THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) 2nd Division announced on Monday it dismissed former Pasig mayor Robert “Bobby” C. Eusebio’s case against incumbent Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto, citing no valid grounds in the election protest. In a message to reporters on Monday, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said, “The 2nd Division’s unanimous decision, promulgated on the 30th of August 2019, cited the insufficiency in form and substance of the election protest filed by Eusebio.” In the decision, the Comelec said Mr. Eusebio’s protest “failed to reflect a detailed specification of the acts or omissions complained of showing the electoral frauds, anomalies or irregularities in the protested precincts.” Sworn statements used in the protest as proof were “self-serving” and “one-sided” in Mr. Eusebio’s advantage, Comelec said. Mr. Eusebio, who was mayor from 2007-2013 and 2016-2019, filed his protest after Mr. Sotto won by a landslide during last May’s elections. — Gillian M. Cortez
PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has issued an executive order transferring the chairmanship of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The EO, signed on Aug. 28, cited Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 mandating the DENR to exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of water pollution, and to take measures, using available methods and technologies, to prevent and abate such pollution. The EO also noted that the DENR, through an administrative order, has been tasked to lead the Manila Bay Task Force in improving the water quality of the Manila Bay. There is a need for close coordination and oversight of all ongoing efforts relative to the clean-up and rehabilitation of major waterways in Metro Manila, the EO said. — Arjay L. Balinbin
THE CEBU City Government will spend over P300 million for road openings, lot acquisition, and site developments before the year ends. Jose C. Daluz III, special assistant to the mayor, said the executive department has proposed P150 million for the opening of 10 kilometers of roads, P100 million for site development, and P57 million for lot acquisition — all under the city’s P2.5 billion Supplemental Budget-2. “It’s very important to open more roads… to create economic activity for Cebu City, we have to open up more roads. It will also decongest the traffic problem that we have,” he said. Most of the road openings will be in the mountain areas of the city connecting to the urban parts. The P100 million site development would cover improvements in relocation centers such as the 93-1 lot in Barangay Busay. Mr. Daluz said some of the relocation centers do not have proper access roads and water supply. The P57 million will be spent to complete the payment of the lot acquisition in Barangay Quiot, which was initiated by the previous administration, and for an area in Barangay Inayawan to various projects. — The Freeman
THREE COURTS in Davao City will be equipped with videoconferencing facilities for the conduct of remote hearings involving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as part of the Justice Sector Reform Programme: Governance in Justice (GOJUST) program. “Right now we are still awaiting for the equipment and refurbishment of the rooms as it still a temporary set up,” Ingrid L. Gorre, key expert-case management specialist of GOJUST, said in an interview on Sept. 2 after the pilot run of the remote hearing implementation at the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 16. GOJUST is a government project with support from the European Union. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will set up three counterpart rooms at prisons within Davao City for what it calls “tele-hearings.” The tele-hearing concept was proposed by the BJMP-Davao Region management in 2017 in consideration of “high-value” PDLs such as members of groups like the Maute, Abu Sayaff, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and New People’s Army (NPA). In January this year, the Supreme Court issued a resolution for the implementation and pilot-testing of the tele-hearing project between three Davao City jails and the Hall of Justice. “This is a very momentous day for the courts because this is an initial project with BJMP who found the need for this videoconferencing trial with end purpose of securing the concerns not only on the part of the accused but also on the part of the judges, prosecution, not to mention the savings on time and transportation in coming from the jail to the court back and forth,” Mr. Carpio said in an interview. Monday’s tele-hearing, involving two cases, lasted for 15 minutes. The tele-hearings aim to eliminate not just safety and security risks, but also for PDLs with serious or grave medical condition. — Maya M. Padillo
