MUSLIMS-ONLY beach will be opening this September on Boracay Island. The announcement was made by the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office on its Facebook page: “We are excited to open an exclusive cove for our Muslim sisters on the island! Mark your calendars for September 10, 2024. We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you all.”
T he beach cove is located in Boracay Newcoast, a 150-hectare
township development of Megaworld Corp. The company’s hospitality unit, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), has been eyeing the growing Muslim travelers market, and recently announced its commitment to more Muslim-friendly practices like establishing halal-certified kitchens at its properties, and providing inroom Kiblat pointers to Mecca for the devotees’ prayer periods. (See, “Megaworld seeks to increase Muslim guests on its properties,” in the BusinessMirror, on May 4, 2024.)
M HR Group General Manager Arturo P. Boncato Jr. told the BusinessMirror , “The beach will
also be open to Muslim guests not staying in the hotel. It’s the same principle as everyone else. People can walk in to enjoy the beach and order [from our restaurants].”
T he idea of a private beach for Muslims, he said, was raised while foreign diplomats were attending the three-day Boracay Diplomatic Visit and Business Forum last April. The forum, which also tackled tourism development, was attended by ambassadors and other diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Pakistan, Taiwan, and India, who are based in Manila.
Brunei envoy’s idea
“THE Ambassador of Brunei [Megawati Dato Paduka Haji Manan] suggested to have a halal beach…. Mayor [Frolibar] Bautista was open to it,” he added. Megaworld also hosted the foreign diplomats during their visit.
For his part, Tourism Congress of the Philippines Vice President for the Visayas Peter Tay said, “I think we are the first to have a halal beach. It’s something to look forward to; perhaps we can get the Malaysia and Brunei market.”
See “Boracay,” A2
JULY BANK LENDING UP
By Cai U. Ordinario
THE country’s domestic liquidity in July recorded its fastest growth in nine months, according to preliminary data of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
T he data showed domestic liquidity (M3) grew 7.2 percent, the fastest growth since October 2023, to P17.5 trillion in July 2024. BSP also said that with the month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 increased by about 0.7 percent.
I n a separate statement, the BSP reported the outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, grew by 10.4 percent year-on-year in July 2024.
[M3 growth] could be consistent with the growth in the demand for credit/loans of universal and commercial banks at +10.4 percent year-on-year,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said.
[The growth in loans is the] fastest in 1.5 years or since December 2022 as the economy, together with many businesses/ industries, recovered further with no more Covid restrictions for more
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
Tscholar and historian, was also recognized “for his invaluable contributions to preserving and promoting Bhutanese culture.”
HE development of the Greater Manila Bay Area as a strategy to attract more investments to the Philippines will be looked into in the coming months, according to Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (Osapiea) Secretary Frederick Go. I think it’s something that can be, that can be looked on a little deeper. I understand that after their meeting last week, there will be another meeting in, I think, two or three months’ time to see what steps can be
undertaken to develop such a project,” Go told reporters on the sidelines of the National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) recently. The president’s economic czar said this after the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said last week that it is advocating for the development of the Greater Manila Bay area, inspired by the success of China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as a strategy to attract more investments
@caiordinario
2024 RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDEES NAMED (Clockwise from top left) Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a Vietnamese doctor who has advocated for victims of the defoliant dioxin “Agent Orange” used during the Vietnam War, is among this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award winners—often referred to as Asia’s version of the Nobel Prizes. The other recipients include Farwiza Farhan, an Indonesian environmental defender; Karma Phuntsho, a Bhutanese academician working to preserve his country’s cultural heritage to address contemporary challenges; Miyazaki Hayao, a Japanese animator known for addressing complex issues through children's films; and The Rural Doctors Movement, a group of Thai physicians dedicated to improving healthcare for Thailand’s rural poor. Established in 1958, the annual awards honor individuals and organizations that exemplify “greatness of spirit” through selfless service across Asia. Boxed story below, left. RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDS FOUNDATION VIA AP
THE main beach of Megaworld Corp.'s Boracay Newcoast township. The company has allocated a private beach cove in the area for Muslim travelers. PHOTO VIA MEGAWORLD FB
A cknowledging the significant impact of food loss and waste on food security, the ministers endorsed the Principles for Preventing and Reducing Food Loss and Waste in the APEC region.
The DA said the principles are aimed at fostering multisectoral, context-specific, voluntary, and science-based approaches to tackle food loss and waste.
T hese principles focus on strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting public-private partnerships and stakeholder coordination, and encouraging research, innovation, technology, and digitalization, among others.
R ecognizing the ongoing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition, the ministers cited the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition Report (SOFI), which highlighted that up to 757 million people faced hunger in 2023.
The ministers pledged to support access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food while addressing climate change and promoting biodiversity conservation.
The meeting was a pivotal moment for reinforcing APEC’s collective efforts to address food security challenges and implement effective strategies for reducing food loss and waste and complement efforts to promote circular economy in the region,” the DA said.
Ban on temporary vehicle plates starts Jan. 1–LTO News
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Sunday announced an extension for the use of temporary or improvised plates for motor vehicles, pushing the deadline to December 31.
O riginally set for September 1, LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II said the extension was necessary as “thousands of license plates remain unclaimed in various motor vehicle dealerships...despite their repeated message” to vehicle owners.
However, he said this leeway should not be interpreted as a reason for vehicle owners to delay the installation of their official license plates, particularly for those who already have their plates available.
“ We ask the motorists to claim and install their respective license plates as soon as they are available either in the car dealerships and replacement plates in our offices,” said Mendoza.
M endoza noted that the installation of official license plates plays a crucial role in crime prevention efforts, as some vehicles with improvised or temporary
plates have been linked to criminal activities.
He reassured the public that there is no longer a backlog in license plates for four-wheel vehicles, eliminating any excuse for owners not to claim and install their plates.
The only backlog left is for motorcycle plates, and we are focusing on this now, in compliance with the directive from President Marcos to address all the backlog in license plates by June next year,” he added.
W hile the focus is currently on addressing the remaining backlog
of motorcycle plates, Mendoza reiterated the LTO’s commitment to resolving all outstanding issues related to license plates by June next year, as directed by President Marcos.
Despite the extended deadline, Mendoza underscored that the LTO will continue to aggressively implement measures to ensure all unclaimed plates are delivered to their rightful owners.
He has already instructed LTO Regional Directors and District Office heads to coordinate with local government units for the efficient distribution of license plates.
Continued from A1
than a year already or since the Covid state of public health emergency was finally lifted on July 22, 2023,” Ricafort added.
The data showed that domestic claims rose 11.3 percent year-onyear in July, compared to 10.5 percent in the previous month.
C laims on the private sector grew by 11.9 percent in July from 11.7 percent in June with the continued expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households.
N et claims on the central government expanded by 14 percent, up from 12.1 percent, partly due to sustained borrowings by the National Government.
The BSP will continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions are consistent with the prevailing stance of monetary policy, in line with its price and financial stability objectives,” BSP said.
His expertise in Buddhism, Tibetan and Himalayan Studies has helped to bridge the gap between Bhutan’s past and the challenges and opportunities of its present.
V ietnamese physician Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong received the award for her outstanding contributions to obstetrics and
gynecology, public service and her advocacy for victims of Agent Orange, a toxic chemical used during the Vietnam war.
Farwiza Farhan, an Indonesian environmental activist and lawyer, was honored under Emergent Leadership—a category that honors individuals 40 years of age or
younger for their outstanding work on issues of social change in their community. Her advocacy for protecting the environment has earned her international recognition.
The Rural Doctors Movement in Thailand was also awarded for its work in improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas in their country. Founded by a group of medical students, the movement “has dedicated itself to serving the needs of the rural poor and ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s march toward economic prosperity.”
“As we mark the 66 years of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, we honor this year’s recipients whose tenacity amidst adversities reflects the very essence of the award,” said Susanna B. Afan, President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.
“ For over six decades, the Award has celebrated those who challenge the status quo with integrity by courageously confronting systemic injustices, transform critical sectors through groundbreaking solutions that drive societal progress, and
address pressing global issues with unwavering excellence,” she added. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, established in 1957 in honor of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, annually recognizes individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to society.
E ach nomination undergoes a thorough investigation, and the awardees are selected through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process by the Board of Trustees. Nominations come from a diverse group of international confidential nominators, but public nominations are not accepted.
Awardees receive a medallion featuring the likeness of the late President Magsaysay, a certificate with their citation and a cash prize.
T he 66th Ramon Magsaysay Award ceremony will take place on November 16 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila during the presentation ceremonies. It will be live-streamed on the Foundation’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
M eanwhile, on a month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding U/KB loans, net of RRPs, went up by 0.8 percent.
T he BSP reported that outstanding loans to nonresidents increased by 9.2 percent in July from 9.8 percent in the previous month.
O utstanding loans for production activities grew 8.8 percent in July from 8.3 percent in June. This growth was driven by lending to major sectors such as real estate activities which posted a 12-percent growth.
T he list includes loans for professional, scientific, and technical activities which surged 438.3 percent; manufacturing, 7.9 percent; transportation and storage, 20.6 percent; and wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 6 percent.
The data also showed consumer loans to residents grew at 24.3 percent in July, slightly higher than the 25 percent in June mainly due to credit card lending.
and advanced technologies to the Philippines.
D uring the Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations held at the Conrad Hotel, FFCCCII President Cecilio K. Pedro said that Chinese Ambassador of Manila Huang Xilian proposed this initiative to Filipino Chinese businessmen.
T he proposed Greater Manila Bay area, encompassing the linkage between Bataan and Cavite, as well as Greater Manila and Bulacan, is seen as a prime location for economic development.
“ Ambassador Huang Xilian saw the potential in linking up Bataan and Cavite with new infrastructures, and recognized the
economic opportunities in the areas in between, including Greater Manila and Bulacan,” Pedro explained.
A s the Philippine government promotes the Luzon economic corridor with the support of the United States and Japan, Pedro said that developing the proposed Greater Manila Bay area could complement these efforts. “The more, the merrier,” he remarked, noting that attracting investments in various areas would help create more jobs in the Philippines. In response to this, Go said, “So
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T here were some 1.37 million tourists on Boracay from January to August 15, this year. Of the number, 281,218 were foreigners, and 1.08 million were domestic travelers, while the rest were overseas Filipinos, official Malay tourism data showed. There were no data on how many of the tourists on the island were Muslims.
Separately, Myra Paz ValderrosaAbubakar, Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs at the Department of Tourism recently told reporters: “Some Muslims can swim in public but other Muslims will prefer swimming in this [private beach]. And I’m sure those Muslims swimming in public, if they have a choice, [would also prefer it] because at present they don’t have a choice.”
Int’l Beach Day HALAL Trip, a digital platform dedicated to Muslim travelers, listed some of the private halal beaches in the world, such as La Femme Beach, Marina in Egypt; Cherating Beach in Penang, Malaysia; Senggigi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia; Women Deluxe, Turkey; and Jumeirah Beach Park, UAE. There are about 2 billion Muslims in the world, who live in over 200 countries. In 2022, there were 110 million Muslim international travelers, accounting for 12 percent of all international visitors.
The announcement of the private beach for Muslims in Boracay comes on the heels of the recent findings
if you look at the Luzon economic corridor, it really, actually—and the rail that’s being considered— traverses exactly that corridor, right? It traverses our Manila Bay Area, right? So it’s something that can be looked [at] a little deeper.”
W hile this is still a proposal, Go explained that this type of project would undergo a study first, and then a real master plan, followed by the actual implementation. In April, the Philippines, United States and Japan committed to accelerate investments in The Luzon Economic Corridor, which would support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas in the Philippines.
T he projects include rail, ports modernization; clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay.
by Agoda, a popular digital travel platform, that the island came in ninth on the top 10 most searched beach destinations in Asia. The list was released ahead of International Beach Day, which is celebrated on September 1.
Topping the list is Bali, Indonesia, and in 10th place is Cebu. In a news statement, Agoda Senior Vice President Supply Andrew Smith said, “With the monsoon drawing to a close in many parts of Asia, travelers are eagerly anticipating the sun, sand, and sea. Asia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, and International Beach Day is the perfect time to celebrate these coastal treasures.”
O ther beaches in the top searched list included Okinawa, Japan; Da Nang, Vietnam; Pattaya, Thailand; Phuket, Thailand; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Jeju, South Korea; and Penang, Malaysia.
EIGHT SETS OF DATA: WITNESSING CHINESE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN NEW ERA
TS ince the 18th CPC National Congress, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core, over 1.4 billion Chinese people have united in their endeavors and pursued progress with determination. China's economic and social development has made historic achievements and undergone transformative changes.
F rom 2013 to 2023, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from 59.3 trillion yuan to 126 trillion yuan, maintaining an average annual growth of over 6 percent. At the annual average exchange rate, the total economic volume reached $17.9 trillion, firmly securing second position globally. Per capita GDP increased from $7020 to $12,681.
O ver the past decade, China has continuously showcased its role as a "stabilizer" and "engine" for the global economy. China's total economic output's proportion to the world economy has risen from 12.3 percent to over 18 percent, contributing to an annual average growth rate of over 30 percent to the global economy.
T he country's consumer market, which is underpinned by a population of over 1.4 billion and an expanding middle-
income group that exceeds 400 million, will continue to power the country's economic growth and attract businesses from all over the world. The per capita disposable income of residents increased from 16,000 yuan to 39,000 yuan. In the next 15 years, the country's middle-income group is expected to exceed 800 million, and every one percentage point increase in the proportion of the total population will increase annual consumer spending by more than US$150 billion, further driving the development of an enormous market.
F rom 2013 to 2023, China's total retail sales of consumer goods surged from 23.8 trillion yuan to 47.1 trillion yuan, consistently maintaining its position as the world's second-largest consumer market, the largest online retail market, and the second-largest import market globally. Chinese economy hedges against the uncertainty of the external environment with the certainty of its own development, and strives to forge a strong and resilient national economic circulation system. The contribution rate of domestic demand to economic growth has exceeded 100% in eight years.
China's total R&D expenditure increased from 1 trillion yuan in 2012 to 3.3 trillion yuan in 2023, accounting for 2.64% of GDP, and the total number of researchers ranked first in the world. With its huge data output and rich data resources, China has the second largest data mine in the world, and China now has some 400,000 high-tech enterprises and ranks second globally in the number of unicorn companies. Major achievements have been made in manned space flight, lunar and Mars exploration, deep-sea and deep earth exploration, supercomputers, satellite navigation, quantum information, nuclear power technology, large aircraft manufacturing, biomedicine, etc. China has entered the ranks of innovative countries. I n terms of the industrial base, China is the only country with industries across all categories in the U.N. industrial classification. The added value of China's manufacturing industry accounts for around 30
percent of the global total, ranking first in the world for 14 consecutive years. China is also home to over 200 mature industry clusters, and has 41 major industrial categories, 207 medium industrial categories, and 666 small industrial categories, forming an independent and complete modern industrial system. With its large scale, complete categories and strong supporting capacity, China's industrial system can meet the demand of the rapid development of social productivity and will contribute to better global allocation of production factors and the rise in global productivity. Over the past 10 years, more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations have joined the Belt and Road Initiative and signed more than 200 cooperation documents. So far, the BRI has established more than 3,000 cooperation projects. A large number of landmark projects such as the China-Europe Express, the JakartaBandung High-Speed Railway, and the China-Laos Railway have effectively promoted local connectivity. A number of "small but beautiful" livelihood projects continue to benefit local people, creating more than 420,000 jobs and will lift 40 million people out of poverty.
I n the past four decades and more, China has achieved development and shared benefits with the world through opening up. Right now, China is a major trading partner of over 140 countries and regions. Our overall tariff level has been cut to 7.3 percent, relatively on par with the developed members in the World Trade Organization.
C hina has maintained its position as the largest goods trading nation for sev -
en consecutive years. In 2023, the total value of imports and exports exceeded $5.9 trillion. Among them, China's export share of the international market was 14.2%, ranking first in the world for 15 consecutive years; import market share was 10.6%, ranking second for 15 consecutive years. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume between China and the Philippines reached $71.9 billion. China is the Philippines' largest trading partner, the largest source of imports, and the second largest export market.
O ver the past 10 years, China has supported an average economic growth of 6.6% with an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3%, and is one of the countries with the fastest reduction in energy intensity in the world. At present, China's clean energy consumption accounts for 26.4%, and the proportion of coal consumption has dropped from 68.5% in 2012 to 55.3% in 2023, contributing more than 40% to the growth of global non-fossil energy consumption.
C hina is deepening its transition toward green and low-carbon growth. Close to half of the world's installed photovoltaic capacity is in China. Over half of the world's new energy vehicles (NEVs) run on roads in China, and its NEV ownership has reached over 20 million units. China contributes one-fourth of the increased area of afforestation in the world. China is also cultivating large-scale new growth drivers in sectors such as green infrastructure, green energy, green transportation and green lifestyle. This will generate investment and consumption markets with an estimated size of RMB10 trillion yuan annually, and promises huge potential.
China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhangjiang Area
China-Laos Railway Yuanjiang Bridge
Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal
Yuntaihuang Wind Power Station in Zigui County, Yichang City, Hubei Province
A4
2,
Delivery of Comelec ACMs on track
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE
Commission on Elections
(Comelec) on Saturday took delivery of 8,640 brand new automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the midterm and parliamentary elections next year.
Saturday’s delivery brings to more than 24,000 the ACMs now in Comelec possession. The South Korean firm Miru
More than 100 aliens nabbed in illegal Pogo
TSystems has been continuously delivering election peripherals to the commission’s warehouse in Biñan City, Laguna.
“We have been working hard to ensure we fulfill our duty to the Filipino voters, and expect to meet all delivery milestones on time,” Miru Vice President for Overseas Sales Ken Cho said.
Miru added that the company had already delivered over 24,000 machines—surpassing its projection to deliver 20,000 units by the end of August.
Each delivery of the vote counting unit includes the ACM case, power cords and adapters,
privacy screens, thermal paper rolls, devices to aid voting by Persons with Disability, and paper seals among others.
Aside from the ACMs, the company had also completed its deliveries of servers, printers, and laptops that will be used in canvassing the votes.
In previous years, Miru also provided automated election services to countries like Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Both were reported to face problems with machine failures and cheating allegations.
As a result, the Iraqi judiciary even called for a full manual
recount and stoppage of electronic voting.
In 2017, Argentina also decided not to use Miru’s machines, citing security concerns as the equipment could be easily manipulated to rig vote counts.
Amid transparency concerns, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a press briefing that the commission is committed to upholding transparency throughout the electoral process.
“ Lahat ng mga [election watchdogs like] Namfrel [National Movement for Free Elections], PPCRV [Parish-Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting], major -
ity at minority party, at media ay may sariling server… Ngayon po, kahit saang entity na iyan makakapag compare na ng results kung tama ba ang pinadala ng galing sa presinto,” Garcia explained. (All election partners will have their own servers. This means that any of those entities will be able to cross-check and verify the results sent from the precincts.)
Comelec’s P17.9-billion contract with Miru includes the lease of ACMs, ballot boxes, consolidated canvassing system, and ballot papers, printing and verification services.
House joint panel to ex-PCSO chief: Appear or face arrest
(CIDG) in Davao.
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Bureau of Immigration
(BI) arrested more than 100 foreigners who were found working in an illegal cyber-gambling hub in barangay Agus, LapuLapu City, Cebu, last Saturday.
The foreigners were arrested during an operation that was conducted in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces, the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), and the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat).
Also part of the operations were personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist possible trafficking victims.
Among those arrested were Chinese, Indonesians and Myanmarese.
The raid was conducted by virtue of a mission order issued by Immigration Commissioner Norman
Tansingco against 13 illegal overstaying aliens who were monitored to be working without permit in a resort in barangay Agus.
During the raid, the foreigners were found to be engaged in illegal online gaming operations on makeshift work stations inside the resort premises.
The BI said the arrested foreigners will undergo inquest proceedings and will be temporarily detained pending deportation proceedings.
Authorities are also looking into the possibility of filing charges against the resort owners for harboring illegal aliens in their property.
“We will suggest to the authorities to file cases against resort owners to allow their properties to be used by illegal aliens in their covert operations,” Tansingco said.
He said this will serve as a warning to those who are still planning to set up illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo) despite President Marcos’s decision to ban all such operations starting at the end of this year.
Malaysian KJOC members barred entry
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has denied entry to three Malaysians claiming to be members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious group headed by fugitive Apollo Quiboloy on suspicion that they will join antigovernment protests.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three, identified as Jessica Lynn Henry, Mimielianna Annie Anak Leesoi, and Andrijosebaul Anak Garra were boarded back to a flight to Malaysia on August 28.
The three, who are all in their mid-20s, reportedly arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, on the night of August 27 via a Philippine Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur. They were reportedly with a group of Filipinos presenting themselves as KOJC members who later abandoned them after they were referred for further immigration inspection.
Tansingco said the Malaysians were denied entry for being likely to become a public charge, after they were flagged for seemingly suspicious intent in the country.
The Malaysians have been placed on the immigration blacklist and banned from entering the country.
