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Health care spending seen lagging economic growth

HEALTH CARE expenditure in the Philippines is not keeping up with economic growth, according to a consultant engaged by the European Union to monitor programs supported by the bloc.

“Despite the steady growth of GDP and overall government and private spending on health, there is no major increase of THE (total health expenditure) as percentage of GDP,” said Giovanni Cascone of IBF International Consulting, who prepared a report on two Philippine health programs supported financially by the EU.

During his presentation at the Manila Hotel on Monday, Mr. Cascone added that health funding as a share of GDP increased to 4.5% in 2017 from 4.2% in 2010.

“[This] raises concerns about equity, equality, access to health care and financial protection, as well as impact of BS (budget support) programmes and overall progress towards UHC (universal health care) goals,” according to Mr. Cascone’s presentation.

The finding was part of the final evaluation of the EU-supported Health Sector Policy Support Programme — Phase II and the Philippine Health Sector Reform Contract. Both were completed last year.

The two programs took in 55 million euros worth of direct support, nearly half of the 118 million euros (P7. 2 billion) of the EU’s total financial support provided to the health care system between 2006 and 2018.

The two programs aimed to support the recently signed Universal Health Care Act and health-related millennium development goals, most of which had been achieved, according to IBF.

“The two programmes have achieved the most of their goals to satisfaction of the key stakeholders and development partners,” according to the presentation.

Mr. Cascone said priorities shift with every change in government, delaying funding for the program.

“There are more risks in terms of delay especially in a situation where the administration changes. Not only change, but the fact that the Philippines has a spoils system. It comes with changes to high ranking officials, whose priorities change a bit,” Mr. Cascone added.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Philippine Representative Gundo Weiler said he hopes the proposed increase tobacco and alcohol taxes generate revenue for health care while also discouraging unhealthy practices.

In the Philippines the average price for medications and drugs is about three to four times the international drug reference price, according to Mr. Weiler.

He added that in some cases Philippine consumers pay 10 times more the international reference price.

The EU Delegation’s Ambassador Franz Jessen said the EU will continue its support in the country’s health sector.

“The closure of these programmes does not mean that the EU stops supporting the sector in the Philippines. We will continue to support the health sector in the Philippines through multilateral instruments,” Mr. Jessen said in his speech yesterday.

The EU support outlined in the current multiannual indicative plan amounts to about P15 billion (or 255 million euros) and focuses on long-term support for “rule of law” through the Justice Sector Coordination Council and by providing comprehensive support to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority; peace-building in Mindanao; and inclusive growth through access to sustainable energy and job creation. — Janina C. Lim

ITR compliance for expatriates

When you stroll around your neighborhood, chances are you will bump into a foreigner. They are present everywhere: in parks, malls, restaurants, and public transportation. You also encounter them in economic zones in Laguna, Cavite, Cebu, and Batangas and even in the central business districts of Makati, Oritigas, Bonifacio Global City, and Cebu. A significant number of these foreigners are here not for vacation, but as expatriate employees. There are also reports that foreigners are now employed not as executives, but as rank and file.

Due to the influx of foreigners working in the country, the government recently launched a campaign to target foreign workers who are not filing their income tax returns (ITRs) and paying the corresponding income taxes. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is coordinating with other government agencies to ensure that expatriates pay the correct taxes.

In addition, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2019-016, requiring all its economic zone (ecozone) locators to submit the following information to PEZA’s Foreign National Unit (PNU):

1. The Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) of all foreign nationals employed by the ecozone locator enterprises; and

2. The ITRs of all foreign nationals employed by the said locators for the calendar year 2018.

The computation of individual income tax was simplified under Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Law). For expatriates, however, determining their taxable income is not a walk in the park. There are factors that expatriates should consider, especially if the expatriates are under split payroll or tax equalization. Even claiming exemption from filing may be burdensome. Notwithstanding this, we know a lot of expatriates are complying.

One of the issues that expatriates should consider is whether they are required to file their ITR.

Aliens residing in the Philippines or deriving income in the Philippines are generally required to file an income tax return in the Philippines, except for expatriates covered by substituted filing.

Under substituted filing, a resident expatriate earning purely compensation income from a single employer on which withholding tax on compensation has been properly withheld shall no longer be required to file an income tax return. The Certificate of Withholding Taxes on Compensation (BIR Form 2316) issued by the local employer will suffice.

BIR Revenue Regulations No. 11-2018, however, specifically provides that non-resident aliens doing business in the Philippines are not qualified for substituted filing. Accordingly, expatriates are generally required to file their ITR, even if their taxes have been fully withheld by their employers, except for resident aliens.

In many cases, however, expatriates are on a split pay arrangement or under a tax equalization scheme. Split pay means that expatriates receive compensation from a foreign affiliate of the local employer, in addition to the salaries received from the local employer. Tax equalization, on the other hand, means that the foreign employer will be responsible for paying all related worldwide effective taxes for the expatriates, and the expatriates will be responsible only for paying their home country taxes.

