weekend, he spends his time developing his business plan and trying to find ways to  achieve that goal. Finally, after 2 years, his savings and investments grew–not past a million,  but just enough to put up a food cart business.

His food cart didn’t earn enough income for him to quit his job–but he didn’t mind because  he’s learning a lot. He learned about marketing, inventory management, franchising, and many  others.

Fast forward another two years, and you’ll see John finally quitting his old job. His food cart  business is now a food franchise corporation. He’s already a millionaire, but he didn’t really  care because what he really wanted was a restaurant. And now that he’s working full time in his  business, that dream will soon become a reality.

Do you want to become a millionaire? If you do, then you’re a fool. Instead, know what you really want and focus on that goal. Don’t be like Richard, instead be more like John. Because when you exactly know where you want to be, it’s always easier to get there.  Opportunities can come, options can become available, and shortcuts can be discovered.

So stop working for the money and start working for your dreams.

Fitz Villafuerte is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 99th RFP program this January 2023. To inquire, e-mail  info@rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

Tax allotment for LGUs cut due to Covid scars–DBM

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE country’s pandemic woes would reduce the National Tax Allotment (NTA) for local government units (LGUs) next year, according to an official of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In a recent seminar of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), DBM Assistant Secretary Rolando U. Toledo said the pandemic has significantly affected the tax collections of the government.

While LGUs have received an increase of P185.17 billion or a total of P959.04 billion in 2022, Toledo reminded LGUs that their budget— now called National Tax Allotment (NTA)—will be smaller in 2023.

Toledo explained that the NTA is based on the actual collection of the national government in the third pre-

ceding year. The 2023 NTA amounts to P820.2 billion, which is significantly lower than in 2022, he said.

“This is due to the lower revenue collection in 2020 because of the muted economic activity during the pandemic.”

However, Toledo said, identified poor, disadvantaged and lagging LGUs are expected to receive financial assistance through the Growth Equity Fund (GEF) to help them “fully and efficiently” implement their devolved functions and services.

The GEF is part of the fund set

aside for identified LGUs beset with “marginalization, unequal development, and high poverty incidence” to help them adjust and fully implement their devolved functions and services.

Specifically, LGUs eligible to receive the fund are provinces and cities in the fourth income bracket and fourth and fifth income class municipalities and their barangays in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Identified LGUs must have their devolution transition plans approved by the local council or Sanggunian to be eligible to receive their share of the P1.25 billion GEF.

Full devolution

THE full devolution of functions and services to LGUs is stipulated in Executive Order 138. It was a response to the Supreme Court’s MandanasGarcia ruling, which expanded the source of funds for LGUs from national internal revenue taxes to all national taxes.

“The EO only provides the full devolution of functions and services which have already been devolved to LGUs, pursuant to Section 17 of

the Local Government Code of 1991 and other subsequent laws. There are no new or additional functions being devolved to the LGUs,” Toledo clarified.

He said that the GEF will be automatically and directly released to the beneficiary LGUs because they are pre-identified.

“While they are not required to submit documentary requirements prior to the release of the fund, these LGUs are enjoined to comply with the guidelines and policies to be prescribed by the DBM.”

Toledo added that the GEF shall not be used for travel and administrative costs; payment of personnel services; registration and related fees for training; purchase, maintenance, or repair of furniture, fixtures, appliances, or motor vehicles; and other expenses that are irrelevant to the devolved functions and services.

The webinar featured the study “Analysis of the 2023 President’s Budget” by former PIDS Research Fellow Charlotte Justine Diokno-Sicat, PIDS Senior Research Specialist Robert Hector G. Palomar and Research Analyst Mark Gerald C. Ruiz.

Security Bank, Consolsys ink deal for branch experience

SECURIT y Bank Corp. and Malaysian-based banking automation company, Consolsys, recently formalized its partnership to transition the Bank’s current branch banking management system to a state-of-the-art digital, cloud-based omni-channel platform, as it transforms its branch experience and continues to deliver world-class, differentiated BetterBanking service.  Consolsys has been providing banking automation services in Asia since 1999 with a presence in Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei. They will replace the bank’s current tellering, lobby management and Signature Verification System (SVS) with the Mosaic Voyager, a cloud-based omni-channel delivery system that reduces inefficiencies, increases overall productivity, and provides an avenue for increased touchpoints.

focused differentiated experiences” Lucose Eralil, head of Enterprise Technology

Security Bank has fast-tracked its transition to the Mosaic Voyager service with a plan to complete the implementation across all its branches by the third quarter of 2023. Once fully implemented, this new comprehensive and transformative system will enhance the Bank’s capability to provide a truly differentiated customer experience to transacting customers, enhance operational efficiency, and propel the Bank forward in its digital banking transformation.

“This is just one of the many initiatives Security Bank is implementing as it moves closer to achieving its vision of becoming the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines.”

Bitcoin drops as tremors from China unrest spook global markets

CR y P TOCURRENCIES slid Monday amid a bout of investor anxiety in global markets sparked by protests in China against Covid restrictions.

Bitcoin, the largest token, at one point shed 3.2 percent and was trading at about $16,214 as of 7 a.m. in New york. Second-ranked Ether fell about 4 percent, while the likes of Solana, Avalanche and Dogecoin suffered even sharper losses.

The concern stoked by China come during a period of vulnerability for crypto markets, which are on edge over the contagion spreading from the fall of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX exchange and sister trading house Alameda Research.

Crypto watchers also pointed to worries about wrapped Ether, which is meant to have the same value as Ether while allowing access to more applications. Some reports suggested the concerns stemmed from joke Twitter posts falsely claiming a break in the expected peg in the value of wrapped Ether and Ether.

Markus Thielen, head of research and strategy at crypto lender Matrixport, said he’s “not too concerned” about wrapped Ether because it’s based on automatically executing software known as smart contracts.

“This will make it unlikely to be actually manipulated as no person, nor a centralized entity, should be able to manipulate the open-source

smart contract,” which can also be checked for bugs or flaws, Thielen added. The drop in crypto assets Monday came amid a slide in Asian stocks and US equity futures. One risk in China is that Beijing’s ongoing policy of Covid-zero mobility curbs is an impediment to stabilizing domestic demand, Katrina Ell, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics Inc., said on Bloomberg Television.

Bitcoin’s bad month Markets may also be fretting that unrest in China will cause further supply chain constraints globally, said Hayden Hughes, chief executive officer of social-trading platform Alpha Impact. Such snarls can make it

harder to beat back inflation, leaving interest rates higher.

Bitcoin is down about 21 percent so far in November, the token’s worst monthly performance since June. This year’s crypto rout has sliced almost 70 percent off a gauge of the top 100 digital assets.

T he collapse of FTX—which once boasted a $32 billion valuation but tumbled into a bankruptcy in a matter of days this month—continues to threaten a wider reckoning for the digital-asset sector.

Elevated contagion risk is being profiled into the cryptocurrency complex,” said John Toro, head of trading at digital-asset exchange Independent Reserve. Bloomberg News

SSS disburses ₧2.49T benefits through 45M claims received from start in 1957

THE Social Security System (SSS) announced on Monday it has disbursed a total of P2.49 trillion benefits through the 45 million claims it has received from the start of its operations in September 1957 up to August 2022. The private sector pension fund made this disclosure as it reached its 65th year of service to the working Filipinos.

Long-term benefits accounted for almost 90 percent of the said disbursements with retirement benefit at nearly P1.33 trillion, death benefit at P792.92 billion, and disability benefit at P119.18 billion for a total of around P2.24 trillion. Short-term benefits, on the other

hand, made up the remaining 10 percent with maternity benefit at P120.91 billion, funeral benefit at P68.17 billion, sickness benefit at P56.92 billion, unemployment benefit at P3.69 billion, and employees’ compensation medical or rehab services at P1.77 billion for a total of about P251.47 billion.

SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino said that if the total amount of SSS benefit disbursements for the said period is adjusted for inflation, this would amount to P3.77 trillion with long-term benefits at P3.33 trillion and short-term benefits at P433.25 billion.

“From 1957 up to 2021, we record-

ed annual increases in the amount of benefit disbursements, except only for 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our P223.98 billion benefit disbursements for 2021 are an all-time high.

