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Duterte to distribute land ownership certificates in Davao City

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte will lead the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and turnover of common service facilities to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Davao City, his hometown, on March 15, Malacañang announced on Sunday. Mr. Duterte also led the distribution of CLOAs to beneficiaries in Sagay City, Negros Occidental last Friday, March 8. “For my remaining three years, I will give away all government-owned lands to the people. They are of no use to the government anyway. The mountains are very vast. Except for the military reservation. Their area is very large. But there’s nothing like that in the mountains. So I instructed [Agrarian Reform Secretary John R.] Castriciones to give the lands away to the people because that is one of our most pressing problems,” he said in his speech. “This war will never end if we don’t give them land. These people dream of a better life for their children, better than their life and the life of their forefathers,” he added. “(T)here is always a time for everything. There is always a time to be a landowner with boundless lands. There’s nothing wrong with that. I mean, I do not have anything against big landowners. But I remember those were given by government in the years passed. The Kastilas (Spaniards) who did not go home to Spain were called insulares. They were the ones who received lands from the government,” he said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Fajardo, Beermen sink Northport Batang Pier

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE defending PBA Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen extended their winning streak to four games after defeating the Northport Batang Pier, 113-107, on Sunday in league action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Led by five-time Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen turned things around following a struggling opening half to book the win that took them to a 6-3 card and strengthen their assault on the top of the standings.
Rookie Robert Bolick and big man Mo Tautuaa got NorthPort to a strong start, helping their squad a 14-2 lead in the opening six minutes of the first quarter.
San Miguel eventually got its game footing after, pulling to within four points, 25-21, at the end of the opening 12 minutes.
The Batang Pier continued to exact their command early in the second quarter.
They stretched their lead to double-digits anew, 39-29, at the 8:07 mark before Arwind Santos and the Beermen came charging from the back to make it a four-point affair once again by the halftime break, 54-50.
In the third quarter San Miguel made its move, going on a 9-5 run to tie the score at 59-all with just two minutes lapsing.
The Beermen, led by Mr. Fajardo and Terrence Romeo, rolled to a double-digit lead after, 76-65, in the next four minutes.
It was a momentum they would take full advantage of the rest of the way to hold an 84-77 advantage heading into the final frame.
In the fourth period, San Miguel kept Northport at bay up to the midway point before the Batang Pier made a last-ditch effort to salvage the victory.
They would come to within two points, 107-105, with 1:14 remaining as Nico Elorde and Mr. Tautuaa drained key baskets.
But Mr. Fajardo gave San Miguel further breathing space with a jumper with 57 seconds to go to make it 109-105. A free throw by guard Chris Ross with 38 second left made it a five-point lead for the Beermen, 110-105.
Stanley Pringle pushed Northport to within three points, 110-107, two seconds later before the Beermen sued for time.
San Miguel milked down the clock until Mr. Ross pulled up for three-pointer with 12 ticks remaining and drained it to make a six-point lead, 113-107.
It was a hole Northport could not get itself out from as it dropped to a fifth straight defeat.
Mr. Fajardo had a monster game of 40 points and 19 rebounds for San Miguel with Mr. Romeo adding 23 markers.
Marcio Lassiter had 15 points with Mr. Santos and Kelly Nabong each having 11 points.
For NorthPort (2-5) it was Mr. Tautuaa who led the way with 28 points while Sean Anthony had 16.
Stanley Pringle had a near triple-double of 10 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
“We just stepped up in the second half. We struggled early but coach reminded us of the need to play well and to win our remaining games help our campaign,” said Mr. Fajardo, named player of the game, after their win.