“Our immigration officers discovered their intent to participate in anti-government demonstrations being staged by KOJC members who are protesting the ongoing manhunt for Quiboloy,” Tansingco said. He stressed that “foreigners have no business interfering in the country’s internal political affairs, thus aliens who join these protest actions can be expelled for violating our immigration laws and for being undesirable aliens.”
In their incident report, the BI supervisors who interviewed the Malaysians said the passengers claimed they were going to Davao City at the invitation of the KOJC.
But the three failed to show proof of their financial capacity to support their stay in the country and even admitted that they are unemployed.
The BI claimed that one of the passengers, while being interviewed, unintentionally showed to the BI supervisors her mobile phone with a screenshot of various anti-government slogans.
When questioned about the screenshot, the passenger claimed she accidentally downloaded the said slogans from her Facebook-Messenger page. Joel R. San Juan
THE House Quad Committee has issued a strong warning to former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma, a retired police lieutenant colonel to appear at the next scheduled hearing or face arrest.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead chairman of the joint panel, announced that a subpoena had been issued to Garma, compelling her to testify in the committee’s ongoing investigation into extrajudicial killings, illegal drug proliferation, and related crimes.
Barbers emphasized that the Quad Committee—comprising the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Committee on Public Order and Safety, Committee on Human Rights, and Committee on Public Accounts—has gathered significant evidence suggesting that Garma may have played a key role in orchestrating unlawful activities during her time with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
Testimonies presented to the committee have implicated Garma in the extrajudicial killings of three Chinese drug convicts—Chu Kin Tung, Jackson Li, and Wong Meng Ping—who were serving time at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Witnesses claimed that Garma, using her position in the CIDG, was instrumental in planning and overseeing these targeted killings, carried out under the guise of the government’s antidrug campaign.
The committee has stressed the importance of Garma’s appearance at the next hearing, scheduled for September 3, 2024. Her testimony is seen as vital to clarifying the extent of her involvement and uncovering the whole truth behind these operations. The committee’s subpoena compels Garma to testify, and failure to comply will result in immediate legal consequences.
The Quad Committee has clarified that non-compliance with the subpoena will be met with swift action. If Garma fails to appear, the committee will cite her in con -
tempt, a charge that could lead to her detention until she agrees to cooperate. Additionally, the committee is prepared to seek a court order to enforce the subpoena, ensuring that the investigation proceeds without further delay.
Crucial THE committee, meanwhile, said it is time for former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sens. Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa to attend the joint panel’s investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo), illegal drug syndicates, and extrajudicial killings, as witnesses have provided explosive testimonies implicating them in the issues being investigated.
“It has come to public attention that serious allegations have been made against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sens. Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa in the Quad Comm probe, and given the gravity of these accusations, we hope they attend the hearings to address these claims directly,” Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the
House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said. In the August 22 hearing of the Quad Comm, Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) Leopoldo Tan Jr. and Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro testified that Duterte was involved in the killings of three Chinese drug lords detained at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte in 2016.
In the last Quad Committe hearing, PCol. Jovie Espenido, who is in the still in the service, alleged that a reward system was in place for killings during Duterte’s bloody drug war, funded partly by illegal activities, including contributions from Pogo operations, and implicated Go and dela Rosa in the killings.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairman of the House Committed on Human Rights, said that Duterte, Go, and dela Rosa should take the opportunity to speak because it is essential not only for their own reputations but also for the Filipino people “who deserve the truth about the alleged involvement of top officials in illicit activities.”
After ‘Teresa Magbanua’ ramming, time to sue China again–Jinggoy
TBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
HE government should not lose time bringing to international courts a case against China’s “increasingly aggressive actions” that endanger Filipinos, with the latest incident over the weekend at Escoda Shoal with the ramming of the Coast Guard’s largest vessel in service, the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Thus said Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, on Sunday, in reaction to an incident report filed by the PCG, citing the “unprovoked” ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua , which had been deployed at Escoda Shoal, which is within the Philippines’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“We have all the reasons and enough evidence to bring the re -
peated and unprovoked dangerous actions of the Chinese Coast Guard before international courts. Our government has sufficient basis to take immediate and decisive legal action to hold China accountable for its increasingly aggressive actions,” said Estrada.
Such aggressive acts, he said in a statement, “have repeatedly endangered the lives of our brave men and women Coast Guard personnel and violated international maritime laws and sovereign rights.”
The Beijing government, Estrada stressed, has “no right to even question the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal because it is located within our exclusive economic zone [EEZ] which the arbitral court ruled to be within our sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”
On Saturday, a China Coast
Guard (CCG) ship rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV9701) as it heaved its anchor with the intention of loitering around Escoda Shoal, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commo. Jay Tarriela earliler told reporters.
This triggered the arrival of China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and Chinese maritime militia vessels which then surrounded the BRP Teresa Magbanua , he added.
Drone shots also indicated the presence of two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) tugboats, with bow numbers 175 and 185 along with two CCG ships with pennant numbers 4303 and 3104, said an earlier BusinessMirror report.
“And then what happened next is that one of the CCG vessels, upon learning that we
House panel OKs transfer of BSKE to October 2026
TO restore “consistency and stability” to the election cycle, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms has recently approved a bill to move the next barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections (BSKE) to October 2026.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, principal author of the bill, said this adjustment aligns with the mandates of the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, which stipulate three-year terms
for local elective officials.
Villafuerte said that holding the BSKE on December 1, 2025, as currently scheduled, would effectively shorten the terms of incumbent barangay and SK officials to two years rather than the constitutionally mandated three years. These officials were elected during the latest BSKE held on October 30, 2023.
Villafuerte argued that a shorter term for barangay and SK officials would undermine the electorate’s expectations and impair the
integrity of the suffrage process. Villafuerte had authored HB 10344 with fellow Camarines Sur Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan.
The Supreme Court, in its rulings on Macalintal v Comelec and Hidalgo et al v Executive Secretary, declared RA 11935, which postponed the BSKE from December 5, 2022, to October 30, 2023, as unconstitutional. However, the Court allowed the October 2023 elections to proceed based on the doctrine of
[were] heaving in our anchor, they [blew] their horn[s] when we heaved in our anchor. And then all of a sudden, there is another CCG vessel that is also approaching and getting near MRRV-9701. That is CCG vessel [with bow number] 5205, it is very important for you to take note of the bow number of this CCG vessel that [was] not originally deployed to surround [the] PCG vessel, Tarriela said. Escoda Shoal is some 75 nautical miles away from Palawan. Tarriela said BRP Te resa Magbanua sustained damage on its bridge wing and on its freeboard as a result of this incident.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua , the largest PCG ship in service, has been standing guard over Escoda Shoal since April 15 and was heavily surrounded by Chinese vessels as a result.
operative fact, which recognizes the validity of legal provisions before they are declared unconstitutional. This doctrine legitimizes otherwise invalid acts and maintains the consequences and effects of the October 2023 BSKE.
Villafuerte further argued that an elective term is meant to be served in full, and HB 10344 does not seek to extend the terms of the current officials. Instead, it aims to harmonize the three-year term mandate with the timing of the next BSKE. Additionally, the oneyear deferment will allow more time for potential voters to register for the upcoming elections.
More public free WiFi sites eyed in Davao del Norte
By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox
DAVAO CITY—More free wireless fidelity (WiFi) sites are being eyed for installation this year in public places in Davao del Norte as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) seeks funding from the World Bank on its National Broadband Network program.
The Philippine Information Agency said that in Davao del Norte, Octavio Guibelondo, the DICT’s provincial officer, disclosed that his office would install 30 more sites.
As of this writing, the province already has 56 installed in its three cities and the eight towns.
The installation would proceed likely next year after the DICT has finished laying the fiber optics in Davao City as part of the national broadband interconnectivity,, Guibelondo said.
The plan needed the support of local governments as he appealled to their chief executives to submit to DICT their endorsement of support for the National Broadband Program. Through their endorsement the government would be able to subscribe internet services from international providers for the connections of all national line agencies, local governments, state university and colleges, and other government institutions in
the province.
Guibelondo said the program implementation would also require the DICT to lobby with congressmen in the area to finance the rollout of free WiFi in specific areas.
“We have submitted a proposal to the central office of DICT. This has to pass through the congressmen for their approval because they are the ones approving the budget. If it would be okay with them, we will implement,” he said.
“We are seeking funding from the World Bank, we are asking endorsement letters from local governments, from the mayors,” he said.
Guibelondo said many of the additional 30 sites would be located in Panabo City, where 18 sites have already been installed with free internet connections mostly in public schools.
The following have also been provided free WiFi connections: Tagum City (18 sites); Island Garden City of Samal (10); the towns of Asuncion (two); Braulio E. Dujali (2); Kapalong (1); Talaingod (1); New Corella (1); San Isidro (1); Carmen (1); and Sto Tomas (1).
The DICT recently provided the Talicud Island of the Island Garden City of Samal with internet connections and turned over computer units to schools through the School-in-a-bat program of Smart Communications.
PHL looking to export more goods to UAE
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Philippines is looking to export more goods such as coffee, cheese, carrots, and tomatoes, among others, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it aims to fill in the $380 billion unrealized export potential in the country which houses the second largest population of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) underscored this at the Tariff Commission’s Public Consultation for Philippines’s participation in the Philippines-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (PH-UAE CEPA) Negotiations on Friday.
“We have estimated $380 billion worth of possible exports in the said economy. But more than tapping this unrealized export potential, we want to create more opportunities in the said market,” Trade UndersectaryAllan B. Gepty, who handles the DTI’s International Trade Group, said at the tariff hearing.
For her part, DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte zoomed in on the country’s agriculture exports to the UAE. She revealed that the Philip -
pines exports about $130 million of agriculture products to the Middle Eastern country while UAE imports $23.20 billion worth of agricultural commodities from the rest of the world.
From the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the UAE imports nearly $2 billion.
Comparing the UAE’s agricultural imports from other Asean countries, the Philippines’ outbound agricultural shipments occupied the smallest share in the agricultural exports to UAE.
Indonesia exports $390 million; Malaysia, $370 million; Thailand,$320 million and Vietnam exports $260 million worth of agricultural products to the UAE.
“If you look at how much our Asean neighbors are exporting [to the UAE], significantly higher ang exports nila,” said Sykimte.
As to the growth trend of UAE’s imports from the five Asean countries, Sykimte showed that only agricultural imports from the Philippines declined.
“Agriculture imports grew by 31 percent. The imports from Asean increased by 32 percent, unfortunately imports from the Philippines declined by about 8 percent. So we hope that with this FTA, we’d be able to catch up with our competitors,” she added.
Economy Lower fish unloading volume in regional ports
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
REGIONAL ports registered lower fish unloading volume in July owing to inclement weather and closed fishing season, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported.
PFDA figures indicate that the fish unloading volume in July declined by 14.17 percent to 50,862.42 metric tons (MT) from the previous month’s 59,259.88 MT.
“PFDA RFPs continuously do what they can to supply their clients and stakeholders with enough and appropriately priced fishery products, despite occasional dif -
ficulties brought on by closed fishing seasons and inclement weather,” the agency said in a statement.
PFDA said the General Santos Fish Port Complex “saw a little decline” in its monthly fish unloading volume which reached 25,205.76 MT. This was lower than the 29,635.67 MT recorded in June.
The Navotas Fish Port Complex,
largest RFP in the country, trailed behind as it unloaded 17,765.673 MT of fish. This was lower than the 21,792.80 MT of fish products delivered to consumers last month.
For its Luzon ports, the agency said the Lucena Fish Port Complex had a “minor decline in offloading” with 1,793.07 MT of fish in July from the 1,794.20 MT recorded last month.
The Bulan Fish Port Complex also experienced “a slight decrease” with 1,785.20 MT unloaded fish, according to the agency. It recorded 2,308.75 MT in June.
The PFDA noted that the sole port in the Visayas—Iloilo Fish Port Complex—registered an increase unloading 3,053.05 MT of fish in July from the 2,505.30 MT in the previous month.
The agency earlier said the the fish unloaded in the country’s regional ports jumped by more than 50 percent year-on-year in the second quarter.
In its quarterly bulletin, the agency said the RFPs delivered 186,557.96 MT to consumers from the April to June period. This showed a 54.10-percent increase from the 121,062.55 MT recorded in the same period last year.
It also noted that despite the closed fishing season in Davao Gulf from June 1 to August 31, 2024, the Davao Fish Port Complex managed to deliver 182.377 MT of fish. The PFDA also said Camaligan Fish Port delivered a 0.271 MT in July. It delivered 0.21 MT in June. Meanwhile, the agency said Sual Fish Port and Zamboanga Fish Port Complex saw an increase in their fish unloading with 10.45 percent and 3.69 percent, respectively. Last month, the Sual Fish Port delivered 105.85 MT of fish, while the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex unloading volume stood at 925.995 MT.
Manila Bay fish still unreasonably priced–group
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
WITH the recent announcement of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ( BFAR ) that fish caught at Manila Bay are now safe to eat, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that it is only fair for traders to start buying fish at a fair price.
Fishermen from Cavite, Bataan, and Navotas, however, reported a “further decrease” in the farm gate
prices of their fishery products following the oil spill last July.
Because of this, the group is prodding Bfar to step in and take the cudgels up for the fishermen by ensuring that the fish traders will buy the fish at a reasonable and fair price.
Fish being brought to fish ports have no signs of oil contamination yet unscrupulous fish traders “take advantage” of the oil spill scare to further pull down the farm gate prices.
In Bataan, the price of alubaybay-isdang salinas decreased
from P120 to P50 per kilogram. While in Cavite, the farm gate price of blue crab (alimasag) went down to P70 from P170 per kilo before the oil spill. Operators of mussel farms (tahungan) were not spared from the unfair pricing from traders, as their catch dramatically dropped to P300P500 per tub (banyera) from the regular P1,200 per tub, owing to speculations that the products are tainted with oil.
“The oil spill is not the reason for the loss in income of Manila Bay fishermen, but the traders
who take advantage and buy fish at unreasonably low prices,” Pamalakaya vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo said.
“Now that fish caught in Manila Bay has been determined to be safe for consumption, BFAR should issue a directive to fish ports in Cavite, Bataan, and Navotas to set a reasonable price for the fish,” says Arambulo.
Based on the BFAR ’s latest test results, fish caught in all areas in Manila Bay are now safe for human consumption, the group said.
Soccsksargen textile industry gets DOST boost
THE Department of Science and Technology partnered with textile industry stakeholders in Soccsksargen to promote sustainable development and economic growth in the region.
Accompanied by the DOST Regional Office XI, representatives from the Mahintana Foundation, Inc. and the Tibud Sa Katibawasan Multi-Purpose Cooperative visited the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) on August 29 at Bicutan, Taguig.
These organizations are dedicated to community development and economic
Davao wins big in national skills contest
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority’s (Tesda) Davao region emerged on Sunday as the overall champion in the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. More than 200 Tesda graduates and trainees from the 17 Philippine regions competed in 25 technical vocational fields in the week-long event.
The Region XI’s standout bets included Roy Padecio for information network cabling, Alexis
Anuta for plumbing and heating, Timmy Mandabon for cabinetmaking, Janxent Basalo for automobile technology, and Agxille Lamangin for refrigeration and air conditioning.
Aside from winning five gold medals, tha Davao region also bagged three silvers for hairdressing, beauty therapy, and graphic design technology; and two bronzes for mechatronics and carpentry.
The National Capital Region trailed behind as the competition’s first runner up with five golds (mechanical engineering, computer numerical control maintenance,
information technology [IT] solutions, graphic design technology, and cyber security); three silvers (mechatronics, restaurant service, and IT network systems); and one bronze (web technologies).
Meanwhile, Region IV-A placed second overall with four golds (fashion technology, restaurant service, bakery, and hotel reception); three silvers (information network cabling, mechanical engineering, and electronics); and two bronzes (electrical installations, and graphic design technology).
In his closing remarks, Tesda Deputy Director General Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized
empowerment in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos).
Mahintana is known for its community development initiatives and working on agriculture and livelihood projects, while the Tibud Sa Katibawasan focuses on cooperative efforts in their localities.
Stakeholders expressed interest in the institute’s Bamboo Textiles PH Program, which focuses on sustainable textile solutions using bamboo fibers, aiming to create ecofriendly products and provide training and support to local
how the exceptional skills of Tesda graduates can contribute to the country’s growth and success.
“You have proven that the skills of Filipino professionals are exceptional—that the future of the Philippines is in capable hands— hands that build, create, innovate, and solve the challenges of tomorrow,” Benitez said.
This year’s PNSC gold medalists will advance to represent the Philippines in the upcoming WorldSkills Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Competition, which the country will host next year. The event promises to be a significant platform to showcase the Philippines’ technical prowess on the international stage.
communities.
The program was launched on September 21, 2023, with funding and support from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The visit concluded with a tour of the institute’s Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles, a facility that converts natural and Indigenous raw materials into blended spun yarns for the production of fabrics for diverse textile applications, where stakeholders learned about the fiber-to-yarn production process and the handloom machines used in textile manufacturing.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Soccsksargen’s economy grew at a slower pace in 2023, expanding at a rate of 3.5 percent compared to 6.6 percent in the previous year. According to Asia Garment Hub, the Philippines is recognized as a major producer of garments, textiles, and footwear in the region, generating exports valued at US$1 billion annually.
Bless Aubrey Ogerio
Netanyahu under fire as Israel retrieves bodies of 6 hostages slain by Hamas before rescue bid
By Josef Federman The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Israel on Sunday said it had recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, including a young Israeli-American man who became one of the most well-known captives held by Hamas as his parents met with world leaders and pressed for his release, including at the Democratic convention last month.
The military said all six had been killed shortly before they were to be rescued by Israeli forces. Their recovery sparked calls for mass protests
a gainst Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who many families of hostages and much of the wider Israeli public blame for failing to bring them back alive in a deal with Hamas to end the 10-month-old war. Negotiations over such a deal have dragged o n for months.
In a separate development, gunmen killed three people when they o pened fire on a vehicle in the occupied West Bank, where Israel has b een carrying out large-scale military raids in recent days. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed the casualties.
Militants seized Hersh GoldbergPolin, 23, and four of the other hostages at a music festival in southern I srael during Hamas’ October 7 at -
tack, which triggered the war.
T he native of Berkeley, California, lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. In April, a Hamas-issued video showed him, his left hand missing and clearly speaking under duress, sparking new protests in Israel u rging the government to do more to secure his and others’ freedom.
The army identified the other hostages as Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Alexander Lobanov, 33; who were also taken from the music festival. The sixth, Carmel Gat, 40, was a bducted from the nearby farming community of Be’eri. It said the bodies were recovered from a tunnel in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, around a kilometer (0.6 mile) from where another hostage, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, 52, was rescued alive last week.
“According to preliminary infor -
mation, they were cruelly murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, told reporters.
T here was no immediate comment from Hamas. The militant group has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile mi litants.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and says military pressure is needed to bring home the hostages. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that he got into a shouting match last week with his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who accused him of prioritizing control
over a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border—a major sticking point in the talks—over the lives of the hostages.
Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, said: “The heart o f an entire nation is shattered to pieces.” Gallant said: “In the name of the state of Israel, I hold their families close to my heart and ask forgiveness.” There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu.
A forum of hostage families called for a massive protest on Sunday, demanding a “complete halt of the country” to push for the implementation o f a cease-fire and hostage release.
“A deal for the return of the hostages has been on the table for over t wo months. Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those
DBy Wafaa Shurafa & Samy Magdy
The Associated Press
eir al- B alah g a za s t rip—Palestinian health authorities and u n ited Nations agencies on s u nday began a large-scale campaign of vaccinations against polio in the g a za s t rip, hoping to prevent an outbreak in the territory that has been ravaged by the ongoing i sr aelh am as war. a u thorities plan to vaccinate children in central g a za until Wednesday before moving on to the more devastated northern and southern parts of the strip. The campaign began with a small number of vaccinations on s at urday and aims to reach about 640,000 children.
The World h e alth o r ganization said Thursday that i sr ael has agreed to limited pauses in the fighting to facilitate the campaign. There were initial reports of i sr aeli strikes in central g a za early s u nday, but it was not immediately known if anyone was killed or wounded.
h o spitals in Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat confirmed that the campaign had begun early s u nday. i sr ael said s at urday that the vaccination program would continue through s e ptember 9 and last eight hours a day.
g a za recently reported its first polio case in 25 years—a 10-month-old boy, now paralyzed in the leg. The World h e alth o r ganization says the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but aren’t showing symptoms. m o st people who have polio do not experience symptoms, and those who do usually recover in a week or so. But there is no cure, and when polio causes paralysis, it is usually permanent. i f t he paralysis affects breathing muscles, the disease can be fatal. The vaccination campaign faces a host of challenges, from ongoing fighting to
devastated roads and hospitals shut down by the war. a r ound 90 percent of g a za’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, with hundreds of thousands crammed into squalid tent camps.
h e alth officials have expressed alarm about disease outbreaks as uncollected garbage has piled up and the bombing of critical infrastructure has sent putrid water flowing through the streets. Widespread hunger has left people even more vulnerable to illness.