This year, however, we are on track to exceed this amount as for the first eight months of 2022, we have already disbursed P165.04 billion benefits, which is 7.1-percent more than the P154.05 billion disbursed for the same period last year,” Regino said.

The constant growth in SSS’s benefit disbursements can be attributed mainly to the gradual addition of benefits, increase in the number of its members,

and expansion of membership coverage.

Some of these factors are the scheduled reforms provided under the Social Security Act of 2018. This includes the increase in the contribution rate, and minimum and maximum monthly salary credit (MSC) every other year starting 2019 until 2025, which apart from strengthening the SSS fund life would gradually raise the minimum and maximum benefit a member may receive.

The provisions of the said law also include the introduction of the Mandatory Provident Fund in 2021 for the portion of contributions in excess of the

P20,000 MSC, and the upcoming launch of the voluntary provident fund, Workers’ Investment and Savings (WISP) Plus, which both would promote higher benefits for members and their beneficiaries; the expansion of mandatory coverage to Overseas Filipino Workers; and the granting of the Unemployment Benefit, among others.

Another factor is the implementation of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law on March 11, 2019, which increases the number of compensable days of maternity leave, from the initial 60 days for normal delivery or 78 days for caesarian section delivery, to 105 days for live

childbirth—regardless of the type of delivery and an additional 15 days paid leave if the female worker qualifies as a solo parent.

The law also granted further consideration to our women by extending maternity leave to every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage, or ETP, regardless of frequency, from the previous limit of the first four deliveries or miscarriages.

“Behind each of the millions of claims we have disbursed over the past 65 years is a member that we have provided with meaningful social security protection during contingencies,” Regino said.

“As the Bank transitions from traditional to new and scalable digital cloud-based services, we will be able to service customers faster and provide them with our signature

BetterBanking service powered by innovative digital banking technology. Implementing Mosaic Voyager is a key enabler as we transform our branches to deliver customer-

and Operations, was quoted in the statement as saying.

personal FinanCe

Fitz Gerard Villafuerte

Pictured left to right, Patricia tan, SVP and Head of customer Segmentation, Security Bank, tina Henson, SVP and Operations Group Head, Security Bank, Lucose eralil, eVP and enterprise and technology Operation Head, Security Bank, Leslie cham, eVP and Branch Banking Head, Security Bank, Ahmad Oliaei, Group Managing director, consolsys, Zia Madani, executive director and c tO, consolsys and Jose “Joey” Maitim Jr, Sales director, consolsys.

Art fairs shine brighter spotlight on Filipino talents

THIS year’s theme for The Manila’Bang Show is Contemporary Art, The Manila Way.” According to artistic director Alain Zedrick Camiling, who leads the fair alongside Contemporary ArtFairs ManilaPH, “We intend to highlight Manila as a nexus of an expansive arts landscape in the archipelago.”

APAIR of local contemporary art fairs running their sophomore editions this year present a bigger showcase featuring Filipino artists.

The recently concluded Visayas Art Fair (VAF) 2022 and the upcoming Manila’Bang Show 2022 follow up their maiden runs by bringing to the forefront artworks by Filipino talents across the country. VAF took place at Mandaue City, Cebu, from November 24 to 27, while The Manila’Bang Show 2022 is set to run at Festival Mall in Alabang next week from December 8 to 11.

In its bid to expound the relationship between the visual arts and the creative industry, as well as to promote artists and art collectives from Visayas and the rest of the country, VAF 2022 presented around 1,500 artworks in its four-day run. The number of total participating galleries also grew by nearly double to 33 from last year’s 17.

One of the highlights of this year’s VAF is The Bodega Caravan, a creative marketplace curated by renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Inspired by early traveling caravans that carried goods from village to village, the event featured items from different sustainable art and furniture companies like Cebu Homecraft, Lakat Sustainables, and La Galuche, among others. The organizers of VAF are Cebu Design Week, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, and the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation.

Meanwhile, Manila’Bang shifts its focus from being the newest event in Southeast Asia’s art calendar into one that highlights Filipino talents. Thus, last year’s theme of “ArtFest International” is now “Contemporary Art, the Manila Way.”

“Since Manila’Bang’s first run last year, we

have always been pondering on the ‘now,’” said Manila’Bang artistic director Alain Zedrick Camiling, who leads The Manila’Bang Show 2022 alongside its organizer, Contemporary ArtFairs ManilaPH.

“In 2021, we were guided by our curatorial concept ‘an animate proof of life’ pointing to how the arts ecosystem has remained spirited despite the pandemic constraints, as seen in many creative resonances by diverse artists from both local and international contexts. This year, I ponder on ‘steadfast affinities’ to explicate how we constantly remained devoted to the art ecosystem’s development in the past years despite many things.”

“By affinities,” Camiling added, “I point to the interrelationships found between art, society, the everyday and ourselves, among others. We intend to highlight Manila as a nexus of an expansive arts landscape in the archipelago.”

The Manila’Bang Show 2022 presents two special exhibitions. First is an immersive installation by intermedia and ultra-contemporary artist Mark Salvatus, a presentation curated by Camiling that stems from Salvatus’s artist research introduced in Manila’Bang. Next is a group exhibition featuring

Manila’Bang include Arte Bettina, Secret Fresh, Altro Mondo, Art For Space, Big and Small Art Co., R Gallery, Galerie Anna, Art Toys PH, The Artologist, Lab Art Project, 1335/Mabini, M Gallery, Galerie Artes, Daloy Likha, Pugad Ni Art, Ides Contemporary Gallery, Rojo Gallery, Meatspace Gallery, Historia Arts, Galerie Raphael, Galerie Francesca, Art Anton, and Art Elaan. Aside from the exhibitions, The Manila’Bang Show 2022 also rolls out another series of discussions between professionals and practitioners. Titled “Art Talks: Interchange,” this year’s exchanges dissect issues, perspectives, concerns and frameworks for analysis related to contemporary art and culture, and art collecting and management.

“The discursive program provides glimpses to important conversations which are helpful for artistic and creative practitioners and those who engage in the arts ecosystem in general,” Camiling said.

More information about The Manila’Bang Show 2022 is available at www.manilabangshow.com n

2022 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees to inspire youth leaders via public forum

THE 2022 Ramon Magsaysay Emergent Leader Awardee Gary Bencheghib will speak on “Instagram Reels Bringing Real Change,” his advocacy to eradicate marine plastic pollution in Bali, Indonesia, the headliner of the two-part forum which features this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation honorees.

For the second part of the event, Bencheghib will be joined by his fellow 2022 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees—mental health advocate Sotheara Chhim from Cambodia, sight-saving humanitarian Tadashi Hattori from Japan, and children’s rights crusader Bernadette J. Madrid from the Philippines—as they shed light on their respective advocacies and impart their very own stories of triumph against adversities.

Bencheghib, a French filmmaker and social-media content creator based in Indonesia, was exposed to the pressing environmental problems at a young age.

Driven with a strong belief that he can do something to address the issue, the adventurous creative utilizes the power

of video and technology as weapons to magnify the problem in the country.

Chhim was recognized for “his calm courage in surmounting deep trauma to become his people’s healer; his transformative work amidst great need and seemingly insurmountable difficulties, and for showing that daily devotion to the best of one’s profession can itself be a form of greatness.”

Hattori, an ophthalmologist who dedicated his time and resources in providing free eye surgeries, was honored as the embodiment of individual social responsibility. He was acknowledged for “his simple humanity and extraordinary generosity as a person and a professional; his skill and compassion in restoring the gift of sight to tens of thousands of people not his own; and the inspiration he has given, by his shining example, that one person can make a difference in helping kindness

flourish in the world.”

A stalwart champion of every Filipino child, Madrid was acknowledged for “her unassuming and steadfast commitment to a noble and demanding advocacy; her leadership in running a multisectoral, multidisciplinary effort in child protection that is admired in Asia; and her competence and compassion in devoting herself to seeing that every abused child lives in a healing, safe, and nurturing society.”

The forum is made possible by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The assembly will be conducted on Thursday, December 1, 2022 and will run from 1 pm to 5 pm. The event is free and open to the public. It will be held live at the Design and Arts Campus Theater of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde.

More information about the awardees is available at www.rmaward.asia.

