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Soldiers sent to tremor-stricken Davao towns

SOLDIERS prepare to transport residents of Mati City, capital of Davao Oriental, who sustained injuries caused by the strong tremor that jolted the province, Oct. 10. — JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

COTABATO CITY — The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) mobilized more than a thousand soldiers from its units to assist in emergency response and relief efforts in tremor-stricken towns in Davao Oriental.

Major Gen. Allan D. Hambala, commander of the 10th ID, said on Sunday that among the first to respond and help villagers injured, as a result of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that jolted the province on Friday morning, are personnel of two brigades of their division.

The assistant division commander of the 10th ID, Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, Brig. Gen. Jose Allan L. Taguba and Col. Harold M. Argamosa of the 701st and 1001st Infantry Brigades, respectively, are together overseeing the division’s disaster response operations in Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental, and in nearby towns in the province.

The epicenter of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake last Friday morning was in Manay town in Davao Oriental.

Army officials the 10th ID dispatched to Davao Oriental for disaster impact mitigation efforts and Ednar G. Dayanghirang, director of the Office of Civil Defense 11 (OCD-11), confirmed on Saturday, that eight individuals in the province died while 531 others were rushed to hospitals due to tremor-related injuries.

Officials of the 10th ID, citing reports from local government units and the OCD-11, said the strong earthquake destroyed 111 houses and damaged 1,019 other structures in different towns in Davao Oriental.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that shook Manay and nearby areas in Davao Oriental early Friday was followed by a 6.8-magnitude aftershock in the evening of the same day.

Mr. Hambala said officials of units they dispatched to the province had reported that at least 70,471 families were badly affected by the disaster.

“Our soldiers are out there supporting the relief operations of local government units and the OCD-11,” Mr. Hambala said.

He said their emergency response efforts also cover the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and nearby areas in Region 13. — John Felix M. Unson

GOCC subsidies down nearly 12% in August

PSALM

SUBSIDIES provided to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) fell 11.89% year on year in August, the Bureau of the Treasury said.

The budgetary support to state-run firms totaled P8.02 billion in August, against P9.1 billion a year earlier.

Month on month, GOCC subsidies fell 17.64%.

State-owned firms receive monthly subsidies from the National Government to support their daily operations if their revenue is insufficient.

In August, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) topped the subsidy list with P3.43 billion or 42.74% of the total. This was followed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., which received P2.03 billion.

The National Food Authority (NFA) was granted P750 million in subsidies in August.

State-run firms on the subsidy list included the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp.-13 (P337 million), the National Electrification Administration (P200 million), the Philippine Heart Center (P184 million), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (P150 million), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (P124 million), the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (P114 million) and the  Philippine Coconut Authority (P101 million).

Other GOCCs obtaining subsidies of less than P100 million were the Sugar Regulatory Administration (P89 million), the Light Rail Transit Authority (P74 million), the Lung Center of the Philippines (P59 million), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (P55 million), the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (P44 million) and the Development Academy of the Philippines (P40 million).

Also receiving subsidies were the Philippine National Railways (P31 million), the National Power Corp. (P30 million), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (P28 million), the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (P27 million), the National Dairy Authority (P23 million), the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (P20 million), the People’s Television Network, Inc. (P18 million), the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (P15 million), and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (P14 million).

State-run firms with subsidies amounting to P10 million or less were the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (P10 million), the Southern Philippines Development Authority  (P7 million), the Philippine Tax Academy (P5 million), the Philippine Center for Economic Development (P5 million), and the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (P4 million).

Receiving no subsidies were the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Small Business Corp., the National Housing Authority, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, the Philippine Reclamation Authority, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and the Tourism Promotions Board.

In the first eight months, GOCC subsidies hit P70.25 billion, down 19.27% from a year earlier.

The NIA took in the most subsidies in the first eight months with P24.53 billion, followed by NFA at P8.68 billion.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has said that GOCCs are expected to generate P157 billion in remittances this year, with 53 remitting P116.84 billion as of September. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Home improvement chain OBC projecting strong demand from Calabarzon, Central Luzon

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Lotus Design N Print from Unsplash

HOME IMPROVEMENT store Oversea Builders Center (OBC) said it is projecting strong demand from rapidly urbanizing areas like Calabarzon and Central Luzon.