If the foreign-paid salary and benefits received under a split pay arrangement or tax equalization scheme are given on account of the assignment or work in the Philippines, such income paid by the foreign company is also taxable in the Philippines. In most cases, however, the foreign-paid salaries and benefits are not subject to withholding tax, since the salaries are not shouldered by the local employer and not paid through them. If these are not subject to withholding tax, the expatriates are not qualified for substituted filing. Hence, they are required to file their ITR.

Some expatriates believe that the amount received abroad is not taxable in the Philippines. Please note that aliens are taxable in the Philippines only on Philippine-sourced income. The situs of taxation for services is the place where the services are rendered or performed and the place of payment. Accordingly, the income from employment, such as salaries, allowances, benefits and other forms of compensation for labor or personal services performed in the Philippines, are treated as Philippine-sourced income, regardless of where the payment is made, i.e., whether it is paid in the Philippines or abroad. For expatriates under a split pay arrangement, tax equalization scheme, or other type of arrangements, they have to determine how much of the salaries and benefits they received abroad relate to their services performed in the Philippines. Such income should also be considered in computing their Philippine income taxes.

Expatriates may also be entitled to income tax relief in accordance with international tax treaties entered into by the Philippine government. Under most tax treaties, an expatriate who is a resident of a treaty country shall not be liable to pay income tax on employment exercised in the Philippines if the employee is present in the Philippines for an aggregate period of less than 180 or 90 days for the taxable year, depending on the alien’s country of origin. Availing of the exemption under tax treaties, however, is not automatic. They have to file a tax treaty relief application (TTRA) with the BIR before the first taxable transaction/payment is made. Securing such exemption may take several months or even a year. This puts an additional burden on expatriates.

To encourage taxpayers to comply, the BIR should consider simplifying the process of availing a tax treaty exemption. It could even dispense with the filing of a TTRA.

In GR Nos. 193383-84 & 193407-08 [CBK Power Company Ltd. vs. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR)], the Supreme Court (SC) categorically held that the BIR should not impose additional requirements that would negate the availment of the reliefs provided for under international agreements, especially since the said tax treaties do not provide for any prerequisite at all for the availment of the benefits under the said agreements. This decision was reiterated by the SC in the case of CBK Power Co. Ltd vs. CIR (GR Nos. 193383-84).

It is about time that the BIR considered revisiting the requirement of a TTRA. The Bureau may consider, at the very least, requiring taxpayers to file a Certificate of Residence for Tax Treaty Relief (CORTT). Filing a CORTT should suffice for availing of an exemption under the tax treaty. This procedure is already being implemented in availing the preferential tax treaty rates applicable to interest, dividends and royalties. Why not apply it too in securing tax exemption. This would not only ease the burden of the taxpayers, but the tax authority as well since, to this day, there is a significant volume of TTRAs pending approval from the BIR.

Foreigners working in the Philippines continues to grow, and we are seeing that government regulations are beginning to be mindful of having more control. In the news, we read about the Bureau of Immigration and other government agencies moving towards stricter regulations and the BIR enforcing its tax collection functions. The challenge is for the BIR to encourage their compliance with tax laws. One key to compliance is for the BIR to implement a tax system that is simple, convenient, and less cumbersome to taxpayers. Foreigners, on the other hand, should exert extra effort to know our tax regulations, especially those that would impact them.

All taxpayers, including foreigners, should ensure compliance with tax laws not only to avoid penalties, but because it is our responsibility. We should all do our share to ensure that the government has funds that will support public spending on education, health care, public transport, infrastructure, and social programs and, eventually, uplift the lives of Filipinos.

Let’s Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.

 

Edward L. Roguel is a partner from the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

Columbian shoots for turnaround after 1st win

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE COLUMBIAN Dyip finally barged into the win column of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the weekend, something they hope to build on as they shoot for a turnaround after starting their campaign with three straight losses.

Defeated the NLEX Road Warriors, 120-105, on Saturday, the Dyip improved to 1-3 in the midseason PBA tournament.

Columbian rookie CJ Perez had a career-high 39 points in the victory with import Kyle Barone dishing out his best game in the tournament with 31 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

It was, however the last game for Mr. Barone as team management decided to go in a different direction and replace him with Lester Prosper.

Mr. Prosper is touted as a defensive specialist who should provide a better fit for a team which has “enough offense,” the Dyip think tank believes, to make its way through the conference.

It is a change that Columbian coach John Cardel hopes to serve as a catalyst, coupled with their debut win at the weekend, moving forward.

“Barone is a good import but I guess he’s not the kind of import we need at this point. Our new import will help us on defense. He can give us energy from which the local players can follow,” said Mr. Cardel in the postgame press conference following their victory over NLEX.