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Anna Faris, 46; Don Cheadle, 58; Andrew McCarthy, 60; Howie Mandel, 67.

HAppY BIRTHDAY: A positive and open attitude will help you navigate the ups and downs this year. Don’t let being too trusting be your downfall. Be resourceful. Research and verify every bit of information you receive from outside sources. Focus on your goals, not the people trying to get you to change or be a follower. Your numbers are 7, 18, 22, 26, 31, 37, 44.

aARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to what’s happening around you and pitch in and help. Your input will influence the outcome and position you for unexpected opportunities. Business trips or meetings will enlighten and encourage you to acquire additional knowledge and skills. HHHH

bTAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be confused by what you want to do. Get an early start and eliminate the problem of running out of time. Put your muscle where it counts and your energy into success, not disagreement. Change only what’s necessary. HH

cGEMINI (May 21-June 20): Build momentum and show everyone what you’ve got to offer. Put your best foot forward, and don’t trust anyone to handle matters for you. Shape your future with innovative ideas and hands-on methods that allow you to maintain control. Romance is favored. HHHHH

dCANCER (June 21-July 22): Handle your cash creatively. Look for investments that you can control and build over time. Solid and secure plans will alleviate stress and make it easier to decide your fate as you continue along a risk-free path. HHH

eLEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take nothing for granted. Keep an eye on what others say and do, and you’ll avoid being blindsided by someone trying to put one over you. Let discipline and integrity be your calling cards to ensure people treat you respectfully. HHH

fVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Change begins with you, so don’t let anyone else decide your next move. Mull over your options and study the ramifications. Compensate to ensure everything you want to do runs smoothly. Protect your home and family from risky situations. HHH

gLIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Size up your situation and use your attributes to get ahead. A good idea executed with finesse and enthusiasm will draw positive attention and help you make a positive difference. Physical fitness and a healthy diet will help you look your best. HHHHH

hSCORpIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take care of responsibilities before someone asks you to get moving. Build a stellar reputation by going above and beyond the call of duty. Set the standard instead of lowering the bar. HH

iSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do for yourself and avoid disappointment. You’ll be prodded to do things that don’t suit you. Set high standards, and don’t stop until you are happy with the results. HHHH

jCApRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A proposal that sounds smashingly good will have hidden drawbacks. Play it safe and back away from any dubious or costly situations. If you want a change, make your surroundings comfortable.HHH

kAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t hide your feelings. Speak up, share your intentions and find out where you stand. Your drive, insight and desire to get ahead will have a lasting impression on someone who can help you advance. HHH

lpISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be careful what you wish for and who you share with today. Someone will intentionally misinterpret you if given a chance. Choose your words wisely, and promise only what you want and know you can fulfill. Arguing will lead to an unnecessary feud. HHH

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are demonstrative, optimistic and inventive. You are changeable and dynamic.

H: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. HH: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. HHH: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. HHHH: Aim high; start new projects. HHHHH: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

BY CATHERINE CETTA

The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK.COM/ THEMANILABANGSHOW

Jan Balquin, Joseph Gabriel, Christina Lopez, and Eve Yu and Vik Laugo (OI Research Partners). The presentation is curated by Carlos Quijon Jr. Participating galleries for this year’s

Love and magic, accordi ng to Ivan Rivera

ADEAR friend once said that magic and love have a great deal in common. Both put a smile on your face, both awaken your sense of wonder, delighting the heart and enriching the soul.

Actor, magician and restaurant owner Ivan Rivera believes that all magic is about transformation. “The subtle message about us magicians is that although we seem to be in charge of suspending your belief in our tricks, the real message that we are trying to send—well, at least for me—is that as a performance magician, I am trying to tell you that you are the magician in your own life, you are the agent of transformation, a tool of your own transformation.”

Rivera’s father was a magician all his life, and it was through the old man that his son learned his first few tricks. “I started young. I was in awe of my father, of what he was able to do as a magician. I’d observed how he amused people, how the eyes of the kids would light up, how he brought so much happiness to special occasions where he performed. Every time I watched my father onstage, I would silently wish to be like him.”

The universe made sure that this silent wish of Rivera’s would one day manifest when as a teenager, he performed his first magic show for a Cartoon Network birthday bash, and it was the beginning of a love affair with magic that continues to evolve through the years.

“I have been performing for 18 years now, and magic has brought me to places I’ve never been to. I am also happy to share that my shows have even gone beyond pure entertainment. I also perform in benefit shows and for charity,“ he volunteered.

Rivera, who is a vegetarian, just flew back from Bicol where he did a show for the benefit of the Feed Hungry Minds Green Warriors, an organization composed of Bicolano mothers who took to farming and planting vegetables in every available space they had during the onslaught of the pandemic. Rivera has also put up a restaurant in Marikina with partners Justin Capulong, Shaira Opsimar, Paul Ramos, actorproducer Toni Co and writer-director CJ Barinaga, calling it Patuhog ni Ivan, which serves mostly grilled items.

In magic, mystery, manipulation and mind strategies are always involved. And Rivera is aware that he needs to elevate his brand of magic regularly.

“As times change, I also continue to grow and evolve as a performance magician, creating new effects and introducing new acts. It’s a never-ending learning process, because that’s what magic is supposed to be— never stagnant, never predictable, never conforming, always evolving.” It helps that Rivera’s performance explorations include his being an actor. “Acting allows me to spread my wings and get into the core of the characters I portray. And I am enjoying my being an actor tremendously.” Rivera is in the main cast of independently produced films, like Memories of Forgetting and Finding Daddy Blake

“In the future, I hope to work alongside my favorite local actors, Mon Confiado and John Arcilla, and it

will also be a privilege to work with filmmakers like Erik Matti, Roman Perez Jr., and Richard Somes,” he shared.

Rivera turns bashful when the conversation shifts to his romantic life. “Still making sure about those feelings, although let’s say I am inspired these days. In both magic and in love, there are no impossibilities.”

On December 3, Rivera will have a special magic show at the PETA Theater in Quezon City billed as It’s Not Real, It’s Magic, to celebrate his 18th year as a performance magician. “It will be my love story with magic. Hopefully, if I show you my magic, you will choose to believe again in the many magical powers you have in your own life.”

Perhaps what my dear friend said about love and magic is true. For indeed, love is the closest thing we have to magic. n

GMA announces Christmas series collaboration with YouTube

GMA Public Affairs is set to make the Yuletide season extra special as it presents an original series called Pinoy Christmas In Our Hearts in collaboration with YouTube.

Anchoring on Filipinos’ beloved Christmas traditions such as noche buena, simbang gabi, and caroling, among others, the four-part series will feature OFW YouTube content creators who are coming home for the first time since the pandemic.

Mainstream creators and celebrities including Ninong Ry, Small Laude and Jessica Soho will also join the series to share uniquely Pinoy Christmas content on YouTube that viewers will surely relate to.

“GMA Public Affairs champions

innovation by creating and sharing stories that resonate with Filipinos wherever they may be. With each story, a connection is made and a message is conveyed. Pinoy Christmas In Our Hearts is a way for us to inspire our fellow Kapuso this Christmas season and we are so grateful that the Filipinos’ favorite online platform YouTube continues to support us in these creative and meaningful endeavors,” shared Nessa Valdellon,

THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the Yuletide season with “Handel’s Messiah” at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on December 16, 2022, 8 pm.

The classical concert features a mammoth choral ensemble composed of 200 singers from various Philippine choirs, performing the complete movement of the English oratorio which traces the story of Jesus Christ, under the baton of PPO guest conductor Mark Anthony Carpio.

“It is a tribute to George Frideric Handel’s genius. Even after 280 years since it was first heard in 1742 in Dublin, music lovers all over the world are still in awe when they hear this magnificent choral piece. This music which has transcended time should be experienced first-hand by Filipinos as interpreted

Affairs.

“YouTube is all about bringing people and communities together through the shared language of video. We are proud to collaborate with GMA Public Affairs in bringing Pinoy Christmas In Our Hearts on YouTube.

With this series, we hope that more Filipinos can watch uplifting content online that speaks to the importance of being with our family and loved

by Filipino musicians,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.