In a statement, OBC said new housing developments and subdivisions continue to expand in those regions.

“These are the families OBC wants to serve: homeowners and builders who want to upgrade their spaces with better design and durable materials without paying luxury prices,” the company said.

Owned by Cebu Oversea Hardware Co., Inc., OBC recently opened a store in Kawit, Cavite, banking on the city’s rapid urbanization, proximity to Metro Manila, and steady influx of homeowners.

“We are not chasing fast expansion. We want to grow sustainably, area by area, adjusting to what each community needs. What matters is delivering the best experience at a fair price,” Cebu Oversea Chief Executive Officer Michael Co said.

Opened on Oct. 3, the new site along Centennial Road in Kawit occupies 5,847 square meters and targets the midmarket and high-end segments.

According to the company, the middle class is fast becoming a driving force of consumer demand.

Citing a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, it said that around 39.8% of Filipinos were considered middle-income in 2021.

Fitch Solutions’ BMI projects consumer spending on household goods to grow to P270.4 billion in 2024 and to P354 billion by 2028.

“We are after being competitive. We are offering products we personally choose that meet international standards but are still within a reasonable price range,” said Mr. Co.

“You can walk in here, feel like you are in a high-end showroom, but go home with products priced for the middle class,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Unlocking value through human-centric transactions

IN BRIEF:

• Successful transactions require leaders to prioritize transformative goals over mere deal completion, emphasizing a compelling vision that engages employees and drives long-term success.

• Addressing the human element of a transaction is crucial; fostering an environment where employees feel valued and supported significantly enhances the likelihood of successful outcomes.

• Organizations must be prepared to manage pivotal moments throughout the transaction process, leveraging decisive action and transparent communication to build trust and maintain momentum.

Transactions can serve as powerful catalysts for transformation when leaders create the right conditions for high performance. The EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey indicates that 96% of global CEOs plan to engage in some form of transaction in the coming year. These transactions are essential components of corporate strategy, enabling businesses to enhance shareholder value and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. While they present unique challenges, transactions also provide opportunities to accelerate transformation and reshape a company’s future.

Research from EY identifies three key factors that contribute to successful transactions. First, bold leadership is crucial; 59% of transaction leaders believe that an organization’s capacity for transformation is vital for its long-term viability. The more ambitious the vision behind a transaction, the greater the potential for value creation. Second, addressing the human element of a deal is equally important as financial considerations. Leaders must foster an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. Finally, leaders should be prepared to navigate critical moments throughout the transaction process, as effective management can turn challenges into opportunities.

By focusing on these elements, leaders can significantly enhance the value derived from transactions. This article draws on findings from a collaboration between EY and the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, which examined transformation programs and gathered insights from senior leaders and workforce members involved in transaction-driven transformations.

In the Philippines, recent observations indicate a growing trend in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across various sectors. In particular, there is a lot of investor interest in the consumer sector due to rapid urbanization and the growing middle class. There has also been increased M&A activity in the renewable energy (RE) space following the liberalization of foreign ownership in RE projects. This increase in M&A activities reflects the necessity for companies to consolidate resources and strengthen their competitive position in a rapidly changing market. Such transactions can enhance financial performance, but the company will need to focus on the integration of diverse corporate cultures and the importance of maintaining employee engagement throughout the transition process. Otherwise, the contemplated benefits of the transaction may not be fully realized.

EMPHASIZING BOLD LEADERSHIP IN TRANSACTIONS
To maximize value, leaders must prioritize transformative goals over merely completing transactions. Successful transformations involve operational changes that aim to improve performance and drive sustainable growth. However, transactions often face distinct challenges, such as tight deadlines, public scrutiny, and prolonged uncertainty.

Organizations frequently focus on finalizing deals rather than pursuing genuine transformation, which can lead to diminished value. Nearly half of transaction leaders report that they do not achieve the expected value from their transactions, with only 46% meeting their innovation key performance indicators (KPIs). Therefore, leaders should concentrate on establishing a transformative vision that engages employees, shifting the focus from mere completion to long-term success.