“We escaped death with our children, and fled from place to place for the sake of our children, and now we have these diseases,” said Wafaa o b aid, who brought her three children to the a l - a q sa m a rtyrs h o spital in Deir al-Balah to get the vaccinations. The vaccinations will be administered at roughly 160 sites across the territory, including medical centers and schools. Children under 10 will receive two drops of oral polio vaccine in two rounds, the second to be administered four weeks after the first.
i sr ael allowed around 1.3 million doses to be brought into the territory last month, which are now being held in refrigerated storage in a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. a n other shipment of 400,000 doses is set to be delivered to g a za soon.
The polio virus that triggered this latest outbreak is a mutated virus from an oral polio vaccine. The oral polio vaccine contains weakened live virus and in very rare cases, that virus is shed by those who are vaccinated and can evolve into a new form capable of starting new epidemics.
The war in g a za began when h am asled militants stormed into i sr ael on o c t. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 hostages.
a r ound 100 remain in captivity, about a third of whom are believed to be dead. Magdy reported fromCairo.
TThe Associated Press
EHRAN, Iran—Iran’s president said Saturday his country needs some $100 billion in foreign investment to achieve an annual target of 8 percent economic growth up from the current rate of 4 percent.
The remarks by Masoud Pezeshkian, who was elected in July, came in his first live televised interview by state TV.
Pezeshkian said Iran needs up to $250 billion to reach its goal but more than half is available from domestic resources. Experts say growth in GDP of 8 percent would reduce double-digit inflation and unemployment rates.
Hundreds of entities and people in Iran—from the central bank and government officials to drone producers
w hose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive. It’s time to bring our hostages home,” it said in a statement.
President Joe Biden, who had met with the parents, said he was “devastated and outraged.” It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” he said. “Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement, saying her prayers were with the GoldbergPolin family and condemning Hamas. Goldberg-Polin’s parents, US-born i mmigrants to Israel, became perhaps the most high-profile relatives of hostages on the international stage.
They met with Biden, Pope Francis and others and addressed the U nited Nations, urging the release of all hostages.
On Aug. 21, his parents addressed a hushed hall at the Democratic National Convention—after sustained a pplause and chants of “bring him home.”
“This is a political convention. But needing our only son—and all of the cherished hostages—home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” said his father, Jon Polin. His mother, Rachel, who bowed her head during the ovation and touched her chest, said “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you, stay strong, survive.”
She and her husband sought to keep their son and the others held from being reduced to numbers, describing Hersh as a music and soccer
and money exchangers—are already under international sanctions, many of them accused of materially supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and foreign militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Pezeshkian in his interview complained about the sanctions and said his administration plans to reduce inflation, which is running at more than 40 percent annually, “if we solve our problems with neighbors and the world.” He did not elaborate.
Pezeshkian confirmed that his first visit abroad will be to neighboring Iraq and he would then fly to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting on September 22-23. He said while he was in New York he would meet with Iranian expatriates to invite them to invest in Iran. Out of more
rBy The Associated Press
ussia N sh elling in the town of Chasiv Yar on s at urday killed five people, as m o scow’s troops pushed ahead in u kraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
The attack struck a high-rise building and a private home, said regional g o v. va dym Filaskhin, who said the victims were men aged 24 to 38. h e urged the last remaining residents to leave the front-line town, which had a pre-war population of 12,000.
“Normal life has been impossible in Chasiv Yar for more than two years,” Filaskhin wrote on social media. “Do not become a r u ssian target—evacuate.” a further two people were killed by r u ssian shelling in the Kharkiv region. o n e victim was pulled from the rubble of a house in the village of Cherkaska l o zova, said g o v. o l eh sy niehubov, while a second woman died of her wounds while being transported to a hospital.
m e anwhile, r u ssia’s m i nistry of Defense said it captured the town of Pivnichne, also in u kraine’s Donetsk region. The a s sociated Press could not independently verify the claim.
r u ssian forces have been driving deeper into the partly occupied eastern region, the total capture of which is one of the Kremlin’s primary ambitions. r u ssia’s army is closing in on Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub for the u krainian defense in the area.
a t t he same time, u kraine has sent its forces into r u ssia’s Kursk region in recent weeks in the largest incursion onto r u ssian soil since World War i i The move is partly an effort to force r u ssia to draw troops away from the Donetsk front.
e l sewhere, the number of wounded following a r u ssian attack on the u krainian city of Kharkiv on Friday continued to rise. s i x people were killed, including a 14-year-old girl, when glide bombs struck
five locations across the city, said regional g o v. o l eh s y niehubov. Writing on social media s at urday, he said that the number of injured had risen from 47 to 96.
s y niehubov also confirmed that the 12-story apartment block that was hit by one bomb strike, setting the building ablaze and trapping at least one person on an upper floor, would be partly demolished.
u krainian officials have previously pointed to the Kharkiv strikes as further evidence that Western partners should scrap restrictions on what the u krainian military can target with donated weapons.
i n an interview with CNN on Friday, u krainian Defense m i nister r u stem u m erov said that Kyiv had presented Washington with a list of potential long-range targets within r u
lover and traveler with plans to attend university since his military service had ended. At events she often addressed her son directly in the hope he c ould hear her, urging him to live another day.
Some 250 hostages were taken on October 7. Before the military’s announcement of the latest discovery o f bodies, Israel said it believed 108 hostages were still held in Gaza and about one-third of them were dead. In late August, the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages in southern Gaza.
Eight hostages have been rescued by Israeli forces, the most recent found on Tuesday. More than 100 were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Two previous Israeli operations to free hostages killed scores of Palestinians. Hamas says several hostages h ave been killed in Israeli airstrikes and failed rescue attempts. Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December.
H amas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, when they stormed into southern Israel on October 7, attacking army bases and several farming communities. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were f ighters or civilians. It has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times, and p lunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian catastrophe.
than 8 million Iranian expatriates, some 1.5 million Iranian live in the United States.
Pezeshkian, who is viewed as a reformist, was sworn in last month and parliament approved his cabinet earlier in August, promising a softer tone both inside and outside the country. His predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline protégé of Iran’s supreme leader who led the country as it enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels, died in a helicopter crash in May, along with seven other people.
Iran’s economy has struggled since 2018 after then-President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the deal to constrain Tehran’s nuclear program and imposed more sanctions. Pezeshkian said during his presidential campaign that he would try to revive the nuclear deal.
Angel R. Calso
Pope Francis embarks on historic and challenging journey to Asia and Oceania, spanning 4 countries
By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY—If any evidence were needed to underscore that Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Asia and Oceania is the longest, farthest and most challenging of his pontificate, it’s that he’s bringing along his secretaries to help him navigate the four-country program while keeping up with work back home.
Francis will clock 32,814 kilometers (20,390 miles) by air during his September 2-13 visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, far surpassing any of his previous 44 foreign trips and notching one of the longest papal trips ever, both in terms of days on the road and distances traveled.
That’s no small feat for a pope who turns 88 in December, uses a wheelchair, lost part of a lung to a respiratory infection as a young man and had to cancel his last foreign trip at the last minute (to Dubai in November to participate in the UN climate conference) on doctors’ orders.
But Francis is pushing ahead with this trip, originally planned for 2020 but postponed because of Covid-19. He’s bringing along his medical team of a doctor and two nurses and taking the usual health precautions on the ground. But in a novelty, he’s adding his personal secretaries into the traditional Vatican delegation of cardinals, bishops and security.
The long trip recalls the globetrotting travels of St. John Paul II, who visited all four destinations during his quarter-century pontificate, though East Timor was an occupied part of Indonesia at the time of his landmark 1989 trip.
By retracing John Paul’s steps, Francis is reinforcing the importance that Asia has for the Catho -
lic Church, since it’s one of the few places where the church is growing in terms of baptized faithful and religious vocations.
And he is highlighting that the complex region also embodies some of his core priorities as pope—an emphasis on interreligious and intercultural dialogue, care for the environment and insistence on the spiritual component of economic development. Here is a look at the trip and some of the issues that are likely to come up, with the Vatican’s relations with China ever-present in the background in a region where Beijing wields enormous influence.
indonesia Fr A NCIS loves gestures of interfaith fraternity and harmony, and there could be no better symbol of religious tolerance at the start of his trip than the underground “Tunnel of Friendship” linking Indonesia’s main Istiqlal Mosque to the country’s Catholic cathedral. Francis will visit the underpass in central Jakarta with the grand imam, Nasaruddin Umar, before both partake in an interfaith gathering and sign a joint declaration.
Francis has made improving Christian-Muslim relations a priority, and has often used his foreign travels to promote his agenda of committing religious leaders to
Catholic diocese sues
work for peace and tolerance, and renounce violence in God’s name.
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population and has enshrined religious freedom in its constitution, officially recognizing six religions—Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Protestantism and Catholicism. Francis is likely to highlight this tradition of religious tolerance and celebrate it as a message for the broader world.
“If we are able to create a kind of collaboration between each other, that could be a great strength of the Indonesian nation,” the imam said in an interview.
Papua new Guinea Fr A NCIS was elected pope in 2013 largely on the strength of an extemporaneous speech he delivered to his fellow cardinals in which he said the Catholic Church needed to go to the “peripheries” to reach those who need God’s comfort the most. When Francis travels deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, he will be fulfilling one of the marching orders he set out for the future pope on the eve of his own election.
Few places are as remote, peripheral and poverty-wracked as Vanimo, a northern coastal town on the main island of New Guinea. There Francis will meet with mis -
US govt, worried some foreign-born priests might be forced to leave
By Giovanna Dell’orto The Associated Press
or more than a year, religious organizations have lobbied c o ngress and the Biden administration to fix a sudden procedural change in how the government processes green cards for religious workers, which threatens the ability of thousands of them to continue to minister in the United States.
t h e c at holic d ocese of Paterson, n e w Jersey, and five of its priests whose legal status in the United States expires as soon as next spring, have now sued the federal agencies overseeing immigration. t he y argue that the change “will cause severe and substantial disruption to the lives and religious freedoms” of the priests as well as the hundreds of thousands of c at holics they serve.
“ o u r priests feel we’re doing the best we can,” said Bishop Kevin Sweeney, whose dioceses covers 400,000 c at holics and 107 parishes in three n ew Jersey counties. Paterson is the first diocese to bring this suit against the d e partment of State, d e partment of h o meland Security and the US c i tizenship and i mmigration Services, said r a ymond Lahoud, its attorney in the lawsuit.
But “there is a buzz out there” among similarly impacted religious groups, Lahoud added, because of how reliant many are on foreign-born clergy who build strong
ties in their US parishes.
“ i t ’s so disruptive,” said Bishop Mark Seitz, who chairs the committee on migration for the US c o nference of c at holic Bishops. t h e group has advocated for legislative and administrative fixes because the newly extra long delays in green card processing are “ not sustainable.” in his own border diocese of e Paso, te xas, Seitz is facing the possibility of losing priests whose permanent residency cases now have little chance to be approved before their visas expire. t h e law mandates them to leave the United States for at least a year.
o n e is pastor of a large, growing parish. n o w i m supposed to send him away for a year, put him on ice, as it were—and somehow provide Masses?” Seitz said. to d eal with a shortage of religious workers that has worsened in recent decades, American dioceses have long had agreements with foreign dioceses to bring in seminarians, priests and nuns from places as different as Poland, the Philippines and n i geria, said the r e v. t h omas Gaunt of Georgetown University’s ce nter for Applied r e search in the Apostolate. Most other faith denominations from Buddhism to slam to Pentecostal c h ristians also recruit foreign-born clergy, for reasons ranging from the need to minister to growing non- english-speaking congregations to specialized training at foreign institutions steeped in a religion’s history. Most such “religious workers,” in the
sionaries from his native Argentina who are working to bring Christianity to a largely tribal people who still practice pagan traditions alongside the Catholic faith.
in 1989, he sought to console its overwhelmingly Catholic population who had suffered under Indonesia’s brutal and bloody occupation for 15 years already.
US government’s definition, come under temporary visas called r -1, which allow them to work in the United States for five years. t hat u sed to be plenty enough for an organization to assess if the clergy were in fact a good fit and then petition for permanent resident status—known as green cards—for them under a special category called e B -4. co ngress establishes a maximum number of green cards available per year per category, which is generally either based on types of employment or family links to U.S. citizens. t he wait time depends on whether and by how much the demand exceeds the visas available in each category.
c i tizens of countries with especially high demand get put in separate, often longer “lines”—currently, the most backlogged category is for the married Mexican children of US citizens, where only applications filed more than 24 years ago are being processed.
n e glected or abused minors from Guatemala, h o nduras and e l Salvador— a surging number of whom have sought humanitarian green cards or asylum after illegally crossing into the US since the mid-2010s—were also in a separate line. But in March 2023, the State d e partment announced that was a mistake and immediately started adding them to the general queue with the clergy.
Continued on A8
“If we suspend our preconceptions, even in tribal cultures we can find human values close to Christian ideals,” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who heads the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office and is part of the Vatican delegation, told the Fides missionary news agency. Francis will likely reflect on the environmental threats to vulnerable and poor places like Papua New Guinea, such as deep sea mining and climate change, while also pointing to the diversity of its estimated 10 million people who speak some 800 languages but are prone to tribal conflicts.
“For many years now, you have experienced destruction and death as a result of conflict; You have known what it means to be the victims of hatred and struggle,” John Paul told the faithful during a seaside Mass in TasiToli, near Dili.
“I pray that those who have responsibility for life in East Timor will act with wisdom and good will towards all, as they search for a just and peaceful resolution of present difficulties,” he said then in a direct challenge to Indonesia.
east Timor W H EN John Paul visited East Timor
Continued on A8
Photo/Andrew Medichini
Brazil blocks access to Musk’s X amid clash with high court justice
By Gabriela Sá Pessoa & Mauricio Savarese The Associated Press
SAO PAULO—Brazil started blocking Elon Musk’s social media platform X early Saturday, making it largely inaccessible on both the web and through its mobile app after the company refused to comply with a judge’s order.
X missed a deadline imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to name a legal representative in Brazil, triggering the suspension. It marks an escalation in the monthslong feud between Musk and de Moraes over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation.
To block X, Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, told Internet service providers to suspend users’ access to the social media platform. As of Saturday at midnight local time, major operators began doing so.
De Moraes had warned Musk on Wednesday night that X could be blocked in Brazil if he failed to comply with his order to name a representative, and established a 24-hour deadline. The company hasn’t had a representative in the country since earlier this month.
“Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” de Moraes wrote in his decision on Friday.
The justice said the platform will stay suspended until it complies with his orders, and also set a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for people or companies using VPNs to access it.
In a later ruling, he backtracked on his initial decision to establish a 5-day deadline for Internet service providers themselves—and not just the telecommunications regulator—to block access to X, as well as his directive for app stores to remove virtual private networks, or VPNs.
The dispute also led to the freezing this week of the bank accounts in Brazil of Musk’s satellite Internet provider Starlink. Brazil is one of the biggest markets for X, which has struggled with the loss of advertisers since Musk purchased the former Twitter in 2022. Market
Continued From A7
It would take another decade for the United Nations to organize a referendum on Timor’s independence, after which Indonesia responded with a scorched-earth campaign that left the former Portuguese colony devastated. East Timor emerged as an independent country in 2002, but still bears the trauma and scars of an occupation that left as many as 200,000 people dead—nearly a quarter of the population.
Francis will literally walk in John Paul’s footsteps when he celebrates Mass on the same seaside esplanade as that 1989 liturgy, which some see as a key date in the Timorese independence movement.
“That Mass with the pope was a very strong, very important moment for Timor’s identity,” said Giorgio Bernardelli, editor of AsiaNews, the missionary news agency. “It also in many ways put the spotlight on the drama that Timor was living for the international community.”
Another legacy that will confront Francis is that of the clergy sexual abuse scandal: Revered independence hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo was secretly sanctioned by the Vatican in 2020 for sexually abusing young boys. There is no word on whether Francis will refer to Belo, who is still revered in East Timor but has been barred by the Vatican from ever returning.
Singapore
F R ANCI s has used several of his foreign trips
research group Emarketer says some 40 million Brazilians, roughly onefifth of the population, access X at least once per month.
“This is a sad day for X users around the world, especially those in Brazil, who are being denied access to our platform. I wish it did not have to come to this—it breaks my heart,”
X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino said Friday night, adding that Brazil is failing to uphold its constitution’s pledge to forbid censorship.
X had posted on its official Global Government Affairs page late Thursday that it expected X to be shut down by de Moraes, “simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.”
“When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts,” the company wrote.
X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users.
Accounts that the platform previously has shut down on Brazilian orders include lawmakers affiliated with former President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing party and activists accused of undermining Brazilian democracy.
X’s lawyers in April sent a document to the Supreme Court in April, saying that since 2019 it had suspended or blocked 226 users.
In his decision Friday, de Moraes’ cited Musk’s statements as evidence that X’s conduct “clearly intends to continue to encourage posts with extremism, hate speech and anti-democratic discourse, and to try to withdraw them from jurisdictional control.”
In April, de Moraes included Musk as a target in an ongoing investigation over the dissemination of fake news and opened a separate investigation into the executive for alleged
to send messages to China, be they direct telegrams of greetings when he flies through Chinese airspace or more indirect gestures of esteem, friendship and fraternity to the Chinese people when nearby.
Francis’ visit to s i ngapore, where threequarters of the population is ethnically Chinese and Mandarin is an official language, will give him yet another opportunity to reach out to Beijing as the Vatican seeks improved ties for the sake of China’s estimated 12 million Catholics.
“It’s a faithful people, who lived through a lot and remained faithful,” Francis told the Chinese province of his Jesuit order in a recent interview.
The trip comes a month before the Vatican is set to renew a landmark 2018 agreement governing bishop nominations.
Just last week, the Vatican reported its “satisfaction” that China had officially recognized Tianjin Bishop Melchior s h i Hongzhen, who as far as the Vatican is concerned had actually taken over as bishop in 2019.
The Holy s e e said China’s official recognition of him under civil law now was “a positive fruit of the dialogue established over the years between the Holy s e e and the Chinese government.”
But by arriving in s i ngapore, a regional economic powerhouse that maintains good relations with both China and the United st ates, Francis is also stepping into a protracted maritime dispute as China has grown increasingly assertive with its presence in the s o uth China s e a. AP writers Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia and David Rising in Bangkok contributed.
obstruction.
Musk, a self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” has repeatedly claimed the justice’s actions amount to censorship, and his argument has been echoed by Brazil’s political right. He has often insulted de Moraes on his platform, characterizing him as a dictator and tyrant.
De Moraes’ defenders have said his actions aimed at X have been lawful, supported by most of the court’s full bench and have served to protect democracy at a time it is imperiled. He wrote Friday that his ruling is based on Brazilian law requiring internet services companies to have representation in the country so they can be notified when there are relevant court decisions and take requisite action—specifying the takedown of illicit content posted by users, and an anticipated churn of misinformation during October municipal elections. The looming shutdown is not unprecedented in Brazil.
Lone Brazilian judges shut down Meta’s WhatsApp, the nation’s most widely used messaging app, several times in 2015 and 2016 due to the company’s refusal to comply with police requests for user data. In 2022, de Moraes threatened the messaging app Telegram with a nationwide shutdown, arguing it had repeatedly ignored Brazilian authorities’ requests to block profiles and provide information. He ordered Telegram to appoint a local representative; the company ultimately complied and stayed online. X and its former incarnation, Twitter, have been banned in several countries—mostly authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Venezuela and Turkmenistan. Other countries, such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, have also temporarily suspended X before, usually to quell dissent and unrest. Twitter was banned in Egypt after the Arab Spring uprisings, which some dubbed the “Twitter revolution,” but it has since been restored.
A search Friday on X showed hundreds of Brazilian users inquiring about VPNs that could potentially enable them to continue using the platform by making it appear they were logging on from outside the country. It was not immediately clear how Brazilian authorities would police this practice and impose fines cited by de Moraes.
“This is an unusual measure, but its main objective is to ensure that the
That’s created a backlog that currently stands at more than 3.5 years and could increase. s o me estimate it could take 10-15 years to get these green cards.
“This is an untenable situation,” said Lance Conklin, who co-chairs the religious workers group of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and often represents evangelical pastors. “The lawsuit is representative of the way a lot of people feel.”
The lawyers’ association, together with the bishops’ conference and other organizations, has been lobbying for long-term Congressional fixes—which most recognize will be hard to obtain given the political sensitivity of immigration reform—as well as simpler administrative changes that the agencies could implement quickly.
Among those, attorneys and advocates say, would be allowing applicants to change ministry jobs—moving from associate pastor to senior pastor, or relocating to a different convent, for example—without losing their place in the green card line. Or the government could reduce the time they need to spend outside the United s t ates after their visa expires before they can get another one.
“We could deal with a month,” s e itz said, while the current required time is 12 months.
Most organizations are staying the course for now, hoping and praying that the administration will make at least these temporary
court order to suspend the platform’s operation is, in fact, effective,” Filipe Medon, a specialist in digital law and professor at the law school of Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Rio de Janeiro, told The Associated Press.
