Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 222 | Thursday, January 5, 2023

ILLEGAL DISMISSAL

NLRC affirms Food

Pandariders

illegally dismissed

A food delivery rider traverses along Palma Gil Street in Davao City on Wednesday. The National Labor and Relations Commission (NLRC) affirmed the ruling of the Labor Arbiter (LA) that the 10 delivery riders in Davao City who filed a complaint of illegal dismissal against Food Panda Philippines, Inc. are the latter’s regular employees, and that said riders were indeed illegally dismissed from employment. Lean Daval Jr.

ILLEGAL DISMISSAL

NLRC affirms Food Panda riders illegally dismissed

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The National Labor and Relations Commission (NLRC) 8th Division affirmed the ruling of the Labor Arbiter (LA) that delivery riders of Food Panda Philippines, Inc. are regular employees, and were indeed illegally dismissed.

In a decision handed down on December 7, 2022, the NLRC firmed that there was an employer-employee relationship

between Food Panda and the delivery riders because “the power of control was wielded by [Food Panda] through extensive supervi-

sion from the start of their assigned duty until it ends, the company’s actual prohibition of alternative employment and its algorithmic disciplinary measures indicate strict supervision and control over its delivery riders.”

The NLRC also ruled that Food Panda’s act of suspending complainants for 10 years is tantamount

to constructive dismissal, thus the riders were illegally dismissed.

“Lipay kaayo mi kay nipabor sa amoa ang decision sa NLRC kay sa amoa lang katungod daan kay gina control man gihapon mi nila bisan GPS lang makita nila kung asa mi dapit, kung wala mi sa area pangitaon mi. Kontrolado

Model’s killing an isolated case, Davao City still safe

The city of Davao is still safe and the killing of businesswoman Yvonette Chua Plaza is an isolated incident says Davao City Police Office chief P/Col. Alberto Lupaz. “Wala tayong alalahanin

sa peace and order because the PNP and the government is in top of the situation. All we have to do is to fast-track the investigation para maliwanagan na lahat and yung sinong pwede makasuhan, kasuhan (to

clarify things and those liable will be charged),” P/Col. Lupaz said during a press briefing of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Yvonette.

The 38-year-old Yvonette Chua Plaza, a

businesswoman who is also a local photography and commercial model was gunned down inside a subdivision on Dec. 29.

P/Col. Lupaz said that Mayor Sebastian Duterte

Balikbayan boxes ready for claiming

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Collection District XII is facilitating the distribution of abandoned balikbayan boxes under its jurisdiction through the Port of Davao and SubPort of Dadiangas.

The BOC hopes to alleviate the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families victimized by unscrupulous consolidators.

Following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz started this ongoing nationwide project in all the Customs Collection Districts.

For Davao and Dadiangas, the boxes can be claimed from Monday to Friday starting December 27, 2022 (Tuesday), from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

The balikbayan boxes at the Port of Davao can be claimed at Panabo Bypass Road, Brgy. Cagangohan, Panabo City,

and at JJM Warehouse, Banisil, Brgy. Tambler, Gen. Santos City for the Sub-Port of Dadiangas. No fees will be charged, but claimants will need to present two valid government-issued IDs, proof of shipping documents, a photocopy of the sender’s passport, and an authorization letter if boxes are received by their representatives.

Already, 70 out of 282 boxes in the Port of Davao and 92 out of 1,002 packages in the Sub-Port of Dadiangas have already been released.

For inquiries and updates with the Port of Davao, you may check the BOC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ bocdavao or contact (082) 224-9691 ог (082) 223-1258.

For the Sub-Port of Dadiangas, you may also check the Facebook page, www.facebook. com/dadiangasboc, or call (083) 552-8890 or (083) 552-2941.

Edmund Carillo, president of the Davao United Delivery Riders Assoc. Inc. (DUDRAI) and one of the complainants in the illegal dismissal case lodged against Food Panda, says during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that even if the decision against the food delivery

firm is still at the National Labor and Relations Commission (NLRC) level, it is already a victory for them. He said it is a landmark decision for every delivery rider who has been at the frontlines since the pandemic. Lean Daval Jr.

Tagum on Plaza’s murder: I’m taking it as a personal insult

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Brigadier

According to Tagum, he is taking the killing of Plaza as a personal insult as a police official and resident of Davao City, which is considered as among the safest cities in Mindanao and in the country.

“Dili ta musugot nga naay mahitabo sa publiko dinhi sa Davao City. Na kaya

nato mamusil ug tao, babae pa gyud. It should be an insult to our individual member ng population sa Davao Region na dapat dili ta musugot na mahitabo na dinhi. Musugot ba ta nga mahitabo na sa Davao? Dili. Dapat dili lang kami pulis dapat kita nga mga residente musugot ba ta this coming days mis-

mong anak nato or igsoon nato himoon na sa ilaha? Of course, no! Dili na puwede and so I’ll take it as a personal insult na kaya nilang gawin yun sa Davao City. Babae pa naman. Insulto na sa atoa. Ako mismo naa koy anak na babae musugot ba ko na balang araw na himoon sad to sa akong anak? Patay na sila. Seriously, I’ll take it as a personal insult na kaya to nilang himoon sa Davao City. Ang akong mga kaubanan sa kapulisan mao na dapat gihapon, ang ilang respond. Naulaw ko ug nasubo ko

Covid Vaccination Fridays mulled

The City Health Office

(CHO) is planning to make every Friday as Covid Vaccination Day, according Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, head of the Davao City Covid-19 Vaccination Program.

The Vaccination Cluster closed out its services last month and endorsed the vaccination services of Covid-19 to the district health offices.

Villafuerte said CHO is now mulling to make every Friday as Vaccination Day of Covid-19 in the district health offices.

“Nag close na ang vaccination team so wala nata’y mobile vaccination kay nag close nami apan ang vaccination activity gi-endorse na namo sa CHO para himoon na sa kada district health Offices. So ang mga vaccination naa na sa district health offices ug naa sila’y schedules na gihimo kada semana ug gahapon nag istorya mi sa technical sa CHO nga murag plano nila himoon every Friday as Covid Vaccination Day in the districts. Dili mawala ang vaccination, padayon gihapon,” Villa-

fuerte said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

She said what is left in the Vaccination Cluster is the distribution of the vaccination certificate.