Moreover, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration can empower employees to contribute ideas and solutions during the transition. This engagement enhances morale and leads to innovative approaches that can drive the success of the transaction. Leaders who actively involve their teams in the process are more likely to achieve desired outcomes and create a sense of ownership among employees.

CREATING CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS
Establishing the right conditions is essential for fostering high-performance environments that empower employees to overcome challenges. A human-centric approach significantly increases the likelihood of successful outcomes. A compelling vision is critical; employees must believe in a purpose that transcends financial metrics. Additionally, adaptive leadership is necessary, as leaders should be present and responsive, actively engaging with teams to navigate the complexities of transactions.

Psychological safety is another vital aspect, as leaders must create an environment where employees feel secure and valued. By promoting disciplined freedom, organizations can empower teams to make decisions quickly, facilitating agile responses to challenges. Furthermore, collaboration across departments is essential for effective integration or separation. Leveraging technology purposefully can also help illustrate the potential of the new organization, enabling employees to visualize the benefits of the transformation.

NAVIGATING TURNING POINTS FOR MAXIMUM VALUE
Decisive action is crucial at various stages of a transaction to effectively manage employee turning points. Research indicates that nearly all transactions encounter pivotal moments, with 98% experiencing turning points that necessitate leadership intervention. As transactions become public, organizations must manage heightened uncertainty, and leaders should quickly form a deal team, establish clear governance, and support the workforce through effective communication. Transparency in decision-making is vital for building trust and addressing potential concerns.

Once the deal closes, the new leadership team must align with the transformative vision and establish new ways of working. Providing emotional support for employees is critical, as many may struggle to adapt to the new organizational identity. Celebrating early successes can reinforce the new entity’s direction and build confidence among employees.

EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION
Transactions have the potential to significantly reshape a business’ future. The approach leaders take in managing these deals will greatly influence the value derived from them. By fostering a bold vision for transformation and creating an environment where employees can thrive, organizations can navigate challenges and enhance performance, ultimately preparing for future transactions and transformations.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Noel P. Rabaja is the deputy managing partner, strategy and transactions leader, and markets leader of SGV & Co.

PBA Press Corps set to award Chot Reyes Coach of the Year

CHOT REYES — PBA

Manny Pangilinan is the Executive of the Year

AFTER two championships, three Finals appearances, and a long 75-game season, Chot Reyes now gets the icing on the cake.

The TNT mentor is set to receive a record-extending seventh Coach of the Year award from the PBA Press Corps as it holds the 31st edition of its Awards Night on Monday (Oct. 13) at the Novotel Manila.

Mr. Reyes, 62, unanimously got the nod of the men and women who regularly cover the PBA beat over San Miguel Beer counterpart Leo Austria in winning the coveted Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Trophy.

Top sports patron and TNT team owner Manny V. Pangilinan shares the spotlight with his coach as he will be honored with the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award.

The 79-year-old business tycoon also serves as the special guest of honor and speaker of the annual event.

Mr. Reyes, the former Gilas Pilipinas coach, guided the TNT Tropang 5G to three straight Finals appearances in Season 49 and won the championships of the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup, respectively.

But he was foiled in his attempt to score a first grand slam in the last 11 years when TNT lost against San Miguel in the Philippine Cup title series.

Nonetheless, his 48-27 (win-loss) record marked the best for the season, while the total 75 games that he coached is tied for the most since Tim Cone steered Alaska to a grand slam in 1996.

Mr. Reyes was the first ever recipient of the award named after the acknowledged “Maestro” of Philippine coaching, back in 1993 and repeated in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, and 2021.

Family and relatives of the late Dalupan will be attending the affair to personally hand out the award.

Other awardees include Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero (Defensive Player of the Year), Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of TNT (Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year), San Miguel’s Don Trollano (Mr. Quality Minutes), and Arvin Tolentino of Northport (Scoring Champion).