Floirendo shared that the idea for a grand Handel’s Messiah came from the late CCP President Baltazar Endriga some years back. “It is just timely that we are finally mounting this masterwork as our way of celebrating the return of live music at the CCP. It is also a fitting musical offering to thank the Messiah that we all survived the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

“Messiah” has been described as a “grand musical entertainment” during its first few performances during Handel’s time. But the composer said entertainment was not what he had in mind when he composed it. “I want listeners to feel my message and become better people.”

ones, especially this holiday season,” said Siddharth Srinivasan, head of YouTube Content Partnerships for Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The project comes on the heels of GMA Public Affairs crossing the 20 million-subscriber milestone on YouTube just last month (www.youtube. com/user/gmapublicaffairs).

Currently, the channel has amassed 12.7 billion views since 2009. It likewise has recorded 1.1 billion hours of watched videos as of this writing.

Each of the four episodes of Pinoy Christmas In Our Hearts will drop weekly starting this December on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.

Jon Batiste to sing for Macron at Biden’s 1st state dinner

NANTUCKET, Massachusetts—Musician Jon Batiste is on tap to perform at President Joe Biden’s first White House state dinner on Thursday that will highlight long-standing ties between the United States and France and honor President Emmanuel Macron.

“An artist who transcends generations, Jon Batiste’s music inspires and brings people together,” said Vanessa Valdivia, a spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden, whose office is overseeing dinner preparations.

“We’re thrilled to have him perform at the White House for the first state dinner of the Biden-Harris administration,” Valdivia said.

The black-tie dinner for Macron will be part of what is shaping up to be a busy social season at the White House. The Bidens’ granddaughter Naomi was married on the South Lawn earlier this month.

And first lady Jill Biden was set on Monday to unveil the White House decorations that will be viewed by thousands of holiday visitors over the next month.

Reporters returning to the White House on Sunday with the president saw large wreaths studded with shiny Christmas tree ornaments and red bows suspended from the south side of the White House.

Wreaths also were hung on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building. White lights were draped over the shrubs and other landscaping on the South Lawn. A Christmas tree could be seen through the windows of the Oval Office.

Batiste will be adding White House entertainer to an already long list of roles, including recording artist, bandleader, musical director, film composer, museum creative director and scion of New Orleans musical royalty.

He won five Grammy Awards this year, including for album of the year for We Are. During the awards show in April, Batiste ended his dance-filled performance of “Freedom” by jumping up on Billie Eilish’s table.

Batiste, 36, most recently was bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, leaving the broadcast after a seven-year run.

Batiste composed music, consulted on and arranged songs for Pixar’s animated film Soul

He won a Golden Globe for the music alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. The trio also earned the Academy Award for best original score. For their work on Soul, Batiste, Reznor and Ross won the Grammy for best score soundtrack for visual media.

The Washington Post was first to report that Batiste will perform at the dinner. AP

Considered one of the greatest Christmas classical music ever composed, “Messiah” is naturally a big challenge for conductor Carpio. He has conducted selected movements from the choral piece, mostly the first part—the Advent and Christmas portion— ending with the Hallelujah Chorus before, but this will be the first time Carpio is doing the complete movements with an orchestra lasting more than two hours with him as the only conductor.

“I believe the challenge in this massive work lies not only in its duration (more than two hours) but in making sure the choir and orchestra understand this magnificent and probably one of the world’s most popular choral works,” said Carpio.

The 200-member grand chorus will be composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine

Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are: Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble and Song Weavers Philippines.

Featured soloists for December 16 are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.

The concert is one of the grand events that the CCP is mounting before it closes the Main Building for rehabilitation in 2023.

For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office at 88323704, 8832-1125 local 1409, or check out Ticketworld (www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph).

IVAN RIVERA

Spectrum bags deal for Anglo Watsons’

2MWp solar rooftop product in Laguna

SPECTRUM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has partnered with Anglo Watsons Glass, Inc., a unit of Emperador, Inc., for its groundbreaking solar rooftop project that will power the company’s glass manufacturing plant in Laguna.

The two companies recently signed an agreement to install a two-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Anglo Watsons’ nearly six-hectare facility located inside the Silangan Industrial Park in Calamba.

Expected for completion in February 2023, the rooftop solar project will allow Anglo Watsons to generate approximately 2.5 million kilowatthours of clean energy per year.

“We are very happy to partner with Meralco as we move towards more sustainable business operations that are

aligned with the goal of Alliance Global Group, Inc. to be fully reliant on renewable energy in the coming years,” said Anglo Watsons President Alec Tempongko.

Anglo Watsons manufactures flint glass bottles for Emperador’s liquor products, including Emperador Light, Andy Player Whisky, Zabana Rum, and The Bar. The company produces about 150 million bottles a year in its Laguna plant, equivalent to as much as 11 million cases of bottles annually.

Through the solar project, Anglo Watsons pivots Emperador’s bigger sustainability push that entails, among others, the gradual shift to clean energy to support its business operations.

With Spectrum’s end-to-end solar energy offering, the glass manufacturer is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 1,929 metric tons, which is equivalent to planting about 200,000 trees

in 20 years or reducing around 7.2 million kilometers in vehicle travel per year.

“With Spectrum backed by Meralco’s energy expertise and service standards, Anglo Watsons is assured of good quality and reliable service for its planned solar project. Spectrum is committed to delivering a solution specifically designed to help the company realize its financial and sustainability goals. This is just the beginning of our partnership, and Spectrum will be with Anglo Watsons throughout its sustainability journey,” Spectrum Chief Operating Officer Patrick Henry T. Panlilio said.

Spectrum is a renewable energy solutions provider offering tailor-fit solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential customers through an in-depth understanding of energy consumption behaviors and strategic partnerships with world-class technology partners.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel's delightful savory, sweet goodies

season

Tiramisu (8”, P2,225) for scrumptious layers of happiness in every bite.

Warm, freshly baked bread will always be a great go-to snack when hunger hits. Get these tasty loaves from Richmonde for a satisfying snack you can enjoy as is: Banana Chocolate Chip and Walnut Bread (P385), Chocolate Pistachio Babka (P495), Kesong Puti, Tomato and Basil Focaccia (P215), and Brioche (P285).

What’s Christmas without ham? Preparation is easy with Richmonde’s holiday hams so don’t forget to add it to your order list. Choose between the 1.5kg Muscovado Ham (P2,125) that’s bursting with salty-sweet flavors, and the 1.2kg Chicken Ham (P1,575) for the calorie-conscious. A petite-sized portion of 300g Sliced Muscovado Ham (P525) is also available.

AVON, the number 1 makeup brand in the Philippines, just upgraded their best-selling lipstick to make it not just extra, but oh so Ultra!

Avon Lipsticks are solid beauty favorites, with one piece sold every second globally. The new collection comes in two fantastic finishes: Ultra Matte and Ultra Creamy, and is now available in 26 bold shades that can match every mood, occasion, or style.

Each Ultra lipstick is formulated with nourishing ingredients infused with an exclusive and luxurious blend of Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, and Vitamin E to keep lips plump and moisturized while retaining an ultra-rich color payoff. With new bullet shape and precision tip, any kween can swipe with no mess and less drama. It comes with SPF 15 and a mocha crème aroma, making every swipe truly a royal experience.

Don’t throw shade, kweens! Wear it loud and proud because the Avon Ultra Lipstick Collection brings #TheUltraEffect—a contagious confidence that spreads from one to another. From pageant types to drag, the Avon Ultra Lipstick Collection is made for every kind of kween.

The new Ultra Collection was launched last November 17 at The Kween’s Ball: Experience #TheUltraEffect with Avon held at the Nokal at Makati Cinema Square.

“Every time I put on the Avon Ultra collection, I feel like I have a crown over my head anywhere I go. The feeling is fantastic, and I honestly can’t help but share it with everyone else - that’s #TheUltraEffect!” says Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach, who headlined the event and shared what she liked about the collection.

Pia’s return to Avon is a full-circle moment for the beauty queen, who started as a brochure model when she was 11 years old. “Who would’ve thought that some years later I’ll be back with Avon endorsing their makeup? Eleven-year-old me would be gagged for sure,” exclaims Pia.