FEU takes down Adamson in 5 sets

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws chalked up their third victory in a row in women’s volleyball of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81, taking down the gutsy Adamson Lady Falcons in five sets, 25-18, 17-25, 25-14, 22-25 and 15-8, on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Faced a spirited fight from their opponents, the Lady Tamaraws survived being forced to a decider with a more steady form in the end to get the better of the Lady Falcons and improved to 4-2 for the season, good for joint third place as of this writing.
The Lady Tamaraws had it commanding to start the opening set, banking on steady serves and good middle play from Celine Domingo and Jeannette Villareal.
They would take a 16-11 lead by the second technical timeout before taking the set, 25-18, to seize early control of the contest.
In the second set it was Adamson’s turn to soar, edging FEU, 8-7, in the early goings of the frame and creating further separation, 16-10, midway.
FEU tried to rally back but the Lady Falcons would fend off their opponent for the 25-17 set victory and pull even with the Lady Tamaraws at a set each.
The Lady Tamaraws cranked up things at the start of the third set, led by rookie Lycha Ebon and Heather Guino-o.
They raced to a 16-8 lead by the second technical break before the Lady Falcons made some move to come back on the lead of veterans Joy Dacoron and Eli Soyud.
No full comeback from Adamson though would be completed as FEU galloped to the 25-14 set win and the 2-1 advantage for the match.
The two teams had it tight to start the fourth set, with the count at 8-7 in favor of the Lady Tamaraws by the first technical timeout.
Adamson, however, showed a lot of resilience after, overtaking FEU, 16-14, at the halfway point.
The Lady Falcons extended their lead to five points, 20-15, before the Lady Tamaraws made a 3-0 run to come within two points, 20-18.
Adamson stopped the bleeding with back-to-back points to make it a 22-18 advantage for the team.
FEU was not deterred by it as it made another spirited run to narrow the gap to one point, 23-22.
The Lady Falcons scored the next two points to secure the set win and forced the deciding fifth set.
With the outcome of the match very open, the two teams tried to come out sprinting to begin the fifth set.
It was Ebon and the Lady Tamaraws which gained early traction, racing to an 8-3 advantage at the exchange.
Dacoron, however, did not allow the Lady Falcons to fall far behind, racking up three straight points to pull her team to just two points away, 8-6.
That was the closest that they would get near though as FEU collectively held on to the victory after.
Guino-o led the Lady Tamaraws with a game-high 20 points with Ebon adding 17 and Domingo 14.
Libero Ria Meneses also stepped up for FEU, finishing with 44 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions to win player of the game honors.
For Adamson, which dropped to 1-4 for the season with the loss, it was Soyud who showed the way with 14 points with Dacoron finishing 13 and Bernadette Flora 11.
FEU next plays on March 16 against the De La Salle Lady Spikers while Adamson takes on the Ateneo Lady Eagles on March 13.

Ateneo seizes solo UAAP lead with win over UP

THE Ateneo Lady Eagles took solo leadership in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with a dominant straight-sets win over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 25-21, 25-15 and 28-26, in their battle of top teams on Sunday.
Showing much steadier play for majority of the match, the Lady Eagles were not to be denied of their fourth straight win in the ongoing season to improve to 4-1, alone on top of the heap.
The Lady Eagles were commanding in the first two sets, taking advantage of the below-par showing of the Lady Maroons, taking the sets 25-21 and 25-15 to race to a 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, Ateneo stayed ahead of its opponent, holding a 16-12 lead by the second technical timeout.
But unlike in the previous two sets, the Lady Eagles would find a more resilient UP squad.
The Lady Maroons managed to level the count at 17-all before Ateneo created another two-point separation at 19-17.
UP once again pulled even at 19-all after which a back-and-forth ensued.
The Lady Eagles were first to match point, 24-23, but the Lady Maroons levelled it to force overdrive.
UP had a chance to take the third set when it went up, 26-25, but it could not capitalize on it and in the process breathed life back to Ateneo, which the latter used to take it all the way for the 28-26 set win and the shutout victory.
“We just played our game. At the end of the day we are playing against ourselves and needing to keep our focus,” said Madayag, who finished with 14 points, after their win. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Top-ranked juniors players captain NBTC All-Star Game