Mr. Prosper is due to arrive on Tuesday. He is a 30-year-old journeyman who has parlayed his wares in leagues in different parts of the world after playing collegiate ball at Old Westbury in New York.

He last played with the Worcester Wolves in the British Basketball League, averaging a near double-double of 13.6 points and 9.3 rebounds.

With Mr. Barone (25.7 points and 17.3 rebounds) now out of the picture and the more defensive-minded (Mr.) Prosper in, Mr. Cardel said they are hoping to get more consistent scoring from the rest of the team.

In four games to date, Mr. Perez has been the top local scorer for Columbian with a 24.2-point average.

After him it is Rashawn McCarthy with 14.5 points followed by Jackson Corpuz with 9.8 points.

Columbian will parade their new import Mr. Prosper on June 16 against the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok.

Wawrinka battles past Tsitsipas; seeded Federer and Nadal dazzle

PARIS — Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years to stop Stefanos Tsitsipas in his tracks in the match of the tournament on Sunday to set up a French Open quarter-final against fellow Swiss Roger Federer.

Giving away 14 years to the swashbuckling young Greek on a baking afternoon, 2015 champion Wawrinka prevailed in a riveting five-hour battle of the backhands in front of an enthralled Court Suzanne Lenglen crowd.

Tsitsipas, 20, looked on the brink of victory at 5-5 in the fifth set but could not convert any of the three break points that came his way and 28th seed Wawrinka went on to claim a 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 3-6 8-6 victory.

Tsitsipas ended up coated in claydust after several diving volleys and the drama went right down to the last point when Wawrinka’s sliced backhand pass just touched the sideline — leaving Tsitsipas crestfallen.

“That’s the reason I came back from (knee) surgery,” three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka said after the classic. Today was something really special.”

Sixth seed Tsitsipas admitted defeat, when he was playing such scintillating tennis, had left him in tears.

“It’s the worst feeling ever,” he said.

Third seed Federer, bidding to emulate his 2009 French Open title, was sublime in the dazzling sunshine, waltzing past Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-2 6-3 6-3.

The 37-year-old is still to drop a set but Wawrinka is the last player to beat him at the French Open — four years ago — since when Federer has skipped the tournament.

“I hope he’s not at the level of ‘15, but we’ll find out, because there he was crushing the ball. It was unbelievable,” Federer told reporters.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal was equally impressive during a 6-2 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine debutant Juan Ignacio Londero, reaching his 38th Grand Slam quarter-final.

He will face the winner of the match between Kei Nishikori and Benoit Paire which was stopped for bad light.

Former women’s champion Garbine Muguruza had been looking ominously good thanks to a return top form but her hopes were dashed by 2018 runner-up Sloane Stephens on Sunday.

American Stephens won 6-4 6-3 to line up a clash with Johanna Konta who became the first British woman to reach the last eight at Roland Garros since 1983 by beating Donna Vekic.

Left-handed Czech teenager Market Vondrousova reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final in stunning fashion — thrashing Anastasija Sevastova 6-2 6-0. She will play Croatia’s Petra Martic who rallied from a set down to beat Estonian Kaia Kanepi 5-7 6-2 6-4.

The heat of the weekend is forecast to disappear on Monday when the rest of the fourth-round is completed.

Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic faces Jan-Lennard Struff while women’s defending champion Simona Halep, the clear favorite for the title after an exodus of big seeds, takes on unseeded Pole Iga Swiatek. — Reuters

Warriors finish strong against Raptors to even Finals series

TORONTO — Klay Thompson scored 25 points and added five rebounds and five assists as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Toronto Raptors 109-104 Sunday night to tie the NBA Finals series at 1-1.

The Raptors had cut the lead to two points on Danny Green’s 3-pointer with 26 seconds remaining in the game, but Andre Iguodala nailed a 3-pointer with seven seconds left to complete the scoring.

Stephen Curry added 23 points for the Warriors. Draymond Green had 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and DeMarcus Cousins added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Raptors. Fred VanVleet added 17 points, Kyle Lowry had 13 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter and Pascal Siakam notched 12. Serge Ibaka had seven points and 10 rebounds for Toronto.

After leading by as many as 12 points during the first half, the Raptors led by five at halftime. The Warriors surged to a 34-21 third-quarter advantage to lead by eight points entering the fourth quarter.

Green’s 3-pointer cut the lead to four points, but the Warriors went up by 10 when Quinn Cook hit a pair of 3-pointers.

The Warriors led by 12 on Andrew Bogut’s dunk with 5:39 to play.

The Raptors cut the lead to eight when Lowry made one of two free throws with 4:26 to play. Lowry fouled out with 3:52 remaining.

Curry was charged with a technical foul with 1:08 to play and Leonard made the shot. Leonard then cut the lead to five when he converted both free throws on the foul charged to Cousins that had caused Curry’s reaction of tossing the ball in the air.