General Manager for Avon Philippines and Managing Director for Avon Asia Pacific Razvan Diratian also shared during the event that the brand will always stand for every woman because every queen deserves to feel beautiful. “With Avon, you can be confident enough to be in the spotlight and share it with other queens. We want you to appreciate the queen that you are, celebrate each other, and inspire each other with your confidence.”

Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and shop the new Ultra Lipstick Collection and other favorite Avon products at www. avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.

JUST

Crave-worthy and simply yummy, Richmonde’s signature pastries are all-time bestsellers for a reason. Soft, oversized, and ultra-cheesy, the hotel’s classic plain ensaymada (P195/pc) and ube ensaymada (P225/pc) are great snack choices that go best with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tsokolate. If you want smaller servings, there’s the mini ensaymada in boxes of six and 12 pieces, also in plain (P225/P450) and ube (P255/

P510) variants. For the perfect dessert to end your feasts, the moist and fudgy Richmonde Chocolate Cake can be ordered in two sizes—4” (P235) and 8” (P745).

For an easy gift for anyone with a sweet tooth, get Richmonde’s Christmas Cookies in boxes of four (P495) and nibblers in packs of six (P150). They come in Sea Salt Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Craisin, and Santa’s Pantry flavors. For more sophisticated sweet treats from the pastry kitchen, there are fancy chocolate bars with unique but delectable flavors which include White Chocolate and Ube Marshmallow (P695), Dark Chocolate with Dilis (P315), and Milk Chocolate with Roasted Cashews and Candied Pili (P415). To bring some Yuletide flair to your holiday meals, order the Christmas

If you wish to share the joy of delicious food this season, simply order Eastwood Richmonde’s Holiday Hampers of assorted goodies packed in a chic purple box. The Sweet and Savory Christmas Bundle (P1,615) includes 300g of sliced muscovado ham, a brioche loaf, two jars of jam, and a miniature bottle of Australian Merlot. The Baked Yuletide Bunch (P1,450) has a loaf of banana chocolate chip and walnut bread, two pieces of Richmonde’s ensaymada, a pack of cookie nibblers, and tsokolate tablea.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s holiday goodies are on display at the Lobby Lounge and are available for pickup and delivery within Metro Manila until January 7, 2023. A minimum lead time of 48 hours is required. For orders and inquiries, call +632 8570 7777 or +63 917 821 0333.

For deliveries, applicable fees will be charged and added to the total amount due. Other terms and conditions apply.

Have a holly, jolly, yummy Christmas with Richmonde Hotel Ortigas' spread of delectable culinary creations

IT’S the best time of the year once again! And even if we won’t get snow, you can always have a cup of cheer and an assortment of delectable culinary creations from Richmonde Hotel Ortigas. Executive Chef Tristan Galang and his merry kitchen team have prepared luscious baked treats and savory pies for your celebrations and gift-giving this season.

Take your holiday feasts anywhere and indulge in traditional Yuletide fare when you order Richmonde’s Special Hotbox Platters packed in self-heating containers so you can warm up food with ease. These nostalgic dishes are not only delicious but also great for sharing and perfect for your home celebrations and potluck parties: Salmon en Croute (P2,800), Cottage Pie (P2,400), Shepherd’s Pie (P2,555), Chicken Pot Pie (P1,650), and Potatoes au Gratin (P1,620).

Make the holidays brighter, yummier, and sweeter as you delight in Richmonde’s decadent Signature Moist Chocolate Cake (from P250), Flourless Chocolate Cake (from P515), and Red Velvet Cheesecake (from P395), all decked out with Christmas designs. Level up your snack breaks this season and relish these choice fresh-fromthe-oven breads—Banana Walnut Bread (P335), Creamy Spinach Baguette (P360), Cranberry Babka (P320), and Coffee Bun (P364/box of 4). Or elevate your trusty toast with Richmonde’s Herbed Butter (P200) and Bacon Jam (P265) spreads.

Richmonde’s signature year-round hits, the Plain Ensaymada (P195) and Ube Ensaymada (P225), with their soft bread and generous toppings of rich whipped butter and grated cheese, are always a welcome gift. Two new variants, the Pork Floss Ensaymada (P250) and Alcapone Ensaymada (P275), are must-try pastries making their debut this season. Need an ensaymada that’s easy to share? The MiniEnsaymadas in boxes of four pieces (Plain, P275/Ube, P315) and nine pieces (Plain, P600/Ube, P685) are great choices.

Those extra dear to you will surely love the specially curated Christmas Hampers that consist of an assortment of Richmonde’s tasty breads and homemade spreads packed in an elegant see-through box. These scrumptious gift sets come in two sizes. The Box of Freshly Baked Bliss (P1,750) is good for three to five persons and contains one creamy spinach baguette, one braided rosemary loaf, two coffee buns, one mini pork floss ensaymada, one mini alcapone ensaymada, one jar of herbed butter, and one jar of bacon jam. The Hamper of Holiday Happiness (P2,250), on the other hand, is good for six to eight persons with bigger versions of the breads in the Box of Freshly Baked Bliss, plus a loaf of cranberry babka.

See the display of holiday goodies at Richmonde Ortigas’ Lobby Café. You can also visit the hotel’s official Facebook page to see the complete catalogue. For hasslefree purchases, goodies are available for pickup and delivery until January 8, 2023, with advance orders and prepayment. Lead time of at least 48 hours is required and bulk orders may be arranged.

For inquiries and orders, call (632) 8638-7777, SMS or Viber (63) 917 534 4352, email fbsup@richmondeortigas.com, or message @Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on Facebook and Instagram.

FROM left to right are Spectrum Chief Operations Officer Patrick Henry T. Panlilio, Spectrum President and CEO Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz, Alliance Global Group, Inc. CEO Kevin L. Tan, and Anglo Watsons Glass, Inc. President Alec Tempongko signed an agreement for the installation of a 2-MWp solar PV system at Anglo Watsons’ manufacturing plant in Calamba, Laguna.

One of the world‘s best selling lipsticks just got an Ultra Upgrade with 2 finishes and 26 bold shades

MISS Universe 2015 and Avon Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach

in time for your parties and gettogethers this Christmas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel has prepared an array of delightful sweet and savory bites to share and enjoy. Choose from freshly baked treats and mouth-watering savory meats to serve at your celebrations or gift to family and friends.

EASTWOOD Richmonde Hotel’s Sweet & Savory Holiday Hamper

DBP INSPECTS STEELASIA ROLLING MILL AS IT EYES NEW FINANCING DEAL. State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President and CEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa (right) and SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation (SteelAsia) President Benjamin Yao confer with each other during a site visit of the firm’s Calaca Meltshop and Rolling Mill in Calaca, Batangas as part of the Bank’s exploratory efforts on a possible new financing deal with the company. In 2020, the Bank was the sole lender of the P8.3-billion rolling mill project of the CompostelaSteel, Inc. – a subsidiary of SteelAsia, which is considered as the biggest steel-making facility in the Philippines.

HAMPER of Holiday Happiness is filled with freshly baked and flavorful breads with homemade spreads.

are yours to share, enjoy this holiday

What headline? ‘Gaslighting’ Merriam-Webster’s word of 2022

By Leanne Italie The Associated Press

NEWYORK—

“Gaslighting”—mind manipulating, grossly misleading, downright deceit ful—is Merriam-Webster’s word of the year.

Lookups for the word on mer riam-webster.com increased 1,740 percent in 2022 over the year be fore. But something else happened. There wasn’t a single event that drove significant spikes in the cu riosity, as it usually goes with the chosen word of the year.

The gaslighting was pervasive.

“It’s a word that has risen so quickly in the English language, and especially in the last four years, that it actually came as a surprise to me and to many of us,” said Peter Sokolowski, MerriamWebster’s editor at large, in an exclusive interview with The As sociated Press ahead of Monday’s unveiling.

“It was a word looked up fre quently every single day of the year,” he said.

There were deepfakes and the dark web. There were deep states and fake news. And there was a whole lot of trolling.

Merriam-Webster’s top defini tion for gaslighting is the psycho logical manipulation of a person, usually over an extended period of time, that “causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental sta bility, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”

Gaslighting is a heinous tool frequently used by abusers in rela tionships—and by politicians and other newsmakers. It can happen between romantic partners, with in a broader family unit and among friends. It can be a corporate tac tic, or a way to mislead the public. There’s also “medical gaslighting,” when a health care professional dismisses a patient’s symptoms or illness as “all in your head.”