Mariana de Souza Alves Lima, known by her handle MariMoon, showed her 1.4 million followers on X where she intends to go, posting a screenshot of rival social network BlueSky.
On Thursday evening, Starlink, said on X that de Moraes this week froze its finances, preventing it from doing any transactions in the country where it has more than 250,000 customers.
“This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally,” Starlink said in its statement. The law firm representing Starlink told the AP that the company appealed, but wouldn’t make further comment.
Musk replied to people sharing the reports of the freeze, adding insults directed at de Moraes. “This guy @ Alexandre is an outright criminal of the worst kind, masquerading as a judge,” he wrote.
Musk later posted on X that SpaceX, which runs Starlink, will provide free Internet service in Brazil “until the matter is resolved” since “we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off.”
In his decision, de Moraes said he ordered the freezing of Starlink’s assets, as X didn’t have enough money in its accounts to cover mounting fines, and reasoning that the two companies are part of the same economic group. While ordering X’s suspension followed warnings and fines and so was appropriate, taking action against Starlink seems “highly questionable,” said Luca Belli, coordinator of the Getulio Vargas Foundation’s Technology and Society Center. “Yes, of course, they have the same owner, Elon Musk, but it is discretionary to consider Starlink as part of the same economic group as Twitter (X). They have no connection, they have no integration,” Belli said. AP writers Barbara Ortutay reported from San Francisco and David Biller from Rio. Savarese contributed from Sao Paulo.
fixes—perhaps nudged by the lawsuit, filed in August in U s District Court in New Jersey. That’s largely because they don’t have other options.
Different employment visas and green cards are far more laborious and expensive to apply for, and many clergy don’t qualify.
For instance, those not receiving any salary cannot show they’re being offered “prevailing wages,” one of the requirements meant to protect U s native workers in non-religious employment categories.
That’s often the case for Catholic nuns, said Mary O’Leary, a Michigan attorney who represents religious orders.
“A lot of religious orders are not wealthy,” she said. “They’re not like Microsoft, you can’t go to a business school or computer science school and recruit.”
In the Archdiocese of Chicago, a nun who works as a school aid has to leave the country when her visa expires in a couple of weeks, said Olga Rojas, the archdiocese’s senior counsel for immigration.
“This principal is so devastated,” Rojas said, adding that across the U s religious workers have already been forced to leave. “They want to stay and finish their work.”
In some cases, their organizations are trying hard to bring the religious workers back from overseas, said Miguel Naranjo, the director of Religious Immigration s er vices for Catholic Legal Immigration Network.
“It’s beyond ministry,” Naranjo added, because they often provide education, healthcare, youth and other social services.
“They’re the last safety net of many communities.”
Japan’s workaholic culture faces a four-day workweek
challenge
By Yuri Kageyama The Associated Press
TOKYO—Japan, a nation so hardworking its language has a term for literally working oneself to death, is trying to address a worrisome labor shortage by coaxing more people and companies to adopt four-day workweeks.
The Japanese government first expressed support for a shorter working week in 2021, after lawmakers endorsed the idea. The concept has been slow to catch on, however; about 8 percent of companies in Japan allow employees to take three or more days off per week, while 7 percent give their workers the legally mandated one day off, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Hoping to produce more takers, especially among small and mediumsized businesses, the government launched a “work style reform” campaign that promotes shorter hours and other flexible arrangements along with overtime limits and paid annual leave.
The labor ministry recently started offering free consulting, grants and a growing library of success stories as further motivation.
“By realizing a society in which workers can choose from a variety of working styles based on their circumstances, we aim to create a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution and enable each and every worker to have a better outlook for the future,” states a ministry website about the “hatarakikata kaikaku” campaign, which translates to “innovating how we work.”
The department overseeing the new support services for businesses says only three companies have come forward so far to request advice on making changes, relevant regulations and available subsidies, illustrating the challenges the initiative faces.
Perhaps more telling: of the 63,000 Panasonic Holdings Corp. employees who are eligible for four-day schedules at the electronics maker and its group companies in Japan, only 150 employees have opted to take them, according to Yohei Mori, who oversees the initiative at one Panasonic company.
The government’s official backing of a better work-life balance represents a marked change in Japan, a country whose reputed culture of workaholic stoicism often got credited for the national recovery and stellar economic growth after World War II.
Conformist pressures to sacrifice for one’s company are intense. Citizens typically take vacations at the same time of year as their colleagues—during the Bon holidays in the summer and around New Year’s—so co-workers can’t accuse them of being neglectful or uncaring.
Long hours are the norm. Although 85% of employers report giving their workers two days off a week and there are legal restrictions on overtime hours, which are negotiated with labor unions and detailed in contracts.
But some Japanese do “service overtime,” meaning it’s unreported and performed without compensation.
A recent government white paper on “karoshi,” the Japanese term that in English means “death from overwork, said Japan has at least 54 such fatalities a year, including from heart attacks.
Japan’s “serious, conscientious and hard-working” people tend to value their relationships with their colleagues and form a bond with their companies, and Japanese TV shows and manga comics often focus on the workplace, said Tim Craig, the author of a book called “Cool Japan: Case Studies from Japan’s Cultural and Creative Industries.”
“Work is a big deal here. It’s not just
a way to make money, although it is that, too,” said Craig, who previously taught at Doshisha Business School and founded editing and translation firm BlueSky Academic Services.
Some officials consider changing that mindset as crucial to maintaining a viable workforce amid Japan’s nosediving birth rate. At the current rate, which is partly attributed to the country’s job-focused culture, the working age population is expected to decline 40 percent to 45 million people in 2065, from the current 74 million, according to government data. Proponents of the three-days-off model say it encourages people raising children, those caring for older relatives, retirees living on pensions and others looking for flexibility or additional income to remain in the workforce for longer.
Akiko Yokohama, who works at Spelldata, a small Tokyo-based technology company that allows employees to work a four-day schedule, takes Wednesdays off along with Saturdays and Sundays. The extra day off allows her to get her hair done, attend other appointments or go shopping.
“It’s hard when you aren’t feeling well to keep going for five days in a row. The rest allows you to recover or go see the doctor. Emotionally, it’s less stressful,” Yokohama said. Her husband, a real estate broker, also gets Wednesdays off but works weekends, which is common in his industry. Yokohama said that allows the couple to go on midweek family outings with their elementary-school age child.
Fast Retailing Co., the Japanese company that owns Uniqlo, Theory, J Brand and other clothing brands, pharmaceutical company Shionogi & Co., and electronics companies Ricoh Co. and Hitachi also began offering a four-day workweek in recent years. The trend even has gained traction in the notoriously consuming finance industry. Brokerage SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. started letting workers put in four days a week in 2020. Banking giant Mizuho Financial Group offers a three-day schedule option.
Critics of the government’s push say that in practice, people put on four-day schedules often end up working just as hard for less pay.
But there are signs of change. An annual Gallup survey that measures employee engagement ranked Japan as having among the least engaged workers of all nationalities surveyed; in the most recent survey, only 6 percent of the Japanese respondents described themselves as engaged at work compared to the global average of 23percent.
That means relatively few Japanese workers felt highly involved in their workplace and enthusiastic about their work, while most were putting in their hours without investing passion or energy. Kanako Ogino, president of Tokyobased NS Group, thinks offering flexible hours is a must for filling jobs in the service industry, where women comprise most of the work force. The company, which operates karaoke venues and hotels, offers 30 different scheduling patterns, including a fourday workweek, but also taking long periods off in between work.
To ensure none of the NS Group’s workers feel penalized for choosing an alternative schedule, Ogino asks each of her 4,000 employees twice a year how they want to work. Asserting individual needs can be frowned upon in Japan, where you are expected to sacrifice for the common good.
“The view in Japan was: You are cool the more hours you work, putting in free overtime,” Ogino said with a laugh. “But there is no dream in such a life.”
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
DA issues rules for controlled ASF vaccination
By Ada Pelonia
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued guidelines for the controlled use of vaccines against African swine fever (ASF), a fatal animal disease that continues to threaten hog production in the Philippines.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Administrative Circular (AC) 5 which indicated that the controlled use of the ASF vaccine in eligible farms would assess its safety and efficacy.
Laurel said the result would be used to assist the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in their evaluation of the vaccine against the deadly hog disease.
Under the circular, vaccination would only be allowed in barangays unaffected by the virus, are ASF-negative within a red zone, and cities or municipalities that are under pink zone status.
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
Red zones are cities or municipalities with confirmed outbreaks of ASF while pink zones are areas where the hog disease is not detected but demarcated immediately around the former when an area has been confirmed as an infected zone. The latter aims to prevent and manage spillover of cases from the red zone through biosecurity measures and surveillance.
The circular noted that a minimum of 50 eligible pigs per farm or cluster should be identified for vaccination. The eligible pigs should be at least 4 weeks of age or older and must be healthy and tested negative for ASF before vaccination.
Status on ASF.”
Meanwhile, the DA created a task force for “proper and effective implementation” of these guidelines.
Laurel also issued Special Order (SO) 1265, which designated Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante J. Palabrica as leader of the task force on ASF vaccination. BAI Officer-in-Charge Hyacinth G. Napiloy and BAI Livestock Research and Development Division chief Marivic M. De Vera will serve as vice-chairs.
“The task force shall provide the oversight on the implementation of the controlled roll-out on the use of vaccine against ASF,” SO 1265 read.
THE outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) and supply disruptions caused by humidity have resulted in more expensive poultry meat in Metro Manila, according to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
Citingdata from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the sectoral council under the Department of Science and Technology said in a report that the average chicken price in Metro Manila’s jumped to P220 per kilogram from P190 per kg in mid-August.
On August 24, PCAARRD said the price of chicken went up by almost 19 percent to P240 per kg, from P202 per kg a month earlier.
PCAARRD said the trend matches the price changes seen
in the first half of 2024. The average farmgate price of chicken in June reached P158.94 per kg, higher than the P133.61 per kg recorded in January.
“The margins between retail and farmgate prices have steadily decreased over the first half of 2024. In January, the margin was P62.88, but by June, it had narrowed to P39.26.”
Adding to the industry’s woes is the “third quarter syndrome,” which could made it more difficult for the sector to satisfy the rising demand for chicken.
The United Broiler Raisers Association has warned that the high humidity during this time of year can result in smaller broiler sizes and longer rearing times, which will not only limit production but also drive up the costs associated with poultry farming, further inflating chicken prices.
“Vaccination procedures must be supervised by a licensed veterinarian to ensure compliance with established protocols,” the circular read, noting that a minimum of 30 days post-vaccination monitoring is required. It also indicated that farms should adhere to the monitoring period which could last to a maximum of 120 days postvaccination.
“Any observation of at least one clinical sign or mortality indicative of ASF must be immediately reported to the LGU [local government unit], DARFO [DA Regional Field Office], and BAI [Bureau of Animal Industry].”
According to the circular, the movement of vaccinated pigs for slaughter would only be allowed if the pigs have completed the minimum 30 days post-vaccination monitoring and have tested negative for the ASF virus.
The government began its pig vaccination drive in Lobo, Batangas last August 30. ASF struck hog farms in a number of towns in Batangas, which is one of the country’s major hog-producing provinces.
“Clearance for the movement of vaccinated pigs must comply with current regulations, including securing a Certificate of Free
The DA said it is mulling over the grant of ASF vaccine subsidy for backyard raisers. The initial cost of the vaccines could range from P400 to P500 per dose. Aside from vaccinating pigs, the government had also set up livestock checkpoints to control the spread of the virus.
Costly chicken due to ASF outbreak, humidity–report Indonesia’s Jokowi receives FAO Agricola Medal
“Compounding these challenges is the increased risk of bird flu, which thrives in high-humidity conditions. On August 12, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization issued a regional alert, emphasizing that the persistence of bird flu under these conditions could further strain the poultry industry.”
PCAARRD said the government has intensified biosecurity measures to address the persistent risks of bird flu, especially in high-humidity environments.
Bird flu cases are still being tracked by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Animal Industry, with a focus on Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region. These regions continue to be the only ones where cases are still occurring as of August 16.
In response to the threat, the DA has also issued warnings
against the use of unregulated avian influenza vaccines sold online, stressing the dangers of unauthorized products.
In 2023, the DOST launched a program aimed at identifying key areas affected by bird flu, analyzing spatiotemporal patterns (how things are located and how they change over time), and conducting extensive laboratory tests.
One major finding from the program was the 99 percent genetic similarity between local avian influenza strains and those from Korea, Japan, and China, suggesting a broader regional risk.
To combat the disease, the program has trained livestock inspectors and veterinarians on biosafety and disease detection, with an early warning protocol to predict pathogenic strains expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Cocoa deficit to be deeper than prior estimates, ICCO says
COCOA’S shortage is set to deepen further this season amid persistent production challenges from poor weather and disease.
Demand will exceed production by 462,000 metric tons, the International Cocoa Organization said in its third estimate for the current year that started in October. That figure is 5.2 percent more than the organization’s May forecast of a 439,000-ton deficit, which itself was a larger shortfall than its original outlook in February.
Global supply remains low as a result of “adverse weather conditions, aged trees, pests and diseases that affected production in major cocoa areas during the season under review,” the ICCO said in a Friday report.
Production for the season is seen at 4.33 million tons, 2.9 percent below ICCO’s earlier estimate, while grindings are expected to be 2.1 percent lower at 4.75 million tons. New York futures are up around 80 percent this year as poor harvests in West Africa curbed
Most-active soybean contracts settled at the key level of $10 per bushel for the first time in three weeks. Corn futures rose just
the shortage.
FOOD and Agriculture Organization DirectorGeneral Qu Dongyu presented President Joko Widodo of Indonesia with the FAO Agricola Medal, the Organization’s highest award, in a ceremony held at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jakarta, last August 30.
“Under the leadership of President Jokowi, Indonesia has prioritized and made great progress in transforming its agrifood system within the context of sustained economic growth, even in the face of global challenges and uncertainties, including the Covid-19 pandemic,” Qu said, using the name by which the Indonesian leader is popularly known.
He noted that this focus and success are captured in the inscription on the Agricola Medal which reads: Stronger Together for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems. This, Qu said, also reflected his focus since taking office at FAO in 2019, for the transformation of global agrifood systems as a cornerstone for global food security.
In his acceptance speech, the Indonesian president said: “We dedicate this Agricola Medal to all farmers, all people who have actively contributed to strengthening the agricultural sector.” He also expressed the hope that “this highest award in the field of food and agriculture can awaken Indonesia’s collective energy to contribute more to world food security.”
The awarding of the medal to the Indonesian president is a significant milestone because it recognizes Indonesia as a large country of growing importance in the region and in the world, according to Qu. It is also “a recognition of the historic and continued collaboration between FAO and Indonesia, which has lasted for almost seven decades.”
The areas in which FAO and Indonesia have been working together include increasing food production; reducing food loss and waste; crop biodiversity; adaptation and mitigation against the impacts of the climate crisis; ecosystem restoration; forests monitoring and natural resources management. The work also focuses on prioritizing the food-forest-waterenergy nexus. The collaboration between FAO and Indonesia in recent years also reflects another convergence, one of future visions: that of the FAO Strategic Framework with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision - which will mark 100 years of Indonesia’s independence, Qu said.
Qu described the Agricola Medal award as a symbol of the strong collaboration between FAO and Indonesia. He also told the Indonesian president: “Your strong leadership was also visible to the world through Indonesia’s successful Presidency of the G20 through which you established a stronger collective global leadership.”
He said President Joko Widodo had drawn the attention of the world’s leaders to the importance of an enabling environment and the critical need for effective partnerships to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth and promoted productivity, while focusing on the need to increase resilience and stability.
The Agricola Medal is conferred by the FAO DirectorGeneral to “extraordinary leaders” who have demonstrated commitment and action in support of FAO’s mandate to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure food security and nutrition for all.
The cost of living crisis: A looming threat to millions of Filipino families
The spiraling cost of living is creating immense hardship for people across the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Soaring prices for essential goods and services, coupled with stagnant wage growth, are eroding the purchasing power of households and pushing many into poverty and financial distress.
This “cost of living crisis” is a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive response from policymakers. As the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) rightly points out, governments cannot remain idle in the face of this crisis. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Prices, low wages create ‘cost of living crisis’ —UN,” August 30, 2024).
A recent survey by TransUnion vividly illustrates the financial worries burdening the Filipino population. While many Filipinos experienced income growth in the second quarter of 2024, the survey reveals a growing concern about rising bills and loan payments. This trend, coupled with the global cost of living crisis highlighted by the Unescap, points to a looming threat to the financial well-being of millions of Filipino families.
The survey said a significant portion of Filipinos (52 percent) expect an increase in bills and loans in the coming months. This apprehension is further fueled by the fact that 44 percent of respondents fear they might not be able to pay their bills and loans in full. These concerns are particularly alarming considering that the survey also revealed a decline in discretionary spending, with nearly half of households cutting back on dining out, travel, and entertainment.
These findings echo the broader cost of living crisis gripping the region, as outlined by Unescap. The war in Ukraine and its impact on global commodity prices, coupled with the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, have significantly eroded purchasing power and exacerbated poverty and inequality. The situation is particularly challenging for vulnerable populations, who are disproportionately affected by rising prices for essential goods and services.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. As Unescap advocates, governments must prioritize social protection measures to mitigate the immediate impacts of rising prices. This includes targeted assistance for vulnerable citizens, such as food coupons and unemployment benefits. Furthermore, governments need to implement policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable development, ensuring that the benefits of economic progress are shared by all.
The Philippines, like many other countries in the region, faces a critical juncture. The BSP’s recent reduction in policy rates is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. It would do well for the government to prioritize policies that address the root causes of the cost of living crisis, including tackling inflation, promoting wage growth, and providing adequate social safety nets. Failure to act decisively could have dire consequences for Filipino families, jeopardizing their financial security and exacerbating existing social inequalities.
The stakes are high—the cost of living crisis is not just an economic issue, but also a profound human and social crisis that threatens to undermine hardwon development gains. By acting decisively and holistically, policymakers can safeguard the well-being of citizens and lay the foundations for sustainable, equitable growth. Now is the perfect time to take action.
BusinessMirror
Celebrating September
SRISING
SUN
ePTember has arrived, bringing with it a variety of interesting events nationwide. This month, the annual manila International book Fair (mIbF) takes place, alongside the celebration of National Peace Consciousness month (NPCm) and, something close to our hearts, National Teachers’ month.
For many Filipinos, the Christmas season begins on September 1, which means preparations are already underway for those who like to start early. The MIBF is a great place to begin early Christmas shopping. This year, it will be a five-day event, running from September 11 to 15. Held at the SMX Convention Center, the MIBF promises to uphold its reputation as the largest and longest-running book fair in
the country, with a history spanning over 45 years!
In addition to shopping for books, magazines, comics, educational aids, and other materials, attendees can enjoy various pocket events such as product demonstrations, book signings, book launches, author meetups, workshops, talks, and much more. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 8:00 p.m.
In 2011, Presidential Proclama-
tion No. 242 was signed, officially declaring September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month (NTM). This proclamation acknowledges the crucial role that educators play in nurturing the nation’s youth and shaping the country’s future. The theme for this year’s NTM celebration is “Together4Teachers,” which emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support for teachers, recognizing their vital role in shaping the future through education. The month-long celebration culminates on World Teachers’ Day, October 5, to honor and appreciate the dedication and hard work of Filipino teachers.
This month, let’s not forget to do something special for our teachers. Recognize them, thank them, and support initiatives that promote the welfare and development of our beloved educators.
Finally, September is also Peace Month, which means that every Filipino is encouraged to participate in this year’s observance of Na-
tional Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM). The theme for 2024 is “Peace Month@20: Bagong Pilipinas: Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives.” It’s a call for collective action, says Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity. He reminds us that peacebuilding starts within each of us—in the way we think, feel, and act. This shift in mindset and attitude creates a ripple effect that enables us to help shape our communities, organizations, and nation.
In light of the ongoing tensions and maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea, this is the perfect time to reflect on what peace truly means to us and how we can achieve it for the sake of our children and future generations. More than anything, it’s a good opportunity to think about how we can promote a culture of peace, not only within ourselves and our families but also within our communities and the entire nation.
Brazil judge bans X as Musk challenges top court’s orders
By Andrew Rosati & Daniel Carvalho
br A zIl S top court determined the immediate suspension of X in the country after its billionaire owner elon musk refused to name a legal representative for the social network in latin America’s largest nation.
The banning of the platform formerly known as Twitter caps a months-long feud between Musk and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is spearheading efforts to combat fake news and hate speech that he says are harming Brazil’s democracy.
X has been contributing to “an environment of total impunity and lawlessness in Brazilian social networks, including during the 2024 local elections,” Moraes wrote in his ruling, saying the company has repeatedly and deliberately disrespected court orders.
“Extremist groups and digital militias” have been using the platform for “massive dissemination of Nazi, racist, fascist, hateful and anti-democratic speeches,” he wrote, adding that anyone using VPN to access the platform would be subject to daily fines of 50,000 reais ($8,900).