“Everyday ang transaction sa vaccination certificate specially kinahanglan nato ni for travels and others and we have it all in the malls and some in Sta. Ana Health Center kay ang swabbing center gi-close na and its now the center for vaccination certificate,” she said. By Maya M. Padillo

na kaya na nila himoon sa Davao City, which is an unacceptable in my part,” Tagum told media during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Plaza, 38, who just disembarked from a Mitsubishi Montero vehicle and was about to open the gate of her rented house at Purok 18, Buttercup Street of Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugbok district, was shot multiple times by motorcycle-riding men on December 29, 2022.

The victim died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds on different parts of her body.

Tagum challenged the authorities in Davao City not to let this gruesome killing happen again in Davao City.

“It is a challenge that we will face squarely. Hagit nako to sa mga kapulisan sa Davao City nga dili ta musugot na mahitabo na sa Davao City. We are aspiring na ang Davao City will be one of the safest cities if not in the Philippines at least in Mindanao,” he said.

He also has a message to the criminals and those who are planning to disrupt the peace and order situation in the city.

“I am warning you. Your days are numbered. Harapin ko kayo. I will create MDPD to be a strong force and a tool to ensure the safety and security for the people of Davao. Wala ko naghinambog. Atubangon ta mo, mag ready ko sa mga pwersa nako. Padayon lang ninyo ang kabuang ninyo kay mahunong ang inyong kinab-

FTAGUM, P10

Gov. Jubahib welcomes students, teachers on 1st day of classes after yuletide break

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin “Kuya Gob” Jubahib, on Wednesday welcomed the students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel on their first day of resumption of classes after a two-week Christmas season break.

“Akong gina-welcome ang atong mga estudyante, magtutudlo, ug non-teaching staff ingon man sa mga ginikanan dinhi sa atong probinsya sa pagbalik sa mga tulunghaan human sa duha ka semana na

bakasyon isip pagselebrar sa Pasko. Ako nagatuo na mahimong malinawon ang pag-abri balik sa klase kay tungod gipangandaman kini og sakto sa atong mga magtutudlo,” Jubahib said.

Over 174, 539 students enrolled in both private and public schools in the province of Davao del Norte from the Department of Education (DepEd) Divisions of Davao del Norte, Tagum City, Panabo City, and the Island Garden City of Samal will troop back to

their classes today for the resumption of classes for School Year 2022-2023, citing a report from DepEd Region XI.

Some of the private and public Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) here under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have also resumed their classes today.

Meanwhile, Jubahib reminded the students, teachers, and parents to continue to be vigilant in

BGen. Alexander Tagum, director of the newly-formed Metropolitan Davao Police District (MDPD, warns criminals during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that there days are numbered as he is taking the killing of Yvonette Chua Plaza a personal insult as a police officer and as a resident of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

General Alexander Tagum, director of the newly created Metropolitan Davao Police District (MDPD), openly condemned the killing of businesswoman Yvonette “Yvonne” Chua Plaza.

LPG prices may increase by 2nd quarter of 2023

ADepartment of Energy (DOE) official warned that prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may increase by the second quarter of this year, as demand for the fuel may continue to rise.

Assistant Director Rodela Romero of the DOE’s Bureau of Oil Industry Management said LPG prices may increase due to the expected bump in demand in India, citing reports.

“Mangangailangan po ng marami ang India lalo na sa panahon na magkaka-

roon sila ng eleksyon,” said Romero during a televised briefing.

“Iyon po ang dasal natin (rollback) at saka the reason kung bakit minu-monitor natin gusto natin na talagang reflective lang ng presyuhan sa international,” she added.

“So, expected daw na

by second quarter of 2023 ay tataas po ang presyo ng LPG. Hopefully not.”

The cost of LPG decreased by P3.00 to P3.50 per kilogram this week,even as the price of other fuel products increased.

Petron announced it would slash LPG and auto LPG prices by P4.20 and P2.35 per kilogram, respectively, effective on Jan. 1.

Romero said the demand for LPG products in recent weeks has decreased while its produc-

tion in the Middle East spiked, hence the rollback.

“Sa United States po kasi ginagawang blending fuel iyon sa gasoline. So, komo bumaba po iyong demand sa nasabing butane, so nagkaroon po ng pagbaba ng presyo sa kabuuan ng mundo,” noted the official.

Prices of fuel products increased on Jan. 3 between P2.10 - P3.05 per kilogram. Fuel brands announced respective oil price hikes earlier in the day.

Bank lending expands by 13.7% in November: BSP

Outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, grew by 13.7 percent in November from 13.9 percent in October last year, central

bank data showed.

On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans rose 0.3 percent, the BSP said in a statement.

“Sustained growth in credit and domestic liquid-

ity will continue to support economic activity and domestic demand,” the BSP said.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that liquidity and lending dynamics remain consistent with its primary mandate of pro-

moting price and financial stability,” it added.

Several banks have earlier reported an uptick in loans as well as in credit card as the economy continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PH factories’ performance in Dec. ‘22 highest in 6 months

The country’s manufacturing performance in December 2022 recorded its best score in six months, according to the latest S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

S&P Global reported Tuesday that the Philippines PMI in December 2022 increased to 53.1 from 52.7 in November 2022.

It attributed the improvement to the expansion in production levels, solid domestic demand, and an upturn in hiring activities.

“The latest PMI data signaled sustained growth across the Filipino manufacturing sector. The release of pent-up demand because of the Covid (coronavirus) pandemic continued to help the recovery of the manufacturing sector this year,” S&P Global economist Maryam Baluch said.

The survey noted that output level last month was the highest since June.

Domestic demand

supported the growth in new orders for Philippine goods in December 2022, as export orders continued to log a contraction for 10 consecutive months.

“The rate of growth quickened in the month, indicating the fastest rise in output levels since June,” the S&P Global report read. The increase in headcount in the country’s manufacturing sector also persisted in December although “the rate of job creation was only fractional overall”.

Both input buying and inventories of factories slightly improved last month, the survey added.

S&P Global said price pressure remains a threat to demand, which made factories sell their output in December at the softest rate in 2022 to drive sales.

Baluch said aside from inflation, supply chain constraints remain a challenge for the Philippine manufacturing sector this year.

