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Bayani Fernando, true public servant (2)
In a country where corruption in the government has become endemic, where many elected and appointed officials use their offices, their power, and their connections to amass wealth illegally, only a rare breed of men and women come out unscathed and untainted with dishonesty and illegal conduct while in office. There is a long list of public officials who have been prosecuted, convicted, and jailed for siphoning government coffers for themselves. Of course, there are those who escape prosecution and others who manage to get acquitted, even if they are guilty as hell. They flaunt their wealth, which was never there before they entered government service. Since government prosecutors could not show the courts the quantum of proof beyond a reasonable doubt required by law, these scoundrels go scot-free. These charlatans become the role models of those who want to follow their route and seek to emulate them by seeking public office, either by election or by appointment. Tragically, for this country, it is corruption that hinders its development and progress. It is the poison that kills the body politic, the disease that is worse than the pandemic, which devours the poor of their health, that destroys the source that will provide them their education as a tool to uplift their lives. It is the scourge that hampers the delivery of basic services. Not all, though, who enter government work are corrupted or influenced by the evil and profitable ways of the corrupt. There are a few who remain insulated from corruption, who are dedicated and fealty to their oath of office, and who serve the public instead of themselves. Bayani Fernando was one of those handful who maintained his honesty during his tenure as Mayor, Congressman, Secretary of Public Works, and Chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority or MMDA. There was one political adversary of Bayani Fernando when he was Marikina Mayor, a former congressman of Marikina, long time deceased, who tried to tarnish his reputation by filing a graft complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman. This writer lawyered for him, and the Ombudsman dismissed the case as having no basis in fact and law. As Chairman of MMDA, he was also charged in 2016 with misuse of funds but was also exonerated. Apparently, the charges were politically motivated as he announced then that he was running for President. He eventually ran as Vice-President, but victory eluded him. The initiatives pursued by the late Bayani Fernando as a public servant produced results that benefited the people of Marikina and Metro Manila. His style of governance has been replicated by other mayors and succeeding chairmen of the MMDA. He was a role model in public service. His private life was exemplary, too. The only vice he indulged in, if it can be called one, was to spend his free time with his friends crooning every Tuesday night. He loved singing as his way of distressing himself and having clean fun with them. He and his wife Marides had only one daughter, Tala, who is married to Paul Ang, the son of business hotshot and mogul Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation. Bayani Fernando was a doting father to his unica hija Tala, but at the same time, he was a disciplinarian. Like all grandfathers, he was a spoiler. He loved his three grandchildren, all boys. They are his — and his wife Marides’ joy. When queried how Bayani Fernando was a husband, her wife blurted out: “Challenging!” accompanied by heart laughter. Certainly, all spouses who are married to public servants are confronted with the challenge of coping with their partners, seldom staying at home or coming home late. It’s good that former Marikina Mayor Marides Carlos-Fernando succeeded her husband for three terms as chief executive of Marikina, as she would understand the travails that every dedicated public servant goes through. His record as a public official speaks for itself. Bayani Fernando was a true public servant in the truest sense of the word. His legacy of public service lives on despite his departure from the physical plane. The post Bayani Fernando, true public servant (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fools in suits
When a ranking Department of Agriculture official was asked in a recent Congress hearing what steps the agency had taken to break the rice cartel, he replied that he did not believe that a “mafia” existed. Coming from a high DA official, the statement revealed that nothing was being done to stop the syndicate that everyone in the industry knows about since, to the authorities, it does not exist. In the reenacted Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and forming cartels for agricultural and fishery products are considered economic sabotage and are non-bailable offenses for which a long jail term could be meted out. The strengthened law, however, lacks strong teeth against government officials who are in cahoots or protect the syndicates. Contained in the proposed bill is a provision indicating that any government officer or employee found to be an accomplice in the commission of the crime will “suffer the additional penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, exercising the right to vote, from participating in any public election, and forfeiture of employment monetary and financial benefits.” The bill is pending in both houses of Congress. With the slow grind of justice in the country, a public official looking for a fast buck will not hesitate to risk his job in exchange for a huge payback. The recent series of events showed the markets are being manipulated by the big players in the sugar, vegetable and rice businesses. These syndicates are known to be deeply entrenched due to their connections with government bigwigs who facilitate their domination of the markets either through edicts or the use of public resources. In the most ridiculous situation, the recent spike in onion prices was found to be artificial since farmers were even throwing away their harvests because of low farmgate prices, thus there was no reason for prices to surge. Later, it was exposed in a congressional hearing that a cartel had succeeded in manipulating the onion market to create a condition that would require its importation, from which its members would make a killing. The warehouse and storage facilities are controlled by the mafia which makes it easy to create artificial conditions to which the market reacts by raising retail prices. The ultimate goal is to coax the government to allow importation from suppliers in overseas markets that are also flooded with the commodity, The cartel rakes in profits from both the high markup and the kickbacks from the overseas suppliers desperate to sell their surplus. The woeful victims are the Filipino farmers whom the cartel boxes out of the market. In extreme