ATENEO Blue Eaglets’ Kai Sotto and La Salle Greenies’ Joel Cagulangan lead the cast of players seeing action at the 2019 National Basketball Training Center All-Star Game happening later this month.
The consensus top two juniors players in the land on the Chooks-to-Go/NBTC high school player rankings, Sotto will lead Team Hustle while Cagulangan banners Team Heart in the game to be played on March 23.
Number one-ranked Sotto, a staple in the country’s youth team, averaged 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 blocks in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines this season and helped the Blue Eaglets to a runner-up finish. He, too, was adjudged Season 81 most valuable player.
Guard Cagulangan, for his part, was solid for La Salle Greenhills at the National Collegiate Athletic Association with numbers of 18.7 points, 7.1 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals as they, too, ended runner-up this season and him winning the MVP award.
Joining Sotto at Team Hustle are Mark Nonoy (University of Santo Tomas), Gerry Abadiano (National University), Geo Chiu (Ateneo), Terrence Fortea (NU), Kevin Quiambao (NU), RJ Abarrientos (Far Eastern University-Diliman), John Amores (Jose Rizal University), Jonnel Policarpio (Mapua High School), Forthsky Padrigao (Ateneo), Bismarck Lina (UST), and Clint Escamis (Mapua). Coaching the team is Chris Gavina.
On Team Heart along with Cagulangan, meanwhile, are Carl Tamayo (NU), Inand Fornilos (LSGH), Joshua David (LSGH), Harvey Pagsanjan (Hope Christian), Joem Sabandal (Adamson), Aaron Fermin (Arellano), Paolo Hernandez (Mapaua), Dan Arches (Mapua), Joshua Yerro (University of Visayas), Mac Guadana (Lyceum), and Rafael Go (Chiang Kai Shek). Coach of the team is Charles Tiu.
“We will go to the NBTC All-Star Game fighting and looking to win,” said Sotto of the kind of mindset that his team will have for one of the marquee events of the NBTC League National Finals happening from March 18.
Incidentally, for the first time ever, the best high school players from the UAAP, NCAA, the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) and Metro Manila Basketball League were ranked all year long.
The NBTC League National Finals is presented in cooperation with Chooks-to-Go, Darlington-Exped Socks, EPSON, Huawei, Freego, Purefoods, Gatorade, Go for Gold, SM, and Molten, as well as by TV5 Plus and Lighthouse Events. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Catalan ascent continues with first-round TKO win

FORTY-YEAR-OLD Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Rene “D’ Challenger” Catalan continued with his impressive ascent in ONE Championship, winning his sixth straight fight by way of an impressive first-round technical knockout victory over former world strawweight champion Yoshistaka “Nobita” Naito on Friday in Myanmar.
One of the hottest fighters in the 125-lb division entering the contest, Mr. Catalan (6-2) ensured his charge forward stayed by dominating the former Japanese champion right at the onset en route to the big win at “ONE: Reign of Valor” that fortified his claim for a shot at the title which is currently held by Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta of Japan.
Mr. Catalan never allowed Mr. Naito to get his game going, foiling the latter’s attempts to dictate the fight from the ground.
When the Filipino got the leverage he wanted he did not let go of the opportunity, unloading a barrage of strikes that overwhelmed his opponent before the referee stopped the fight at the 4:32 mark of the opening round.
The win was a direct result of Mr. Catalan’s solid work in training in the lead-up to the fight that saw him focusing on his takedown defense.
“This is definitely one of the best camps I had, which is just in time for the most important match of my career. For the past few months, I’ve been focusing on my ground game, especially with my takedown defense with the help of our Philippine and SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) wrestling champ Roque Verangel Mana-ay Jr.,” Mr. Catalan said of his preparation against Mr. Naito.
Meanwhile, not so fortunate in Yangon was Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres (4-3), who slumped to her third defeat in a row by falling to Chinese atomweight Lin Heqin by first-round submission (triangle choke).
In the main event, Swede Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam remained as the ONE world welterweight champion by making short work of challenger Georgiy “Knight” Kichigin of Kazakhstan in their title clash.
Mr. Kadestam won by way of technical knockout in the second round after his opponent’s corner called for a stoppage after their man absorbed a solid elbow in the second round from the Swede that led Mr. Kichigin dazed and was ruled unable to go after. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Bucks beat the Hornets, first to notch 50 wins