“While the central bank of (the) Philippines has

Cebu Pacific announces the airline is starting the year with a P1 seat sale for select international destinations, which the P1 one-way base fare promo is available until Jan. 6, 2023 and travel period from Feb. 1 to May 31, 2023. Destinations included in the seat sale are Bali in Indonesia, Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi in Vietnam, Nagoya in Japan and Hong Kong, among others. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI-11 rakes in P7-M sales in 2022 Mindanao Trade Expo

BPI correcting double posting of some holiday transactions

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday said some transactions of its clients during the New Year holidays were double posted, but the lender maintained “only some” were affected.

BPI said among the transactions posted twice were those made through automated teller machines (ATMs), cash accept machines (CAM) deposits, and point of sale and e-commerce debit transactions.

The transactions were made from December 30 to December 31, 2022, Rizal Day and New Year’s Eve respectively.

“We are already working to reverse the duplicate transactions. Rest assured that your account is safe and secure. Thank you,” BPI said in an advisory posted on its official Facebook account.

Sought for more comment, BPI chief customer and marketing officer Cathy Santamaria said, “[O] nly some clients affected.” No further details were im-

mediately available.

“[P]lease be informed that we expect correction of the duplicate transactions within the day,” BPI said in a supplementary advisory.

“Given the high volume of inquiries on our online banking channels, you may experience intermittent access to our web and mobile app platforms,” it added.

For its part, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it is working with BPI, which it instructed to submit a timeline and updates on the reversal of the erroneous transactions.

“The Bank already identified the root cause of the operational error and committed to reverse the erroneous transactions and restore mobile and internet banking services the soonest possible (time),” it said.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said the central bank will validate representations made by BPI, which explained the incidents as double debit transactions.

The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11), in partnership with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc., ended 2022 with a trade fair that raked in PHP7.2 million in sales.

In a statement Wednesday, DTI-11 Director Maria Belenda Ambi said the amount represents the total sales for retail, booked and under negotiation.

The MTE Christmas Edition, dubbed as “Buy Local By Lokals”, on Dec. 14 to 18 here was participated in by at least 130 micro, small and medium enterprises (MS-

MEs).

“Their products range from fashion accessories to gifts, decors, and furniture and fixtures, and processed food. The Buy Local By Lokals theme is based on the endless campaign of the agency to entice people in supporting local products,” Ambi said.

At least 61 of the fea-

tured exhibitors from the region were Kapatid Mentor Me graduates, who occupied the 12 booths provided by DTI for each of its six provincial and field offices throughout the Davao Region.

“The key goal here is to boost their entrepreneurial capacity through improved access to mentorship, money and market,” Ambi added.

To prepare small-scale entrepreneurs for trade fairs and widen their markets, DTI-11 has provided them with intensive product development packages,

seminars and training activities, she said.

“We at DTI ensure that we provide interventions according to our MSMEs’ needs. Aside from our inhouse specialists on the different facets of the business, we have also partnered with various industry leaders and experts to prepare and improve them more,” she said.

As of December 2022, DTI 11 has assisted a total of 26,036 MSMEs in the region or some 103 percent of the agency’s annual target. (PNA)

Marcos extends lower import duties on pork, rice, corn, coal

Through an executive order, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has extended the temporary modification of rates of import duty on various products to maintain affordable prices and ensure supply of agricultural products.

Signed on December 29, 2022, Executive Order (EO) No. 10 states that

meat of swine, fresh, chilled or frozen, maize, rice, and coal shall be subject to the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates of duty.

“The current global economic situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other factors affecting the country’s traditional sources of rice, corn, coal, and fresh, chilled or frozen meat of

swine, cause uncertainty in the steady supply of said commodities,” the EO stated.

“The high inflation caused by supply constraints, expected shortage in the global supply and rise in international commodity prices present economic and trade implications to the country and the Filipino people,” it added.

The order extends the reduced rates of duty on the following commodities: meat of swine, fresh, chilled, or frozen at 15 percent (in-quota) and 25 percent (out-quota); corn at 5 percent (in-quota) and 15 percent (out-quota); rice at 35 percent (in-quota and out-quota); and coal at zero duty.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) says it is already working to reverse the duplicate transactions after some of its clients’ automated teller machines (ATMs), cash accept machines (CAM) deposits, and point of sale and e-commerce debit transactions during the New Year holidays were double posted. Lean Daval Jr.

In affirming the ruling of the Labor Arbiter (LA) that delivery riders of Food Panda Philippines, Inc. are regular employees, and were indeed illegally dismissed:

“In the still raging war against COVID-19, We take judicial notice of the fact that food delivery riders have repeatedly been alluded to as front liners and heroes for enabling us to abide by physical distancing and other health protocols, while, at the same time, bolstering the economy. Nevertheless, while they have been hailed as heroes, they have not always been treated as such. As heroes, they should, at the very least, be able to demand minimum labor standard benefits, e.g. minimum wage, service incentive leave, right to organize and collective bargaining, and security of tenure provided under Philippine laws.”

8TH DIVISION

OLIVIA D. VELASCO President

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

JASPER V. BACSAL General Manager / VP Operations

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

PHILIPPINE

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO Editorial Consultant

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

MOSES BILLACURA Sports Editor

The first Philippine census under American rule took place in 1903 at the direction of the Philippine Commission led by Maj. Gen. Joseph Prentice Sanger, a native of Detroit, Michi-gan. The undertaking produced a four-volume compilation published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census in Washington, D.C., two years later.

Volume II, titled Population, highlighted the census of ‘civilized populations of provinces and comandancias.’ Davao was classified as a comandancia with six towns (including Makar, now part of Gen. Santos City), haciendas, sitios, and rancherias with a population of 20,134, split as follows: Baganga, 2,985; Caraga, 3,180; Cateel, 4,101; Davao, 8,560; Makar, 33; and Matti (Mati), 1,365.

In the census, Baganga, one of the early territories administratively created by

the Ameri-cans, was given six barrios (villages) under its control that remain parts of the present-day town, namely Poblacion (Central, with 1,201 residents), Baculin (400), Dapnan (501), Quina-blangan (Kinablangan, 304), San Victor (230), and Lucod (359). Caraga, on the other hand, was given influence over six villages, among them were Poblacion, with 1,090 inhabitants), Manorigao (217), San Jose (305), San Luis (288), Santa Fe (366). Manay (725), and Zaragosa (189). Manay was eventually organized as a town and Zaragosa was placed under it.