Minutes after the ruling was published, Musk lashed out at Moraes on his platform. “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes,” he wrote. “The oppressive regime in Brazil is so afraid of the people learning the truth that they will bankrupt anyone who tries.”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino said in a post that today “is a sad day for X users around the world, especially
those in Brazil, who are being denied access to our platform.”
“I wish it did not have to come to this—it breaks my heart,” she wrote.
“I hope for a day when the Brazilian government will live up to the Constitution that the Brazilian people ratified. But until there is change in Brazil, X will be shut down.”
When asked for comment, X referred Bloomberg to a post from Thursday evening on its official Global Government Affairs page, which states the company plans to “publish all of Judge de Moraes’ illegal demands and all related court filings in the interest of transparency.”
The social media platform was still available Friday evening as Moraes’s ruling takes some time to take effect. Brazil’s telecommunications watchdog has 24 hours to implement the ban, the ruling said.
Later Moraes revoked part of the order saying Apple and Google had to block X in IOS and Android and remove the X and VPN apps from their online stores in five days, while Internet service providers must ban X over the same period of time.
Ahead of the decision, Brazilian celebrities, Internet personalities and politicians, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, were bracing for the ban by tweeting social media handles on other networks to their audiences.
Musk shut down X’s office in Brazil earlier this month to protest against orders to remove certain accounts that allegedly spread misinformation. In response, the court notified the company on Wednesday evening, replying to a post on X, that Moraes had given it 24 hours to name a legal representative in the country or risk having its service suspended.
Brazil has historically been a key market for many of the largest social networking services, X included. It’s estimated that X has tens of millions active users in the country, according to external estimates, and Brazil has long been one of X’s largest hubs outside of the US and Japan. Brazil is not the first country where X has been suspended. The service has long been banned in China, Iran, and North Korea, among others. In 2022, it was restricted in Russia after President Vladimir Putin invaded neighboring Ukraine. Former Twitter executives had paused advertising in the country, and begun labeling links from all state-backed Russian media outlets, eventually setting up a separate version of the service to help people access it despite government restrictions.
Misinformation or freedom of speech?
DEMOCRACIES around the world are grappling with the effects of social media on their elections and politics. But Brazil has taken some of the most aggressive action to hold companies accountable for content after its 2022 presidential vote. During the campaign, former
President Jair Bolsonaro took to the airwaves and online platforms to sow distrust about his nation’s electronic voting system. Baseless claims of hacking and vote stealing fueled the rage of Bolsonaro supporters that rioted in Brasilia on the false belief that Lula had lost the election.
In April, Moraes included Musk in a broad investigation into socalled digital militias, or organized groups accused of using social media to spread false information and vitriol, and slapped the company with fines for disobeying court orders to remove content.
The move only seemed to escalate the showdown between Brazil’s top court and the world’s richest person. While X initially complied with orders to take down accounts suspected of promulgating falsehoods, Musk later appeared to challenge Moraes, announcing he would lift restrictions even if it hurt his company’s bottom line.
In August, X issued a statement saying it would close operations in Brazil “effective immediately” after Moraes threatened its legal representative with arrest for not following court orders. All the while, Musk continued to rail against the judge on his platform, alleging his efforts to police content amounted to overreach and censorship. He responded to the order to name a representative in Brazil by posting picture of a bald man in black robes behind bars—an apparently AI-generated image of Moraes. “One day, Alexandre, this picture of you in prison will be real. Mark my
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
Benchmarking accountancy licensure examinations
tJoel L. Tan-Torres
DEBIT CREDIT
Part four
he recent designation in July 2024 of the philippines as a testing site for the American Institute of Certified public Accountants (AICpA) examinations presents interesting, if not ominous insights about the accountancy profession in the philippines.
This decision was made by the National Association of State Board Accountancy (NASBA), in collaboration with AICPA and Prometric. I understand that the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy (BOA) and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants had very little role in this action considering that this involves purely a business decision. This move is part of an effort to expand international testing options and cater to the growing number of AICPA examination takers internationally. The Philippine site is the 18th foreign location for the tests. What can be gathered from this decision? First, the NASBA recognizes the increasing number of international candidates, particularly from Asia and the Philippines, who want to pursue the US AICPA designation. Second, the Philippines is an accessible hub in Southeast Asia, making it convenient for candidates from neighboring countries to take their examinations. Third, the growing decline in the accounting pool talent in the USA made it imperative for NASBA to expand its network of sourcing AICPA examination candidates.
Fourth, the Philippines has a wellestablished accounting profession and educational system, which aligns with the standards and expectations of the AICPA. Based on my talks with Filipino accountants and professional groups in the USA, the Filipino professionals there are recognized for their competence and accounting knowledge. Fifth, the large number of outsourcing accounting enterprises in the Philippines doing services for American corporations drives the demand for hiring more AICPA accountants. Sixth, this attests to the continued warming of the Philippines-USA relationship resulting from the diplomacy moves of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Perhaps, the last one may not be a primary reason for the selection of the Philippines as a testing site. Starting July 1, 2024, CPA candidates in the Philippines can register for the AICPA exam to be administered in the Philippines. The Prometric testing centers were established in three locations: two in Manila and one in Cebu City. Information on the testing and results release dates are available on the Prometric, NASBA, and AICPA websites. There are several advantages arising from this inclusion of the Philippines as an AICPA examination site. Aside from the positive messages mentioned, there will be
words,” Musk wrote. A self-declared free speech absolutist, Musk stripped the company of much of its content-moderating infrastructure and personnel since purchasing it in 2022. The company mostly relies on X users to police content for misinformation through Community Notes, a feature that adds labels to posts when users find them misleading.
Musk often uses his platform to rebut critics and chide world
ANIM: The Lost Sheep–Ikalawang bahagi
Sadditional investment and business activities arising from this development. The economic impact of the operations of the testing centers, the inflow of foreign candidates taking the examinations in the Philippines, and the opening of services, including the offering of AICPA examination review classes, are just some of the benefits and outcomes.
I also believe that the quality level of accounting education and the Philippine CPA licensure examinations will further be enhanced to meet the requirements of global accounting standards. I understand that the BOA has started the evaluation of the structure of the licensure examinations towards incorporating the best features of the AICPA Evolution examinations. The accounting schools and the National Association of CPAs in Education have been reviewing the contents and delivery method of accounting courses.
This expansion also allows Filipino candidates to take the AICPA exam locally without the need to travel to and stay in the United States. This will make it more convenient and less costly for those interested in pursuing their American accounting dream.
What about the downside of all of these? Will these result in adversely affecting the continuing decline in those taking the Philippine CPA licensure examinations? Will these result in the migration of more and more Filipinos abroad to work as AICPA accountants? Will these add to the woes of the declining number of accountants to hire by auditing firms and business enterprises?
I look at the positive side of whatever negative impact that may result from all of these. I am certain that the adverse effects that may arise will be mitigated by the proper response of the accounting regulators and the other stakeholders of the profession and industry.
In the end, a better and more progressive Philippine CPA will emerge.
To be continued
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held the various positions of Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He is now back to his tax and consultancy practice and can be contacted at joeltantorress@yahoo.com and his firm JL2T Consulting.
leaders, including Brazil First Lady Rosangela da Silva, whose X page was allegedly hacked last year. And the clash with authorities has won Musk praise within Brazil’s conservative circles, which have long accused the judiciary of attacking their cause.
If maintained, the judicial ban risks depriving X of one of its largest markets outside the US. It strips thousands of candidates of popular campaign tool ahead of local elections taking place in October across more than 5,000 Brazilian municipalities. With assistance from Beatriz Amat and Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg
Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.
THE PATRIOT
ymptomS of brokenness, perennial frustrations, and an escalation of corruption became the clarion call for a people’s movement to rise up and take action. A weekend ago ushered in the launch of “ANIm (or Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang mamamayan) whose founders and members asserted an overture to combat the dual ills of philippine society namely, corruption and political dynasty. Not to be considered as just one among the many that tried (and died) in the past, this lobby group appears to be bent on succeeding with its advocacies by activating each and every Filipino into placing their imprimaturs on a collective manuscript for change.
Remarkably, military officers surfacing from their retirement visibly comprise the affiliation of ANIM. Representatives from the women’s groups, religious leaders, businessmen, the youth and other civic organizations also marked their consensus. It may be prudent to say that when uniformed men and women impel the impetus for change, there is a high probability of positive response from the ones prodded. The likes of retired Philippine Air Force colonel and 2010 senatorial candidate Hector Tarrazona, who co-founded the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) together with former Senator Gregorio Honasan, fall within such category. For while his coups d’etat were unsuccessful, it cannot be gainsaid that Col. Tarrazona managed to entice a few followers among the finest officers of the armed forces in believing in his cause. Now, Col. Tarrazona, or Tarzan to my late father, has enticed a few good and God-fearing men to join the Love Movement Philippines, a topic for succeeding columns.
Speaking of staunch supporters, this country has seen and continues to attest to the reverberation of intransigent adherents to both the cause and the proponent. ANIM may very well take note of the many colors of these followers, if only to ensure that its kite of activism can indeed take off. Long have we waited in anticipation how the legal spectacle involving fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy will be concluded.
Yet we have equally wondered in astonishment just how many members (called “children”) he has enticed to join his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). From Davao City, to neighboring Asian countries, and to the United States of America, men, women and children have mushroomed into turning their “kingdom” short of a phenomenon. Reports abound allegedly indicating forcible solicitations of money, domestic servitude, physical and sexual abuse, and human trafficking. But, the controversial leader has yet to submit himself for accountability, unless with conditions. I think if Pastor Quiboloy is truly a follower of Jesus Christ, he should follow Christ’s example of facing his “persecutors,” squarely and without fear. But, as Quiboloy’s affluence and connections grew, many of his kingdom followers remained in constant fear while some, perhaps, in sad confusion.
Yes, fear and confusion spell anxiety or panic instead of confidence and faith. Ostensibly, KOJC believers acquiesced to a teaching of punishment and condemnation vis-à-vis good works. It was reported by witnesses (ex-“kingdom members”) that in 1991, Quiboloy claimed that the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo signaled the Second Coming, thus his followers were made to leave school, their families, and join the ministry. Members of the church likewise became the captive market for Quiboloy parapherna-
Decidedly, membership in any organization is as much a crucial factor as its leadership. One lost sheep can spell destruction. We can actually revert to a verse in the Holy Book (the Bible) that speaks directly and enormously with the truth at hand. In Luke 15:3-7, we read about the parable of the lost sheep.
lia: photographs, handkerchiefs with the preacher’s name embroidered on it, scented oils, prayer booklets, among others. These items were marketed as retaining unearthly powers for healing, safety and prosperity. And as more members of the “church” consume these articles short of fanaticism, enticing as well other people from beyond their “kingdom” to purchase the same, the lesser their anxiety for persecution and banishment. Or so they believe.
Sociologist and Ateneo de Manila professor Jayeel Cornelio said that this fabric of creed, conviction and cohesiveness is amplified when the church is stricter using its standards. From a sociological perspective, the bond of church members becomes stronger when stricter rules are enforced. Members are drawn closer when faced with more daunting challenges. However which way they perceive themselves in relation to the whole dictates their perspective. Inevitably, when members of the KOJC and other organizations practice condemnation, they go off course, lost and bemused. I was taught that any person who pursues a ministry of condemnation makes him a lost sheep. Decidedly, membership in any organization is as much a crucial factor as its leadership. One lost sheep can spell destruction. We can actually revert to a verse in the Holy Book (the Bible) that speaks directly and enormously with the truth at hand. In Luke 15:3-7, we read about the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus asks that supposing one loses one sheep from a hundred, “doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes
home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
In Luke’s gospel, the Pharisees and teachers of the law did not like the fact that Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners. Against this backdrop, we see the loving heart of God in including even those outside the fold as part of His flock. The tax collectors and sinners are the Lost Sheep in that parable. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, taught the hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the law that leaders and Jesus followers should equally care for those outside the fold.
This backdrop now poses the ultimate challenge for ANIM: Finding those who are “lost”—the unconvinced, the passive, the lethargic, the uncertain, the critic—and encouraging them to join and be active in a worthy cause for the nation. And the best way to find them and convince them is to go around the country and serve as models of a Good Shepherd. After all, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ). ANIM is not sailing thru uncharted waters for many groups like them have gone before them and, unfortunately, failed. But if armed with the power of love for others, especially for those lost sheep, ANIM be different from the rest. Such power of God’s love comes when ANIM invites God’s presence in the organization, not because of religion, which can potentially divide, but because of what the Preamble in the 1987 Constitution tells every Filipino to do—implore the aid of Almighty God.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.
How to reduce your exposure to microplastics
By Matthew Griffin
mICroplAStICS are everywhere. these small plastic particles—often smaller than the width of a human hair—have been found in the food we eat, the liquids we drink and throughout the human body, including in lungs, brains, blood and breast milk.
While researchers are still determining the exact impacts on human health, microplastics (and their tinier variant, nanoplastics) pose a dual threat. The particles themselves can cause harm, as can the chemicals they contain. One recent study linked plastics in blood-vessel plaque to the risk of heart attack, stroke or death from any cause. Other research has found plastic exposure may increase the risk of cancer, Parkinson’s disease and male infertility.
Plastic’s ubiquity means that avoiding it entirely is impossible. However, there are steps you can take to minimize its presence.
“I certainly understand, and everyone understands, that plastic is a really important part of our society. But there are some direct exposures that we can reduce,” says Sheela Sathyanarayana, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington who studies chemicals in plastics that affect the endocrine system.
Use less plastic, full stop SOME microplastic exposure comes from the environment: Airborne particles enter the body when we breathe, for example, while plastics in bodies of water build up in seafood. But other sources are closer to home. Sathyanarayana says the “easiest low-hanging fruit” for limiting exposure is to cut down on how much plastic you use. Simple steps, such as switching
from bottled to tap water, make a difference. A one-liter bottle of water contains an average of 240,000 plastic fragments, according to a study. Earlier research estimated that an average American drinking tap water instead of bottled water would consume dramatically fewer plastic particles.
Keep plastics out of the kitchen IT isn’t just bottled water. Food storage containers, cutting boards and many other kitchen goods are often made of or include plastic. Even tea bags can be made of materials that contain plastic, says Mark Wiesner, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University who studies how plastics break down.
Fortunately, many of those same kitchen items also come in glass or stainless steel, while wood cutting boards can take the place of plastic ones. Making the switch is especially important for heat exposure, which can cause plastics to break down more quickly.
“Absolutely, absolutely don’t microwave food in plastic,” says Gillian Goddard, an endocrinologist in New York who writes for Parentdata, which provides information about pregnancy, parenthood and perimenopause. Tempered glass such as Pyrex is a good alternative for warming food.
When you do use plastic items, Goddard recommends washing
While researchers are still determining the exact impacts on human health, microplastics (and their tinier variant, nanoplastics) pose a dual threat. The particles themselves can cause harm, as can the chemicals they contain. One recent study linked plastics in blood-vessel plaque to the risk of heart attack, stroke or death from any cause. Other research has found plastic exposure may increase the risk of cancer, Parkinson’s disease and male infertility.
them by hand—heat and abrasion from a dishwasher can spread particles to other dishes—and tossing or repurposing them once they become scratched. She also advises never reusing single-use plastics, such as bags and takeout containers, for food storage.
Choose clothes made of natural fibers
TE XTILES made of synthetic fibers are a frequent and often-forgotten source of microplastic exposure, particularly when they’re washed or dried. Plastic-free alternatives include natural fibers such as wool, cotton and linen.
When washing synthetic fabrics is unavoidable, there are some ways to minimize harm to the environment, including washing full loads, using cold water and air-drying as much as possible.
Keep your air clean
PL ASTIC particles often end up in the air—when they’re thrown off by tires, for example, or launched from
bubbles on the surface of the ocean. If you’re walking around outdoors, a high-quality face mask may be your best bet for minimizing intake. At home, though, you can install a HEPA air filter to keep your air clean. The filters catch many particles, though the smallest may slip through. Sathyanarayana also recommends that people take their shoes off in their homes to limit dust recirculating.
Imperfect solutions
BECAUSE plastic is everywhere, no individual steps will get it out of your life entirely. Goddard says it’s hard to even know how much the existing guidance tempers harm: Plastic exposure is so ubiquitous that it’s difficult to find control groups for experiments. But small steps can’t hurt, and reducing reliance on plastic has a positive impact on the environment overall. “If you can do those simple t hings without a massive disruption to your life, you’re probably doing something beneficial,” Goddard says. Mitigating exposure to plastic is particularly important for people who are already more vulnerable to health impacts, Sathyanarayana says, including children and pregnant women.
But making real headway against the world’s plastic problem will ultimately require systemic solutions, and both Goddard and Sathyanarayana are eager to see governments step up. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is working on what could become a legally binding treaty on plastics, but countries remain divided on its scope—particularly any provision that would call for less plastic production. Bloomberg
Monday, September 2, 2024
NG
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE national government racked up P1.759 trillion in domestic and foreign borrowings from January to July 2024 to address the state’s budgetary needs.
L atest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the state’s gross borrowings rose by 15.49 percent in the seven-month period to P1.759 trillion compared to the P1.523 trillion raised in the same period a year ago.
T he bulk, or 84.34 percent of the total gross borrowings, came from the domestic debt market, reaching P1.484 trillion as of end-July 2024. Gross domestic borrowings from January to July 2024 expanded by 30.69 percent
Brick-and-mortar retail bloc wants level playing field with online stores
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
RICK-AND-MORTAR re -
Btailers are calling on the government to track the transactions of online retailers in order to present more accurate data to the public and to level the playing field among Philippine retailers, according to the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).
PRA President Roberto S. Claudio Sr. told reporters on the sidelines of the recent National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) 2024 that the unmonitored transactions of online retailers are messing up the statistics in relation to the share of the retail sector in the gross domestic product (GDP).
Th is, he noted, after he explained the growth trend of the retail sector in the post-pandemic era or from 2022 to 2024, which he said is the same period that saw a boom in online transactions in the country.
“Confusion over the figures is the effect of online transactions which is not being monitored, which no government agency is monitoring,” Claudio told reporters, speaking partly in Filipino.
T he head of the Philippine retailers’ organization said a lot of brick-and-mortar fashion brands are complaining about losing a lot after some online fashion brands penetrated the Philippine retail landscape.
Yes there was a drop…it shows in the figures. But where did it go? I think [it’s not a] drop. Drop to the brick-and-mortar but the sales went to online,” added Claudio.
“ Nobody is tracking online transactions. I have been challenging the DOF, BIR, don’t you have figures as to how much you’re collecting from online players?” he said.
C laudio aired the brick-andmortar retailers’ concern as he cited Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data which noted that Household Final Consumption Expenditure declined by 0.1 percent in the 2nd quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter.
P SA data showed the top contributors to the decline were Restaurants and hotels; Health; and Clothing and footwear.
Partly to blame in the slight drop,Claudio noted. however, was the weather. He said, “We retailers, we blame the weather in the second quarter of 2024. So people did not go out to eat. There were days when three or four typhoons
entered the country and disrupted consumption patterns,” adding that this is just one of the factors that contributed to the decline in the retail sector’s growth.
Further explaining the key data trends in the retail sector tracing back to the time when the country started to jumpstart the economy after the pandemic, the PRA chief said, “Second, there was also the euphoria in 2023 when so many things started to open, so [there was a] buying spree. It spiked in 2023 because everybody got excited.”
“ So there was a shopping surge on the 2nd quarter. So if you’re comparing 2nd quarter 2023 and 2nd quarter 2024 yes there may have been a slight drop in 2024 because of the 2nd quarter,” he noted.
A s to the performance of the retail sector in the first quarter of the year, Claudio said this part of the year is usually affected by “exhaustion from shopping” because spending during the Christmas season or the last quarter in a year is usually high.
Nonetheless, Claudio said the local retail industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP is seen to move up to 20 percent by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
‘The last track that we have is 2022. Retail contributed 18.6 percent to GDP so we feel that maybe by the end of 2024 or early 2025, that should move up to about 20 percent already,” he said.
Still on the matter of leveling the playing field between brickand-mortar retailers and online retailers, Claudio underscored anew the importance of imposing valueadded tax on online transactions.
“Our lament right now is that since online transactions are not imposed VAT and duties, so....what’s happening...is businesses are being taken out of brick-and-mortar stores because they’re moving to online, which we cannot blame because it’s really a consumer benefit: faster, wider selection, more efficient, maybe even lower prices,” the PRA chief said.
C laudio said Philippine retailers have an average annual tax contribution of almost P750 billion to the government. The kinds of taxes included in this figure are value-added tax, income tax, municipal tax, excise tax, among others.
He pointed out that the pandemic hastened the growth of online retailers, shifting the retail scenario as 25 percent of Retail expenditures are already from online.
year-on-year from P1.135 trillion.
B roken down, the state generated P764.207 billion through fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P584.861 billion in retail Treasury bonds and P134.658 billion in net Treasury bills as of end-July 2024.
M eanwhile, the government borrowed P275.475 billion from the external debt market during the seven-month period, 40.80 percent lower than the P387.880 billion in gross foreign borrowings from the same period in 2023. This accounts for 15.66 percent of the state’s total gross borrowings as of end-July 2024.