LOS ANGELES — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 13 rebounds, Brook Lopez scored 25 points, and the host Milwaukee Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets 131-114 on Saturday night.
The Bucks trailed by as many as 14 in the second quarter but exploded for 39 third-quarter points to take the lead before increasing their advantage to as many as 18 in the fourth quarter.
The Bucks became the first team in the league to reach the 50-win plateau. They are now 27-5 at home. They have won two straight and nine of their past 11.
Kemba Walker scored 25 points to lead the Hornets, who remain in 10th place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Frank Kaminsky scored 16, Miles Bridges had 15, Nic Batum and Jeremy Lamb finished with 14 apiece, and Cody Zeller scored 10.
TIMBERWOLVES 135, WIZARDS 130 (OT)
Karl-Anthony Towns collected 40 points and 16 rebounds before exiting with a right knee injury, and host Minnesota outlasted Washington.
Towns, who left in the final minute of regulation and did not play in overtime, reached the 40-point plateau for the third time in five games. The two-time All-Star fell just shy of his season high of 42 points. He will undergo further testing on his knee, but coach Ryan Saunders said he has not heard reason for serious concern.
Derrick Rose scored 16 of his 29 points after the third quarter for the Timberwolves, who have won two of three. Taj Gibson had 15 points and 13 rebounds.
CELTICS 120, LAKERS 107
Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris added 16 each, and visiting Boston extending its winning streak to three with a win over Los Angeles.
Gordon Hayward added 15 points as the Celtics avenged a defeat to the Lakers at home in February when former Boston point guard Rajon Rondo hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer.
LeBron James finished with a triple-double (30 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds) for the Lakers, who were playing without a number of key contributors because of injuries. Los Angeles lost its fifth consecutive game and fell for the seventh time in its last eight games.
NETS 114, HAWKS 112
D’Angelo Russell hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:39 remaining, and Brooklyn held off host Atlanta to complete a season-series sweep despite a triple-double performance by rookie Trae Young.
Spencer Dinwiddie had 23 points and Jarrett Allen finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Nets, who had beaten the Hawks twice in Brooklyn earlier in the three-game season series.
Young’s triple-double consisted of 23 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. John Collins had 33 points and 20 rebounds for Atlanta, which dropped its second straight.
KINGS 102, KNICKS 94
De’Aaron Fox scored a game-high 30 points and hit the go-ahead basket with 5:03 to play as visiting Sacramento beat New York.
The Kings overcame a 15-point first quarter deficit and survived squandering an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter to win the opener of a pivotal four-game Eastern Conference road trip. Sacramento, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2006, entered Saturday four games behind the San Antonio Spurs in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Buddy Hield scored 19 points, and Nemanja Bjelica had a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) for the Kings.
BLAZERS 127, SUNS 120
CJ McCollum scored 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting as Portland pulled out a victory over visiting Phoenix.
Seth Curry came off the bench to match his season high with 22 points for the Trail Blazers, who ended their two-game losing streak. Damian Lillard added 18 points and nine assists, and Jusuf Nurkic contributed 14 points and nine rebounds for Portland.
Devin Booker scored 23 points and DeAndre Ayton collected 21 points and eight boards for the Suns, who had won three in a row. Kelly Oubre had 17 points and seven rebounds for Phoenix. — Reuters

US women’s soccer players sue federation for gender discrimination

LOS ANGELES — The US women’s national soccer team sued the US Soccer Federation on Friday with allegations of gender discrimination just three months before they open their World Cup title defense in France.
All 28 members of the United States squad were named as plaintiffs in federal court in Los Angeles on International Women’s Day and the lawsuit includes complaints about wages and nearly every other aspect of their working conditions.
The players, a group that includes stars Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, said they have been consistently paid less money than their male counterparts even though their performance has been superior to the men’s team.
“Each of us is extremely proud to wear the United States jersey, and we also take seriously the responsibility that comes with that,” US co-captain Morgan said in a statement.
“We believe that fighting for gender equality in sports is a part of that responsibility. As players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gender.”
According to the lawsuit, filed three years after several players made a similar complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, US soccer has “utterly failed to promote gender equality.”
The US Soccer Federation did not respond when asked to comment on the lawsuit.
The players said that US Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro previously admitted the women’s team should be valued as much as the men’s squad but the federation “has paid only lip service to gender equality.”
The lawsuit outlines years of institutionalized gender discrimination, claiming travel conditions, medical personnel, promotion of games and training are less favorable for female players compared to their male counterparts. — Reuters