Cateel, meanwhile, was given five villages, namely Poblacion (with 3,017 residents), Carmen (84), San Antonio (248), San Rafael (35), and Boston (717). Boston was organized into a municipality with Carmen as one of its subsidiary communities.

The three other villag-es, all Spanish-era creations, remain under the influence of Cateel town to this day.

Mati, in contrast, was assigned five villages, namely Poblacion (with 693 inhabitants), Jovellar (76), San Ignacio (now part of Manay town, 90), Santa Cruz (274), Tarragona (189), and Uagon (43). Tarragona was later organized as a town with Jovellar as one of its villages.

Davao, already a booming trade center since the seventeenth century, was reorganized by the American administration with forty-four (44) settlements or villages under it, and a territory that extended from the southern fringes of the gulf to the eastern seaboard of the Pa-cific Ocean.

The 1903 towns and barrios of Davao, in alphabetical order, were: Poblacion (now Davao City proper), Acdao

(Agdao, Davao City), Anunciacion (Sigaboy, Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental), Astorga (Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur), Bago (Davao City), Bitas (hacienda), Bugac (village of Maa, Davao City), Calatrava (pueblo; now Barrio Pampanga, Davao City), Catalo-nan (then a sitio; Davao City), Coabo (Cuabo, Lupon, Davao Oriental), Daliao (Davao City), Darong (Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur), Datu Amben (rancheria or Moro settlement), Donmy (Dumoy), Embarcadero (hacienda), Figatto (then sitio; Tigatto, Davao City), La Union (baran-gay of San Isidro, Davao Oriental), Languan (part of Tigatto, Davao City), Lapanday (Davao City), Liburun (Libudon, Mati City);

Lipadas (Davao City), Luzon (Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental), Maa (Davao City), Mag-dog (Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental), Mamay (Davao City), Mateao (Matiao,

Mati City), Matina (Davao City), Mercedes (Malalag, Davao del Sur), Molave, Monserrat (Gov. Gener-oso, Davao Oriental), Monteses, Nazaret (Surop, Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental), Oyanguren (Waan, Davao City), Piso (barangay of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental), Pundagui-tan (barangay of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental), Quimicol, Samal (city in Davao del Norte), San Isidro (hacienda), Santa Cruz (Davao del Sur) Tacnuc, Tagabibi (San Alfonso, Gov. Gen-eroso, Davao Oriental), Tagulaya (Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur), and Talomo (Davao City).

The exact sites of Bitas, Datu Amben, Embarcadero (i.e., pier), Molave (i.e., tugas in Visa-yan), Monteses (i.e., ‘mountain dwellers’) Quimicol, and Tacnuc (i.e., tagnok, gnat) remain unclear and are subject to future historical examination.

In dissolving marital bonds on account of one party’s psychological incapacity, courts are not demolishing the foundation of families, but it is actually protecting the sanctity of marriage.

This was emphasized by the Supreme Court in the case of De Silva vs De Silva ( G.R. No. 247985, October 13, 2021) as it refuses to allow a person afflicted with a psychological disorder, who cannot comply with or assume the essential marital obligations, from remaining in that sacred bond.

Article 36 of the Family Code holds that “a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization.”

The Court stressed that marriage is not just a civil contract, but a new relation, an institution the maintenance of which the public is deeply interested.

Given the particular nature of marriage characterized as

a lifetime commitment which cannot be dissolved by simple whim of the parties, the State has surrounded it with safeguards to preserve its purity, continuity, and permanence, especially since the security and stability of the State is largely dependent on it.

The Court noted that the fulfillment of the obligations of marriage depends on the strength of this interpersonal relationship.

A serious incapacity for interpersonal sharing and support is held to impair the relationship and consequently, the ability to fulfill the essential marital obligations.

The marital capacity of one spouse is not considered in isolation but in reference to the fundamental relationship to the other spouse.

Psychological incapacity refers to a personal condition that prevents a spouse to comply with fundamental marital obligations only in relation to a specific partner that may exist at the time of the marriage but may have revealed through behavior subsequent to the ceremonies.

The totality of the evidence

must show clear and convincing proof to cause the declaration of nullity of marriage.

The Supreme Court reiterated its ruling in the case of Tan-Andal v. Andal (GR 196359, May 11, 2021) that psychological incapacity is a legal concept, not a medical one, where the testimony of a psychologist or psychiatrist as evidence is not mandatory in the declaration of nullity of marriage cases.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court took cognizance in the De Silva Case of the psychiatrist’s report which explained that husband’s psychological incapacity was rooted in his upbringing long before his marriage.

It pointed out that the spouse’ experience as a product of hostile home environment due to a broken family can be seen as a factor in judicial decisions on annulment in relation to psychological incapacity.

The wife cited, among others, incidents when she would fail to hand over money for the husband’s ardent gambling, she would be subjected to physical and verbal abuse.

The wife also found out that aside from his drinking and gambling, the husband maintained several extramarital affairs.

The report noted that the kind of relationship that the spouses have created is seen to be parasitic in the sense that the husband is feeding off from the efforts of the wife.

The psychiatrist was able to trace the history of the husband’s psychological condition and relate it to his existing incapacity at the time of the celebration of the marriage through interviews of the parties and the relatives.

It was his hostile family environment that deprived him of his awareness of the duties and responsibilities of the matrimonial bond he assumed.

The husband developed traits such as untrustworthiness, irresponsibility, aggressiveness, lack of compassion and remorse antedating the marriage.

The Court said that the culprits behind the development of these antisocial traits of the husband are the kind of parenting style that he was raised

to and the home environment that he was exposed to during the early years of his life.

The broken family set-up and the actuations of his parents during the early years of his life have molded him into the kind of person that he became.

Having no good example to influence the husband in a healthy functioning and straighten his maladaptive manner of going about his expected tasks and roles, he had persisted to be reckless, immature, rebellious, and insensitive.

From childhood until adulthood, the husband failed to change and his irresponsible ways have become more prominent when he reached the latter stage of his development.

The marriage had deteriorated due to the psychological incapacitation of the husband as well as the relative psychological disturbance that the wife suffered from.