Completing the Press Corps’ honor roll for Season 49 are TNT’s Calvin Oftana (Order of Merit), the All-Rookie Team of RJ Abarrientos (Barangay Ginebra), Sedrick Barefield (Blackwater), Caelan Tiongson (Rain or Shine), Jordan Heading (TNT), Justine Baltazar (Converge), and Kai Ballungay (Phoenix), and Game 7 of the TNT-Barangay Ginebra Commissioner’s Cup Finals (Game of the Season). — Olmin Leyba

Three-peat seeking High Speed Hitters face Belen-led Capital1 in Reinforced Conference

PLDT HIGH SPEED HITTERS — PVL.PH

Games on Monday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – PLDT vs Capital1
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Cignal

PLDT opens its ambitious pursuit of a championship treble as it clashes with collegiate supernova Bella Belen and Capital1 on Monday in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters have brought in Russian 6-foot-2 spiker Anastasia Bavykina as early as a month ago with an ultimate goal of adding another crown to their breakthrough PVL on Tour title and PVL Invitational diadem early this year.

The 33-year-old Russian super league veteran has been meshing well with the team and should form a fearsome attacking partnership with Savi Davison when they battle the Solar Spikers at 4 p.m.

“She’s a great fit to the team and provides stability and experience,” said PLDT Manager Bajjie del Rosario of Ms. Bavykina.

But the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise should face a Capital1 squad brandishing a force of nature in Ms. Belen, this year’s top overall rookie pick who will make her official debut.

The Alas Pilipinas standout and three-time UAAP MVP and champion at National University had actually played in the three-set defeat to ZUS last week that was eventually canceled due to International Transfer Certificate issues.

There, Ms. Belen was nothing short of magnificent, unleashing a triple-double effort of 20 points, 18 digs and 12 receptions.

And expect her to bedazzle again.

“It’s my dream to play in the PVL,” said Ms. Belen, who has high expectations of the team that will be mentored by national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

Also hoping to launch their respective campaigns with a bang are Cignal and Choco Mucho, who clash at 6:30 p.m. — Joey Villar

CSB Blazers survive upset-conscious JRU Bombers

Games on Monday
(FilOil EcoOil Arena)
8:30 a.m. – LPU vs AU (Jrs/Srs)
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs EAC (Jrs/Srs)

COLLEGE of St. Benilde (CSB) survived the absence of reigning MVP Allen Liwag for the second straight game after it repulsed upset-conscious Jose Rizal University (JRU), 73-65, to seize the solo Group B lead in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Raffy Celis and Justine Sanchez filled in the massive void left by Mr. Liwag, who remained out due to flu-like symptoms, in helping propel the CSB Blazers to their third straight victory in four starts and straight to No. 1 in the second bracket.

The Messrs. Celis-Sanchez pair took turns in scoring their team’s final eight points with three minutes to go that quashed the last hope of the JRU Bombers to turn things around in their favor while sealing the runners-up a season ago the win.

Mr. Celis ended up firing a game-high 20 points with five rebounds and four steals while Mr. Sanchez had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.

“We weathered the storm,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu.

JRU, which came into the showdown a few days after shell-shocking San Beda University, 67-66, almost pulled off another upset after roaring back from a deficit as high as 11 points at the half and cutting it to just two points, 65-63, on three foul shots by Sean Salvador with 2.52 minutes to go.

But it proved to be the Nani Epondulan-mentored Bombers’ last show of resistance as Mr. Celis and Mr. Sanchez each scored four points in that decisive 8-2 run.

JRU fell to 2-2 but not without receiving heaps of praise from Mr. Tiu.

“Give credit to JRU. They’re a really good team and they play so hard. Those kids are young but man, they’re legit,” said Mr. Tiu. — Joey Villar

The scores:

CSB 73 – Celis 20, Sanchez 17, Morales 7, Ancheta 5, Umali 5, Moore 5, Oli 5, Gaspay 3, Eusebio 2, Cajucom 2, Ynot 1, Galas 1, Jalalon 0

JRU 65 – Salvador 13, Peñaverde 11, Argente 9, Lozano 9, Benitez 7, Panapanaan 5, Laurenaria 5, Garupil 4, Herrera 2, Duque 0, Castillo 0, Sarmiento 0

Quarterscores: 22-19; 42-34; 55-51; 73-65

Brewers power past Cubs in Game 5, advance to NLCS versus LA Dodgers

MILWAUKEE — Hard-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski capped his playoff resurgence with a second dominant outing to help the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night in the decisive fifth game of the National League Division Series between Central Division rivals.