MPBL Playoffs

The MPBL Playoffs will start Tuesday and just as expected, the Bataan Risers, Davao Occidental Tigers secured the top seed in the north and south divisions, respectively.
Up north, the Risers carry a home court advantage when they play the Caloocan Supremos at the People’s Center. Bataan is undoubtedly the favorite in their race-to-three tussle because of its more talented and experienced players.
The Risers have ex-pros Gary David, Pamboy Raymundo, Byron Villarias and Rob Celiz among others, but they also have a young and talented crew who can back up their more illustrious teammates, guys like Richard Escoto, spitfire guard Yvan Ludovice, center Ryan Batino and the vastly-improving Gab Dagangon.
One of the 10 founding members of the league, Bataan has made a quick turnaround, from an eighth place finish last season, to notching the top seed at the end of the eliminations in the MPBL Datu Cup. Unless they won’t be upset by the Supremos, the Risers could assure themselves of at least a top four finish in their division.
Head coach Jojo Lastimosa is excited appearing in his first ever playoffs in MPBL. He lead the SCTEX-NLEX team to a championship in an amateur commercial league in Marikina two years ago.
Caloocan is counting heavily on guard Almond Vosotros in terms of point production, but the former Gilas Cadet will certainly need more help from the rest of the squad. Perhaps, the bright spot for the Supremos will be up front as they have big guys like Mark Sarangay and Rene Pacquiao to man the middle and this is something head coach John Kallos will need to take advantage of.
Down south, Davao Occidental Tigers is heavily favored against either Imus or Cebu.
Its opponent had yet to be determined until Monday night, but the Tigers are already preparing for both, proof of their determination to advance quickly to the semifinal round.
Just like Bataan, Davao Occidental is also teeming with experienced players led by Mark Yee, one of the strong contenders for the MPBL MVP award.
A former enforcer who turned out to be a star in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league, the 6-foot-3 power forward is also getting a big help from fellow ex-pro Leo Najorda, Billy Robles, Bonbon Custodio and center Bogs Raymundo.
Off the bench, the Tigers also draw production from Eman Calo, James Regalado, Louie Medalla and Joseph Terso.
THEN, THERE’S THE NO. 2 SEEDS
Over at the north side, there’s Makati Super Crunch, the hottest team in the league, which will face the Quezon Capitals. With a 15-game winning streak, it’s not surprising why the Super Crunch are tipped to win the best-of-three series against the Capitals.
In the south, Batangas Athletics is still vying for a possible top two berth against General Santos City Warriors. Should the inaugural staging champions prevail over the Warriors, the Athletics will take the No. 2 seed while a loss would relegate the Muntinlupa Cagers to the second rank in the south. The second seed squad will face either Cebu or Imus.
San Juan Knights, the third seed in the north, will battle No. 6 Navotas Clutch in their own series.
Pound for pound, it looks like the Knights have the advantage, but the Clutch had proven they can also be a tough customer. Their previous victory over the Manila Stars and their ability to push the top tier teams to the limit, would certainly make Navotas a no nonsense squad.
Still remained unsettled are the No. 3 and No. 6 seeds in the south.
Bacoor will still play an extension period against Parañaque. Due to an error in judgment by referee Jay Castroverde in a game that could have ended up as tied by the end of regulation, Commissioner Keneth Duremdes ordered that an extension period be played on Monday.
Following Zamboanga’s loss to Pampanga last Saturday, Bacoor can secure the No. 5 spot in the south with a win against Parañaque.
No. 4 Manila and No. 5 Bulacan will slug it out in their own series up north while either Batangas or General Santos City will take the No. 4 spot and will play either Bacoor or Zamboanga.
 
Rey Joble is a member of the PBA Press Corps and Philippine Sportswriters Association.
reyjoble09@gmail.com

Feather in the cap

There’s no question that LeBron James’ climb to fourth on the National Basketball Association’s career scoring list was a singular deed that deserved significant recognition. If nothing else, it spoke of the four-time Most Valuable Player’s longevity and dependability, not to mention standing among the league’s all-time greats. Yet, his attainment of the milestone during the Lakers’ homestand against the Nuggets last Friday received a muted response at best, and not just because they had a losing record that effectively served to discount it.
To no one’s surprise, James himself was keenly aware of the weight of his feat. He referred to it in glowing terms on social media before the set-to, and even went to far as to scribble a note of thanks to the player he passed on his Air Jordan 3-inspired sneakers. Interestingly, though, the NBA itself didn’t seem too keen on hyping the occasion. Even though the second-quarter layup that netted him 32,294 points as a pro to break a tie with childhood idol Michael Jordan come with a foul whistle, league officials refused to extend the stoppage of play and allow for a more formal celebration.
Instead, James had to settle for the Lakers’ Jumbotron tribute featuring highlight reels with him mostly in jerseys other than theirs. Meanwhile, the Staples Center crowd applauded in respect, but, notably, not with reverence; needless to say, the fact that he had put up only 1,256 of those 32,294 points through 47 games for the purple and gold — and, to top it off, while in the midst of a lost season — was not lost on the Figueroa faithful. Elsewhere, acknowledgments came, but in perfunctory manner; Jordan’s own was a mere one-sentence statement.
Not that the reactions of others mattered to James. He certainly looked too beside himself to notice. In the first timeout following his monumental basket, he had to bury his head in a towel to stop the tears from flowing. He was still overcome with emotion a handful of hours later; in his post-mortem with scribes, he talked about how the achievement ranked alongside the Cavaliers’ remarkable comeback in the 2016 Finals. And he’s right to view it highly; it’s yet another feather in the proverbial cap that underscores his place in rarefied air.
There will be more mountains to climb for James. Up next is Laker legend Kobe Bryant at 33,643 points, and, barring any major injury that details him, he’s slated to take third sometime during his 2019-20 campaign. What the reception will be for him then is anybody’s guess. In any case, he really doesn’t have anything left to prove. Notwithstanding the unreasonably lofty expectations that have burdened him long before he was drafted first overall in 2003, he has lived up to promise, and more. Enough said.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