cases, these farmers just throw away their harvest since they cannot afford to transport their products without the middlemen who are also in the pocket of the cartel. The same goes for the rice industry, where the market was manipulated for a different reason, which was to kill the rice tariffication law that kicked the National Food Authority out of the import business. Rice prices then surged to as high as P56 a kilo, which pushed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose price ceilings. The NFA used to have a monopoly on importation, but that resulted in acrimonious confrontations at the apex of government. The tariffication law, in turn, opened importation to all grain traders and relegated the NFA to buying rice from local farmers. Under the new anti-smuggling bill which has the endorsement of Mr. Marcos, an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council headed by the President or his designated permanent representative will be formed. The proposed body will have the power to investigate and file charges, as well as freeze violators’ funds, properties, bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records. The creation of the body looks good on paper but in the real world, it might just add another layer of bureaucracy and source of corruption unless the cartel, which DA officials claim does not exist, is dismantled. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has a simple solution for breaking the cartel, which is for the government to confiscate all the rice overstock and let the owners of the warehouses prove that their huge inventory is legitimate. Such a move would prompt the traders to release more rice into the market to avoid confiscation. The imposition of the price cap on rice indicated that the prices are artificial since the markets are now selling at lower than the manipulated prices despite conditions being constant. An expected bumper harvest is also prompting the prices to go back to normal, after the attempt of the cartel to create a price shock to support their effort to return to the old ways. To know the real situation, President Marcos goes out of his way to see what is on the ground. His underlings, particularly at the Department of Agriculture, should do better. The post Fools in suits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valiram eyes airport outlet expansion
Malacañang confirmed that the Malaysian retail specialist, Valiram Group, is eyeing the expansion of its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism. The commitment was made during the meeting of Valiram Group officials with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Singapore on Saturday, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. She said Valiram’s development priorities include having duty-free access at the airports. “The company is building more airport walk-through stores personalized to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience,” she added. Present during the meeting with Marcos were Valiram Group executive directors Mukesh Valiram, Ashvin Valiram, and Sharan Valiram; Esquire Financing chairperson and chief executive officer Rajan Uttamchandani; and Ayala Corp. chief sustainability and risk officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo. Citing the statement of one of the Valiram executives, Garafil said the Malaysian retail specialist is seeking the immediate expansion of its operations in the Philippines in the next five years. She added that Valiram wants to bring some of its brands that are not yet represented in the Philippines, “in an effort to elevate customer experience to another level” by giving them more space at the nation’s gateways, removing the stress and hassles of security checks. “Things like… complementing Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, and some of our partners’ work in Southeast Asia have expressed interest. Their business is small, currently in the Philippines. And they want to see if we can help us over there and try and amplify them in the local market,” Garafil said, quoting one of the Valiram executives. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the vital role of retail business in the Philippine economy, adding that Valiram could also help boost the country’s tourism industry. “It is an important sector of the economy. It’s what’s driving the economy now, it’s consumer spending,” he told Valiram officials, as quoted by the PCO. Philippine officials who were at the meeting included Garafil, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio Macaraig. More investors Romualdez, for his part, expressed support for the President’s thrust to encourage more investors to come to the Philippines, noting that Congress is focusing on crafting legislation or laws that govern the treatment and appreciation of foreign investments into the country. Romualdez stressed that “Congress is moving under his leadership by streamlining those laws.” Established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and retail specialist with a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. Operating more than 350 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents more than 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume, and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts. The post Valiram eyes airport outlet expansion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: Malaysian-based Valiram eyes dev’t of airport outlets in Phl
Malacañang confirmed that the Malaysian retail specialist, Valiram Group, is eyeing the expansion of its operations in the Philippines by developing airport outlets for duty-free retail tourism. The commitment was made during the meeting of Valiram Group officials with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Singapore on Saturday, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. Garafil said that Valiram’s development priorities include having duty-free access at the airports. “The company is building more airport walk-through stores personalized to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience,” she added. Present during the meeting with Marcos were Valiram Group executive directors Mukesh Valiram, Ashvin Valiram, and Sharan Valiram; Esquire Financing chairperson and chief executive officer Rajan Uttamchandani; and Ayala Corp. chief sustainability and risk officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo. Citing the statement of one of the Valiram executives, Garafil said the Malaysian retail specialist is seeking the immediate expansion of its operations in the Philippines in the next five years. She added that Valiram wants to bring some of its brands that are not yet represented in the Philippines, “in an effort to elevate customer experience to another level” by giving them more space at the nation’s gateways, removing the stress and hassles of security checks. “Things like… complementing Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and