F oreign borrowings consisted of P115.247 billion raised through the US dollar global bonds sold in the market in May 2024. The government also received P100.498 billion in program loans and P59.730 billion in project loans during the seven-month period.
I n July 2024 alone, the government borrowed P188.651 billion, higher by 42.93 percent than the P131.987 billion raised in the same month last year.
Broken down, the state secured less from foreign lenders in July
2024, down by 165.89 percent to P8.063 billion in project loans compared to last year’s P21.439 billion.
L ocal borrowings grew by 63.43 percent in July 2024 to P180.588 billion from the P110.498 billion raised in July 2023.
F ixed-rate Treasury bonds generated P155 billion while net Treasury bills yielded P25.588 billion for the national government in July 2024.
T he national government’s outstanding debt stood at P15.483 trillion as of end-June 2024. Domestic debt accounted for the bulk of the overall debt at P10.573 trillion or 68.29 percent; while the remaining P4.910 billion came from foreign sources at 31.71 percent.
T he government will borrow P2.570 trillion this year, following a borrowing mix of 75:25, of which P1.923 trillion will be raised domestically while P646.084 billion will come from foreign sources.
T his will push the country’s outstanding debt ballooning to P16.056 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
SPECIAL ECOZONE CREATED IN ILOILO; MALVAR SEZ EXPANDED
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued two proclamations creating a special economic zone (SEZ) in Mandurriao, I loilo City and expanding another in Malvar, Batangas to stimulate economic growth.
T he Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sunday M arcos issued Proclamation No. 668 and 670 on August 27 upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).
Proclamation No. 668 creates and designates a building and the parcels of land where it stands, with an area of 2,334 square meters, as a Special Economic Zone (Information Technology Center), identified as Lot 16-E, Psd-06-069682 and Lot 16-D-1, Psd-06-085931 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Island of Panay.
T he building designated will be known as “The Grid” with a gross floor area of 7,021.88 square meters more or less.
M eanwhile, Proclamation No. 670 designates several parcels of land as an inclusion to the existing Lima Technology Center-Special Economic Zone with an aggregate area of 313,491 square meters.
Proclamation No. 670 includes Lot 2 Pcs-04-004370, Lot 1 Pcs04-004370, Lot 5572 Psc-47, Lot 3 Psu-194217, Lot 2 Psu-194217, Lot
1 Psu-194217 and Lot 5575 Psc-47 into the Lima Technology CenterSpecial Economic Zone. Also identified in the proclamation are Lot 8 Ccs-04-005168-D, Lot1-B Psd-4A-012120, Lot 5496-A Psd -04132073, Lot 1 Psu-185706, Lot 5594-D Psd-041017-057499, and Lot 55 Psd041017-057499 located in Barangay Bagong Pook, Malvar, Batangas. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed the President’s proclamation pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916 or the “Special Economic Zone Act of 1995” as amended by RA No. 8748. T here are a total of 419 economic zones in the country as of A pril 2023, of which 297 are information technology parks or centers, according to Peza. Special economic zones are selected areas with highly developed sites, or that have the potential to be developed into agro-industrial, industrial tourist/recreational, commercial, banking, investment and financial centers. Referred to as “ecozones,” they may include industrial estates, export processing zones, free trade zones and tourist/recreational centers. IT parks, which are specialized hubs for information technology, enjoy all the benefits afforded to special
Apec ministers affirm vow to fight food waste
By Ada Pelonia
INISTERS from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member-economies have affirmed their commitment to food security by combating food loss and waste.
“ Food security has consistently been a top priority in the Philippines, where the prevention and reduction of food loss and waste are crucial,” Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro said
at the recent 9th Apec ministerial meeting in Trujillo, Peru.
R epresenting Agriculture
Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Navarro reiterated the outlook of attendees from the 20 other Apec member-economies.
I n a joint statement, the Apec food security ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030.
This roadmap emphasizes the need for open, fair, transparent, productive, sustainable, resilient,
innovative, and inclusive agrifood systems,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement.
T he officials noted that the APEC Leaders’ 2023 declaration acknowledged the need for tailored approaches to agricultural sustainability rather than a onesize-fits-all solution.
F or the Philippines, Navarro highlighted several ongoing initiatives by the DA. These include developing advanced post-harvest technologies, improved storage facilities,
better packaging solutions, and enhanced distribution systems.
A t the meeting attended by Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra and chaired by Peru’s Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation Angel Manuel Manero Campos, Navarro said these efforts aim to support farmers, fisherfolk, and stakeholders across the food value chain and agroprocessing industry.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Rains fail to dampen power sales of Meralco in August
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
The Manila electric Co. (Meralco) saw its energy sales volume rise by nearly 8 percent year-onyear in August, a company official said over the weekend.
Initial figures showed that the year-to-date sales volume grew at around 7.8 percent or higher, according to Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand Geluz.
“The growth was still robust even with rainy season setting in but not as high as when there was El Niño during the first half,” he said, adding that residential and commercial energy sales continue to be strong while industrial sector maintained a modest growth.
Indicative numbers, he said, pointed to a double-digit growth of more than 11 percent for residential, 8 percent for commercial and 3
percent for industrial. As for customer count, Meralco said it may have added 220,000 new customers. It now has 7.95 million subscribers.
Meralco reported that it sold a record high of over 5,000 gigawatthours last May. Sales volume grew 10 percent year-on-year.
“This is the first time consolidated sales have breached 5,000 gigawatt-hours on a monthly basis,” Geluz had said.
Meralco is expecting full-year core income to hit P43 billion this year, higher than earlier guidance of P40 billion.
“Due to Meralco’s strong opera-
tional and financial performance in the first half of the year, we are prepared to upgrade our initial guidance of P40 billion CCNI [consolidated core net income] to P43 billion CCNI for the full year 2024,” Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said in a statement.
At end-June, Meralco’s CCNI shot up to 21 percent to P23.2 billion from P19.2 billion in the same period last year driven by higher sales volumes of the distribution utility, and increased sales in the second quarter
due to higher availability of power generation plants.
In the first quarter, the company’s capital expenditures reached P9.4 billion, of which P4.99 billion were utilized for distribution networks projects that included new connections, asset renewals, and load growth projects.
Last January, Meralco projected that energy sales volume for this year could grow by 4.5 percent on the back of the continued economic recovery of the Philippines.
NGCP penalized for project delays
ThE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) imposed a P3.5-million penalty against the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for “unjustified delays” in implementing 10 transmission projects.
In its 81-page decision dated June 25, 2024 and promulgated last August 31, NGCP was found liable for violating the directives of the capital expenditure (capex) projects.
According to the agency, there were unjustified delays in the implementation of 10 capex projects, such as the Baloi-Kauswagan-Aurora 230kV Transmission Line Project (Phase 2)-(Kauswagan‐Lala 230kV T/L Project), Pagbilao Eh V Substation Project, Antipolo Eh V Substation Project, Tuy (Calaca)‐Dasmariñas 500kV T/L Project, CebuLapu-Lapu Transmission Project,
“It must be emphasized that this is not an issue of whether or not these capex projects have a rate impact to the consumers because any delay and unrealized capex project is prejudicial to the public,” the ERC decision read.
The regulator said delays in the implementation of any capex project have serious implications on the reliability of the grid and on the ability of the transmission system to absorb new power capacities, ultimately affecting public interest.
“This is especially true for NGCP’s capex projects since [NGCP] serves as the sole concessionaire for the operation of the transmission system in the country. Any inexcusable delay on these projects will have a
far-reaching impact on our nation’s electric power quality, reliability, security and affordability.
The delayed implementation of its capex projects will impact the ability of the grid to absorb new power capacities that will address the growing power demand of communities, businesses and other sectors of society. All these have implications on the rates of electricity and the economy at large,” it added. A separate decision covering the remaining 27 capex projects will be issued separately, added the commission.
For NGCP’s part, the grid’s operator spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza said the company will seek legal remedies available to it under the law. “We are studying the issuance and our legal options under applicable laws, rules and regulations.”
The ERC, however, said any
motion for reconsideration of the decision will not prevent the said decision from becoming executory, unless otherwise ordered by the commission.
NGCP appealed for the prompt resolution of its overdue recoveries that are all tucked in its maximum annual revenue for the 4th and 5th Regulatory Period (RP) petitions that are still pending before the ERC.
MAR refers to the maximum amount that NGCP is allowed to earn annually to recover its operational expenses like operating expenditures and capex, as approved by the ERC in accordance with the rules.
“Our appeal is that aside from the interest of customers, we also hope that they understand the needs of the investors for a fair regulation and recovery for our projects,” Alabanza said. Lenie Lectura
Dell rises on revenue beat fueled by demand for AI servers
DELL Technologies Inc.
shares rose after the company reported better-thanexpected revenue due to an increase in the sales of servers built for handling artificial intelligence workloads.
Orders of AI-optimized servers were $3.2 billion in the fiscal second quarter, up from $2.6 billion in the previous period, Dell said Thursday in a statement. The sales backlog for the equipment was $3.8 billion, with the pipeline of deals “several multiples” of that, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Clarke said in the statement.
Revenue jumped 9 percent to $25 billion in the period ended Aug. 2. Analysts, on average, estimated $24.5 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales in the unit containing servers was $11.6 billion, compared with the average projection of $10.9 billion. The shares rose as much as 4.2 percent after trading opened in New York on Friday. The stock had jumped 45 percent this year through Thursday’s close.
The Texas-based hardware technology company has enjoyed
a renaissance of investor interest over the past year due to its highpowered AI servers. Still, there is increasing concern about the profitability of the equipment sold by Dell and peers like Super Micro Computer Inc., and he wlett Packard Enterprise Co. because it needs expensive computer chips made by companies like Nvidia Corp. Most AI server business is with smaller cloud service providers, but enterprises and governments are an emerging opportunity, Clarke said on
a conference call with analysts after the results. In the fiscal third quarter, Dell expects sales of about $24.5 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Profit in the reported quarter, excluding some items, was $1.89 a share, while analysts expected $1.71. Operating margin for Dell’s business unit containing servers and other infrastructure was 11 percent, a step up from 8 percent in the prior quarter and ahead of the average analyst estimate of 10.7 percent. That improved figure
By Reine Juvierre Alberto
P“should lessen AI-server margin concerns,” wrote Woo Jin ho, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Still, margins were negatively impacted by a higher mix of AI servers and a more-competitive pricing environment, Chief Financial Officer Yvonne McGill said on the call. For its better-known business of selling personal computers, Dell reported $12.4 billion in revenue, down 4 percent from the same period a year earlier and slightly missing estimates. Sales of business PCs were little changed while revenue from consumer-oriented PCs declined 22 percent from a year earlier. The results contrasted with rival h P Inc., which on Wednesday reported its enterprise PC sales gained 8 percent in the quarter. The PC market has seen a historic decline over the last two years after many consumers, businesses and schools purchased laptops in the early months of the pandemic. A longawaited rebound began to materialize this year. In the second quarter, industrywide shipments picked up 3 percent—the second increase since the end of 2021—research firm IDC said in July. Bloomberg News
OWER distributor Romblon Electric Cooperative Inc. (Romelco) was granted a 25year legislative franchise by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to supply power to three island municipalities in the province of Romblon.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 12020 last August 20, granting Romelco a 25-year franchise to “construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage and maintain in the public interest and for commercial purposes, a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in the municipalities of Banton, Corcuera, and Concepcion, Province of Romblon.”
Romelco will supply electricity to its captive market “in the least costly manner” and charge “reasonable and just” power rates for its services to all types of consumers within its franchised areas for businesses and industries to be able to compete.
“The Grantee shall have the obligation to provide open and nondiscriminatory access to its distribution system and services for any end-user within its franchise area,” RA 12020 read.
Romelco is also mandated to operate and maintain all electric distribution facilities and systems “in a superior manner” at all times.
The retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power will be regulated by and subject to
GLOBAL automotive brands
Omoda and JAECOO announced the arrival of Omoda vehicles, including an electric vehicle model, in the Philippines.
Omoda and JAECOO Motor Philippines Inc. said the first car shipment includes Omoda 5, the brand’s “crossover intelligent SUV that can accelerate from 0-100km/ h in just 7.8 seconds and features an ‘Art in Motion’ design with a seamless matrix grille, 18-inch pure black wheels, and a dynamic fastback profile.”
Another model that was shipped by the car player is the Omoda E5 which is the brand’s first electric vehicle equipped with NCM lithium battery that has an “efficient energy system” as it can speed up charging from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 28 minutes, the automotive brand noted.
“E5 features a 61kWh large-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a maximum range of 430km on a full charge and a comprehensive energy consumption of 15.5 kWh per hundred kilometers,” the company said in a statement.
According to the global car
the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) or its legal successor.
Romelco is also given authority to modify, improve and change the facilities and systems “in such manner and to such extent as the progress in science and technology and improvements or innovations in the electric power services may render reasonable and proper” upon approval by energy bodies such as the ERC, Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), which have jurisdiction over its operations.
To further ensure the promotion of consumer interest, Romelco is mandated to establish a consumer desk to handle consumer complaints. It will also create employment opportunities for local residents and allow on-the-job training in their franchise operation.
Romelco must submit an annual report to Congress on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations on or before April 30. Failure to do so will make the cooperative liable to a fine of P500 per working day to be collected by the ERC.
brands, the Omoda 5 and Omoda E5 will be available in Omoda and JAECOO dealerships which are scheduled to open in September to November this year. These dealerships are in Alabang, Pasig, Manila, Quezon City, Ortigas, Calamba, and Iloilo. In the meantime, the car player said interested buyers can test-drive and pre-order the cars through mall displaces in SM Aura Premier, Ayala Mall Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, Ayala Malls Glorieta, Evia Lifestyle Center, and Ayala Alabang Town Center, starting mid-September.
Marco Chen, Country Director of Omoda and JAECOO Motor, said other Omoda and JAECOO cars will also be shipped to the Philippines. The arrival date and pricing of these models will be announced soon.
“The arrival of these vehicles is the first step in solidifying the presence of Omoda and JAECOO in the Philippine market. The Omoda 5 and Omoda E5 aim to give Filipinos a taste of automotive engineering that’s unique to Omoda and JAECOO,” Chen said in a statement. Andrea E. San Juan
Dell Technologies headquarters in Round Rock, Texas. BloomBerg
Banking&Finance
BIR releases guidelines to dispose seized goods
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
AS the government intensified enforcement operations against the illicit trade of excise-taxed items, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released new guidelines for the disposal of seized goods.
Internal Revenue Commissioner
Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) 332024 last Friday as the agency ramps up operations against the illicit trade of cigarettes, vape, perfumes and toilet waters, sweetened beverages, and other locally-manufactured and imported articles subject to excise tax congesting offices, facilities and premises used for storage.
Lumagui said the BIR issued the RMO to adopt and implement uniform guidelines and procedures on the “Modes of Disposition of Seized/ Forfeited Articles” pursuant to Revenue Regulation 14-2024.
Non-essential goods such as, but not limited to: perfumes and toilet waters; jewelry; yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports; manufactured oils and other fuels; and, automobiles and mineral products will be disposed of through public auction or negotiated or private sale.
The BIR said all proceeds from the public auction, after the deduction of taxes, storage expenses and other obligations shall be deposited in the Forfeiture Fund, which will facilitate the BIR’s disposition proceedings and enhance investigation and enforcement capabilities.
If the non-essential goods remained unsold after two failed public auctions, they may be sold through negotiated or private sale, subject to prior approval of the Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF).
For personal properties, the above requirements can be dispensed with for purposes of entering into a negotiated or private sale of seized/ forfeited items.
Meanwhile, automobiles that remained unsold after at least two public auctions and are suitable for offocial use may be declared by the Internal Revenue Commissioner for official use of the BIR, subject to the approval of the DOF chief, to promote intensive tax collection.
Seized automobiles may also be donated to another government agency after the Finance Secretary’s approval, if they remain unsold after at least two public auctions and are unsuitable for official use of the BIR, upon the recommendation of the Internal Revenue Commissioner.
Moreover, goods injurious to public health, such as tobacco and vapor products, alcoholic products, and sweetened beverages; including machinery and equipment used for their production; and all other items subject to excise tax manufactured in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code), as well as dyes for the imitation, printing, or making of internal revenue stamps and labels, will be destroyed.
The seized/forfeited articles subject for destruction shall not be destroyed until at least 20 days after seizure.
All other seized/forfeited items in violation of the Tax Code and raw materials used for the producton of items for destruction, will be decided by the CIR, upon the recommendation of the Disposition Committee.
The Disposition Committee shall ensure that the manner of all modes of disposition is compliant with all environmental laws, rules and regulations, the BIR added.
Hunt for Fed-pivot winners sparks rush to Asian nations
GLOBAL investors are boosting exposure to Indonesia and Malaysia on bets the two markets will benefit more than their developing-nation peers as the Federal Reserve looks set to embark on monetary easing.
Sound fiscal policies and focus on new technology sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers are among factors attracting funds to the two Southeast Asian markets, which have long been overshadowed by bigger rivals India and China. Conviction is growing that their relatively light foreign positioning and reasonable valuations will lure more flows from overseas.
“Indonesia and Malaysia will benefit more from their responsible fiscal behavior, which is the thing you need because the Fed pivot in theory is a boon for the entire emerging-market universe,” said John Lin, a portfolio manager at AllianceBernstein in Singapore, whose emerging-market fund has added to both markets this year at the expense of India.
For August, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have been the only countries in Asia to see overseas inflows into stocks on a net basis, according to the latest data compiled by Bloomberg.
Global funds bought $1.8 billion of Indonesian shares, the most since April 2022, adding to purchases in July. That’s helped the benchmark Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index hit successive record highs in recent days. Bond flows into Indonesia were set to be the highest since January 2023, as per data through August 28.
Expectations are growing that as concerns about the rupiah’s weakness abate, Indonesia’s central bank will have the scope to ease monetary policy after a surprise interest-rate hike in April. The incoming government’s pledge to maintain fiscal discipline and the country’s role in the global electric vehicle and battery supply chains are also factors keeping traders interested. At $491 million, foreign buy-
Hot money inflows breach $1B mark, highest since ’22
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
HOT money inflows breached a billion dollars for the first time in two years, according to the latest data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Net inflows of foreign investments registered with the BSP, through authorized agent banks, reached $1.383 billion in July 2024.
This was the highest since the $1.41 billion posted in April 2022. The figure for July is also a reversal from the $27.26 million net outflows posted in June this year.
“The $1.383 billion net inflows for July 2024 were larger than the $961.58 million net inflows recorded
for the same period a year ago,” according to the central bank.
In January to July 2024, the BSP recorded net inflows of $1.46 billion, larger by $1.31 billion or 830.7 percent than the $157.3 million net inflows noted for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, in July this year, net inflows resulted from the $2.43 billion gross inflows and the gross outflows of $1.05 billion for the month.
ing of Malaysian stocks this month through Aug. 29 is set to be the highest since March 2022. The nation has seen two quarters of blowout economic growth, aided by investments in the tech and artificial intelligence-driven data centers. The country’s position as a chip-testing hub has helped draw billions of dollars in infrastructure spending from the likes of Microsoft Corp., Nvidia Corp. and Alphabet Inc.
“Malaysia is looking more interesting than it has in a long time,” said Vivian Lin Thurston, a fund manager at William Blair Investment Management in Chicago. “A couple of our EM strategies have started to invest in Malaysia in recent times in light of the country’s economic improvement and growth of data centers. We hope to broaden the exposure to other strategies.”
To be sure, there are risks too.
Investors continue to scrutinize the leadership transition in Indonesia as they seek policy continuity under the incoming administration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto. For Malaysia, any rapid unwinding of the artificial intelligence trade—like the one seen in early August—could spark volatility. The US election also remains a broad overhang for Asian assets, with any escalation of geopolitical and trade tensions likely to weigh on sentiment.
For now though, optimism is running high, even among sell-side strategists. Nomura Holdings Inc. this week upgraded equities in both Indonesia and Malaysia citing solid macro fundamentals, while HSBC Holdings Plc noted that Indonesian stocks have started commanding a bigger heft in the portfolios of Asian funds.
The Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah are among August’s top three gainers against the dollar in a basket of more than 20 developingnation currencies. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said this month that the time has come to cut its key policy rate, affirming expectations that officials will begin lowering borrowing costs from September. Bloomberg News
showed these outflows were
by $20.59 million or 1.9 percent compared to $1.07 billion posted in the same period last year. “The US remains to be the top destination of outflows, receiving $475.35 million—or 45.3 percent— of total outward remittances,” BSP said. BSP noted that the registration of inward foreign investments delegated to authorized agent banks by the BSP is optional under the rules on foreign exchange transactions. These investments refer to PSElisted securities; peso-denominat-
Treasuries end-Aug slide as gradual Fed cuts seen
US Treasury yields rose last Friday as inflation data reinforced the outlook for a less-aggressive pace of Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts starting next month and investors anticipated an increase in global bond supply.