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

Data and digitalisation keys to stewarding sustainability in PH

Nowadays, businesses and governments have been racing to achieve a sustainable, green, and digital economy and are driven to showcase their sustainability goals transparently.

In the Philippines, for instance, the government further enhanced its efforts to build climate resilience among communities nationwide and address climate change to protect the environment, lives, and properties. Last year, the country has submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) Secretariat the first nationally determined contribution (NDC), covering its planned reduction and avoidance of greenhouse gasses (GHG) of 75 percent, of which 2.72 percent is

unconditional. This commitment covers the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy.

At the UN’s 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in November 2022, the Philippine government also vowed to support the host country, Egypt, in its efforts to revitalize international consensus on the climate crisis. It also reiterated its call for climate justice and financial and technical support of developed countries for climate initiatives, particularly for developing nations.

Becoming stewards of sustainability

Meanwhile, in recent years, a growing number of organizations have been stepping up to help achieve

a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their strategic frameworks. In this year’s COP27, for instance, SAP (NYSE: SAP) has pledged to support more policy transformation globally and help innovate sustainable businesses by assisting in reenergizing emerging economies in their goal to achieve trillion-dollar greener impact and job generation.

A recent report by SAP and Oxford Economics also revealed that 66 percent of businesses in Asia do not think it is difficult to be sustainable and profitable at the same time. However, only eight percent say they receive significant value from their sustainability

strategies today.

This reality may have happened due to the disconnect between sustainability plans and actions for many organizations. While 60 percent of businesses have a communicated sustainability plan, with Japan leading at 68 percent while Indonesia scores lowest at 46 percent, only 20 percent have incentivized leaders based on their success. In addition, less than half (44 percent) say their employees are active participants in their sustainability efforts, with the highest in India at 52 percent, followed by Singapore at 51 percent and the lowest in Malaysia at 33 percent.

“Businesses across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, believe that

they can boost their earnings while protecting the environment. This reality is a positive indicator to continue pushing towards sustainability. However, organizations must refocus their strategies to realize the significant value and reap better and actual outcomes,” said Rudy Abrahams, Managing Director of SAP Philippines.

Regulatory compliance: a key sustainability driver and a challenge In a recent media event held by SAP at its headquarters at the NAC Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Rudy Abrahams was joined by Apple Evangelista, Head, Sustainability and Social Responsibility (SSR) of Globe Group and Henrik Batallones, Marketing and Communications Director of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) to discuss how organizations have been refocusing their strategies to ensure sustainability.

“In the Philippines, organizations used to consider sustainability as a cost tied to regulatory compliance. But that perspective is changing. Sustainability is now seen as a strategic imperative to ensure that organizations not only provide better service to their customers but also help ensure a sustainable future,” said Batallones.

SCMAP is the premier supply chain industry organization in the country. Comprised of some of the

country’s major manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers, SCMAP engage with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, advancing supply chain education on all levels, and organizing events that provide a venue for supply chain professionals to connect towards global competitiveness of the industry.

Meanwhile, citing the data from the SAP and Oxford Economics report, Abrahams noted that organizations in the region consider compliance as the second biggest sustainability challenge (26 percent), only behind reinventing business strategy. This means that organizations in the country may need to refocus on their strategies to achieve greater value and benefit from sustainability.

Investing in data, improving sustainability outcomes

Key to improving sustainability outcomes will be the effective use of organizational data to make more informed decisions. For businesses in the Philippines, this remains a challenge as it takes time, especially for organizations like Globe, which has various entities with different processes and reporting formats.

To address this challenge, Globe has been utilizing SAP solutions with 70 percent of the company’s internal systems are now being run by SAP. With SAP solutions already in place

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES 120TH YEAR ON JANUARY 18

On January 18, 2023, Harley-Davidson will reveal both its 2023 motorcycle line-up and details of the first annual Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™, a celebration 120 years in the making. All the news will stream live at 10 a.m. CST at Harley-Davidson.com.

“2023 marks the 120th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson during which we’ll honor our rich heritage, celebrate with our fans and riding community, and reveal our newest motorcycles and product offerings,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chair-

man, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson.

“Please join us as we kick off our 120th Anniversary with exciting new model introductions and a peek at what we have in store for the landmark year ahead.”

The first wave of new 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Genuine Harley-Davidson Accessories and Harley-Davidson MotorClothes gear and apparel will be revealed on January 18 and will be available at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships after-

wards.

The 2023 Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ event will fill four days with music, food, and moto-culture at multiple venues throughout the Milwaukee area on July 13-16, 2023.

Details on entertainment, scheduled events, venues, ticket packages, and lodging will appear at H-D.com on Jan. 18, where visitors can also sign up for ongoing Homecoming updates. Everyone is welcome and invited from riders, co-riders, to fans, and families.

CLAFI’s education literacy, volunteer programs feted

Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc (CLAFI), ended 2022 with flying colors as they were recognized at the National Literacy Awards (NLA) 2022 and by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) last December for their education and literacy programs.

CLAFI is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Alcantara Group, which aims to build progress across Mindanao communities in Sarangani Province, General Santos City, Iligan City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City.

CLAFI’s Bukas Kaalaman Program: Pagbasa at Pag-unawa Para sa Kaalaman at Kinabukasan won second in NLA’s Outstanding Literacy Program along with four other Non-Government Organizations (NGO) in the country selected from 11 regional NGO entries.

The program encapsulates CLAFI’s education projects that give importance to reading as a child’s foundational literacy skill.

CLAFI President, Cecile A. Dominguez-Yujuico said the literacy projects of CLAFI respond to the literacy needs of culturally diverse communities through inno-

vative and culture-appropriate interventions.

“One of the pressing issues that CLAFI identified is the lack of mother tongue learning materials, particularly for Blaan communities in Sarangani Province,” Dominguez-Yujuico shared. “Through the PhilAM Fund and partnership with the Department of Education, we developed the Flalok Project and co-designed mother tongue learning materials, based on Blaan folklore. These materials were complemented by mother tongue textbooks for learners and teaching guides for teachers.”

The Flalok Project revives the Blaan Art of Storytelling, and has been implemented in schools across South Central Mindanao such as Sarangani, South Cotabato, General Santos City, Koronadal City, and Sultan Kudarat. The learning method follows the Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTBME) paradigm of the Department of Education.