some of our partners' work in Southeast Asia have expressed interest. Their business is small, currently in the Philippines. And they want to see if we can help us over there and try and amplify them in the local market,” Garafil said, quoting one of the Valiram executives. Marcos acknowledged the vital role of retail business in the Philippine economy, adding that Valiram could also help boost the country’s tourism industry. “It’s an important sector of the economy. It’s what’s driving the economy now, it’s consumer spending,” he told Valiram officials, as quoted by the PCO. Philippine officials who were at the meeting included Garafil, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio Macaraig. Romualdez, for his part, expressed support for the President’s thrust to encourage more investors to come to the Philippines. The house speaker noted that Congress is focusing on crafting legislation or laws that govern the treatment and appreciation of foreign investments into the country. Romualdez stressed that “Congress is moving under his leadership by streamlining those laws.” “And we are also looking at the totality of the body of laws and looking at older, or laws that are either obsolete or archaic, or those are so-called timely to encourage more foreign investors,” Romualdez said, partly in Filipino. He said the administration’s efforts are aligned with the “Foreign Investments Act and the details to open up the economy for foreign direct investments.” Established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and retail specialist with a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. Operating more than 350 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents more than 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume, and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts. The post Palace: Malaysian-based Valiram eyes dev’t of airport outlets in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott
Professional women's tennis tournaments return to China on Monday, less than two years after the WTA vowed to boycott the country out of concern for player Peng Shuai and risks to its players and staff. The WTA tournament opening Monday in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou will be the first in mainland China since 2019 -- and while no top-20 stars are expected to attend, it is set to attract plenty of attention. The WTA suspended activities in China in December 2021, when former world doubles number one Peng briefly disappeared after making -- and then withdrawing -- accusations of sexual assault against a senior Chinese leader. Saying the issue was "bigger than business", the tennis body insisted it would not hold events in China until Beijing guaranteed the safety of Peng. "Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China," WTA chief Steve Simon said at the time. Peng published a long social media post in November 2021 saying she had been "forced" into sex during a years-long, on-and-off relationship with Zhang Gaoli, a married ex-vice premier of China 39 years her senior. She has since denied she accused anyone of sexual assault and described the situation as a "huge misunderstanding". Peng has not been seen outside China since the allegations were made. In April this year though, the WTA announced the resumption of tournaments, admitting its "principled stand... a powerful message to the world" had not been able "to bring about change". "It was, in my opinion, a complete capitulation, because it was pretty obvious to anyone who knows anything about China that China wasn't going to offer a free or fair investigation into the sexual assault claims," China-based sports expert Mark Dreyer told AFP. "I really do feel they've undone all that good will that they had gained by taking a principled stance." Dreyer added that the suspension had been largely symbolic as most international sporting events were put on hold during the pandemic under China's strict zero-Covid policy. - An economic choice - China is a crucial market for the WTA, given the quality of local infrastructure and investment as well as TV rights and sponsorship deals with mainland partners. "The choice to return is an economic one," Lionel Maltese, a former member of the executive committee of the French Tennis Federation, told AFP. "The income generated in China has a strong impact on the financing and income of all players." Before the pandemic, the WTA organized 10 tournaments in China each year -- with a total of $30 million in prize money -- out of more than 60 tournaments globally. These included the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, which in 2019 offered the largest tennis prize in history: $4.4 million. China is also home to five players on the world's top 100 list. They include 20-year-old Zheng Qinwen, world number 22 and recent quarter-finalist at the US Open, and 21-year-old Wang Xinyu, this year's French Open women's doubles winner. These stars have boosted the popularity of tennis in China, along with the market's economic potential. "If you have enough big names, the money will come, the tournaments will come," Dreyer told AFP. - 'Convictions' - The headliners in Guangzhou are likely to be world number 24 Magda Linette from Poland and Romania's Sorana Cirstea, currently world number 26. It is unclear if any players will be vocal about Peng, with Maltese saying there was "no leadership among players on ethical issues". "Very few athletes are taking a stand," he said. But France's Alize Cornet, ranked 99th globally, announced this week she would skip the tournament. "Staying true to my convictions and careful about my health, I decided that I will not be playing in China this year," she wrote on social media. Peng herself could make an appearance. After her initial disappearance from public view, she has made what appeared to be orchestrated appearances at multiple sporting events, including the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. ehl-tjx/reb/qan © Agence France-Presse The post Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MAP denies backing on dismissed MIAA chief