The Raptors led 27-26 after one quarter on Ibaka’s tip in with 1.6 seconds left.

Toronto took a 10-point lead with 6:34 to play in the half on Lowry’s 3-pointer.

Leonard’s reverse layup and foul shot put Toronto ahead by 12 points with 5:16 remaining.

Curry’s layup after Thompson’s steal brought the Warriors to within six points with 28 seconds left in the half.

Toronto led 59-54 at halftime.

The Warriors scored the first 18 points of the second half, capped by Green’s layup with 6:35 with remaining in the third quarter. VanVleet ended Golden State’s run with a 3-pointer 15 seconds later.

Leonard’s 3-pointer cut the Warriors’ lead to seven with 1:59 remaining in the third quarter.

The Warriors led 88-80 after three quarters. — Reuters

Go For Gold support key to PH Navy Sea Lions triumph

ALL the Philippine Navy Sea Lions wanted was a training ground designed to toughen them in preparation for a big tournament.

But the determination and hardwork rewarded the Go For Gold Philippines-backed Sea Lions with so much more after they ruled the King of Kings Basketball Challenge recently at the Taft Food by the Court.

The Sea Lions pulled off a huge surprise upset over the highly favored Singson’s Demigods in a championship five-on-five streetball style of competition where the first team that reached 21 points in a pair of 15-minute games was declared winner.

With the victory, the Sea Lions, whose stint was supported by Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go, will don the national colors and represent the country in the King of Kings Basketball Challenge in Shanghai, China on Aug. 8-11.

“Hindi namin in-expect na mananalo kami. From the start, our plan was to use the tournament to gain experience and as tuneup for the AFP-PNP-PCG Olympics,” said Philippine Navy Sea Lions headcoach Sn2 Valiant Pera PN.

“Bukod sa malalaki sila, most of them played in the big leagues. We just stuck sa game plan namin and tried our best,” added Pera.

After using their speed against the taller Demigods to the hilt, they are now bound to compete with bigger opposition in Shanghai where powerhouse squads from China, United States, Russia and Europe will see action.

“We are happy to support our men and women in the armed forces. Their sacrifice inspires us and we want to help them in our small way,” said Go, vice president for marketing of Powerball Marketing & Logistics Corp., the prime mover behind Go For Gold Philippines.

Team captain Lt. Juan Tarroza, Sn2 Robert Faundo, Sn2 Kenneth Aljard, Sn2 Vincent Dalaten, Sn2 Rejeloed Cartel, Cpl Marvin Porquillo played superb ball in the five-team Globalhoops tourney with Asn Jeson Rey Cantos, Asn Chrismon Aquino and Asn Keneth De Vega.

Other members of the team are Asn Vinny Begaso, Asn Johnny Galabin, Asn Julius Fabian, Asn Rocky Antonares, Asn James Mangahas and Asn Dhon Reverente with PO3 Edmar Aronce as assistant coach.

Apprentice seaman Noy Bermudes poured most of the points in the second match of the finals that sealed the outcome against the Demigods featuring imports Prince Orizu, Chibueze Ikeh, former PBA guard Paolo Hubalde and several dribblers from the MPBL.

Football for Humanity continues to spread its wings

FOOTBALL for Humanity Foundation (FFH), a nonprofit, nongovernment organization which aims to use sport and the power of play to inspire, empower and transform the lives of children affected by extreme poverty, natural disasters, and armed conflict, has gone a long way in its mission since being registered in 2017, and has continued to spread its wings to achieve its mission and vision.

Initially made its presence felt through the building of football infrastructure such as the unique small-sided, five-a-side enclosed spaces, establishing football development programs, conducting one-off football trainings and events, donating old and new football equipment, assisting talented but underprivileged youth to seek scholarships, and other charitable initiatives, FFH has dipped its hands in helping address educational, health, and well-being needs of different communities as well as promote peace and development.

One of the recent initiatives of FFH is Play for Goals which includes providing a library and a clean water facility to different communities in the country, beginning with Zonta Village in Barangay Tibungco, Davao City.

For this program, FFH has partnered with Library Renewal Partners and Waves for Water.

Late last year the foundation was awarded a donation of “unpoppable” soccer balls by One World Play, the creator of the unpoppable balls which were a solution for kids living in harsh conditions where standard soccer balls don’t last long.

This initial donation is currently being distributed via individuals and organizations who lead football development programs for Filipino youth.

After receiving the initial donation, the FFH was informed by One World Play that the foundation would receive 2,020 durable balls from Expo 2020 Dubai.

The donated balls represent Expo 2020’s aim to facilitate collaboration and the strengthening of ties within communities, while spreading happiness.

Aside from the Philippines, also receiving 2,020 balls from Expo 2020 Dubai, which has global football icon Lionel Messi as ambassador, are Jordan and Kenya.