CLAFI also implements its Summer Big Brother program (SBB), their banner literacy project that provides summer remedial reading sessions for learners in need of reading comprehension skills. This start-

ed as a collaborative project of CLAFI and the Provincial Government of Sarangani in 2007, and has also been adopted by communities in Compostela Valley, Iligan, Zamboanga, and Davao.

CLAFI Executive Director, Mr. Richlie Lyndon L. Magtulis, narrated how their literacy projects resulted in improved literacy rates of schoolchildren.

“Our SBB helped improve the reading capacity of almost 10,000 children who cannot read,” Magtulis said. “The Flalok Project, on the other hand, reinforced literacy to more than 15,000 Blaan learners with test scores of 88% in post-test from 58%.”

CLAFI received the Outstanding Volunteer Award Philippine National Volun-

teer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) during the National Volunteers Month last December 2022.

(L-R) Undersecretary Carlos Abad Santos of the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Edward Ryan Gulam, Department of Education - Sarangani LRMS Alternate and Assistant Principal, Vivien

Volunteerism and community engagement

CLAFI was also recognized for its education initiatives by the Philippine National Volunteer SerFCLAFI’S, P10

CLAFI received second place for the Outstanding Literacy Program of the National Literacy Awards (NLA) 2022. (L-R) Education

Program Supervisor Leonard Mission of Department of Education Region XII, Director Leila Arriola of Bureau of Learning Delivery, Department of Education Undersecretary Gina Gonong for Curriculum and Instruction, April Mae Domingo from CLAFI, Chief Education Supervisor Gilbert Barrera of Department of Education Region XII, Department of Education Assistant Secretary Ruby Alma Torio.

Christi Trocio and April Mae Domingo from CLAFI, Country Director Jenner Edelman of US Peace Corps, and Executive Director Donald Gawe of PNVSCA

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gihapon mi nila bisan nagsulti sila na freelance delivery riders mi,” said Edmund Carillo, president of the Davao United Delivery Riders Assoc. Inc. (DUDRAI) and one of the complainants in the illegal dismissal case lodged against Food Panda, during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Carillo also said that even if it is still at the NLRC level, this is already a victory for them. He said this is a landmark decision for every delivery rider who has been at the frontlines since the pandemic.

“This is the product of our collective action and our determination to assert our rights, even against a seemingly formidable opponent,” said Carillo.

Carillo said the group is still waiting for the appeal or decision of Food Panda concerning the decision of NLRC.

In a statement, NLRC concludes “in the still raging war against COVID-19, We take judicial notice of the fact that food delivery riders have repeatedly been alluded to as front liners and heroes for enabling us to abide by physical distancing and other health protocols, while, at the same time, bolstering the economy. Nevertheless, while they have been hailed as heroes, they have not always been treated as such. As heroes, they should, at the very least, be able to demand minimum labor standard benefits, e.g. minimum wage, service incentive leave, right to organize and

MODEL’S...

collective bargaining, and security of tenure provided under Philippine laws.”

In July last year, some delivery riders were suspended for 10 years and were offloaded from their respective mobile Food Panda apps. Also, about 300 Food Panda riders conducted a protest on Roxas Avenue, Davao City, against the company due to the following reasons: sudden termination, wrong or unfair determination of salary, and their call for a higher wage amidst these challenging times.

In June this year, the NLRC ordered food delivery provider Food Panda Philippines to pay illegally offboarded delivery riders in Davao City.

In the decision of NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch No. 11 dated June 30, 2022, signed by NLRC Labor Arbiter Rovyne G. Jumao-as, NLRC ordered Food Panda Philippines Inc. to pay the riders who are also the complainants namely Carrilo, Francis Ghlenn Suplag Costan, Nerjhun Habagat Claramon, Manuel Dolendo Lapiña, Roberto Jabines Gonzaga, Jeffrey Batingan Cabusas, and Nawar Sarip Solaiman their full back wages and separation pay amounting to P2,223,446.83.

The NLRC also declared all of the complainants as regular employees of Food Panda Philippines Inc. and to be entitled to attorney’s fees and ordered the food delivery firm to pay them their respective attorney’s fees with a total of P222,346.68.

FROM 2 haspersonallyinstructed them to solve the case as early as possible.

The DCPO chief said they are working to solve thecase“hopefullyintwo weeks time we can zero already saan landas ta- tahakin natin (what path we should go),” P/Col. Lupaz said.

Meanwhile,well-mean-

TAGUM...

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uhi sa kalibutan,” he said.

Tagum is the former chief of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), former Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) director, and former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director.

Meanwhile, the MDPD is expected to strengthen the capacity of the police force. It complies with the new law that requires the creation and activation of the said police entity whose operation will be under the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA).

Among the duties and responsibilities of MDPD include directing, commanding, supervising, and controlling the MDPD; enforcing the execution of laws, general orders, instructions, executive orders, city charters, and ordinances of local applications; and coordinating, aligning, and integrating all the local laws covered under MDDA and MDPD.

The Police Regional Of-

The DCPO chief also asked the public if they

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across its business units globally, the company migrated to SAP S/4HANA to improve fragmented processes, manual workloads, inefficiencies, lack of insights, and delayed decision-making.

Meanwhile, SAP Fiori apps helped enhance the user experience and access to insights. Enhanced visibility enables well-informed decision-making throughout the organization, and automation and fewer reconciliations in finance allow faster financial transaction processing, book closing, and error-free reporting.

Finance functions became integrated and efficient, providing real-time business insights, and IT security was strengthened with improved authorization controls and compliance. By facilitating these improvements, SAP S/4HANA proved to be a catalyst for change for Globe Group, helping it adapt to changes easily in its business environment.

“Globe’s core values are centered on innovation and sustainability. We look at pressing problems and innovate from there, ensuring that we help solve the real issues and contribute to a more sustainable future. We envision making families’ dreams come true and empowering businesses to flourish to help achieve an admired nation. As we create our products, we always anchor them in that vision,” Evangelista said.

Abrahams could not agree more. He noted that businesses that are achieving value from sustainability are defined by traits, such as setting clear expectations at the strategic level, applying the transformative power of technology and data management, and engaging with important audiences such as employees, supply chain

GOV. ...