Management Association of the Philippines president, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad denied that her group aired its support to the dismissed Manila International Airport Authority, General Manager Cesar Chiong, and MIAA OIC assistant general manager Irene Montalbo, saying that the backing came from some of its members. Besides MAP, the Makati Business Club last week released a statement of support backing Chiong and Montalbo, questioning the decision of Ombudsman Samuel Martires. “Please note that this is not a MAP statement. Nowhere should the statement be attributed to MAP. This is a statement of individual businessmen and professionals who requested us to distribute it to the media,” Baladad told the Daily Tribune. Trabaho Partylist on Wednesday also hit business groups petition urging Ombudsman Martires to reverse the decision dismissing Chiong, stating that it is a clear interference with the independence and investigatory functions of the Ombudsman. “While the 1987 Constitution created the Ombudsman as ‘an independent constitutional body, unfettered by political influence and insulated it from the ebb and tide of political fortunes,’ here comes now a group of businessmen trying to erode the integrity of the office,” Trabaho Partylist Secretary General Atty. Juan Paolo Lorica said. “The decision dismissing Chiong and MIAA OIC assistant general manager Irene Montalbo is clearly supported by evidence. It is unfair for the business sector to even insinuate that the Ombudsman and the panel of investigators did not investigate and decide the case with utmost objectivity,” he added. Lorica pointed out that Martires’ record as Ombudsman has consistently shown he has maintained his independence and that he does not look into the political color of the respondents of the cases being decided by his office. “It must be recalled that Ombudsman Martires caused the withdrawal of the usurpation case that his predecessor has filed against President Noynoy Aquino. And just recently he dismissed from the service the Over-All Deputy Ombudsman for his involvement in the Pharmally case. The Ombudsman exacted justice for the Filipino people even as other government organs failed to do the same,” he said. The Trabaho Partylist Secretary General further stressed that what the business groups are asking is for the Ombudsman to favor Chiong. “Is Chiong the only citizen who can manage the airport efficiently and effectively? Is he the only citizen who is honest for which this government must lean on?” he asked. Last April 2023, Chiong and Montalbo were put on preventive suspension by the Ombudsman for Grave Abuse of Authority, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service for reassigning 285 MIIA personnel despite the two officials’ temporary positions in the attached agency of the Department of Transportation. The post MAP denies backing on dismissed MIAA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MR. FREEZE PARTNERS WITH HEALTH-BOOSTING COMPANY MYATOMS
Gerry Santos, aka Mr. Freeze, the celebrity businessman behind the Mr. Freeze purified tube ice business, has now partnered with MyATOMS, a supply chain management and marketing company focused on concocting and selling herbal health supplements for cleansing and detoxification. With more than 50 tube ice-making plants across the Philippines under his ownership, Mr. Freeze is also the face of ALLTV’s Negosyo Goals. He also publicly hangs out with showbiz celebrities like Derek Ramsay, Albert Martinez and Aga Muhlach. Now, the business guru is thrilled to be the poster boy of MyATOMS. At a recent press conference and contract signing between MyATOMS and Mr. Freeze, Santos professed his trust on MyAtoms, which also happens to provide a business program called MyAtoms Business Academy (M.B.A) to help educate micro-entrepreneurs or corporate entrepreneurs. “Siguro nakikita ko ‘yung vision ng MyAtoms, which coincides with my vision and mission also of helping a lot of people. As a successful entrepreneur, syempre ang role ko is mentorship, so to inspire a lot of people like I did before doon sa nag-host ako ng show. Itong group, nakita ko ang potential. Nakita ko pa dito, it coincides with my lifestyle in sports — playing golf and tennis, tapos, syempre ‘yung product nila, kailangan healthy ka eh. Kung hindi ka healthy, hindi mo magagawang mag-tennis, magagawang mag-negosyo. Mawawala ang focus mo. Syempre, always, health is wealth. Kaya, sabi ko, I’d like to join this company, MyATOMS, and help this company to grow,” Santos said. Jonathan Petalver, MyATOMS’ MBA executive director, explained that they decided to pick Mr. Freeze to promote the company’s products as he is a symbol of health, athleticism, and business savviness. “In this new economy, called the digital economy, when you promote the product, hindi na siya about definition, benefits and all. That’s why we asked — actually, we begged Mr. Freeze — to join us, kasi the product is very, very beneficial, especially if you’re into sports, conditioning, mental health, and anti-depression and all. We believe Mr. Freeze is the perfect example for that. So, him, taking the product, and doing this with us in this journey — that alone speaks of the product. Hindi na siya questionable,” Petalver said. Meanwhile, MyATOMS chief executive officer Marcam Marasigan believes that the public needs to be educated on the benefits of probiotics through Mr. Freeze. Marasigan also believes that their health products could contribute to the solution for the growing and alarming problem of mental health issues. “Most of the time, ang tinatarget pagdating sa health products ay mga nasa late 30s pataas. And then, the tendency na the younger generations na hindi nata-target,” Marasican said. “Probiotics is a very, very powerful supplement — if we are educated. So, we want to educate people on probiotics. And the second reason for the product — ang pinaka-mataas na reason for death now for millennials, and late Gen Xers like us, are stress, anxiety and depression, which leads to suicide, diba? And most of them are triggered by stress. Mataas ang cortisol nila sa katawan. That’s what our products do — to give them a healthier mental health, brain health and, overall, ‘yung body din,” he emphasized. It was revealed in the press conference that MyATOMS, in partnership with Gerry Santos, will launch a series of programs and activities to promote not just their health products but to help entrepreneurs become business masters — like the man himself, Mr. Freeze. The post MR. FREEZE PARTNERS WITH HEALTH-BOOSTING COMPANY MYATOMS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Short-circuited reforms