With both teams cobbling together a bullpen game, Misiorowski (2-0) allowed the Cubs’ only run on a homer by Seiya Suzuki, but the 23-year-old right-hander gave up just two singles in a four-inning stint for his second victory of the series.

The Brewers, who have the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage for the entire postseason, advanced to host the Los Angeles (LA) Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), which begins on Monday.

William Contreras, Andrew Vaughn and Brice Turang each homered for the Brewers, who are in the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons but had not won a playoff series since the NLDS in 2018. They lost to the Dodgers four games to three in the NLCS that season.

The Brewers won the first two games of the 2025 NLDS at home before the Cubs rallied to take the next two in Chicago to set up the winner-take-all fifth game.

Misiorowski made the All-Star team after just five starts, but then struggled in the second half, raising questions if he would even be on the postseason roster.

“He had ups and downs. He had a lot of highs, he had some low moments,” said Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, a member of the 2018 team. “But we’re definitely not winning this series if not for him. He pitched a ton of big innings for us in Game 2. And tonight, he was really unbelievable. Really settled the game down and set the tone for the rest of the guys out of the pen.”

Five Brewers pitchers combined on the four-hitter. Misiorowski, who pitched the second through fifth innings, struck out three, but more importantly did not walk a batter. Abner Uribe pitched the final two scoreless innings for the save.

All-Star closer Trevor Megill opened with a perfect first inning for Milwaukee, the first time in the series the Cubs did not score in the opening inning.

“This team is loaded with very good pitching,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said of the Brewers. “It’s certainly a strength of the team. And it’s why they’ve won so many games. Misiorowski got four innings and got 12 outs for them, and that put the game in pretty good order for them.”

Vaughn, acquired in a midseason trade with the White Sox and then summoned from the minors in early July, put Milwaukee in front 2-1 in the fourth with his second homer of the series, a two-out solo homer off Colin Rea (0-1).

The Brewers then loaded the bases on consecutive singles by Sal Frelick and Caleb Durbin and a walk to Blake Perkins. Daniel Palencia relieved Rea and got Joey Ortiz to bounce into a force at second.

“That was huge. Big moment there,” Vaughn said of his homer. “Just swung the momentum into our dugout. It was huge, got everybody fired up. The crowd was unbelievable. They stayed loud all night after that.”

The Cubs put two aboard with no outs in the sixth on a single and hit batter, but failed to advance the runners.

“It’s really the only inning you could talk about,” Counsell said. “We just didn’t do much. We had six baserunners. You’re going to have to hit homers to have any runs scoring in scenarios like that.”

Turang, who was 2-for-19 in the series, extended the lead to 3-1 with a two-out solo homer in the seventh off Andrew Kittredge.

Contreras staked the Brewers to a 1-0 lead in the first with a two-out homer, sending a 3-2 pitch from opener Drew Pomeranz 389 feet to left-center. — Reuters

Seattle Mariners tab RHP Bryce Miller to start Game One of ALCS against Toronto Blue Jays

MARINERS right-handed pitcher (RHP) Bryce Miller will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) when Seattle visits the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

“I’m fired up,” Miller said on Saturday. “Yeah, I’m ready to go. Pitching in the playoffs is something you dream of, and just getting the opportunity to start us off and get us going early and set the tone is super meaningful.”

Miller is the freshest option after starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert pitched in relief of Seattle’s epic 3-2, 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in the fifth and final game of the AL Division Series on Friday night.

Miller, 27, pitched in Wednesday’s Game 4 at Detroit and was relieved after 55 pitches, which he found disappointing. The Mariners led 3-0 when he was pulled after 4 1/3 innings but he ended up being charged with two runs to go with four hits and zero walks. He struck out two.