Despite its relatively recent prominence—including “Gaslight er,” The Chicks’ 2020 album fea turing the rousingly angry titular single—the word was brought to life more than 80 years ago with “Gas Light,” a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton.

It birthed two film adaptations in the 1940s. One, George Cukor’s “Gaslight” in 1944, starred Ingrid Bergman as Paula Alquist and Charles Boyer as Gregory Anton. The two marry after a whirlwind romance and Gregory turns out to be a champion gaslighter. Among other instances, he insists her com plains over the constant dimming of their London townhouse’s gas lights is a figment of her troubled

mind. It wasn’t.

The death of Angela Lansbury in October drove some interest in lookups of the word, Sokolowski said. She played Nancy Oliver, a young maid hired by Gregory and told not to bother his “highstrung” wife.

The term gaslighting was later used by mental health practitio ners to clinically describe a form of prolonged coercive control in abusive relationships.

“There is this implication of an intentional deception,” So kolowski said. “And once one is aware of that deception, it’s not just a straightforward lie, as in, you know, I didn’t eat the cookies in the cookie jar. It’s something that has a little bit more devious quality to it. It has possibly an idea of strategy or a long-term plan.”

Merriam-Webster, which logs 100 million pageviews a month on its site, chooses its word of the year based solely on data. Sokolowski and his team weed out evergreen words most com monly looked up to gauge which word received a significant bump over the year before.

They don’t slice and dice why people look up words, which can be anything from quick spell ing and definition checks to some sort of attempt at inspi ration or motivation. Some of the droves who looked up “gas lighting” this year might have wanted to know, simply, if it’s one or two words, or whether it’s hyphenated.

“Gaslighting,” Sokolowski said, spent all of 2022 in the top 50 words looked up on merriamwebster.com to earn top dog word of the year status. Last year’s pick was “vaccine.” Rounding out this year’s Top 10 are:

n“Oligarch,” driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

n“Omicron,” the persistent Covid-19 variant and the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

n“Codify,” as in turning abortion rights into federal law.

n“Queen consort,” what King Charles’ wife, Camilla is newly known as.

n“Raid,” as in the search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.

n“Sentient,” with lookups brought on by Google canning the engineer who claimed an unreleased AI system had become sentient.

n“Cancel culture,” enough said.

n“LGBTQIA,” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual, aromantic or agender.

n“Loamy,” which many Wordle users tried back in August, though the right word that day was “clown.”

McCarthy’s pursuit of speaker’s gavel will come at a high cost

By Lisa Mascaro AP Congressional Correspondent

Every new commitment from McCarthy can be seen as a poten tially strategic move, intended to quell skeptics on his right flank as he reaches for the speaker’s gavel. With a slim House majority in the midterm elections, the GOP leader must solidify his ranks in a sprint for the 218 votes he’ll need when the new Congress convenes—each coming at a cost and with no room for error.

“We’ll get there,” McCarthy said in accepting his party’s nomina tion to run for speaker.

The overtures McCarthy is making, some symbolic, others substantive, provide a snapshot of the speaker hopeful’s emerging leadership style. While McCarthy is expected to prevail in his quest for the speaker’s gavel, it is des tined to come at a political price, setting the tone and tenor of new Congress.

To start, McCarthy has prom ised to restore committee assign ments for far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after she and another right-flank lawmaker were booted by Democrats over incendiary remarks.

And he has vowed to oust Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and other high-profile Democrats from their committees in a form of politi cal payback, setting up a divisive House action early in the new Congress.

McCarthy has assured that un der his leadership, the House will remove the metal detectors that were installed to prevent fire arms in the House chamber; end Covid-era protocols that allowed lawmakers to vote by proxy; and fully reopen the Capitol’s limited visitor access since the January 6, 2021, insurrection by sup porters of the former president, Donald Trump.

And in a dramatic nod to the farright, McCarthy has threatened an impeachment investigation against Homeland Security sec retary Alejandro Mayorkas unless he resigns over the department’s handling of the US’s southern bor der with Mexico.

“McCarthy’s problem is, he can’t get to 218 without Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz,” Schiff said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” refer ring to the House GOP’s most out spoken far-right members. “And so he will do whatever they ask.”

The challenge ahead for Mc Carthy is not unique, as he races to shore up support before the new Congress convenes in Janu ary. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCalif., faced detractors during her own pursuit of the gavel, forced to skillfully pick off the naysayers one by one until she had secured backing.

But the problem McCarthy faces is distinctly Republican, one that almost doomed his most recent predecessors. Paul Ryan and John Boehner both suffered politically as they were pushed and prodded by the GOP’s increasingly far-right flank to make concessions for their support. Eventually both men won the speaker’s gavel, but ultimately retired early.

After pushing his party to vic tory in the midterm elections, Mc Carthy won the nod from a major ity of his colleagues nominating him to run for speaker. But the 188-31 votes among Republicans showed the shortfall he must over come. When the new Congress con venes in January, the whole House, Republicans and Democrats, will vote on speaker and McCarthy’s party will need to stick together with their slim majority for him to prevail. Otherwise, a different

Republican could emerge as a com promise candidate.

“It’s a tall order,” said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., a past chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who waged a long-shot challenge to McCarthy for the nomination.

“I know he thinks he’s going to get there,” Biggs said. “I don’t know that he can.”

Even though McCarthy defeat ed Biggs, 188-31, in the closeddoor voting, with another five Re publicans casting ballots for other candidates, that’s a pool of some three dozen votes the GOP leader needs to claw back if he hopes to win the speaker’s job.

“They know they’ve got a prob lem,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., another Freedom Caucus member. “In other words, 36 no votes is a problem.”

As the party leader, McCarthy has countless tools at his dispos al, including favors he can dole out to win support—from prime committee assignments or newly created leadership roles to com mitments to elevate lawmakers’ own priorities, including inves tigations of President Joe Biden, his family and his administration.

The influential Freedom Caucus has long wanted more say in the legislative process—rather than a top-down approach—and its members are pushing McCarthy with more specific demands that would give them more power even at McCarthy’s expense.

“I’m hopeful at the end of the day that we will come together as a conference and elect Kevin,” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the in coming chairman of the Oversight Committee, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Comer said there are “certainly five to eight members that have said they’re leaning towards vot

ing no against Kevin McCarthy.” Opposition of that magnitude would derail McCarthy’s bid to become speaker.

The California Republican has been here before, having with drawn from the speaker’s race in 2015 when it became clear he did not have enough support.

To win over skeptics, McCarthy has been meeting with Republi cans as they hammer out their internal party rules for the new Congress. While such rules gener ally don’t have much relevance for the public, they play an important role behind the scenes.

For example, some conserva tives want McCarthy to impose a ban on earmarks, which allow lawmakers to direct federal dol lars to local projects and programs in their home states, a legislative perk long derided as wasteful.

Others want McCarthy to en force a balanced federal budget in future years, which would require vast spending cuts.

Some of the more conserva tive members of the House want to restore a rule that allows any member at any time to submit a motion to remove the speaker, which had been used by then-Rep. Mark Meadows as a pressure point during Boehner’s tenure. Instead, they adopted a provision stating that submitting such a “motion to vacate the chair” should only be done with party agreement.

McCarthy exited one private meeting calling it “a great discus sion.” He indicated it’s the begin ning of a long process over the next weeks.

“I don’t know if this is winning them over,” he said. “I think it’s discussing and listening to them.”

Associated Press writers

China prepares to send new 3-person crew to space station

BEIJING—Final prepara tions were being made on Monday to send a new threeperson crew to China’s space sta tion as it nears completion amid intensifying competition with the United States.

The China Manned Space Agen cy said the Shenzhou-15 mission will take off from the Jiuquan Sat ellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert at 11:08 p.m. Tuesday night.

The six-month mission, com manded by Fei Junlong and crewed by Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu, will be the last “in the construc tion phase of China’s space sta tion,” agency official Ji Qiming told reporters Monday.

Fei, 57, is a veteran of the 2005 four-day Shenzhou-6 mission that

was the second in which China sent a human into space. Deng and Zhang are flying in space for the first time.

The station’s third and final mod ule docked with the station earlier this month, one of the last steps in a more than decade-long effort to maintain a constant crewed pres ence in orbit.

The astronauts will overlap briefly onboard the station, named Tiangong, with the previous crew, who arrived in early June for a sixmonth stay.

Tiangong has room to accom modate six astronauts at a time. Previous missions to the space sta tion have taken about 13 hours from liftoff to docking.

Next year, China plans to launch the Xuntian space telescope, which, while not part of Tiangong, will or

bit in sequence with the station and can dock occasionally with it for maintenance.

No other future additions to the space station have been publicly announced.

The permanent Chinese station will weigh about 66 tons—a frac tion of the International Space Station, which launched its first module in 1998 and weighs around 465 tons.

With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, Tiangong could one day find itself the only space station still running if the International Space Station adheres to its 30year operating plan.

China’s crewed space program is officially three decades old this year, but it truly got underway in 2003, when China became only

the third country after the US and Russia to put a human into space using its own resources.

The program is run by the ruling Communist Party’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army, and has proceeded methodically and almost entirely without outside support.

The US excluded China from the In ternational Space Station because of its program’s military ties.

China has also chalked up suc cesses with uncrewed missions, and its lunar exploration program gen erated media buzz last year when its Yutu 2 rover sent back pictures of what was described by some as a “mystery hut” but was most likely only a rock. The rover is the first to be placed on the little-explored far side of the moon.

China’s Chang’e 5 probe returned

lunar rocks to Earth for the first time since the 1970s in December 2000 and another Chinese rover is search ing for evidence of life on Mars. Of ficials are also considering a crewed mission to the moon.

No timeline has been offered for a crewed lunar mission, even as NASA presses ahead with its Artemis lu nar exploration program that aims to send four astronauts around the moon in 2024 and land humans there as early as 2025.

China’s space program has also drawn controversy. Beijing brushed off complaints that it has allowed rocket stages to fall to Earth uncon trolled after NASA accused it of “fail ing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris” when parts of a Chinese rocket landed in the Indian Ocean.

China’s increasing space capa bilities also feature in the latest Pentagon defense strategy.

“In addition to expanding its con ventional forces, the PLA is rapidly advancing and integrating its space, counterspace, cyber, electronic, and informational warfare capabilities to support its holistic approach to joint warfare,” the strategy said. The US and China are at odds on a range of issues, especially self-governing Taiwan, which Bei jing threatens to annex with force.

China responded to a September visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by firing missiles over the island, holding wargames in surrounding waters and staging a simulated blockade, something that could trigger an American military response. AP

WASHINGTON—Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is in the fight of his political life, grinding through the promises and proposals, cajoling and dealmaking necessary to win over reluctant colleagues whose support he needs to become House speaker.

HOUSE Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 29, 2022. AP/ANDREW HARNIK

T he

Kevin Freking and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.

APO Golfers ahead by 12 points

AFTER two difficult days at the short but tricky Baguio Country Club course, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Golfers scored 181 to post a 12-point lead over Srixon-IMG in the Am-Championship of Seniors play in the 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational Monday in Baguio City.

APO’s Team Alpha opened with an 85 behind Demy Saclot’s 28, Raul Lambino’s 22, Querubin Alcantara’s 18 and Antonio Florida’s 17.

They charged even more Monday as Demetrio led a balanced scoring attack with 30 and was backed up by Reynaldo Talatala’s 24, Alcantar’s 23

and Lambino’s 19.

Srixon-IMG was next with 169. Ber nard Chang, August Cruz and Francis Telan each shot a 22 and Efren Leonardo added 19 for an 85. They slowed down with 84 on Telan’s 24, Cruz’s 21, Leonard’s 20 and Chang’s 19.

Defending champion Manila Southwoods was third with 167 (87-80), followed by Dugong Bughaw 166 (80-86) and former titlist Megafi ber 164 (88-76). The Fil-Championship Division is still ongoing as of press time.

PHL weightlifters hope to peak in time for worlds in Colombia

By Josef Ramos

THE eight weightlifters who will join Hidilyn Diaz Naranjo at the Bogota world championships are tapering down in their preparations at the training facility named after the country’s first

MOROCCO TOPPLES ‘GOLDEN GENERATION’

DOHA, Qatar—

Morocco pulled off yet another World Cup shock on Sunday, and Belgium’s aging “Golden Generation” took the hit this time.

The 2-0 upset left Kevin de Bruyne and the 2018 semifinalists in peril of a group-stage exit at what is likely the final World Cup for a highly-talented Belgian group that haven’t managed to convert their promise into prizes.

It might now be too late.

De Bruyne didn’t drive Belgium forward against Morocco, captain Eden Hazard was taken off after an hour, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was probably at fault for the opening goal. We haven’t seen the best Belgium yet,” said Roberto Martinez, a Spaniard who has coached the team for six years. “We haven’t been ourselves.”

B elgium could have become

the second team behind defending champion France to advance to the last 16 if it beat Morocco. But it dropped from first to third in Group F and now plays against 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia trying to avoid its earliest elimination since 1998.

Morocco captain Romain Saiss gave his team the lead with a barely noticeable deflection off his hip after a free kick from Abdelhamid Sabiri in the 73rd minute that got under the body of Courtois—for many, the best goalkeeper in the world.

Z akaria Aboukhlal guided a shot into the roof of the net off a pass from Hakim Ziyech in stoppage time to make it 2-0 as Belgium’s defense, boasting more than 300 international appearances but anchored by two players in their mid-30s, was beaten by a speedy 22-year-old forward playing at his first World Cup.

Morocco’s players kneeled and

THE Philippine Blu Boys took a second consecutive loss at the World Baseball and Softball Confederation Men’s Softball World Cup but not without a fight.

A nother big fight at that.

The national men’s softball team gave another powerhouse team Cuba a scare in a 1-3 setback over the weekend.

Th at was the second near-upset by the Blu Boys, who started out their campaign in big-time softball with a 0-1 defeat to the dreaded Team USA.

Despite the losses, we take pride in the performance of our team in these close games, considering that

we are the lowest ranked at 21st in the field,” Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

We have not lost hope that they can still score a victory in their last two games against New Zealand and the Czech Republic,” Lhuillier added. Holding their own in the first two innings, the Cebuana Lhuillierbacked Blu Boys allowed Cuban Yesander Rodriguez to score a home run in the third inning that sparked their world-class opponents’ offense. It was followed by another run by Anibal Vaillant.

pressed their heads to the ground in prayer, then leapt up in celebration. Pulling himself up from the ground, Courtois just shook his head.

The second big upset at the first World Cup in the Middle East involved another Arabic nation. Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in the opening set of group games.

Morocco, which was roared on by thunderous noise from its fans at Al Thumama Stadium, had started in Qatar with a promising 0-0 draw with Croatia.

We are delighted with that after Croatia and Belgium,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said. “That’s absolutely outstanding for Morocco.”

B elgium, ranked No. 2 in the world behind Brazil, had won its last seven group games at the World Cup before the upset, but that included a labored 1-0 win over Canada to open this year›s tournament. AP

MVP: Sports is a metaphor for life

AMID his busy schedule, PLDT Inc. Chairman Manuel

V. Pangilinan sat down for #BetterToday conversations—a video series under this year’s Power Move Project and an initiative of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart)—to promote mental resilience through sports.

The multi-awarded executive has been recognized not only for his business acumen, but also for his contribution to nation-building through civic advocacies, particularly

and support not only from family, but their teammates, the organization and, yes, us in the adoring general public.”

A llow me to cite a few athletes who’ve managed to rise above personal tragedy to perform at a very high level.

From the same article, “In the middle of the 2104 Stanley Cup playoffs, Martin St. Louis, then starring for the New York Rangers, learned that his mother, Frances, suffered a fatal heart attack. Three days later, on Mother’s Day, he suited up in Madison Square Garden and scored the first goal of the game.

Athletes compete with heavy heart

MY maternal grandmother, Magdalena “Nena” LagdameoPenson, passed away last Saturday at 97.

I’m neither a professional athlete nor have I ever competed through the pain of losing a loved one. For mere mortals like me, it’s not hard to grieve and reminisce on the memories of having experienced my late grandmother because I don’t have to compete and play in a crucial contest the following day.