For FFH founder Chris Thomas, the latest development in their push is something they are proud and excited about as it is truly in line with what they want to accomplish from the start.

“These are the very same values we promote in Football for Humanity, where our credo is ‘bringing nations together.’ It’s very inspiring and motivating to be part of a movement that cuts across countries, regardless of race or creed, to promote that dream of unity,” Mr. Thomas said.

Belle Tiongco, FFH co-founder, for her part, said this only serves to inspire them in continuing their efforts and chart the path they are currently on. “Football for Humanity is very fortunate, and thankful to be able to be the channel which will be able to bring the joy, and the power of football, to thousands of Filipino youth. These donations, these projects are a testament to the goodness of the human spirit, and that we are very proud to be associated with individuals and organizations, here and abroad, who build, who uplift, who reach out to inspire and motivate in the midst of difficulty and suffering. Football does bring hope,” she said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Attacking the Berlin

1st Prague International Chess Festival
Prague, Czech Republic
March 5-16, 2019

Final Standings (all GMs)

1. Nikita Vitiugov RUS 2726, 5.5/9

2-5. Vidit Santosh Gujrathi IND 2711, Radoslaw Wojtaszek POL 2722, Boris Gelfand ISR 2655, Jan-Krzystof Duda POL 2731, 5.0/9

6. Samuel Shankland USA 2731, 4.5/9

7-9. Penteala Harikrishna IND 2730, David Navara CZE 2739, Richard Rapport HUN 2738, 4.0/9

10. Viktor Laznicka CZE 2670, 3.0/9

Average ELO 2715 Category 19

Time Control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves then an additional 30 minutes play-to-finish with 30 seconds added after every move starting move 1

This is one event which I missed because of my medical leave last March, and it was a crime to leave it out of our coverage, for a large international Chess Festival was started in Prague consisting of two closed invitational tournaments — Masters and Challengers — with a strong open tournament going alongside as well as multiple round-robin rating tournaments for players rated 1500-2000. It was a huge success with thousands of visitors.

The GM (Grandmaster) from St. Petersburg, Nikita Viiugov won with 5.5/9. Vitiugov is not one of the more well-known names but his credentials are solid: born Feb. 4, 1987, Nikita was a member of the gold-medal winning Russian team to the World Team Chess Championships in 2009 and 2013. Most people know him for (1) being a great expert in the French Defense — he has authored two popular books on it, and (2) seconding GM Peter Svidler (another GM from St. Petersburg) in his attempts at the world championship candidates’ tournaments.

Vitiugov only won two games in Prague, but one of these wins had a striking combination.

First, a bit of history. In the 1889 USA Chess Congress (a Congress is the same as a Festival), one of the greatest chess tournaments of all time, Amos Burn pulled a surprise on Isidor Gunsberg.

Burn, Amos — Gunsberg, Isidor [C67]
USA–06 Congress Grand Tournament New York (20), 1889

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.0–0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.dxe5

The World Champion at that time, Wilhelm Steinitz, wrote the tournament book and noted that this move was first played by Mr. J.W. Baird. Steinitz himself did not approve of it and preferred 6.Bxc6. His words were wise, for nowadays 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Nc3 is what comes up on the board 90% of the time.

6…Nxb5 7.a4

The point — Black has to give back the piece. This was the first time the move came up in an international tournament and Gunsberg did not respond correctly.

7…Nd6?

IM Richard Forster: Already at that time von Bardeleben had shown that 7…d6 and 7…Nbd4 8.Nxd4 9.Qxd4 d5 should be sufficient for equality.

8.Bg5 f6

Not an improvement is 8…Be7 9.exd6 Bxg5 10.Re1+ Kf8 11.dxc7 Qf6 12.Nxg5 Qxg5 13.Qd6+ Ne7 14.Nc3 Qf6 15.Qa3 d6 16.Ne4 Qh6 17.Nxd6 g6 (17…Be6 18.c8Q+ Rxc8 19.Nxc8) 18.Rxe7! 1–0 (18) Janowsky-Ruff Prague 1902. Black was not interested in getting his king mated after 18…Kxe7 19.Ne4+ Ke6 20.Qd6+ Kf5 21.Qd5+ Kf4 22.g3+ Kf3 23.Nf6+ Ke2 24.Qd3#

9.exd6

Even better is 9.Re1 Nxe5 10.Nxe5 Be7 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Qh5+ Kf8 13.Ng6+ hxg6 14.Qxh8+ Kf7 15.Qh7+ Kf8 16.Ra3 Nf7 17.Rae3 Bb4 18.c3 Bd6 19.Rh3 Be5 20.Qxg6 d5 21.Rh7 Be6 22.f4 1–0 (22) Guseinov, G (2646)-Deac, B (2572) Batumi European Championship 2018.

9…Bxd6

The bishop is taboo: 9…fxg5 10.Re1+ Kf7 11.Qd5+ Kg6 12.Re5! Nxe5 13.Nxe5+ Kf6 14.Nc3 Black’s King is not going to survive very long out in the open. For example 14…Bxd6 15.Qf7+ Kxe5 16.Re1+ Kd4 17.Qd5#

10.Bh4 0–0 11.Nc3 Ne5 12.Re1 Nf7 13.Qd4 Re8

The alternative 13…c6 was much better.

14.Rxe8+ Qxe8 15.Re1 Ne5 16.Nd2! a6 17.f4 Qf8

Gunsberg’s trap. If 18.fxe5 then 18…Bc5.

18.Nde4! Nf7 19.Nd5 Kh8 20.Nxd6 Nxd6 21.Nxc7 Nf5 22.Qf2 1–0

White was threatening both Nxa8 and Re8. Black has had enough.

That was a hundred and thirty years ago. We continue that story now, for Vitiugov also prepared something juicy for his opponent in the same line.

Vitiugov, Nikita (2726) Harikrishna, Pentala (2730) [C67]
Prague Festival Masters 2019 Prague (2.3), 07.03.2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.0–0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.dxe5

I hate repeating myself but 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 is the line that Kramnik made famous when he successfully used the Berlin in his 2000 World Championship match against Kasparov. In the 2013 Russian SuperFinals GM Dmitry Andreikin allows the Berlin against the same Kramnik but chooses this sideline against the world’s greatest Berlin expert. We all know that he would not have gotten into it without a lot of preparation, and I will show you later what happened.

6…Nxb5 7.a4

The point — Black has to give the piece back.

7…Nbd4

Continuing our story on the 1889 USA Congress where Burn introduced the line against Gunsberg and won, The former operator of chess automaton “Mephisto” studied the line and when it came up again in the 38th (!) round, he was ready: 7…d6 8.axb5 Nxe5 9.Re1 Bg4 10.Ra4 Be7 11.Nc3 0–0 12.Nd5 Re8 13.Bf4 Bxf3 14.gxf3 Bg5 15.Bxe5 dxe5 16.Rg4 Re6 17.Nxc7 Rd6 18.Qe2 h5 19.Rc4 Rc8 Black was clearly better. Delmar, E-Gunsberg, I New York 1889 0–1 (40).

We know now that the best response to 7…d6 is 8.e6! Bxe6 9.axb5 Ne5 10.Nd4 Getting ready for the White f-pawn push. Simon, O (2384)-Veron, C (2092) Issy les Moulineaux 2007 1–0 (29).

8.Nxd4 Nxd4 9.Qxd4 d5 10.Qd3

In the Andreikin-Kramnik game White continued 10.exd6 Qxd6 11.Qe3+ Be6 12.Nc3 a6 13.Rd1 Qc6 14.Rd3!? First played by Gawain Jones against Laurent Fressinet, this move contains the dangerous threat of Nb5 (Black cannot play …axb5 because of axb5 and Black’s rook and queen are attacked) followed by Rc3 or Nd4. The game continued 14…Rc8 (14…Bc5 15.Qg3 f6!? looks like a good continuation for Black. Take note that 16.Qxg7?? Rg8 wins immediately for Black) 15.Ne2! Bc5 16.Qg3 f6 17.Be3 Bd6 18.Bf4 Bxf4 19.Nxf4 0–0 20.Rc3 Qd6 21.Nxe6 Qxe6 22.Rxc7 Rxc7 23.Qxc7 Rc8 24.Qxb7 Rxc2 White is just a pawn up and Andreikin converted it to a win after several hours of play. Andreikin,D (2706)-Kramnik, V (2796) Nizhnij Novgorod 2013 1–0 (84).

10…c6 11.a5 Be6 12.Nc3 Qd7 13.Ne2 Bf5 14.Qc3 Be7 <D>

POSITION AFTER 14…BE7

Get ready for the haymaker.

15.Bh6!

Quite similar to the famous sacrifice played by Walter Shawn Browne against Arthur Bisguier in the 1974 USA Championship (game given below).

15…d4?

An interesting continuation is 15…Rg8 16.Bxg7 Rxg7 17.e6 Rxg2+ 18.Kxg2 fxe6 position is unclear; Not 15…gxh6 16.e6! and the rook on h8 falls.

16.Nxd4 gxh6 17.e6 Bxe6 18.Nxe6 Rg8 19.Nf4 Qf5 20.Ra4!

Preparing to meet …0–0–0 with a5–a6.

20…Qf6 21.Qd3 Rd8 22.Qxh7

In his notes to the game Vitiugov confesses that he took this pawn “just in case” his attack did not succeed. At least he would remain a pawn up.

22…Rg7 23.Qe4 Qxb2

Perhaps motivated by the same thought that Vitiugov shared in the last note — now they are equal in material again, but the game is over.

24.Re1 Rd7 25.a6! Rg5

[25…b5 26.Qxc6 bxa4 27.Nd5 and wins]

26.h4 Rb5 27.axb7 Rbxb7 28.Qxc6 Kf8 29.Qxh6+ Qg7 30.Ne6+ 1–0

Harikrishna resigns because of 30.Ne6+ fxe6 31.Rf4+ Bf6 (31…Kg8 32.Qxe6+ Kh8 33.Re5 Qh7 34.Ref5 etc) 32.Rxf6+ Rf7 33.Rxf7+ Rxf7 34.Qxe6 with an easy win.

We have run out of space so I only give the bare notes of the Browne-Bisguier game. Suffice it to say that Browne considered it one of his best games ever.

Browne, Walter Shawn — Bisguier, Arthur Bernard [C42]
USA-ch Chicago (9), 1974

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Be7 7.0–0 Nc6 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.Nc3 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 c6 14.Bh6 Rg8 15.Re5 Qd7 16.Rae1 Be6 17.Ng5 0–0–0 18.Nxf7 Bxf7 19.Rxe7 Qxd4 20.Rxf7 Qxc3 21.bxc3 gxh6 22.Rb1 Rg5 23.h4 Rb5 24.Rxb5 cxb5 25.Rxh7 Rd1+ 26.Kh2 Rd2 27.Rxh6 Rxa2 28.h5 Rxf2 29.Rh8+ Kc7 30.h6 Kb6 31.Kh3 a5 32.g4 b4 33.cxb4 axb4 34.Re8 Rf1 35.Kg2 Rf7 36.g5 Rf5 37.h7 Rxg5+ 38.Kf3 Rh5 39.h8Q Rxh8 40.Rxh8 1–0

 

Bobby Ang is a founding member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and its first Executive Director. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he taught accounting in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for 25 years and is currently Chief Audit Executive of the Equicom Group of Companies.

bobby@cpamd.net

Set for US Open

Tiger Woods knew he had no chance of claiming victory at the Memorial Tournament even before he walked to the first tee for his final 18 yesterday. He looked to be in position to contend early on in the third round, making the turn at 32 following birdies on the odd-numbered holes, but found his aim for a provisional spot close to the leaders stunted by a double bogey on the 10th. He limped with an even-par showing from then on, leaving himself in the mid-20s and 11 strokes off the pace. As he noted in his post-mortem, “I’m so far back … I’m not going to win.”

Still, Woods wasn’t about to let his fourth round go to waste. He aimed to “get some positive momentum” going into the (United States) Open next week, and figured a solid performance at Muirfield would, at the very least, prove he had the game for Pebble Beach. And, true enough, he did, combining accurate driving with solid iron play and outstanding putting to go a remarkable seven strokes under par through 12 holes. The traditional Sunday-red charge was on, and he found himself in fourth with the final third of his round still to be negotiated.

Unfortunately, Woods didn’t get much from then on. In fact, he dropped shots on the 14th and 18th to finish five under for the day and nine under all told, good for ninth. Considering how much ground he had to make up, it was still a fine finish. “Overall, it was a great day. I hit the ball really well and made some nice putts,” he said. Indeed, he found the fairway and the greens 12 and 14 times out of 14 and 18, respectively — as clear a sign as any that he’s sharp and ready for the rigors ahead. And, what’s more, he feels he can still do better.

Whether or not Woods is capable or stringing together outstanding golf through four days at Pebble Beach remains to be seen. The good news is that the US Golf Association’s promise to do better than recent memory in setting up the course — traditionally favoring shotmaking over length — should cater to his strengths. Meanwhile, he’s in high spirits, filled with happy thoughts as he preps for the sport’s most stringent test of the year.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

Peso strengthens to P51:$1 level

THE PESO strengthened against the dollar on Monday, returning to the P51-per-dollar level, as market players await May inflation data.

The local unit closed yesterday’s session at P51.91 versus the greenback, 25 centavos stronger than the P52.16-per-dollar finish on Friday.

The peso opened the session at its worst showing of P52.15 versus the dollar. Still, it traded stronger the whole day, closing at its intraday high.

Trading volume thinned to $782.85 million from $988.32 million that switched hands the previous session.

UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. chief economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the peso strengthened as market players expect slower inflation in May.

“Investors are probably anticipating the positive impact of a slower May inflation signalling more support for more monetary easing in the next coming months,” said Mr. Asuncion in a text message.

A BusinessWorld poll of 11 economists conducted last week yielded a three percent median estimate, lower than the 4.6% print in the same month last year and flat from April’s pace. This median sits near the lower end of the 2.8-3.6% estimate range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release May inflation data on June 5.

Meanwhile, in an interview last week in Tokyo, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said the central bank has “more room for monetary easing” and vowed more cuts.

“This particular driver may have resonated more to investors than the protracted trade issues between US and China, and more recently, the US and its neighbor Mexico,” Mr. Asuncion added.