Judicial intervention in business transactions never had a stronger impact on Filipinos than the effect of the Court of Appeals stopping the Energy Regulatory Commission, or ERC, from compelling San Miguel Corp. power units to honor their contracts with Manila Electric Co. About a month ago, the CA handed down a permanent injunction on the consolidated cases of SMC units South Premiere Power Corp. and San Miguel Energy Corp. to overturn the ERC’s rejection of petitions to suspend their straight-price contracts. Energy Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla said in a recent interview with Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk the Solicitor General will continue to challenge the injunction order up to the Supreme Court. “We don’t want the courts to be second-guessing the decisions of administrative bodies like the Energy Regulatory Commission,” according to Lotilla. The straight pricing regime in the power sector should have complemented the policy of the Department of Energy to move away from subsidies in the cost of electricity. Consumer groups had also filed a motion for reconsideration before the CA against the injunction. In July, the CA overturned the ERC to honor the SMC units’ straight-priced power contracts. The decision, consumer groups fear will open the floodgates to higher electricity costs, as SMC and other fossil fuel power generators will be emboldened to ask for more rate increases as they can apply for and possibly secure price adjustments during their contracts’ lifetime through the courts. The consumer groups consider the CA’s move a big blow to consumers since it negates the straight-pricing contracts. All straight-price contracts, 23 based on ERC records, are now at risk of price adjustments. In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated the goal of achieving competitive pricing for electricity, which will be negated by the CA’s injunction order. Consumer groups said the injunction order allowed SMC to ultimately hijack bidding systems for power supply agreements that are in place to protect consumers. SolGen Menardo Guevarra will submit the challenge based on the position that the injunction order interferes with administrative functions. “We will not see an immediate impact of the decision but it will affect prices because they involve fix-rate contacts between SMC and Meralco,” according to the energy chief. “The Solicitor General’s Office has made clear that the government opposed the issuance of injunction orders and therefore would be ready to appeal, I’m sure,” he indicated. Lotilla said the list of rules that the DoE issued was meant to address the problems in the industry and bring down rates to reasonable levels. “We have made the policy decision not to subsidize electricity, so we cannot think of telling the distributor or telling our people that prices are going to be drastically reduced,” Lotilla said. The initiative of the electricity distributor to bid out fixed price contracts would have offset the DoE plan to remove all forms of subsidies on electricity prices and thus make the monthly bills truly equitable. The market reforms have been thrown off course by the court injunction which has had the effect of usurping the authority of a quasi-judicial body while clearly favoring SMC. The post Short-circuited reforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again
Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades. The falling Disney+ subscriber numbers -- for the third consecutive quarter -- came as a crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, threatening the company's ability to produce content key to the streaming service's appeal. "It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months," chief executive Bob Iger, whose contract has been extended through 2026, said of negotiations with striking actors and writers. "I am personally committed to working to achieve this result." Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years in May, only to be joined in mid-July by actors. The last time Hollywood writers laid down their pens and keyboards, in 2007, the strike lasted 100 days and cost Los Angeles's entertainment economy around $2 billion. This time, the two sides are clashing as writers demand higher pay, minimum guarantees of stable employment and a greater share of profits from the boom in streaming, while studios say they must cut costs due to economic pressures. The current double whammy of actors and writers is the first since the 1960s. At issue for both labor groups in the age of streaming is better pay and residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence, which they fear the studios would like to use to replace them. As things stand, neither the unions nor the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios, seems prepared to give ground. Password sharing a 'priority' Disney+ finished the quarter with 146.1 million subscribers, compared with just shy of 158 million in the first three months of this year, the group said. All but a sliver of the loss in Disney+ subscribers took place in India, where the entertainment titan early this year lost rights to stream popular Premier League cricket matches. Rival Netflix recently reported that its subscriptions climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing. Iger told financial analysts that Disney+ password sharing is "significant" and that the company plans to start tackling the situation. "We already have the technical capability to monitor much of this," Iger said. "We're going to get at this issue; we certainly have established this as a real priority." Disney announced it will raise its streaming service subscription price in the United States to $14 monthly starting October 12, an increase of $3. The company also expanded availability of an ad-supported Disney+ tier to Canada and parts of Europe. Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley believes Disney+ has "a long road ahead" to becoming profitable. "Our experts expect that 2025 is a more realistic timeline to achieve profitability than next year," Lumley said. "Especially considering factors like the dual strike in Hollywood and relatively weak reception of Disney's content by audiences." Disney shares were up more than 2 percent to $90 in after market trades despite the drop in streaming service subscriber numbers and a posted loss of $460 million in the quarter. The unusual quarterly loss for the company was due to charges related to ending licensing agreements and yanking content from its streaming platforms. Disney reported that its theme parks and cruise business continued to rebound from the pandemic, even while its traditional television offerings face a trend of ad dollars shifting to online viewing alternatives. Iger said in the earnings call that streaming, film studios and theme parks will drive its growth in the coming five years. "On the traditional TV side, losses continue to mount as CEO Bob Iger looks to offload what he now considers non-core assets, including the ABC Network," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Paul Verna. "These adverse trends are compounded by economic uncertainty, a soft ad market, increased competition in streaming media, labor disputes with screenwriters and actors, and lackluster box office numbers for Disney's films." The post Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
To catch a thief