Seattle lost that game 9-3 before returning home to win the classic Game 5.

“My last outing, I felt really good,” Miller said. “I think that was the best my stuff has been in a while. So yeah, I’m excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”

In the regular season, Miller was 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA in 18 starts. The outing against the Tigers was his first career postseason game and start.

“We’re excited to hand (Miller) the ball,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said on Saturday. “We’ll take him as far as he can go.”

Right-hander Kevin Gausman is starting Game 1 for the Blue Jays. He won Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees on Oct. 4 when he gave up one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

The Mariners have until Sunday morning to turn in their ALCS roster and are leaning toward including All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo, who missed the ALDS.

Woo hasn’t pitched since Sept. 19 due to a pectoral injury. Woo threw a bullpen session on Friday and officials want to see how he recovers.

“We’re continuing to assess (Woo’s) availability,” Wilson said. “He seems to be rebounding pretty well. He’s coming back. Right now, we’re continuing to weigh what that timetable might be and when he’ll be available.”

Woo, 25, went 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 30 regular-season starts. — Reuters

WNBA Finals sweep

From the opening tip, everything felt like a formality. As Game Four of the WNBA Finals showed from the onset, the Aces moved with the assurance of veterans who had seen every version of a title clincher before and knew exactly how it would unfold. Their decisive 97–86 win over the resilient but ultimately wanting Mercury served as confirmation of their championship character: steady and superb, intensive and inevitable. They controlled the rhythm, dictated space, and never let doubt set in, not even for a moment. The result: a third championship in four years, earned more through precision than pomp, and sustained by seasoned stalwarts who have nothing more to prove.

There was no chaos to contain, no luck to lean on. The Aces executed with clinical assurance; old reliables Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each finished with 18, while newer cogs Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans came off the bench to widen every gap that the Mercury tried to close. Admittedly, the latter had moments — Kahleah Copper exploding for 30, Alyssa Thomas assembling yet another near triple-double — but each push was thwarted by rote resistance. Not even head coach Nate Tibbetts’ ejection midway through the third produced a spark, underlining the contrast between dispassion and desperation.

Needless to say, at the core of that steadiness was newly minted Most Valuable Player A’ja Wilson. She put up 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks for the contest, upping her series norms to 29, 12, four, one, and two to reaffirm what all and sundry have long acknowledged. Her brilliance has reached a point where it no longer demands adjectives; she isn’t chasing recognition so much as refining certainty.

To be sure, the calm authority was hard-fought and -earned. Midseason, the Aces had faltered; they began with an 11-11 stretch that shone the spotlight on fatigue and fragility, capped by a humiliating 53-point loss to the Lynx. And then came the response: 16 straight wins to close the regular season and a playoff run that exposed earlier doubts as misguided at best. What once looked like a wobble became a test of identity that they, yes, aced by remembering who they were just when it mattered.

Creditably, the Mercury refused to fade. Even without leading scorer Satou Sabally, they managed to exceed expectations. Unfortunately for them, the Aces played with patience in rare air, and of the type that makes greatness a given. And when the battlesmoke cleared, there was, simply put, recognition.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

China blames US for raising trade tensions, defends rare earth curbs

US and Chinese flags are seen in this illustration. — REUTERS

BEIJING/HONG KONG — China called President Donald J. Trump’s latest US tariffs on Chinese goods hypocritical on Sunday and defended its curbs on exports of rare earth elements and equipment but stopped short of imposing new levies on US products.

Mr. Trump on Friday responded to Beijing’s most recent export controls by imposing additional tariffs of 100% on China’s US-bound exports, along with new export controls on critical software by Nov. 1.

The revived trade tensions have rattled Wall Street, sending Big Tech shares tumbling, worried foreign companies dependent on China’s production of processed rare earths and rare earth magnets, and could derail a summit between Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping tentatively scheduled for later this month.