(PIA/RG Alama)

fice 11 (PRO 11) is the head unit of MDPD.

“Ang focus ko ngayon ay coordination, series of meetings with the local chief executives, mayors, and governors that will be affected with the new development which is the creation of MDPD,” Tagum said.

It can be recalled that in April this year, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11708, or “An Act creating Metropolitan Davao Development Authority, with the aim of further developing the economy in the region. Metropolitan Davao covers Davao City; Panabo City, Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; and city in Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Malalag, and Sulop in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, Malita and Sta Maria in Davao Occidental.

GIANNIS...

partners and policymakers.

Helping organizations in their sustainability journey

SAP, for instance, has been helping organizations in their sustainability journey enabled by data--from driving transparency for disclosure purposes, incorporating or optimizing their data to make more sustainable business processes and decisions, to scaling sustainable practices across industry business networks and value chains.

In line with its purpose to help the world run better and improve people’s lives, SAP also enables organizations to achieve zero waste, zero emissions, and zero inequality through a broad range of solutions. Since organizations now demand fast, reliable, and compliant standard regulatory reporting, and want to leverage insights for their internal sustainable business transformation, SAP ESG solutions portfolio provides a scalable and integrated reporting platform.

Among its offerings include its most recently updated SAP Sustainability Control Tower (SCT) solution, which can help improve ESG transparency and sustainable business performance. SCT enables companies to record ESG factors with out-of-thebox integration with SAP systems for faster time to value and granular data visibility based on actual data, not averages.

The solution also enables companies to report regulatory compliant ESG metrics covering common frameworks based on an open and extensible solution with the largest ESG ecosystem. And lastly, it allows business leaders to act and plan with actionable insights, forecasts and setting targets, track initiatives, and optimize business processes to make an impact.

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ounmpo after the game in celebration.

“This is what basketball is about,” Antetokounmpo said. “This is what winning is about. We have a great team. We play together. We do it on the floor together. That’s what Milwaukee is about and I’m glad to be on a team like that.”

Latvian Kristaps Porzingis scored 22 points to lead the visiting Wizards, who had a five-game win streak snapped.

At Oklahoma City, Josh Giddey scored 25 points and Canadian backcourt partner Luguentz Dort added 23 to lead the host Thunder over Boston 150117.

Jalen Williams and reserves Tre Mann and Isaiah Joe each added 21 points for the Thunder (16-21), who outscored Boston in every quarter.

The Celtics saw the NBA’s best record drop to 26-12, trimming their lead in the Eastern Conference to a half-game over Brooklyn (25-12) and 1.5 games over Milwaukee (24-13).

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points and Jayson Tatum had 27 for the Celtics.

The night’s thriller came in Salt Lake City, where Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox made a driv-

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vice Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) during the National Volunteers Month.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognized CLAFI as a leader and role model that exemplified service to others through its various volunteerism works to provide equitable access to quality education and protect the environment.

ing layup with less than a second remaining to give the Sacramento Kings a 117-115 triumph at Utah.

Fox finished with a game-high 37 points, including his career-best fourth quarter with 20 points, and Domantas Sabonis added 21 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Kings.

Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen, who led Utah with 28 points, sank a 3-pointer off a three-quarter-court pass at the finish, but officials ruled the shot left his hand just after the final buzzer and thus was no good.

- Zion out three weeks -

The three-team fight for the Western Conference lead had big news Tuesday as well as New Orleans star Zion Williamson learned he will be sidelined for at least three weeks.

Williamson, averaging 26.0 points and 7.0 rebounds a game, underwent an MRI exam Tuesday that confirmed he suffered a right hamstring strain in a 120-111 loss at Philadelphia on Monday and he will be re-evaluated in three weeks, the Pelicans said.

The setback comes with New Orleans at 23-14 and in a fight with Denver and Memphis for the Western Conference lead.

farmers, and rehabilitation of more than 700 hectares of the Siguil and Kablacan watersheds.

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following health protocols to keep our schools and community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As you return to campus, please remember to wear a mask, if possible, since wearing it is now optional; and regularly wash your hands. These simple actions can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school a safe place

MARCOS...

for learning and growth,” Jubahid said.

The entire province of Davao del Norte was placed under Alert Level 1 from January 1 until January 15 2023 per Resolution 4-C Series of 2022 issued on December 27, 2022 by the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

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In his order, Marcos said there is a need to extend the effectivity of the reduced tariff rates on rice, maize, coal, and meat of swine (fresh, chilled, or frozen) “to maintain affordable prices for the purpose of ensuring food security, help augment the supply of basic agricultural commodities in the country, and diversify the country’s market sources, among others.”

The EO said all articles specifically listed, which are entered into or withdrawn from warehouses in the Philippines for consumption, shall be levied the MFN rates of duty as prescribed therein.

Meanwhile, the tariff

rates on coal shall be subjected to a semestral review after December 31, 2023.

The EO also mandates the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Committee on Tariff and Related Matters to submit to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, its findings and recommendations on the matter, including analysis and monitoring of the coal market.

Executive Order Nos. 134 and 135 temporarily modified the MFN rates of import duty on meat of swine (fresh chilled or frozen) until May 17, 2022 and rice until June 1, 2022.

To date, CLAFI helped improve the reading capacity of close to 10,000 learners, contributed to the continued learning of more than 60,000 learners despite the pandemic, developed contextualized learning resources especially for the Indigenous Peoples learners, produced the first of its kind contextualized learning material on child rights, and influenced replication of volunteer works to other education division offices in Mindanao.

Further, the organization also had environmental efforts such as improving abaca and coffee production of farmers through a USAID-funded Farmers Field School in Maasim, Sarangani Province, facilitating market referrals of the coffee and abaca produce of farmers and improving their income, providing of six (6) abaca spindle stripping machines, thereby increasing productivity and income for

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taken measures to curb inflation, global supply chain delays and material shortages remain a much more complex issue to solve,” she said.

The S&P Global survey said manufacturers’ outlook this year remains rosy backed by strong domestic

Vice Mayor Jean Delos Santos of the Municipality of Malapatan, a former CLAFI staff member and a key stakeholder in the Municipality of Malapatan, Sarangani, shared how the work of CLAFI helps develop communities.