Artificial Intelligence is now being tapped for crime prevention. Inspired by the 2002 Tom Cruise movie, “Minority Report,” about a futuristic police crime-busting technology, Japan is pilot testing a network of AI-enhanced security cameras that can detect suspicious behavior to preempt criminal activities like shoplifting and trespassing. The National Police Agency’s predictive policing cameras can also detect weapons and alert law enforcers to observe the behavior patterns of suspicious individuals in a crowd, such as fidgeting, restlessness and rapid eye movement, Daily Mail reported. The observations are inputted by the cameras’ software for better crime detection and deterrence. The result of the pilot test will be the basis for the adoption of the technology by the Japanese police. Meanwhile, business establishments can still rely on good old alarm systems for protection against crime. That’s how the VacationLand Federal Credit Union bank in Huron, Ohio, USA alerted police to a break-in on 29 July. Utility equipment — a recycling bin — also came in handy to literally catch the suspected burglar. Footage from police body cams showed Tristan J. Heidl, 27, of Huron, falling into the waiting arms of two responding officers when he exited the bank empty-handed. According to Huron Police Chief Terry Graham, the officers watched as a bag of tools was dropped through a trap door above the credit union’s drive-thru lane followed by the dangling legs of the suspect who fell into a recycling bin below the hatch, NBC News reported. Cops were waiting for the burglar, who failed to crack the bank’s safes, beside the bin. The suspect had no choice but to surrender. Heidl was charged with breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools, and safecracking, Graham said, according to NBC News. WJG @tribunephl_wjg The post To catch a thief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Where employees get the ‘best of both worlds‘
The Asticom Group of Companies, a leading player in the field of tech-enabled shared services and outsourcing under the umbrella of the Globe Group, recently unveiled its "Best of Both Worlds" employee value proposition. The Asticom Group places great emphasis on the harmonious combination of workplace atmosphere, work-life balance, talent nurturing and industry integration. This blend nurtures a setting where individuals can grow and thrive. Asticom’s ‘Best of Both Worlds’ EVP exemplifies our shared vision of making a difference within the Globe Group. "Our ‘Best of Both Worlds’ EVP truly embodies our mission and purpose of improving people’s lives. By recognizing our culture of putting people first, we further enhance the environment of creative collaboration and caring teams, enabling our employees to find greater fulfillment in their careers,” said Asticom president and CEO Mharicar Castillo-Reyes. Asticom's EVP "Best of Both Worlds" celebrates the company's distinctive work methods, combining organizational stability with entrepreneurial energy, balancing structured office time with the freedom of remote work, and harmonizing personal growth with professional progression opportunities. It also marks the convergence of tech-centric and traditional work environments. The introduction of Asticom’s EVP is in line with the company’s dedication to cooperation and making a significant impact within the Globe Group. "Asticom's ‘Best of Both Worlds’ EVP exemplifies our shared vision of making a difference within the Globe Group. Through meaningful initiatives that prioritize our people, it reinforces our unyielding commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos, igniting positive transformations that truly resonate within and outside of the Globe Group," said Globe's chief human resource officer Ato Jiao. Asticom fosters an attractive workspace that lures topnotch talents, triggers innovation and allows employees to thrive. As a testament to this, it has received international recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work‘ and among the Best Employers for 2023 in the Philippines by Statista, an international market research agency. Asticom operates four subsidiaries— Asti Business Services Inc., HCX Technology Partners Inc., Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. and Acquiro Solutions and Tech Inc. — all contributing toward the company's goal of improving people's lives. The post Where employees get the ‘best of both worlds‘ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL picks long-haul fleet as travel surges
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines or PAL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the purchase of nine A350-1000s for its ultra-long-haul fleet project. The A350-1000 will be operated for non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada. The new aircraft will join two A350-900s already in service and currently flying to destinations in North America, Asia and Australia. As with the A350-900, the PAL A350-1000s will have separate Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins. Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines, said the range of the A350-1000 would enable the airline to fly non-stop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year. These will include some of the longest commercial flights in the world, such as those linking the Philippines with New York and Toronto. With an expanded A350 fleet, PAL will have the ability to once again provide a direct link from the Philippines to Europe. “The A350-1000 combines greater range capability with the higher capacity needed to serve future demand. It’s the perfect aircraft to enable PAL to meet its expansion plans in a sustainable way while offering passengers the highest levels of onboard comfort,” he said. Best possible experience We are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience, and these state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to do just that as we carry out our mission to connect the world, and grow trade and tourism.” “Flying passengers farther and in greater comfort, the A350 brings a step-change in fuel efficiency and an immediate significant contribution to reduced emissions. We look forward to working closely with our long-standing customer Philippine Airlines as it moves forward with its long-haul fleet modernization program,” Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer, said. At the end of April 2023, the A350 Airbus line had won 928 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever. Some 530 aircraft are currently in the fleets of 40 airlines, flying primarily on long-haul routes. Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its network. In addition to the A350 on long-haul intercontinental routes, PAL flies A330-300s on services to the Middle East. The post PAL picks long-haul fleet as travel surges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bum deal brings pain