Most yields reached their highest levels in more than a week in US late-afternoon trading as focus increasingly shifted from the day’s economic data to the outlook for heavy supply of new corporate and European government debt. Longmaturity yields rose the most, with the 30-year climbing as much as 8 basis points to 4.23 percent and approaching its highest level relative to the five-year since 2022. The 10year yield nearly exceeded the twoyear for only the second time in the past two years.
Earlier in the day, short-dated Treasuries saw the biggest yield increases after the inflation gauges embedded in July personal income and spending data rose in line with economist estimates. The data chipped away at expectations the Fed would cut rates by more than a quarter point
initially. Focus then shifted to next week’s pivotal August labor-market data and an expected slew of new corporate bond offerings.
“We are in a watching-and-waiting period” for employment data “that won’t be enough to push the Fed into a fifty-basis-points cut,” said Padhraic Garvey, head of global debt and rates strategy at ING Financial Markets. “But big picture, Treasuries have had a decent run over the last few months.”
The rise in yields left intact the steep gains the world’s biggest bond market has accumulated in August as Fed policymakers indicated a September rate cut is likely. Swap contracts fully price in a quarter-point move and about 20 percent odds of the half-point cut forecast by at least two large US banks. They continue to almost fully price in a half-point rate cut at some point this year, anticipating cumulative easing of almost 100 basis points over the Fed’s three remaining policy meetings.
“Consumer spending continues to surprisingly exceed all expectations, a clear indication that the economy
continues to be in good shape with solid above-trend growth,” said Olu Sonola, head of US economic research at Fitch Ratings. “A 25-basis-point interest-rate cut is pretty much set in stone in September, but the Fed will still hope the jobs report next week does nothing to pile on the pressure for a 50-basis-point cut.”
At the annual Jackson Hole symposium last week, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said “the time has come for policy to adjust,” marking a turning point in the central bank’s battle against inflation. The Fed has maintained a target range of 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent for the benchmark rate since July 2023. Friday’s flows probably included ones tied to corporate bond offerings anticipated for next week. September is historically a heavy month for new corporate bond sales, concentrated in the several days after Labor Day. Also, Friday’s month-end bond index changes, which took effect at 4 p.m. New York time, were accompanied by the heaviest Treasury futures volumes of the day, and coincided with session low prices.
“There is a bunch of supply next week out of US and Europe expected, and the afternoon rise in yields is related to hedging ahead of this,” said Thomas di Galoma, head of fixedincome trading at Curvature Securities. “There’s also likely duration position adjustments taking place related to month-end.”
Fixed-income strategists at JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimate that euro-zone government net bond supply will total nearly €26 billion next week.
The month-end rebalancing of bond indexes to incorporate new debt created during the month drives buying by passive funds in particular which can move the market in either direction depending on how accurately sellers have estimated demand.
US government debt is set for a fourth-straight month of gains, the best streak in three years. Through Aug. 29 it gained 1.54 percent for a 2.87 percent year-to-date return as measured by the Bloomberg US Treasury Total Return Index. Bloomberg News
Inflation eases in US, Europe, low interest rates seen
INFLATION cooled in the US and Europe, setting the stage for policymakers in both regions to lower interest rates in September.
On a three-month annualized basis, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying US inflation advanced 1.7 percent in July, the slowest this year. In Europe, consumer prices rose 2.2 percent in August from a year ago—the tamest since mid2021 and significantly lower than the 2.6 percent pace a month earlier.
Meantime, inflation in Tokyo—a leading indicator of the national data due in September—picked up speed in August, supporting the case for the Bank of Japan to continue raising rates at a gradual pace as the bank balances the need to support the economy. Here are some of the charts that appeared on Bloomberg this week on the latest developments in the global economy, markets and geopolitics:
US
THE Fed’s preferred measure of underlying US inflation rose at a mild pace and household spending picked up in July, reinforcing policymakers’ plan to start cutting interest rates next month. However, more sluggish income growth and a decline in the saving rate may raise questions about the durability of consumer spending going forward.
From LA to Chicago and Boston, aging business districts are contending with empty offices and a slow return of workers, while neighborhoods just miles or even blocks away
are faring better—or even thriving. Such disparities are unfolding across the US, exposing deep divides in the commercial real estate market and the recovery of cities after the pandemic. Americans are seeking to change their insurance coverage more frequently than in the past, after a surge in premiums that’s squeezed household budgets, a new industry report shows. While the overall cost of living has climbed some 20 percent since the start of the pandemic in 2020, auto insurance bills have jumped by almost 50 percent.
Europe
THE positive inflation news will help sustain the upbeat mood evident at the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole gathering last week, with Chair Jerome Powell joining ECB and the
Bank of England officials in firmly signaling that rates are headed down. UK house prices fell unexpectedly in August, a sign affordability remained stretched even after the Bank of England eased borrowing costs, according to one of the top mortgage lenders.
Asia
CONSUMER prices excluding fresh food rose 2.4 percent in Tokyo, an acceleration from 2.2 percent growth in July, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. After the BOJ’s July 31 interest-rate hike, Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated his intention to raise the benchmark rate again if price trends develop in line with the bank’s projections.
China is asking domestic traders to buy less foreign grains as ample
supplies and weaker-than-expected demand weigh on prices and threaten its longstanding policy to support local growers. China is the world’s biggest buyer of barley and sorghum, and any sustained curbs on imports would deal a blow to farmers in top exporters such as Australia and the US. China’s stock of mortgages contracted to the lowest level in nearly three years, underscoring weak confidence in the property sector that’s weighing on growth. The data comes as officials are considering allowing homeowners to renegotiate terms of their mortgages with their lenders or refinance with a different bank, Bloomberg News reported.
Emerging markets MISSTEPS and inaction from governments, health agencies and the funders of scientific research have created the perfect environment for the mpox virus to mutate into a strain that is spreading more easily between humans. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine—which costs about $100 a shot—and countries like the US having stockpiled millions of doses, Congo has yet to receive any. Zambia’s annual inflation rate rose to a 32-month high in August as an El Niño-induced drought continued to wreak havoc on food prices. The dry spell has complicated efforts by the central bank to return inflation to its 6 percent to 8 percent target band by next year and meant that it’s had to keep its key interest rate higher for longer. Bloomberg News
ShopperS in Georgetown, Washington, DC. CREDIT: PhoTogR aPhER: TIng ShEn/BloomBERg
Why teen girls are using anti-aging products: The hidden dangers of social media-driven beauty trends
By Jocelyn Gecker The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, California—When she was in fifth grade, Scarlett Goddard Strahan started to worry about getting wrinkles.
By the time she turned 10, Scarlett and her friends were spending hours on TikTok and YouTube watching influencers tout products for achieving today’s beauty aesthetic: a dewy, “glowy,” flawless complexion. Scarlett developed an elaborate skin-care routine with facial cleansers, mists, hydrating masks and moisturizers.
One night, Scarlett’s skin began to burn intensely and erupted in blisters. h e avy use of adult-strength products had wreaked havoc on her skin. Months later, patches of tiny bumps remain on Scarlett’s face, and her cheeks turn red in the sun.
“I didn’t want to get wrinkles and look old,” says Scarlett, who recently turned 11. “If I had known my life would be so affected by this, I never would have put these things on my face.”
Scarlett’s experience has become common, experts say, as preteen girls around the country throng beauty stores to buy high-end skin-care products, a trend captured in viral videos with the hashtag #SephoraKids. Girls as young as 8 are turning up at dermatologists’ offices with rashes, chemical burns and other allergic reactions to products not intended for children’s sensitive skin.
“When kids use anti-aging skincare, they can actually cause premature aging, destroy the skin barrier and lead to permanent scarring,” says Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a Scottsdale, Arizona, dermatologist who has posted her own social media videos rebutting influencers’ advice.
More than the physical harm, parents and child psychologists worry about the trend’s effects on girls’ mental health—for years to come. e x tensive data suggests a fixation on appearance can affect self-esteem and body image and fuel anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
The skin-care obsession offers a window into the role social media plays in the lives of today’s youth and how it shapes the ideals and insecurities of girls in particular. Girls are experiencing high levels of sadness and hopelessness. Whether social media exposure causes or simply correlates with mental health problems is up for debate. But to older teens and young adults, it’s clear: e x tended time on social media has been bad for them, period.
Young girls’ fascination with makeup and cosmetics is not new. Neither are kids who hold themselves to idealized beauty standards. What’s different now is the magnitude, says Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens, a nonprofit that studies how digital media impacts child development. In an era of filtered images and artificial intelligence, some of the beautiful faces they encounter aren’t even real.
“Girls are being bombarded with idealized images of beauty that establish a beauty standard that could be very hard—if not impossible—to attain,” Perry says.
Saving allowances for Sephora hauls
The obsession with skin-care is about more than the pursuit of perfect skin, explains 14-year-old Mia h a ll.
It’s about feeling accepted and belonging to a community that has the lifestyle and look you want, says Mia, a New Yorker from the Bronx.
Skin-care was not on Mia’s radar until she started eighth grade last fall. It was a topic of conversation among girls her age—at school and on social media. Girls bonded over their skincare routines.
“ e v eryone was doing it. I felt like it was the only way I could fit in,” says Mia. She started following beauty influencers like Katie Fang and Gianna Christine, who have millions of young followers on TikTok. Some influencers are paid by brands to promote their products, but they don’t always mention that.
Mia got hooked on “Get Ready With Me” videos, where influencers film themselves getting ready — for school, for a night out with friends, packing for a trip. The hashtag #GRWM has over 150 billion views on TikTok.
“It’s like a trance. You can’t stop watching it,” Mia says. “So when they tell me, ‘Go buy this product’ or, ‘I use this and it’s amazing,’ it feels very personal. Getting what they have makes me feel connected to them.”
Mia started saving her $20 weekly allowance for trips with friends to Sephora. h e r daily routine included a face wash, a facial mist, a hydrating serum, a pore-tightening toner, a moisturizer and sunscreen. Most were luxury brands like Glow Recipe, Drunk e l ephant or Caudalie, whose moisturizers can run $70.
“I get really jealous and insecure a lot when I see other girls my age who look very pretty or have an amazing life,” she says.
The level of detail and information girls are getting from beauty tutorials sends a troubling message at a vulnerable age, as girls are going through puberty and searching for their identities, says Charlotte Markey, a body image expert and Rutgers University
psychologist.
“The message to young girls is that, ‘You are a never-ending project to get started on now.’ And essentially: ‘You are not OK the way you are’,”’ says Markey, author of “The Body Image Book for Girls.”
Products promoting youth, purchased by kids
The beauty industry has been cashing in on the trend. Last year, consumers under age 14 drove 49 percent of drug store skin sales, according to a NielsonIQ report that found households with teens and tweens were outspending the average American household
on skin-care. And in the first half of 2024, a third of “prestige” beauty sales, at stores like Sephora, were driven by households with tweens and teens, according to market research firm Circana.
The cosmetics industry has acknowledged certain products aren’t suitable for children but has done little to stop kids from buying them. Drunk e l ephant’s website, for example, recommends kids 12 and under should not use their anti-aging serums, lotions and scrubs “due to their very active nature.” That guidance is on the site’s FAQ page; there are no such warnings on the products themselves.
declined to comment for this story.
Ingredients like retinol and chemical exfoliants like hydroxy acids are inherently harsh. For aging skin, they are used to stimulate collagen and cell production. Young or sensitive skin can react with redness, peeling and burning that can lead to infections, acne and hypersensitivity if used incorrectly, dermatologists say.
Dermatologists agree a child’s face typically needs only three items, all found on drugstore shelves: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen.
A California bill aimed at banning the sale of anti-aging skin-care products to children under age 13 failed this spring, but Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee says he plans to continue pursuing industry accountability. Lee and other critics say popular brands use colorful packaging and product names like “Baby facial” to attract younger buyers in the same way that e-cigarette companies and alcohol brands created fruity flavors that appeal to underage users.
Lee points to e u rope as setting the right example. The e u ropean Union enacted legislation last year that limits the concentration of retinol in all over-the-counter products. And one of Sweden’s leading pharmacy chains, Apotek h j artat, said in March it would stop selling anti-aging skincare products to customers under 15 without parental consent. “This is a way to protect children’s skin health, finances and mental well-being,” the company said.
One mother ‘got rid of them all’ A RO UND the country, concerned mothers are visiting dermatologists with their young daughters, carrying bags filled with their child’s skin-care products to ask: Are these OK?
“Often the mothers are saying exactly what I am but need their child to hear it from an expert,” says Dr. Dendy e n gelman, a Manhattan dermatologist. “They’re like, ‘Maybe she’ll listen to you because she certainly doesn’t listen to me.’”
Mia’s mother, Sandra Gordon, took a different approach. Last spring, she noticed dark patches on Mia’s face and became alarmed. Gordon, a nurse, threw all her daughter’s products into the trash.
“There were Sephora bags on top of bags. Some things were opened, some not opened, some were full. I got rid of them all,” she says. Mia wasn’t happy. But as she starts high school, she now feels her mother was right. She has switched to a simple routine, using just a face wash and moisturizer, and says her complexion has improved.
In Sacramento, California, Scarlett missed early signs the products were hurting her skin: She developed a rash and felt a stinging sensation, within days of trying out viral skincare products. Scarlett figured she wasn’t using enough, so she layered on more. That’s when her cheeks erupted in blistering pain.
“It was late at night. She came running into my room crying. All of her cheeks had been burned,” recalls Anna Goddard, Scarlett’s mother, who hadn’t realized the extent of Scarlett’s skin-care obsession. When Goddard read the ingredients in each product, she was shocked to find retinol in products that appeared to be marketed to children— including a facial sheet mask with a cat’s face on the packaging. What worries her mother most is the psychological consequences. Kids’ comments at school have caused lingering anxiety and self-consciousness.
Sephora
Style
‘Pulang Araw’: How costume design moves the narrative forward
COS AUTUMN WINTER 2024 COLLECTION UNVEILED
THE COS Autumn Winter 2024 campaign echoes the brand’s design ethos, embracing its timeless aesthetic, characterised by innovative design, precise craftsmanship, and unexpected modern touches. The campaign features Academy Award nominee, actor and playwright Colman Domingo, actor Christopher Abbott, and singer Aidan Bissett, alongside model and actor Mariacarla Boscono who closed the brand’s Spring Summer runway in Rome this spring, and fashion model Rianne Van Rompaey. Other campaign stars include models Taemin Park, Dara Gueye, Awar Odhiang, and Chu Wong. Photographed by renowned fashion photographer Karim Sadli in an intimate Milanese studio, the images capture the individuality of each talent while showcasing the collection’s exquisite quality and enduring elegance. Nature continues to inspire a neutral palette enhanced by rich burgundy tones. An exploration of juxtapositions, the campaign merges contrasting styles and silhouettes fluidly. In womenswear, an angular blazer and straight-leg trouser suit sit seamlessly alongside a Responsible Wool Standardcertified hooded top, paired with a voluminous leather skirt. A sculptural checkered jacket in woven leather exhibits a uniquely tactile surface, while effortless, loose-fitting leather, wool, and denim trousers are dressed up with leather shirting or softened by fine knitwear. Leather boots, loafers, or buckled sandals finish each look, complemented by fringed or quilted clutch bags.
The menswear collection features modern twists on traditional styles, including a contemporary wool herringbone coat designed for day-to-evening dressing. Experimental layering highlights innovative and well-proportioned fits, while relaxed, loose-fitting suiting, and textured knitwear contrast with the sharp, clean lines of elegantly tailored shirts. Fluid trousers are worn with oversized leather jackets, while casual denim sets feature statement topstitching. Woven leather accessories, neckties and winter scarves complete menswear looks this season.
PHOTOGRAPHER: KARIM SADLI
STYLIST: JANE HOW HAIR
STYLIST: ANTHONY TURNER
MAKEUP ARTIST: CHRISTELLE COCqUET
THE series Pulang Araw depicts the intertwining and tragic lives of Adelina (Barbie Forteza), Teresita (Sanya Lopez), Hiroshi (David Licauco) and Eduardo (Alden Richards) during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. It also stars Dennis Trillo as Lt. Col. Yuta Saitoh as a Japanese Imperial Army officer.
Produced by the GMA Entertainment Group, it airs on the primetime slot, as well as on Netflix and YouTube. Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Suzette Doctolero, “the characters navigate an intricate web of loyalty, betrayals, sacrifices and resilience amid the backdrop of a war ravaging the country.”
Much has been written about the impressive performances of the main cast and guest characters. But let’s delve into the production aspects of the drama. With considerations for historical accuracy, comfort and climate, the costumes are integral to drive the narrative forward.
CHARACTER STUDIES
IN a video exclusive posted on the GMA website, two of the show’s stylists shared their process: n Margie Sorio—“The main inspiration is the fashions of the 1890s and the 1940s.
Sa mga damit na siussuot nila, may kino-convey po kami na message sa audience na hindi lang namin pinapabihis ’yun kundi meron din kaming kwento sa bawat damit ng mga karakter
“Eduardo, for example, why is he clad in denim materials? Because during the 1890s and 1900s, denim was already used by the laborers. We just added pockets for his pants. That’s to symbolize that he is dependable, that he is a hero that you can rely on and who will fight for you.
“For Hiroshi, because of the internal conflict of his character, on what he should choose between his love for Adelina or his country, paano ko kaya mapapakita na kahit papano nakikita pa rin ’yung Japan, nilalagyan namin sya ng lapel pins na sakura of darker shades. May nilalagay din kami sa panloob na maging vulnerable s’ya Eto po ’yung kwento ng history, isinasabuhay ng mga artista. Kami naman po sa costume team, gusto naman po namin na ’yung mga kwento na nasa libro na ni-research namin, isinasabuhay naman ng bawat artista at bawat karakter na lalabas sa Pulang Araw.
n Janra Roque—“Because of the trading systems between the Philippines and other countries, we took in Western and Japanese influences in our way of dressing.
“Barbie as Adelina, kabisado ko na what works for her body type. We got references from the youth styles of the 1940s like girlier silhouettes, dainty fabrics, embroidered floral motifs. Mahilig si Adelina sa prints. As a character, she is very bubbly. She wants to stand out.
“For Teresita, mas mature and mas sophisticated ’yung styling n’ya. As the older sister, mas may kaya s’ya sa story. We went all out in her accessorizing. She’s always wearing fascinators, gloves and jewelry. Our
inspiration for her are old Hollywood silent movies.
“For Dennis’ character Yuta, we had to do heavy research on the military uniform of the 1940s. We can see him in suits that are Western but it was our decision to play some hints on Oriental fashion. Instead of trench coats, which is very Western, we would place him in kimonos on top of the suits. Our approach with his casual looks are much more sharp—tailored and intimidating—to veer away from the Dennis that we usually see.
“For Julie Ann, who is playing the ‘Queen of Bodabil’ Katy de la Cruz, we took inspiration from existing photos of her. Inspired by the 1920s. Gastbyish.”
PRODUCTION NOTES
HERE, production designer Egay Littau shares some enlightening insights on the making of the acclaimed drama.
n Understanding the director’s vision—“The design process begins with the director presenting his vision for the series. In Pulang Araw, an initial meeting was set with the writers giving an overview of the project. A historical consultant was present to set the parameters of the project and give a glimpse of the time the story was set.
“From those inputs and thorough constant consultation with all the other departments, a unified and cohesive design plan was formed. Once presented and approved, the work on its production and implementation began.”
n On period pieces—“The research was done in all possible forms—reading through hundreds of materials available, talking to those who have experienced World War II, or listening to stories told to them. Watching available videos and films on the subject and the period and going to museums also helped a lot.”
n Challenges and consultations—“The most challenging was recreating sets of buildings or places that no longer exist and setting up locations or areas that are far from the original appearance.
“Everyone and anyone who had something to say or show should be listened to. You just have to use your good judgment to choose what is beneficial and can be used.
“The costume sets the stage for the performance. It helps in making real what is imagined.
“There is a consultant for historical accuracy. However, with the limited resources, I subscribe to my design philosophy that ‘beyond what is correct is what is effective.’” n
Elizabeth Arden celebrates over 100 years of empowering women through beauty
THE beauty brand Elizabeth Arden was founded by Florence Nightingale Graham, also known as Elizabeth N. Graham, an entrepreneur who traveled from rural Canada to New York City and opened her first Red Door salon in 1910.
It is believed that Elizabeth Arden (the person) fought for women’s rights in the 1920s, which is consistent with the brand’s philosophy that “beauty products should not hide imperfections, but rather seamlessly merge science and nature to highlight a woman’s assets.”
Some of Elizabeth Arden’s most popular products
are the Eight Hour Cream, Blue Grass fragrance, and the groundbreaking Ceramide Capsule family. The Eight Hour Cream was created by Elizabeth Arden herself in 1930. Versatile and timeless, it is a legendary product that deserves its reputation as an iconic product. It used to be a versatile cream that could be used on the face, hands, feet and lips but the brand now has a complete line that includes a lip balm and a hand cream.