“My heart for the communities started when I was a staff of CLAFI back then. I have seen how they work hard to help and how the communities have developed as a result,” Delos Santos shared.

“In fact, my work with CLAFI inspired me to step up through our government. Now that I am the Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Malapatan, I still bring with me the value and passion for volunteerism that CLAFI instilled in me.”

The success of CLAFI’s initiatives and projects would not have been possible without the consistent and strong support of various donors and sponsors that solidified their advocacies, especially the Alcantara Group, the Mindanao-based group of companies that also has interests in aquaculture, agriculture, real estate, and power generation.

demand and stable economic environment. Firms also have investment plans for this year.

“Goods producers remain strongly upbeat for the year ahead, banking largely on domestic demand to help maintain growth,” Baluch added. (PNA)

ingindividualshasoffered aPhp1-millionrewardto thosewhocanidentifythe perpetrators who killed Plaza.

knowsomethingaboutthe case to help them by givingtheminformationthat could help solve the case.

Giannis scores career-high 55 to ignite Bucks over Wizards

WASHINGTON

-- Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a career-high 55 points to spark the Milwaukee Bucks in a revenge victory over Washington 123-113 on Tuesday while NBA-best Boston was upset at Oklahoma City.

Greek star forward Antetokounmpo, who missed a 118-95 loss Sunday to Washington with knee

soreness, added 10 rebounds and seven assists in the triumph, scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter

to stomp the Wizards.

Antetokounmpo, who made 20-of-33 from the floor and 15 of 16 free throws, scored 12 straight Bucks points late to snuff a Washington rally attempt.

“I’m just trying to make good decisions, try to be aggressive throughout the whole game and at the end of the day, we try to win games,” Antetokounmpo said.

“We’re playing good basketball. We defended really well. And I’m just trying to do whatever I can for the team to get a W.”

Antetokounmpo became only the fourth player in NBA history with three consecutive games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, joining Russell Westbrook, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

Antetokounmpo credited extra work on his free throw accuracy with a boost in his recent scoring.

“That’s what I do, I work,” said Antetokounmpo. “A lot of people think my game is boring but I’m just trying to do better, trying to do whatever it takes to help my team win.

“At the end of the day I’ve got to get better at the free throw line and I’m

just trying to put some extra work there, find my teammates, create some open threes and try to attack in the paint as much as I can.”

Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez added 21 points and 12 rebounds while reserve Bobby Portis had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Bucks, several of whom poured water on Antetok-

Soccer fans the world over know which countries are seriously expected to contend for the World Cup championship.

In Latin America, almost every team - from Brazil to Peru, from Chile to Bolivia, from Argentina to the Dominican Republicis capable of pulling the rug from under any country that poses a challenge.

Take note that soccer - not basketball, nor baseball or any other popular team event played in the US - is their national sport.

However, in Qatar, Morocco was the biggest revelation of all. Its Cinderella-run culminated to a fourth place finish, ahead of powerhouse countries like En-

2022 FIFA WORLD CUP REVELATIONS

gland, Germany, Portugal and Spain.

Called the Atlas Lions, the Moroccans upset a Ronaldo-laden Portugal eleven 1-0 to earn the right to fight for a podium finish.

In their semifinal clash against defending titleist France, they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat and were relegated to vie for third place.

Unfortunately, Croatia did not oblige them as the former won the bronze via a narrow 2-1 victory.

In Asia, Japan and South Korea did much better than the usual expectation by at least beating one ballclub in the preliminaries.

They earned passage into the next round - the knockout

matches - where each stood their ground before eventually losing to much superior opponents.

In preliminary group matches, the Koreans drew with Uruguay (0-0), lost to Ghana (2-3) and upset Portugal (1-2) to get into the round of 16.

Brazil eventually eliminated the Taeguk Warriors 4-1.

Japan was the first ever Asian nation to qualify seven times for the World Cup. They were also the first Asian country to score an upset over a South American team, Colombia.

In Qatar, the Samurai Blue upended much-favored Germany and Spain with both 2-1 scores to get into the round of 16 where they were frustrated by Croatia in

penalty kicks, 1-3.

I am wondering why Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, highly respected in the ASEAN hub, are not visibly making their presence felt.

Pinoys usually get a drubbing from these trio before the advent of the Azkals.

Millions of soccer fans in these countries - add Vietnam to the list - are so fanatical that stampedes occur when they smell something fishy during the conduct of their respective tournaments.

If my memory serves me right, I had witnessed one such behavior during one of my coverages of the SEA Games sometime in the 90s.

How many decades ago was

it when Pinoys scored a surprise win over one of its soccer opponents in the SEAG?

Was it in 1991 when Pinoy strikers took the lights out of their Malaysian counterparts that forthwith resulted in a series of resignations among officials of the Malaysian Football Association?

Over here, while our basketball teams regularly reign supreme in the SEA region, nobody resigned when Indonesia embarrassed and shamed Gilas in men’s basketball in the SEA Games last edition.

Oh, sorry. I have digressed. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks soars for a dunk. Wisconsin.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

FGIANNIS, P10

ROUSING START

Zamboanga wins ABL debut vs. Surabaya

Zamboanga made a successful ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) debut on Tuesday night with a 108-94 win against Louvre Surabaya on the second night of the ABL Invitational at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.

Zamboanga turned the tides in the fourth quarter, outscoring Surabaya, 43-20, to overturn a 65-74 deficit at the end of the third quarter.

Antonio Hester, Terrafirma’s import during the 2022 PBA Governors’ Cup, led Zamboanga with 35 points on 15-of-26 shooting, 11 rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Jeremy Arthur added 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals, while Ryan Smith chipped in 18 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and four steals off the bench as Zamboanga joins opening-night

winners Hong Kong Eastern and host team Singapore Slingers at the top of the team standings.

Marcus Hammonds, known locally as a former mainstay with the Chooksto-Go Pilipinas 3x3 program, showed that he too can be dominant in the 5-on-5 game by leading Surabaya with 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Alioune Tew added 24 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and four steals for Surabaya, which fell to a tie with NS Matrix Malaysia and Bangkok at the bottom. (PNA)

The triumvirate of former PBA import Antonio Hester, Jeremy Arthur, and Ryan Smith powered the Valientes from 9 points down past Surabaya.