In a Washington Post article written by Kevin B. Blackistone on April 24, 2017, “The general public is expected to take time off to grieve,” Stephany Coakley, a Washington-based sports psychologist who coaches athletes in mental toughness, reminded me last week. “Almost all employers provide bereavement leave. The expectation is that athletes can play and perform through the pain. The expectation probably exists because so many athletes have done so in the past.”

When athletes perform at a high level while in the initial stages of grief, it reinforces societies belief that athletes have something special,” Coakley said. “But what many elite athletes have is mental toughness, resilience, discipline

“On the eve of a Monday Night Football game just before Christmas 2003, quarterback Brett Favre found out that his father, Irv, suddenly died. Favre turned out on national TV, nonetheless. He threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns to lead his Packers over Oakland.”

I remember most vividly Joannie Rochette, a Canadian figure skater at the 2010 Winter Olympics in her home country. Three days before her short program, Rochette’s mother, Therese, who introduced her to skating and shepherded at every point through her career, suffered a massive heart attack and died just hours after landing in Vancouver, the site of the games.

Rochette decided to skate.

A s Rochette skated onto the ice, alone, for her program, such a hush enveloped the arena that it seemed you could hear the breathing of others if you held your own breath. A few minutes later, as Rochette finished skating to the Uru guayan tango, La Cumparsita, whose lyrics begin, “The little parade of endless miseries,” she dropped her head and melted into tears as a standing ovation drowned out thousands of witnesses sniffling with tears.

Rochette was awarded bronze.

As witnesses to their feats of brilliance, strength, speed, and athleticism, we put professional athletes on a pedestal thinking they’re impervious to emotional pain, but they also grieve just like the rest of us upon the passing away of a loved one.

W hen they reach the crescendo of their victory despite the loss of a loved one, it only adds to their legend status and makes admirers out of the rest of us.

in sports development. He serves as a leader in various sports organizations and as the chairman of the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), which backs 17 national sports agencies and hundreds of Filipino athletes.

“Aside from the sheer joy that we get from sports, it’s a metaphor for life. There are many valuable lessons one can learn from being engaged in sports: hard work, discipline, focus, passion, all the elements that are important to being successful in life,” Pangilinan said.

For Pangilinan, sports can build a sense of community—within and outside of the court.

The success of the team depends on their collective effort. Sports also engage the whole nation, it’s a universal activity that fetches the attention of everyone.”

He also underscored the importance of creating a culture of empathy and a healthy mental state for athletes and employees alike.

“ It intersects with many aspects of how you live. Look at Hidilyn Diaz and EJ Obiena. There’s a lot of hard work to being successful in their respective endeavors,” he said. “You could see that they’re physically and mentally fit, they can focus on what they are doing, they are passionate about their goals. These are the things that really make a successful athlete.”

And that’s something we at PLDT and Smart should know. Our work requires the physical and mental well-being of our people because we must be in our A-game. Your ability to empathize enhances your EQ in terms of being identified in the community that you’re serving and the team that you belong to, and in achieving your aspirations and dreams,” Pangilinan added.

T he #BetterToday Power Move Project is part of the PLDT group’s broader program to help ensure the digital wellness of Filipinos particularly the youth.

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

A nd by the time action in the world championships start on December 5, all Filipino athletes will be in peak form, according to Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) secretary general Patrick Lee.

“ They are now 99.5 percent in terms of their condition and strength on their lift, and they already got their target so far,” Lee told BusinessMirror as he monitored the athletes on Monday.

Diaz Naranjo will fly to Bogota from her US training facility in Georgia with Team HD including husband and coach Julius. The rest will travel to Colombia on Friday (Manila-Amsterdam-Bogota) via KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Diaz Naranjo will still be competing at 55 kgs hoping to win the only gold medal missing from her collection so far, while Asian champion Vanessa Sarno and Kristel Macrohon will vie in the 71-kg class, Rosegie Ramos and Lovely Inan in the 49-kg category and Elreen Ann Ando in the 59-kg event.

Competing in the men’s division are Rio de Janeiro Olympian Nestor Colonia (55 kgs), John Febuar Ceniza (61 kgs) and Dave Lloyd Pacaldo (67 kgs).

The good thing is they can execute well their lift in their first attempt, second and third attempt will be easy for them,” said Lee, who’s also part of the SWP coaching staff.

L ee said the weightlifters won’t go home empty handed, especially Diaz Naranjo.

These is the best team of weightlifters we have assembled so far,” he said. “Our training together started last October 24 here in Manila, but all of them were in top condition because they continuously trained in their provinces.”

The world championships will be held at the Gran Carpa Americas Coferias in Bogota and will end on December 16.

Ajido breaks 4 junior records in FINIS Luzon swim leg finale

NATIONAL junior record holder Jamesray Ajido and swimming protegee Trixie Ortiguera swept all their nine events in their respective divisions to emerge as Most Outstanding Swimmers (MOS) in the Luzon leg of the FINIS Long Course Swimming Championships held over the weekend at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

A jido, bound for the Asean Age Group Championship from December 17 to 19 in Kuala Lumpur, set new junior records in the boys’ 13-14 class—50 meters (26.52) and 100m butterfly (58.13) and 50m (29.20) and 100m (1:03.48) backstroke.

The 13-year-old newest FINIS Brand Ambassador broke his own national junior record in the 50m (26.95) and 100m (58.82) butterfly and 50m (29.60) and 100m (1:03.28) backstroke.

My focus every tournament is to break my records,” said Ajido, the pride of Golden Zoomers Swim Club.

FINIS Philippines Managing Director Vince Garcia said Ajido’s

triumph is the results of discipline, time management and patience in training. “ We expect him to become the country’s future in swimming,” Garcia said. “When we got him as a Brand Ambassador, he even trained harder. He’s very focused and we will support him 100 percent until he makes the Olympics.”

A jido also ruled the 50m breaststroke (33.62), 100m (57.82) and 50m (26.23) freestyle, 200m individual medley (2:17.81) and 100m breaststroke (1:13.22).

O rtiguera, 15 and swimming out of the Tarlac Aquatics Swim Club, topped the girls 15-16 class in 100m (1:02.71) and 50m (28.74) freestyle, 100m (1:10.36) and 50m (31.97) backstroke, 50m (39.75) and 100m (1:29.48) breaststroke, 50m (30.71) and 100m (1:12.54) and 200m Individual medley (2:39.71).

A jido’s teammates, fellow FINIS Ambassadors and national team mainstay Kyla Soguilon and Marcus DeKam also won multiple medals to hoist MOS trophies in their respective age groups.

Manila, Bautista shine in Brookside

IVAN MANILA chalked up a win and a runner-up finish while Sandra Bautista took top hon ors in the girls’ division of the Pala wan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Brookside Open national juniors champion ships at the Brookside Hills Tennis Club’s clay courts in Cainta, Rizal, over the weekend.

T he fourth-ranked Manila trounced No. 5 Tristan Licayan, 6-0, 6-2, in the finals of the upsetmarred boys’ 16-under division while Bautista from Imus, Cavite, lived up to her top billing in the girls’ 14-under class, holding off second seed Joy Ansay from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, 7-5, 6-3.

M anila, however, failed to complete a “double” as the San Jose, Nueva Ecija bet dropped a tough 4-6, 5-7, defeat to third ranked Zhul Pantaran from Pagadian City in the premier 18-under category of the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop.

B autista, on the other hand, came up short in 16-U play after romping off with the 14-under diadem, yielding a hard 4-6, 6-4, 4-10 loss to Chloe Mercado from QC in the semis of the event backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, Unified Tennis Philippines and Universal Tennis Rating.

PLDT and MVP Sports Foundation Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan talks about sports, mental health and creating a culture of empathy on and off the court.

MOROCCO’S players kneel and press their heads to the ground in prayer, then leap up in celebration. AP

ALPHA Phi Omega Golfers’ Demy Saclot watches his birdie putt on the ninth hole.

JAMESRAY AJIDO and Marcus DeKam sparkle in Capas.

Olympic gold medalist inside the

IVAN MANILA (center) and Sandra Bautista (right) pose with Palawan Pawnshop Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay after sharing Most Valuable Player honors in the Brookside juniors tilt.