I am not sure if the Blue Grass scent is still being sold in the Philippines but it’s a spicy floral that smells soft and clean. The top notes are Aldehydes, Lavender, Geranium, Lily, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, and Neroli. The middle notes are Lavender, Carnation, Spices, Clove, Narcissus, Bay Leaf, Jasmine, Tuberose, and Rose. The base notes are Benzoin, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Cedar, and Tonka Bean. Elizabeth Arden’s White Tea fragrances draw inspiration from the simple pleasure of the first sip of tea. Like Blue Grass, these fragrances are simple yet long-lasting. I have the White Tea Eau de Toilette and I have gone through half of it in a month’s time because its fresh scent is perfect for our weather.
Introduced in 1990, the Ceramide Capsules have
bio-engineered ceramides identical to those naturally found in the skin to deliver powerful anti-aging benefits in just a single dose. I always say that if it’s an Elizabeth Arden capsule, it must be good. I don’t just use any retinol but the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum is a staple in my skincare. The Prevage line provides cutting-edge solutions that shield and rejuvenate mature skin, effectively addressing signs of aging and environmental damage. The formula is packed with Idebenone, which is said to be the most powerful antioxidant in skincare. Elizabeth Arden’s products are exclusively available at Rustan’s. To know more about Elizabeth Arden, check their Instagram pages (@elizabetharden, @elizabetharden.ph).
FRAGRANCE REVIEW:
KATE SPADE NEW YORK’S BLOOM
MY colleagues have called Kate Spade New York Bloom the brand’s best fragrance yet but this my first time trying any Kate Spade scent. In this time of niche fragrances, a fruity floral may not be top of mind for fragheads (“those who are interested in different types
of fragrances by enjoying actually sampling them and who value the work and creativity of a perfume maker”) but it is a safe and comfortable choice for the work setting and gifting. The top notes of Kate Spade New York Bloom are Granny Smith apple, Lemon Primofiore, and Sweet Orange. The middle notes are White Camelia, Orange Blossom, and Ylang-Ylang while the base notes are Cedarwood, Cashmeran, and Sandalwood. At initial spray, Bloom smelled like the Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette, which I love. Both are florals that are a bit peppery. Bloom also reminds me of Burberry Blush.
Bloom fades to a clean, fresh, and very girly scent and I imagine the person wearing this to be carrying a pink Kate Spade shoulder bag. The best surprise to me is that Bloom is slightly woody and that is one of my favorite notes. I thought the floral notes would overpower the Cedarwood and Sandalwood but it didn’t. The apple note is strong but not overpowering.
Upon opening, Kate Spade New York Bloom, to me, more floral than fruity.
Kate Spade New York Bloom is available at Rustan’s Beauty Source.
THE impressive cast of the critically acclaimed Netflix and GMA series Pulang Araw: Barbie Forteza (clockwise), Julie Ann San Jose, Sanya Lopez, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards and David Licauco. PHOTOS FROM NETFLIX/ GMA
THE COS Autumn Winter Campaign photographed by Karim Sadli: actor and playwright Colman Domingo.
BusinessMirror Marketing
NavigatiNg the halls of message: how to survive a government communications job
GOVERNMENT communication: a world of bureaucracy, complex messaging, and the constant spotlight. But for those with a knack for clear language, strategic thinking, and a cool head under pressure, it can be a rewarding and impactful career. I recently retired as director of the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a post I assumed in 2016. Here are a few guideposts that helped me to not just survive, but thrive, in the fast-paced world of government communications.
1. Master the art of nuance: Government messaging often walks a tightrope. You need to be transparent and informative, but also mindful of potential sensitivities. Hone your ability to craft clear, concise messages that avoid inflammatory language or misleading information. With confidence that comes with practice, you can welcome every opportunity to fill up with your presence and message any stage thrust upon you: the boardroom, the auditorium, even the ballroom and the karaoke room!
2. Know your audience (and their audiences): Government communications target a vast array of audiences, from the general public to industry experts. Tailor your message to resonate with each group, understanding their information needs and preferred communication channels.
Together with members of the DOST Media Core, we developed the DOST Science Communication Agenda in 2021 to delineate what we should communicate to our various publics: policymakers, the public at large and the media. In 2023 with help from the UPLB College of Development Communication we crafted the Science Communication Framework to guide all our communicators on what to communicate. With these resources, and assessment tools, we can determine how our audiences receive
our messages and grow in awareness of our programs and services. From SWS data we know that the national awareness level of S&T grew from 6 percent in 2017 to 35 percent last year.
3. Befriend the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act): Government transparency is key. Familiarize yourself with FOIA regulations to ensure you’re prepared to handle public information requests efficiently and accurately. We constantly update our Citizens Charter both in our premises as well as our online spaces. For our efforts, DOST-STII received annually since 2017 the FOI compliance certificate and was able to get a Freedom Of Information (FOI) Award from the Presidential Communications Office in 2023.
4. Do not fight City Hall: Government communication thrives on collaboration. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across agencies and departments, and develop positive rapport with media outlets. Effective communication is a two-way street. And in complex organizations such as the DOST with 18 attached agencies, 16 regional offices and 80 provincial offices, communication is full of challenges both internally and externally. No, you never fight City Hall, nor throw Commission on Audit (COA) down the stairs, nor argue with Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Invest personal time to meet with them and, using the art of gentle persuasion backed up by stellar accomplishments of your mandates, your efforts will not go to waste. In fact, by being compliant with DBM requirements we got a 130-percent increase in our budget over the last 8 years, and a 12 percent in our plantilla. We also received highest ratings from COA for 4 years and were able to pay out the PerformanceBased bonus to our employees every year for the past 13 years!
5. Embrace the paper trail: Government processes can be
meticulous. Learn to navigate documentation procedures and record-keeping requirements to ensure clear communication trails and avoid misunderstandings. We learned a lot from our ISO accreditation journey. Tedious at first, we finally got our accreditation in 2018 and everything was much easier since then.
It was also quite tedious to enroll our projects in the National Priority Plan of Neda under which project donors enjoy a tax break equal to the value of their contributions. Two of such projects, STARBOOKS and DOSTv: Science For The People, generated over P30 million in donations over eight years. Thanks to our happy automotive donors we have five new vans, making ours the most modern vehicle fleet in the DOST! Mastering the paper chase has enabled us to win awards including the 2022 CSC Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award National Winner for STARBOOKS, 2023 CSC Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award Regional Category for DOSTv: Science For The People, Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, Philippine Quill Awards, Anak TV Seal Award, Gandingan Awards from the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society, Catholic Mass Media Awards, and Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards, among others.
6. Crisis? Stay calm & collected: Government communication is in the spotlight during crises. Develop a crisis communication plan and practice clear, concise messaging under pressure. Be the steady hand that guides the public through uncertainty.
Identify your spokespersons and train them not to blink in the spotlight, to be confident and authoritative and to be calm despite the storms of public opinion. Again, here practice makes perfect but some planning will help ensure you are not part of the debris after the storm.
7. Enhance your network: Stay up-to-date on current events, government policies, technologies and best practices in communication. This ensures your messages are relevant, timely, and reflect the latest developments. Join professional associations for the latest industry roadmaps and news. I have so much fun working with colleagues from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) who provide many opportunities for learning and exchange as well as for sharing perspectives and inspiration with students and up-coming communication practitioners. They say, enhance your network and increase your net worth!
8. Find your niche: While public service delivery niches are largely defined by agency mandates, government communication jobs offer diverse opportunities. You can explore areas like social media strategy, public affairs, broadcasting, event organizing, or speechwriting. Throw in data science and AI. The list is long. Find your niche and develop expertise to become a valuable asset to your agency and the public.
9. Don’t forget why you’re here: Government communication is about serving the pub -
lic good. Remember the importance of clear, transparent communication in a democracy. Use your skills to bridge the gap between the government and the people it serves. Far too many people are quick to criticize and lambast government programs and policies. The pervading cancel culture does not help, but honest, dedicated public servants and communicators hold up the civil service beacon for all.
By following these tips and guideposts, you can navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of government communications. Remember, clear, strategic communication is essential for a healthy democracy. So, hone your skills, find your voice, and become a champion for informed and engaged citizens.
Why curse the darkness when you can be a source of light?
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premiere association for senior communications professionals around the world. Richard P. Burgos is the director of Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. A seasoned communicator, he has helped build some of the biggest brands in the information technology industry such as IBM, HP and Sun Microsystems.
PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@ gmail.com.
#On ED OST4U: Complex organizations like the DOST need to communicate simple, relatable messages across multiple platforms.
H Ow do you spread innovation to remote areas? Partners help us bring STARBOOKS, our digital S&T library in a box, to 8,000 remote schools in the country.
DOSTv plays up the power of video broadcast to deliver accurate and relevant science and technology news.
COMMU n I CATIng Science For The People has helped raise national awareness of S&T from 6 percent in 2017 to 35 percent last year.
Gawilan gets last chance for medal in Paralympics
in no-tomorrow duel at Big Dome
Atwo nights ago. The Cool Smashers are the favorites with their eight PVL titles, but the Chargers’ fairy-tale run might just skewer history. The Chargers have defied the odds time and again the last time in the semifinals on Saturday night when they outlasted a determined PLDT. The result, however, is under protest and the PVL has yet to announce a decision.
A kari’s unbeaten march to the final of this mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision stands as proof to its resilience and resolve.
We’re ready, we’re hot, we’ve got the energy, let’s see what happens,” said Akari’s powerhouse import, Oly Okaro. The final is set at 6 p.m. with Cignal and PLDT disputing the bronze medal at 4 p.m.
B acked by the firepower of Ivy Lacsina and Grethcel Soltones, the Chargers are firing on all cylinders and are squarely focused on the monumental task.
B ut Creamline is no stranger to pressure especially when the title is on the line.
Erica Staunton, one of the least heralded imports in this conference, is a clutch performer and her 38-point explosion in their comeback win against Cignal in Saturday’s semifinals underscored the Cool Smashers’ readiness to add yet another championship to their collection.
“ I just focused on doing my job and whatever I could do to help the team,” said Staunton, downplaying her performance as merely part of a broader team effort.
C reamline’s journey to its 12th finals appearance has been anything but easy—enduring challenges and absence of key players and an import who initially struggled to mesh with the system. Yet, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses always finds a way.
“ Even though Erica scores 38 points, it’s the players’ individual contribution that’s solid,” he said. “Creamline always thrives in situational plays. I have trust in the team that they would be able to come back.”
B ernadeth Pons, a key figure in Creamline’s semifinal victory, reflected on the team’s resolve.
We don’t give up,” said Pons who delivered the clincher for Creamline in the semifinals.
Saturday’s semifinals were played tightly for five sets—Akari disposing of PLDT, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, and Creamline stopping Cignal, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13.
Tsukii dominant in cage in debut
By Josef Ramos
Junna Tsukii
ILIPINO-JAPANESE
transitioned big time from karate to mixed martial arts (MMA) by overwhelming Ruka Sakamoto in under three minutes at the Deep Summer Festival 2024 in Odaiba on Tokyo Bay in Japan on Sunday.
No title was at stake in the flyweight bout but the Birmingham 2022 World Games gold medalist treated her MMA debut as if a championship was on the line. “ I’m incredibly happy to debut with a great win on such a big tournament,” Tsukii said. “I competed in top karate competitions in the world until January, so I only had a year to prepare myself for MMA.” Tsukii had an illustrious career fighting in women’s kumite of karate at 50 kgs for the country’s colors, clinching a silver medal in the Almaty 2021 Asian
IGIPLUS Interactive Corp.
Djoined the growing list of Carlos Yulo’s benefactors by rewarding the double gold medalist gymnast at the Paris Olympics with a P5 million bonus during the “Astig Ka, Carlos!” held in his honor.
“ I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for celebrating this win with me, and recognizing my perseverance”
Senator Go gives pentathlon major boost with new facility in Ormoc
Because of Caitlin
championships and a Southeast Asian Games gold medal in Philippine 2019, two silvers in Cambodia 2023 and two bronze medals in Kuala Lumpur 2015 and one in Vietnam 2022.
The 32-year-old Tsukii used her mastery of karate to dispose of her 26-year-old fellow Japanese rival, also an MMA first-timer, with rear-naked choke in two minutes and 46 seconds of the first round.
Tsukii opted to turn pro in MMA after competing as a national athlete for the Philippines for seven years.
I want to fight in the cage and because there is no karate in the Olympics in the future, I want to compete professionally in MMA,” she said. “This is for my Filipino and Japanese supporters.”
Tsukii is the daughter of,Lilia Villanueva, formerly from Pasay City, Shin, who is also her coach.
said Yulo during the event held over the weekend at at Cinema 11 of the Gateway Mall 2 of Araneta City in Quezon City.
D igiPlus, through sports betting arm Arena Plus, gave Yulo a welldeserved tribute.
“Carlos’s victories at the Paris Olympics are not just personal triumphs, they are a beacon of hope and possibility
ORMOC City now has a modern pentathlon facility thanks in large part to the steadfast support of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
Go played a pivotal role in championing the construction of the facility as Vice C hairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and Sports.
The project was initiated by the local government of Ormoc City under the leadership of Leyte Fourth District Representative Richard Gomez and Ormoc City
matches so we are clear on that. I w atched the WNBA before in its infancy. Never for an entire season, but I did. I followed Cynthia Cooper with the Houston Comets, Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks, and later, Sue Bird with the Seattle Storm. I also enjoy watching the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu. Unfortunately, I drift off, many times not even finishing games. The distaff version is way too slow for me. There’s the lack of power and excitement too. It takes quite an effort for me to finish a game. Okay, not having a favorite team gives off that I follow players more than teams.
T his isn’t a knock on women’s sports. I love watching women’s volleyball as much as men’s volleyball. I enjoy women’s tennis as much as I love watching men’s tennis. I am riveted into women’s mixed martial arts as much as the men’s.
Having said that…yes, Caitlin Clark got me to check out the WNBA once more.
I s till struggle with the game. It is still the same for me.
for every aspiring Filipino athlete dreaming of making their mark on the world stage,” DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco said. “DigiPlus is immensely proud to support champions like Carlos, whose relentless pursuit of excellence embodies the spirit of the Filipino people.”
DigiPlus announced the renewal of Yulo’s contract with ArenaPlus, a partnership that reflects the company’s contin
a pivotal role.
ued support as the Olympic champion moves forward in his career.
Carlos’ success is a powerful reminder that with dedication, hard work and the right support, Filipinos can achieve greatness,” Tanco said. “At DigiPlus, we are deeply committed to empowering not just Carlos, but other aspiring athletes who strive to make their dreams a reality.”
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Go participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony in June last year for the facility which has a dedicated fencing hall.
He also supported the development of a skate park in the city.
The Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association (PMPA) recorded significant achievements in the last two years basically because of the facility.
Filipino athletes bagged multiple medals in the Union Internationale de Pentath-
But I am riveted at what Clark brings to the game. I followed her at Iowa and that led me to check out her rookie year in the WNBA.
The debates about who is better—Clark or fellow rookie Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky—is no different from talk about whether the GOAT is Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
A t least, there is more than Clark to all this chatter about the WNBA.
Th ink about it…all this buzz about Caitlin and Angle…it is similar to Magic and Bird.
A lthough Magic and Larry were good acquaintances prior to their entry to the NBA, their rivalry created a buzz that the NBA needed after coming off that druggie perception of the 1970s. Now Clark and Reese aren’t friends and they do not need to be. The rivalry is good, it is what the WNBA needs. C lark being left off the US Olympic Team is a joke. The rough fouls on her by WNBA veterans smacks of misplaced
lon
gold
Zhengzhou, China—junior
Shane Sevilla, individual
and senior
relay
and
and women’s
The Philippines also clinched a bronze medal in the Asian championships in Hwaesong, South Korea, through the men’s U19 relay team and at the UPIM Southeast Asia Championships in Thailand, with victories in the Laser-Run and Triathle.
CARLOS YULO (center) with (from left) gymnastics association president Cynthia Carrion, DigiPlus Head of Offline Operations Jasper Vicencio, chairman Eusebio Tanco and vice president Celeste Jovenir.
Moderne (UIPM) World Championships in
mixed relay
medal from Melvin Sacay
Juliana
junior silver from Sacay
mixed relay
team
bronze medals.
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go plays
RHR’S JOLLY BARUN
Nurturing the growth of PHL hotel industry
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
WHILE Robinsons Hotels
and Resorts (RHR) has been in the thick of their expansion program, there is one person who is making sure that the two hotels that launched RHR’s foray into the hospitality industry are not left behind.
In fact during his first stint in the Philippines, Jolly Barun, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of RHR, was the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria.
These two hotels are very close to our hearts for multiple reasons.
This was our first major input into the hospitality industry and these were the first truly big hotels to come up in Ortigas. These two hotels define the Ortigas landscape,” Barun related in an interview.
“Our big focus was really to make sure that these two key properties in our portfolio are fully renovated and we finished that journey earlier this year,” he added.
Renewed sense of comfort
THE Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria unveiled a renewed sense of comfort across each of its 262 rooms, which include 63 spacious suites that have been meticulously redesigned, harmonizing contemporary design elements with practical features to offer an unforgettable and comfortable stay.
A standout feature is the entry-level rooms at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, boasting an expansive 40 square meters of living space, making them the largest accommodations in Ortigas. This generous size provides ample room for relaxation and productivity, ensuring a truly indulgent experience for guests.
Additionally, the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria has undergone a transformative restoration, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. Every nook of the 285 rooms, including 36 exquisite suites has been lovingly refreshed, creating a vibe that seamlessly balances contemporary style with a soothing ambiance, ensuring guests enjoy a sanctuary of tranquility during their stay.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of higher room types such as the one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, and the only two-level
penthouse that can be found in Ortigas, catering to diverse needs and desires of guests.
Exclusive access
GUESTS staying at the Holiday Inn
Manila Galleria have exclusive access to the Summit Lounge, a sophisticated haven designed to enhance relaxation and productivity.
On the other hand, guests staying in suites at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria can immerse themselves in the exclusive Club Lounge, a refined retreat offering personalized services and amenities.
Besides the physical renovations to the property, the services have been upgraded as well. The team is very aligned to provide a total refreshed service, in line with the refreshed interiors,” Barun said. At Crowne Plaza, Barun said the team have “this beautiful service culture called ‘Dare to Connect.’”
The staff is so confident that they will reach out to you to understand your needs and expectations rather than you reaching out to them. So it’s very proactive, very friendly but at the same time, very unpretentious which is great. The team has been working hard to be fully trained to deliver the service that is expected at Crowne Plaza,” he added.
For Holiday Inn, one of the most recognized international hotel brand, the concept has always been to “Stay you, stay real.” “ This is a very approachable hospitality brand and the team here has been making sure that the stay real is brought to life. It’s a family friendly brand and very friendly for staycations. The hotel also has a unique feature where kids eat free. We make sure that our service is truly aligned to everything else that is in the product,” Barun said, adding that it helps that both hotels are connected to a mall.
“I am very confident that both Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn are the best in class for their respective segments,” he said.
Seven Corners
IT ALSO helps that Crowne Plaza is home to the very popular Seven Corners, which offers seven unique international stations that present a variety of international cuisines like Japanese, Indian, Asian, Western, dessert and salad corners, and Xian Tian Di Restaurant, one of Ortigas’ most
sought after Chinese restaurants. Seven Corners is very popular with the local market and our Rib eye has been our signature dish. We keep it because that is our strength. Xian Tian Di is known for unlimited dimsum which is also a best seller.
It’s great value for money and people
I know the DNA of RHR as a company. I know of their ambitious growth plans which is a great match for me to bring my international experience and link it to the ambitious growth plans of the company and see how we can grow in scale and in terms of our offerings and our standardization,” he added.
Heart for hospitality Barun added that it also helps that Filipinos have a genuine heart for hospitality. This, he said, makes the job easier and more engaging.
“ When you are in the Philippines, it is not just going to the hotel where you feel the hospitality. You can go to the shopping mall, you can feel the hospitality. You can go to someone’s house and you can feel that too. We want to bring that to a much larger platform. We want our international guests to see and feel genuine hospitality,” he said.
On RHR’s expansion plans. Braun said the company will be opening Fili and NuStar in Cebu in the next few months. RHR will also be opening a boutique resort in Siargao.
“ We have plans to look at other locations, especially in the Visayas Mindanao area like Bohol, General Santos City and Davao City,” Barun said, adding that the company is also pushing its digitalization to match the expansion effort.
Refreshed websites HE disclosed that the company has completely refreshed their websites which makes it easier for guests to book their rooms.
Our websites are very easy to look at to book. You look at it and you can book quite easily. We also introduced a bot to make the bookings easier. You just chat and your booking will be confirmed in 40 seconds. No need to call anybody. No need to search. We also have an app which allows guests to book rooms at a discounted rate,” he said. With all their expansion efforts, RHR is committed to make an impact in the hospitality industry. RHR is today the largest hotel company in the Philippines nu number of hotels. It has 30 hotels in its portfolio and is present in 19 different locations across the Philippines.
We will continue to play to our strengths and that is to provide hospitality to Filipinos wherever they want. We have opened key hotels in locations like Naga and General Sanots where there is no single professionally managed hotel present and we will continue to grow our landscape in Class One cities. We will be putting multiple hotels across the length and breadth of the Philippines,” Barun said.
Jolly Barun, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts