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested three foreigners, one from New Zealand who is wanted in his country for sexually abusing children and two Chinese working without visas. In a statement, NBI said it arrested on Aug. 23 pedophile Alan James Linton at his residence in Valencia City, Bukidnon. BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente ordered the arrest of Linton following information from the New Zealand police that he resides in the country and has two convictions for charges of child exploitation. Meanwhile, the NBI in Catbalogan City, Samar arrested on Aug. 28 Wu Zhijie, 26, and Wu Jiajiang, 51, who were caught selling retail goods without proper working permit and visa. Mr. Morente issued a mission order for the arrest of the Chinese nationals following complaints from small Filipino traders alleging the foreigners “were robbing their business opportunities.” The three are currently detained pending deportation. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
Malacañang says it has accepted Clavite’s resignation
THE JULY 17 resignation letter of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Harold Clavite has been accepted by the President, Executive Secretary Salvador S. Medialdea said in a statement Monday. “Mr. Harold Clavite in his letter dated 17 July 2019 manifested his intention to submit his irrevocable resignation to the President citing personal reasons. He also said that he already gave 3 years to the country and it’s time for him to go back to his family. This was elevated to the President and thereafter accepted,” Mr. Medialdea said. “We recognize the service Mr. Clavite has rendered and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” he added. Mr. Clavite, however, said he did not submit a resignation letter to the President. “My July 17 letter was addressed to ES (executive secretary), not the President. While awaiting response, I did not send my resignation letter to the President,” he said, noting that Mr. Medialdea asked him not to resign after hearing his side on problems relating to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and PIA. “If they used that statement to make such decision, then I accept that. I just think it’s not fair that after hearing my side and asking me to write down all the details, they would do such without even talking to me. And now that I’m gone, what happens to those complaints I raised against PCOO and Mr. Benjamin Felipe? Is he gonna be rewarded now and become the new head of Agency?” Mr. Clavite said. Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar has designated Director Abner M. Caga as officer-in-charge of the PIA, according to a copy of his Department Order No. 008 obtained by BusinessWorld on Monday afternoon. — Arjay L. Balinbin
Meralco, the Philippines’ largest electricity distribution utility and the only four-time Quill Company of the Year recipient, was once again among the most decorated companies in the recent Philippine Quill Awards.
The company won two top awards during the formal ceremony held at Marriott Grand Ballroom, and placed second runner-up in the Company of the Year race, a testament to the company’s continued strength in business communication excellence.
This year, Meralco hauled a total of 22 campaign awards, bagging 9 Excellence and 13 Merit trophies.
Among Meralco’s major highlights of the evening were the Top Award for Communication Skills given to Meralco Typhoon Watch 2018 and the Top Award in the Communication Research category won by the Evaluation of One Meralco Foundation’s Household Electrification Program (HEP).
Meralco Advisory, the company’s monthly information campaign, was also recognized as a Finalist for Top Award in the Communications Management Category.
Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication – emphasizing the excellent use of communication in achieving goals and in making a difference in society.
1. Take the essence of 9-9-6. (1:52-2:05, 2:16-2:40,1:05-1:11, 1:34-1:47)
Since 9-9-6 is very much influenced by Chinese culture, it might be difficult to incorporate it here since we’re used to a different system. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use it. Take what 9-9-6 is really built on, which is drive for and dedication to the company’s mission.
“Make sure that everyone in your team knows how important the mission of the company is. Because if it’s just, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this thing so that we can make one million, ’they won’t care,” said Bisnar. “You really need to find that deeper purpose… And that will create a better mentality than 9-9-6, I think.”
Reinforcing the company vision therefore allows you to make adjustments to your system. For instance, Bisnar, instead of 996, employs 183: employees are required to show up at the office for 3 days only, holding office hours from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
“Take all the traffic hours, you get happier people, but you also stretch efficiency,” he said. “You can incorporate that same mentality with the 9-9-6, giving them freedom and integrating responsibility. So what we do [is] we don’t count the hours, we look at the output of the people.”
2. A well-oiled team requires knowing your employees. (3:36-3:47, 3:51-4:07)
It’s been established that communication is important to your functions as a team. However, you may be limiting this within the professional space. Make sure that you ask your employees about their personal lives as well.
“It’s not all about work for me. I make sure that I ask about their families, how their day is, or what their challenges are,” said Chua-Magleo. “If one person’s a great employee and suddenly his performance is not leveling up, that means he might be facing some challenges, whether personal or at work.”
3. Utilize the benefits of a developing VC market. (5:33-5:54, 6:25-6:44)
At first glance, an immature VC market may be disadvantageous to startups. On the contrary, it actually allows small companies to grow at a healthy pace.
“I look at it as an opportunity, thinking… ‘I have the opportunity to grow my business to a size that [doesn’t] need to compete. Because… if there’s just one company that has so much money, they’ll just burn cash and you cannot compete,” said Sy.
By building a solid foundation at a steady speed, you gain a bargaining chip against VCs that may want to invest in the future.
“If you build your business right, you will have it in a position of strength so that you won’t be bullied by VCs. It’s like, ‘We’re giving [you] the opportunity that we’re growing so you have to invest in us now, or you’ll be left behind.”
4. Strengthen your revenue sustainability. (9:43-10:25)
Getting funding is arguably one of the biggest challenges for all startup founders. Aside from balancing the books to remain operational, there’s also the added tasks of courting possible investors.
To help ease the pressure of these endeavors, there are a couple of ways to squeeze out some extra revenue.
For example, Bisnar and his co-founders initially didn’t take salary as founders. He also recommends taking on sideline jobs such as business coaching. These steps may not bear profits by the millions, but it could be enough to make your sheets presentable to investors.
“At least when you talk to the VCs, you’re not in a negative position. Because if I were a VC and you’re bleeding one million per month, he’s just going to eat you up. He’s just going to say, ‘You’re going to die in six months, then I’m going to buy 50 percent of your company for just a few millions.’”
5. Explore alternative ways to get funding (12:02-12:19, 11:32-11:58) If you feel that the traditional ways of getting funding aren’t quite working out, there are other ways that you can try out. The recently-passed Securities Regulation Code offers great opportunities for crowdfunding. You can even try approaching institutions who aren’t investing professionally but have the resources to do so.
“Find high net-worth individuals that can be moved by your cause, and they can have more negotiable terms. Because they care, they’re not doing it professionally,” said Bisnar. “And if he or she likes your mission, then that’s a potential opportunity.”
Those interested in applying for the Alibaba eFounders Program can find more information at this link. The upcoming program class will take place from Dec 2 to 12. The deadline for applications is on Oct 7.
1. “Good is the enemy of great.” (7:30 7:38, 8:50-9:13)
In an industry that can get so demanding, it’s often easier to just stop at what’s expected of you. This is well and good for your convenience, but it will set you up for mediocrity in the long run.
Instead of stopping at your current industry, see where else your company can expand to. “The thing that I admire most with Alibaba is that they keep on innovating. They are not afraid to experiment,” said Chua-Magleo.
“[They didn’t] stop with e-commerce or retail. After that, they started venturing to different aspects of the digital economy, like payments, so they have Alipay. They even have Alibaba Cloud. They have movies. So they’re not really afraid of experimenting.”
2. Embrace change. (9:47-9:53, 10:12 10:29)
When you start exploring unfamiliar industries, the usual mindset would be to make solid plans checked ten times over. Planning will always be standard for any kind of business, it’s just as important to complement it with flexibility.
“Not all as planned will happen. You don’t know the market conditions or the external factors that might happen,” said Chua-Magleo.
“So it’s not like, ‘This is the business model that I want.’ If it’s not progressing… you should look for other ways on how to earn.”
3. Carpe diem — but do so thoughtfully. (6:28-6:45)
Another danger of riding along with change is the desire to be first; after all, your competitors are all probably racing you to release the same product. Feel free to move swiftly to beat your competition, but make sure it’s not at the cost of quality or integrity.
“Timing is really crucial for you to execute everything,” said Chua-Magleo. “You need to execute it fast, but of course, you don’t want a messy start. So you have to execute in a way that it’s well-planned as well.”
4. Hire the right people. (3:03-3:11, 3:37-3:54, 4:11-4:23)
Since you won’t be doing the majority of this work, it’s absolutely important to hire the right people. This doesn’t just mean acquiring employees who are highly skilled. It may actually be more vital to hire employees who actually believe in what your startup is trying to do.
“They hire people who are committed – committed to their jobs, to their responsibilities,” said Chua-Magleo.
“[The] people there, they feel that they are part of the stakeholders [even if] they are not… they feel that they are one with the company in achieving its mission and vision.”
Since these kinds of people are reliable, you’ll also find that you’ll run smoother on the operational side. “Hiring reliable people will help you grow faster because you don’t have to micromanage them, so they can work on their own, with less supervision.”
5. In any relationship, communication is important. (5:23-5:33)
To further strengthen your internal relationships, make it a point to constantly communicate with your employees. Talk about their strong suits but include their points for improvement as well.
“It gives the employee an idea that, ‘Oh, there’s room for improvement for me based on the assessment of my coworkers or managers, that there’s something in me that needs to be improved.’” said Magleo-Chua.
This desire for communication should extend to your customers. She noticed that Alibaba employees loved reaching out to them as much as they did among themselves. Genuinely listening to your customers can help you in different range of ways, including giving you a unique selling point.
Those interested in applying for the Alibaba eFounders Program can find more information at this link. The upcoming program class will take place from Dec 2 to 12. The deadline for applications is on Oct 7.
Foster + Partners is known as the architectural firm behind many iconic structures around the world. This group led by renowned British architect Norman Foster, well-known for his sustainable, modern, and innovative designs, has engraved its marque in major cities, such as London with the Gherkin, New York with the Hearst Tower, and Hong Kong with the busiest airport in the world, the Hong Kong International Airport.
Wishbone suspension joints hold up the walls of the roof in order to make the building withstand typhoons in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong International Airport is considered one of the most ambitious construction projects of modern times. Characterized by a lightweight roof canopy, naturally lit spaces, and seamless weather-resilient design, this hectic airport forms a spectacular gateway to Hong Kong, in a location that can be unforgiving at times.
Foster + Partners was tapped by STRC, a joint venture between Federal Land, Inc. and SMDC, to design its first residential development in the Philippines — The Estate Makati. The collaboration with Foster + Partners to create this iconic luxury residential project is quite fitting, given that The Estate Makati will occupy the last parcel of prime real estate in the famed Apartment Ridge of Ayala Avenue.
The Estate Makati Aerial Facade Night Shot
Infusing the same approach with their previous works, and keeping in mind the discerning lifestyle of its future affluent homeowners, Foster + Partners designed The Estate Makati in a cruciform shape, thus allowing utmost privacy and exclusivity. The living spaces are arranged radially, which ensures every apartment is a true corner unit with panoramic 180-degree views of the city.
Windows
Foster + Partners infused a unique combination of function and form. Each unit truly stands the test of time with its double-slab technology, which provides a seamless space without columns, and offers possibilities to completely reconfigure the flat without having to disrupt the neighbors above or below.
Master Bedroom Suite — Legacy Layout
Furthermore, common areas of The Estate Makati are meticulously designed using only the finest materials. Residents will be transported to their home in the sky from the lush driveway and exquisitely-designed lounges, where guests can be entertained in pocketed areas surrounded by beautiful landscaping, to expansive private lifts. Thoughtfully designed amenities, such as the sky garden, pool, and fitness center, are made available for residents to enjoy. A parking facility is ready equipped with electric vehicle charging needs.
With Foster + Partners’ fusion of technological firsts and cutting-edge concepts in its overall architecture and features, it is without a doubt The Estate Makati will become an icon in fine condo living.
For more information on The Estate Makati, visit www.theestatemakati.com, or email contact@theestatemakati.com.
THE GENERAL INCREASE in prices of goods and services used by average Filipinos is expected to have cooled further last month amid slowing food prices as well as base effects.
A poll of 12 economists yielded a median inflation estimate of 1.8% for August, settling above the midpoint of the 1.3-2.1% range given last Friday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Department of Economic Research for that month.
If realized, this would mark the third straight month of slower inflation from June’s 2.7%.
It also compares to July’s 2.4% and 6.4% in August last year.
The estimate matches October 2016’s 1.8% and would be the lowest reading in 35 months or since the 1.7% recorded in September that year.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to report August inflation data on Sept. 5.
“We should expect the base-year effect to have a large role to play in the year-on-year change for CPI (consumer price index),” Sun Life Financial economist Patrick M. Ella said.
“Weekly data suggest a sharp decline in fuel price inflation on the back of lower global oil prices. Meanwhile, rice price inflation is likely to have turned more deeply negative as last year’s big price spikes entered the annual comparison,” Capital Economics Asia economist Alex Holmes said.
Moody’s Analytics expects inflation to have posted 2.11% in the July-September period and to clock in at 2.2% in the fourth quarter. “The reason for this figure is the large deceleration in rice prices following the rice tarrification law. Electricity prices continue to fall as well. A stronger peso is slowing inflation [by] helping to lower cost of imports. Base effects will also play a role in slowing inflation,” said Brady J. Seitz, associate economist at Moody’s Analytics.
Latest data from the PSA show average retail price of well-milled rice dropped 7.3% year-on-year in the first and second weeks of August, reaching P42.71 per kilogram (/kg) at the end of that period.
Average retail price of regular milled rice fell 9.2% and 9.8% in August’s first and second weeks, respectively, settling at P42.57/kg at the end of that period.
Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) power rates for households in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas dropped for the fourth straight month in August by P0.4176 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh) to P9.5674/kWh.
This represented a decrease of almost P1/kWh since May this year, according to Meralco.
The Department of Energy said on Aug. 27 that most oil companies slashed pump prices by P0.10 per liter for both gasoline and diesel, although kerosene prices went up by P0.10 per liter.
These brought year-to-date net increases per liter of gasoline, diesel and kerosene to P4.75, P3.35 and P1.40, respectively.
In its Aug. 8 policy review, the BSP revised forecast inflation this year to 2.6% from an already downward-adjusted 2.7% that was adopted in its June 20 meeting, while it slashed next year’s forecast to 2.9% from three percent previously.
The central bank targets inflation to range 2-4% this year and next.
In its July meeting, the Development Budget Coordination Committee also adjusted its inflation projection this year to 2.7-3.5% from 3-4% previously, but maintained the 2-4% projection for next year until 2022.
Analysts interviewed for this poll said that inflation rate could even go lower in the coming months as base effects persist.
Inflation hit successive multi-year highs to a nine-year peak of 6.7% in September and October 2018, forcing the central bank to hike benchmark rates by a cumulative 175 basis points (bps).
The BSP has started to wind down these aggressive policy moves by cutting policy rates by a total of 50 bps so far, and has signaled a 25-bps cut towards yearend.
“I do see headline inflation going below 1.5% by September due especially to the high base a year ago,” University of Asia and the Pacific professor Victor A. Abola said.
“[B]ecause of base effects and anticipated consumption factors in the coming months, we might see inflation levels at sub-2% until November 2019,” Security Bank Corp. chief economist Robert Dan J. Roces said.
“The rapid deceleration in prices shows how quickly inflation fades if price pressures emanate from the supply side, further evidence that the heavy-handed 2018 rate hike cycle can and should be dialed back sooner rather than later to limit its adverse impact on growth now that the inflation specter has been tamed for the time being,” ING Bank NV Manila Branch senior economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said.
“Inflation will continue to experience a downward trend in the third quarter but may pick up again due to seasonal demand for certain products, weather and oil shocks,” said Mitzie Irene P. Conchada, associate dean of De La Salle University School of Economics.
ENTHUSIASM from businesses on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines has waned since talks have stalled, a new survey said, although many still see the deal as important.
“While a majority look forward to the EU-Indonesia CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), responses with the EU-Philippines FTA suggest that following the pause in discussions since 2017, business enthusiasm has decreased,” according to the EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment Survey.
The annual survey, now on its fifth edition, is designed as a barometer for European business outlook in Southeast Asia on issues such as macroeconomic conditions, the policy and regulatory environment, as well as the development of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements in the region.
“However, a majority of respondents with operations in the Philippines still see a bilateral agreement as important,” the survey report added.
This survey, released by the EU-ASEAN Business Council last weekend, was produced with the support of the European Chambers of Commerce throughout member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Philippines currently enjoys EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus or GSP+ that grants zero tariffs to 6,274 product lines. There are now concerns, however, that the privilege is now at risk due to human rights concerns under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Under the previous administration, government officials had been hopeful of graduating from GSP+ to a free trade agreement. The Department of Trade and Industry had said that, based on EU trade data, Philippine GSP+ utilization had increased to 73% in 2018 from 68% in 2015. The increased utilization rate resulted in the increase of export sales to the EU to €7.49 billion in 2018 from €6.68 billion in 2015. Top products exported under GSP+ were crude coconut oil and canned tuna.
In the latest business sentiment survey, 59% of respondents who shared their perception of current trade agreement talks in the region said they find FTA talks important. Some 27% had a neutral stance on the matter, five percent said such talks as unimportant (five percent), while nine percent were unsure.
“Malaysia and Thailand continue to be the next best alternatives, albeit now Malaysia taking second spot with Thailand moving down to third place. As Indonesia and the Philippines already have ongoing negotiations, we did not ask our respondents to rank their preference for these two countries,” the survey said.
The survey showed nearly unanimous support from European businesses to speed up trade deals. “Almost all of our respondents feel the EU should accelerate trade deals with ASEAN, whether bilateral or a region-to-region deal,” it said.
It also said majority of respondents continue to want to see a region-to-region FTA between the EU and ASEAN, and wish to see one pursued immediately.
They also value a regional agreement over further bilateral deals between the EU and individual ASEAN member countries.
“However, the percent of respondents who believe a regional FTA would deliver more advantages than a series of bilateral FTAs has fallen from 87% to 72%. This may reflect acknowledgement by the business community of the lack of tangible progress on region-to-region discussions, while FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam have been signed.”
More than half of respondents believe that the absence of a region-to-region FTA is placing their businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to their competitors from countries that have trade agreements with ASEAN as a whole. These competitors include China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
“However, fewer indicate the disadvantage relative to last year. As before, manufacturers feel the competitive advantage more acutely, perhaps reflecting their intrinsic requirement to move goods over borders,” it said.
“There is also as significant decrease in the number of manufacturers who feel that they are at a competitive disadvantage without a region-to-region deal.”
On the whole, European businesses expressed optimism about ASEAN. The sentiment remains high, with 74% of respondents seeing the region’s markets as becoming even more important in terms of worldwide revenues in the next two years.
Of the respondents, 73% also expect their profits from operations in the region to rise this year. European businesses in ASEAN also continue to regard the region as the one with the best economic opportunity in the next five years. — Victor V. Saulon
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested three foreigners, one from New Zealand who is wanted in his country for sexually abusing children and two Chinese working without visas. In a statement, NBI said it arrested on Aug. 23 pedophile Alan James Linton at his residence in Valencia City, Bukidnon. BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente ordered the arrest of Linton following information from the New Zealand police that he resides in the country and has two convictions for charges of child exploitation. Meanwhile, the NBI in Catbalogan City, Samar arrested on Aug. 28 Wu Zhijie, 26, and Wu Jiajiang, 51, who were caught selling retail goods without proper working permit and visa. Mr. Morente issued a mission order for the arrest of the Chinese nationals following complaints from small Filipino traders alleging the foreigners “were robbing their business opportunities.” The three are currently detained pending deportation. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas 