RESPONDING TO TRUMP
The Chinese commerce ministry’s statement on Sunday was Beijing’s first direct response to Mr. Trump’s lengthy Truth Social post on Friday, where he accused Beijing of suddenly raising trade tensions after an uneasy truce was reached six months ago between the world’s two largest economies, allowing them to trade goods without sky-high tariff rates.

“Our relationship with China over the past six months has been a very good one, thereby making this move on Trade an even more surprising one,” Mr. Trump said.

The commerce ministry said in an equally lengthy statement that its export controls on rare-earth elements followed a series of US measures since bilateral trade talks in Madrid last month.

Beijing cited the addition of Chinese companies to a US trade blacklist and Washington’s imposition of port fees on China-linked ships as examples.

“The US actions have severely harmed China’s interests and undermined the atmosphere of bilateral economic and trade talks, and China is resolutely opposed to them,” the ministry said.

Beijing stopped short of explicitly connecting these US actions to its export curbs on rare earth elements, saying its curbs were motivated by concern about these materials’ military applications at a time of “frequent military conflicts.”

It also held off on announcing a corresponding levy on China-bound US imports, unlike earlier in the year, when both superpowers progressively ratcheted up tariffs on each other until the US rate was 145% while China’s was 125%.

“Willful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China. China’s position on the trade war is consistent: we do not want it, but we are not afraid of it,” the commerce ministry said, adding China would take corresponding measures if the US did not correct its course.

‘PATH FOR NEGOTIATIONS’
China’s decision not to immediately respond in kind to Mr. Trump’s opening salvo in this latest round of trade tensions could leave the door open for both countries to negotiate a de-escalation, analysts said.

“By clarifying the rationale behind its retaliatory measures, Beijing is also outlining a potential path forward for negotiations. The ball is now in the US court,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, managing director at strategic advisory firm GreenPoint.

But Hutong Research said in a note on Saturday that if Beijing chooses not to respond to Mr. Trump’s 100% tariff hike, it may signal that Beijing no longer prioritizes a long-term deal with him, reflecting diminished confidence in his ability to restrain hawks or stick to commitments.

“Key watchpoints now: Whether Beijing moves to freeze or complicate the TikTok sale, given its political symbolism. Proceeding with the sale under current conditions would be seen as a major concession,” the research firm said.

CHINA SAYS EXPORT CONTROLS ARE NOT EXPORT BANS
The commerce ministry also countered Mr. Trump’s narrative that China was using its dominance in processed rare earths and rare earth magnets to attack all countries, not just the US.

“We have been contacted by other countries who are extremely angry at this great trade hostility, which came out of nowhere,” Mr. Trump said on Friday on Truth Social.

China produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths and rare earth magnets. The 17 rare earths are vital materials in products ranging from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars.

Exports of 12 of them are restricted after China’s commerce ministry on Thursday added five — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium — along with related materials.

The commerce ministry statement on Sunday sought to reassure foreign companies spooked by the latest export curbs, promising to promote compliant trade by granting general licenses and license exemptions.

“China’s export controls are not export bans,” it said. “Any export applications for civilian use that comply with regulations will be approved, and relevant enterprises need not worry.” — Reuters

Australia considering critical minerals deal with US, The Age reports

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE — REUTERS

SYDNEY — Australia is mulling the introduction of mandated floor prices for critical minerals and funding for new rare earth projects as part of a proposed resources deal with the United States, The Age newspaper reported on Sunday.

Government officials have initiated talks with miners about contributing to a A$1.2-billion ($776.28-million) “critical minerals strategic reserve,” The Age reported, citing a leaked brief from the department of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

According to the newspaper, Mr. Albanese wants to secure the deal before meeting President Donald J. Trump on Oct. 20 in Washington, the first summit between the security allies during Mr. Trump’s second term.

On Friday, Mr. Trump revived a trade war against Beijing in a reprisal against China for curbing its rare earths exports. China dominates the market for such elements, which are essential to tech manufacturing.

Reuters reported last month that Australia is willing to sell shares in a strategic reserve of critical minerals to allies, including Britain, as Western governments scramble to end their reliance on China for rare earths and minor metals. ($1 = 1.5458 Australian dollars). —  Reuters

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