A contract inherited from the previous Land Transportation Office regime is now a major cause of headaches for the leadership of the agency and, in effect, the entire nation as it caused the delay in the release of driver’s licenses. German firm-led joint venture Dermalog introduced the Land Transportation Management System or LTMS which is a P3.4-billion project awarded in 2018. The dispute over the contract is the crux of the stalled distribution of the cards. The company has been disqualified from the contract to produce the plastic licenses, which it assumed from Allcard which failed to perform its obligations. Worse, in 2020, according to documents filed with the Ombudsman, Dermalog “interfered in and controlled the LTO’s printing system of driver’s license cards.” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade inherited the problem after he was appointed in November 2022. With the actions it took, Dermalog was considered by LTO officials a “threat to national security.” Post-qualification of Dermalog for the contract was based on the ground of its failure “to fully comply with its obligations under its 2017 contract with LTO.” A 2021 report of the Commission on Audit flagged LTO’s payment of P3.15 billion to Dermalog despite several defects that delayed and disrupted the system. LTO is conducting an extensive probe which may lead to the possible scrapping of the Dermalog contract. Congress is ready to probe the alleged “illegal payment” despite the “incomplete turnover of deliverables.” The circumstances proved that the contract was in clear violation of procurement and auditing rules, warranting an extensive probe. The German-led venture had reneged on the deal more than four years after the December 2018 delivery date as the system is still not fully functional and fully rolled out. The Dermalog system was incompatible with the LTO processes that needed to be adjusted to accommodate the new system’s functions. The Ombudsman in denying Dermalog’s petition to cite bidding committee officials for graft said: “Respondents (members of LTO bidding body) did not commit any irregularity when they objected to the post-qualification of the complainant (Dermalog) in the 2021 procurement.” “It also took Dermalog until 2 July 2021 to agree to turn over all “source codes,” in escrow, create an upload facility and include it in the Inventory Management System, thereby removing LTO’s dependency on it; and grant to LTO the exclusive right to use the watermark or hologram delivered to it, “recognizing in the process the need of the LTO to be independent of the vendor as a lesson from the past.” “Its avowed intention to turn over in escrow only means that it has not indeed fully complied with its obligations under the 2017 procurement,” according to the Ombudsman’s resolution. The Ombudsman said it was not inclined “to indict respondents (LTO bidding officials) for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 for delay under RA 9184 when the facts, as they are in this case, showed that Dermalog has not been candid in its business dealings with LTO and has, by itself, caused the delay it complains about.” The dispute over the contract has held hostage the LTO, the Department of Transportation, and Filipino motorists to Dermalog’s demand that the government pay it in full despite its shortcomings. Eventually, the deficiency from the deal reflects on the image of the administration since it has been quite a while since inefficiency has been a distinctive complaint against frontline service providers. The post Bum deal brings pain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Behind the Scenes: The Heroes of ABS-CBN Sports
While the general public sees or hears the finished product on-air or online, most do not witness or appreciate those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes at ABS-CBN Sports. There’s an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it took almost exactly that to make ABS-CBN Sports work. As we commemorate National Heroes Day in the country on the final day of ABS-CBN Sports, it is only fitting to acknowledge and thank those behind-the-scenes heroes who have been part of the amazing journey (DISCLAIMER: I may have left out some names, but it is purely unintentional so my apologies). Thank you, first and foremost, to our Chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez, whose passion and love for sports led to the initiative that is ABS-CBN Sports. Thank you to our former President and CEO, Charo Santos-Concio, our current President and CEO, Carlo Katigbak, a true tennis fan, and our Chairman Mark Lopez, who showed us composure, class and grace as leaders. Thank you to our beloved COO, Cory Vidanes, who allowed ABS-CBN Sports to reach a broader audience when it aired special events on Channel 2 as well as feature athletes and sports personalities on entertainment programs. Thank you to the voice of ABS-CBN and former ABS-CBN Sports head, Peter Musngi, for leading the division during its early years. Thank you to Narrowcast head, Antonio “March” Ventosa, as well as his executive assistant, Trina Magallanes, for helping us navigate during the transtition period of ABS-CBN Sports. Thank you to the captain of our ship, ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head, Dino Laurena, who inspired us to work harder and better to serve our audience. Thank you to Sir Dino’s gatekeeper, his executive assistant, Donna Seat, who was our bridge whenever we needed to reach out to the boss. Thank you to S+A channel head and production head, Vince Rodriguez, LIGA channel head, Jojo Neri-Estacio and Business Unit Head, Jun Martinez. They were our constant guides who enabled us to provide quality content on broadcast despite immense internal and external pressure. Thank you to the people who made sure we never went beyond our budget and reached our targets – our Finance team made up of Berg Capiz, Jem Castro and Lorna Gendrano. Thank you to our S+A On-Air team of Rommel Noviza, Janice Rulloda, Princess Basye, Biboy Diga, Mark Marinay, Arnold Saclolo, Borge Raval and Hans Espiritu as well as our Liga Channel team of Anna Santos, Francis Patawaran, Aprille Signo and Joramie Roque, for ensuring everything airs on time. Thank you to our Digital Head, Mico Halili, for his innovative and fresh ideas on the digitial space. Thank you to the men and women who made our broadcast coverage as close to flawless – our Production Manager, Jennifer Jimenez, our directors, which include THE Abet Ramos, Al Neri, Raul de Ocampo and Rommel Pedrealba, and our technical directors made up of Elmond Salvahan, Jhonnald Garcia, Marvin Chavez, Bingbong Pangan, Arnold Bulaong and Joseph Vega. Thank you to the men and women who made sure our partner properties were happy with our coverage, and that everything was in place for each and every game or show we put out there – our Executive and Associate Producers Vic Caridad, Malou Neri, Ada Bayuga, Diana Sayson, Oxy del Rosario, Mae Mañalac, Aries Galot, Apples Dela Vega, Kristina Manzana, Roy Briones, Ledz Cahinhinan, JC Gonzales, Gab Gonzales and Manny Gabutina. Thank you to those who crafted and produced memorable segments – our segment producers Eva Evangelista, Carlo Grajo, Cha Lucero, Mark Morados, Jeff Sta. Maria, Jet Montebon, Sharon Muli, Alex Brocoy, Mika Barrios, Bill Barrinuevo and Volta delos Santos as well as our video editors Pido Cruz and Fonz Fajatin. Thank you to those who put the right words into play – our writers