Meanwhile, a trader said the peso strengthened “as global markets start to price in a possible policy rate cut from the US Federal Reserve from the probable impact of heightening trade conflicts.”

For today, Mr. Asuncion expects the peso to trade between P51.70 and P52.10, while the trader gave a P51.80-P52 range. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

PSEi soars to 8,000 level on net foreign buying

By Arra B. Francia, Senior Reporter

THE MAIN INDEX soared past the 8,000 mark on Monday, outperforming international markets as it was supported by heavy foreign buying.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped 1.44% or 114.86 points to close at 8,084.88 yesterday, marking its fifth day of gains. The broader all-shares index likewise racked up 0.99% or 48.64 points to 4,939.01.

“The market became an outlier today as foreign buying led the index above 8,000. The PSE got a total of P2-billion foreign buying for the past three trading days,” Unicapital Securities, Inc. Technical Analyst Jeff Radley C. See said in a text message on Monday.

Net foreign buying ballooned to P1.43 billion on Monday, about double Friday’s P734.41 million. This marks the third straight session of net inflows from foreign investors after 18 days of outflows.

The PSEi defied the negative performance of its international and regional peers as investors were concerned of geopolitical concerns.

“Investors continue to flock into the Philippine market, with today’s concentration in the property sector today as many are still wary of investing outside the country,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a separate message on Monday.

Last Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.41% or 354.84 points to 24,815.04. The S&P 500 index retreated 1.32% or 36.80 points to 2,752.06, while the Nasdaq Composite index fell 1.51% or 114.57 points to 7,453.15.

US President Donald J. Trump had warned of a 5% tariff increase on Mexican imports last week, on top of its already worsening relations with China.

Asian markets were mostly down on Monday on the back of lingering trade war concerns. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.92% or 190.31 points to 20,410.88; China’s Shanghai Composite was down 0.3% or 8.61 points to 2,890.08; while the Hang Seng index slumped 0.03% or 7.23 points to 26,893.86.

Back home, all sectoral indices were in positive territory, led by property which firmed up 3.28% or 142.23 points to 4,468.05. Holding firms advanced 1.15% or 87.49 points to 7,664.80; industrials rose 0.89% or 104.53 points to 11,738.97; mining and oil climbed 0.78% or 58.22 points to 7,446.62; financials went up 0.47% or 8.12 points to 1,736.71, while services added 0.24% or 4.18 points to 1,687.30.

Some 1.33 billion issues switched hands valued at P10.02 billion, higher than the previous session’s P8.49 billion.

Advancers outpaced decliners, 120 to 72, while 48 names were unchanged.

“The PSE index is trading near the top of the range at 8,150. We remain bullish as long as it holds 7,900 and 8,000 as support. A break of 8,150-8,200 can send the index to 8,600 in the short term,” Unicapital’s Mr. See said.

13 senators sign resolution supporting Sotto

By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter

THIRTEEN senators have signed a draft resolution expressing support for Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III to continue his leadership in the 18th Congress.

“Under his leadership, the Senate has been lauded for its productivity which resulted in the passage of significant measures impressed with national interest,” read the resolution, which credited no author but was circulated among senators during Monday’s session.

Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, who was among those who signed the resolution, said other signatories are Senators Panfilo M. Lacson, Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Aquilino L. Pimentel III, Nancy S. Binay, Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, and Senate leaders Ralph G. Recto (Pro-Tempore) and Juan Miguel F. Zubiri (Majority Leader).

The three others are outgoing Senators Gregorio B. Honasan II, Loren B. Legarda, and Francis G. Escudero.

Mr. Pacquiao added that Senator Richard J. Gordon, who was not present during the session, relayed in a phone call his support for Mr. Sotto. “Senator Gordon called me expressing his support (for) your leadership,” Mr. Pacquiao told the Senate session.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar did not sign the resolution, which Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon questioned, saying, “Isn’t it unusual that a member of the majority will not sign the resolution?”

But Ms. Villar explained that she did not want to sign the resolution without coordinating with her allies in the Nacionalista Party, Taguig-2nd district Rep. Pia S. Cayetano and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos.

“They were asking me to sign, I told them na ikaw Manny, ayusin mo muna ‘yung partido mo bago ka pumirma d’yan,” she said in an interview, Monday. (They were asking me to sign, but I told them — Manny, discuss it first with your party allies, before signing anything).

“In my behalf, I cannot sign because we have two newcomers from NP. I wanted to talk to them about the issues bago ako pumirma (before I sign),” Ms. Villar also said, referring to Ms. Cayetano, a former senator who has won a fresh term, and Ms. Marcos, who also won in the midterm senatorial race.

Outgoing Senator and majority bloc member Joseph Victor G. Ejercito also has not signed the resolution. Mr. Ejercito and Ms. Villar were both endorsed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago partylist.

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