Duterte fires PCSO general manager

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander F. Balutan. — HTTPS://WWW.PCSO.GOV.PH

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has fired Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander F. Balutan because of corruption allegations, Malacañang said on Friday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo announced on Friday evening that Mr. Duterte “has terminated the services of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan on his present post due to serious allegations of corruption.”
“Good governance and public accountability are the twin hallmarks of the Duterte administration. These are the standards that those in the government must exercise at all times and with utmost responsibility and fidelity,” Mr. Panelo also said in a statement sent to reporters via Viber.
“Those who fail to observe the same will inexorably suffer the harsh and punitive consequences,” he added.
Mr. Panelo added that the Palace hopes “this will serve as a stern warning to all government officials and employees that there are no sacred cows in the current administration, especially when it comes to serving the Filipino people with integrity and loyalty.”
He said Mr. Duterte’s campaign against corruption in government, “like the war on prohibited drugs, will be relentless and continuing until the last day of (his) term.”
“’Not during my watch!’ is the searing message of PRRD to those who wish to violate the the Constitution and the laws of the land,” the spokesman said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

BSP chief sees room for monetary policy easing

Benjamin E. Diokno took the helm of the central bank on Thursday, making him the fifth governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Photo by Geremy Pintolo, The Philippine Star

By Melissa Luz T. Lopez, Senior Reporter
THE central bank can start considering cuts in policy rates, new Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said Friday, but noted that timing remains the issue.
“Given the decelerating inflation in the Philippines, there’s an opportunity for monetary easing but as I’ve said, that would be dependent on the data that will be given to us by our technical staff,” Mr. Diokno said during his first media briefing as governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
“There’s room for monetary policy easing if the present situation continues. When? We would announce it at an appropriate time.”
Mr. Diokno took the helm of the central bank on Thursday, making him the fifth governor of the BSP. He will serve the remaining four years of the term of the late Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. which ends July 2023.
The former Budget chief said he will maintain the BSP’s “institutional independence,” adding that all policy decisions will be deliberated upon by the seven-member Monetary Board as a “collegial body.”
The board will hold a rate-setting meeting on March 21, the second this year and the first to be led by Mr. Diokno.
Benchmark interest rates currently range from 4.25-5.25%, reflecting the cumulative 175 basis point increase in policy settings last year which were meant to arrest rising inflation expectations.
Mr. Diokno said on Wednesday that he also wanted to “expedite” the process of cutting the 18% reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks, but now clarified that this is not solely upon him.
“Our policy will be determined by analyses, evidence-based, and will be decided upon by the board. I cannot on my own decide on the cut in the reserve requirement but (that) will be taken up by the board,” the new governor added.
“I’m an action person. If there’s a decision, I want it done as soon as possible.”
The central bank last year trimmed the RRR by two percentage points in two moves, in line with Mr. Espenilla’s goal to bring it to single-digit level by 2023 and reduce the cost of money here.
BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said discussions to further reduce the RRR are “always on the table” for the Monetary Board.
For his part, Mr. Diokno said he is also counting on the “strong and professional” organization to “see me through the challenges of governorship.”
DEBT SECURITIES
Separately, Mr. Guinigundo said initial work on the BSP’s authority to float debt papers has started.
The central bank is preparing a roadmap that will detail how they can issue debt instruments, as provided by Republic Act 11211 which strengthened the BSP’s charter.
Once completed, the roadmap will be presented to the Monetary Board before it can be in place. Only then can they do market-sounding exercises with banks to determine the tenor of such instruments, Mr. Guinigundo added.
“We recognize that the issuance of the central bank bills or bonds should not compete with the Treasury,” he said.

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