Monica Magpantay, Paul Loyola, Jigs Guardiano, Adrian Dy, Sheiden Dela Cruz, Ken Natividad, Syjin Reyes and Migs Gomez. Thank you to those who gave the right cues to our anchors, analysts and courtside reporters – our panel director Larry "Care Mo Naman" Deang, our floor directors Miky "Gandara" Mirabueno, Lyanne Ocampo-Tan and Fritz Dizon. Thank you to the people who made sure that the right moments were captured – our Camera Control Unit made up of George Austria, Joel Supremo and Edgar Guarte, our Cameramen Lloyd Villamor, Rovic Pacis, Gerald "Superman" Fermin, Ron Fermin, Ronald Mangcoy, Michael Pico, Emman Andes, Butch Pineda and Mark Nicolas. Thank you to those who made sure we heard the sounds and voices loud and clear – our audio engineers Elias Javier, Ramil Ciruano, Albert Agbay, Jancel Abobo as well as our audiomen Joseph Nicolas and Ameng Atienza. Thank you to the guys who allowed us to get another look at the action – our EVS/Slomo Operators Joejay Abarquez, Raymond Biojon and Dido Batallion and VTR men Christian Abarquez, Kenneth Abarquez and Oliver Sañez. Thank you to the people responsible for making things more visible on our screens –our Electrician/Lighting Directors Alvin Saavedra and Jorge Paraon and our lightman Calvin Liong. Thank you to those who create those cool graphics and effects that catch our attention during games and shows - our Graphic Artists/Operators Jam Memdoza, Denice Ylagan, Erol Corpuz, Sara Concepcion, Jeff Jugueta and Kevin Camero. Thank you to the team who put the little things in order – our set-up assistants Jerald Testor, Ivan Castillo, Ferdie Mangaong, Remus Taniengra, Daniel Dimaculangan, Eduardo Dacumos, Ryan Ancheta, Allan Porsioncula, Laurence Sosa, Illac Alvarez, Benjo Asiatico, Manny Cajayon, Lepoldo Bofill, Victor Taniegra, Caleb Bautista, Jeremiah Mallari and Bennett Cabus. Thank you to the guys who provided the correct statistics and graphics – our panel scorers/GFX feeders Rico Bayuga, Ronaldo Serrano, Arvin Estabillo and Gilbert Serrano. Thank you to those who made our on-cam talents look good – our makeup artists Mylyn Concepcion, Nina Concepcion, Estrella Besabe, Norma Calubaquib and Nizel Reduta and our stylist Lyle Foz. Thank you to those who were always ready to lend a helping hand – our production assistants, Lian Salango, Pau Hiwatig, Helen Trinidad, Riri Gayoma, Jade Asuncion and Lovely Dela Cruz. Thank you for the imagination and artistry of our Creative Communications Management (CCM) team composed of Elirose Borja, Jerome Clavio, Djoanna San Jose, Lara Mae Allardo, Robin Lorete, Cristy Linga, Christopher Eli Sabat, Archimedes Asis (the voice of S+A), Jan Dormyl Espinosa, Aila Onagan and Nyro Mendoza. They say that advertising is the lifeblood of media and that we wouldn’t be able to deliver high-quality content if not for advertisers brought in our by our Sports Sales team, so thank you to our Sports Sales Heads Jojo Garcia, Nicole Moro and Ken Ti, along with our account executives Tin Saw, Annalyn Herrera, Trina Vallarta, Joey Tang, Karlo Miguel, Paul Sembrana, Mike Tan, Ray Del Castillo, and Jason Gaffud. Thank you to those who constantly pitched ideas and presented to clients on our behalf, our Business Development Executive, Tonyo Silva, and our Sports Marketing team made up of Thirdy Aquino, Maui Tang, Jason Roberto, Danica Jose, Lala Cruz and Hanz Trajano. Thank you to the people who looked out for the wellfare and concerns of our division members – our Human Resources squad made up of Arvin Crisol, James Lee, Anika Gregorio and Donna Yabut. Social media has been a game changer and enabled people to relive key moments in sports events, so thank you to our social media team made up of Jon Rodriguez, Alvin Laqui, Danine Cruz, Aia del Mundo, Melvin Rodas, Clev Mayuga, Migs Flores and Lloydie Moreno. We would also like to give special thanks to our former bosses and colleagues who have moved on from this world, Rolly V. Cruz, Danilo A. Bernardo, George G. Padolina, Marco Franco, Gerald Gicana, Rhodora "Dhanda" Panganiban, Vernie Calimlim and Erwin Evangelista. Lastly, I personally want to thank the website content team made up of sub-section editors Santino Honasan, Mark “Mr. Volleyball” Escarlote, Norman Benjamin Lee Riego (Yes, it has to be his complete name) and Paul Lintag, former sub-section editor Milan Ordonez, former writer Philip Matel, videographers Nigel Velasquez, Rocio Avelino and Steph Toben, photographers Arvin Lim, Richard Esguerra and Joshua Albelda, former NBA Philippines website managing editor Adrian Dy, contributing writers Anton Roxas, Marco Benitez, “Doc Volleyball” AJ Pareja, Migs Bustos, Mikee “Diliman Legend” Reyes and Ceej Tantengco. While our journey in telling these stories with ABS-CBN Sports will abruptly come to a halt, it has been an honor and a pleasure serving the Filipino sports fans worldwide. We may no longer be around as an organization, but the great athletes will keep playing and inspiring and the games will continue. And so, with a sense of immense gratitude, we say: Maraming Salamat Kapamilya! Hanggang sa muli! --- Lorenzo Z. Manguiat has been the Editor-in-Chief of sports.abs-cbn.com since 2014 and Sports News Desk Head since 2015. He started as game writer for ABS-CBN Sports in 2000 and served in various other capacities within ABS-CBN. He is among the thousands of employees who will be retrenched on August 31, 2020. .....»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»
SamPan: Making her mark
Samantha Panlilio, eldest daughter of Jose Marcel “Jocel” Panlilio, is embarking on an ambitious career path to revitalize and expand the family’s real estate investments as chief operations officer of both the family’s publicly listed Boulevard Holdings Inc. and Puerto Azul Land Inc., even as she sets a parallel course to build her own beauty line, photography studio, and a furniture business under the brand “House of Marrakesh.”.....»»
Wanted: Manny Pangilinan’s replacement
Manny Pangilinan is looking for someone much younger and with an excellent business sense to replace him as PLDT chief.....»»
BI nabs fake Interpol agent at NAIA
A female trafficking victim pretending to be an Interpol agent was nabbed by Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 3. In his report to BI chief Norman Tansingco, immigration protection and border enforcement section (I-PROBES) Bienvenido Castillo III said the 34-year-old victim was intercepted while departing last March […].....»»
Agri chief, MVP Group discuss investments in food security
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., to discuss plans for significant investments in agriculture to support the government's food security goals......»»
Anti-red tape body files 66 cases in court
At least 66 criminal cases were slapped against government workers for offenses violating Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law, the Anti-Red Tape Authority said yesterday......»»