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S&P expects inflation rise to be temporary; no overheating seen

By Melissa Luz T. Lopez
Senior Reporter
S&P Global Ratings said that it expects the uptick in Philippine inflation to be temporary, and reiterated its view that overheating is unlikely because the country’s growth is based on solid investment and consumer spending.
S&P downplayed fears of the economy running too hot following a 6.8% rise in gross domestic product (GDP) in the three months to March, up from 6.5% during the fourth quarter of 2017 and 6.4% a year earlier.
“The sustained high pace of growth plus a recent increase in inflation has led some analysts to wonder about the possibility of overheating,” S&P said in its monthly report on Asia-Pacific economies.
“However, in our view, the high growth is the result of continued demographic dividends as well as higher investment rates in the past half-decade, while higher inflation is a temporary effect of the implementation of the first tax reform package earlier this year.”
Overheating risk has been highlighted amid a continued increase in bank lending. While credit growth eased to 18.3% at the end of March — the slowest rise in over a year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) — growth remains in double digits.
The government has set a target of 7-8% GDP growth this year, picking up from 2017’s 6.7%, after expanding infrastructure spending.
The government hopes to spend P1.068 trillion on infrastructure, equivalent to 5.4% of GDP. This forms part of P8-9 trillion worth of total infrastructure investments from 2016-2022.
Inflation surged to a five-year peak of 4.5% in April using 2012 as a base.
The BSP estimates that inflation will breach its 2-4% target band for 2018, with the 2018 forecast now at 4.6% due to the impact of the tax reform law as well as surging world crude prices.
S&P said overheating concerns are overblown as current price spikes are transitory.
“[T]he recent rate hike by Bangko Sentral will help to ease potentially higher inflation expectations,” the credit rater said.
S&P expects Philippine GDP growth of 6.7% this year, with the expansion sustained by a young labor force with greater purchasing power due to the increase in take-home pay from income tax cuts. The expected surge in consumer spending is expected to offset “some moderation” in merchandise exports.
“Inflation will likely remain high for a few more months before the tax reform-induced one-off spike dissipates in the second half of the year,” it added.
Trade tensions between the United States and China remain the biggest risk for the Philippines so far, with S&P pointing out that such a shock could mean bigger capital outflows and trade losses for the Philippine economy.
S&P bumped up its credit outlook for the Philippines to “BBB positive” last month, which points to a possible rating upgrade over the short term amid an improved fiscal environment following the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law in January.

ADB approves technical aid for Batangas LNG project

THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance loan for the Philippine National Oil Co.’s (PNOC) Batangas Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project.
According to project documents available on its website, the ADB said that it approved on May 11 the $2-million loan for the natural gas project in San Pascual, Batangas.
The ADB said that the project will act as a hub for imported LNG, breaking it down into smaller shipments for neighboring islands. It will also re-gasify the LNG and supply gas-fired power plants nearby which are currently dependent on gas from the dwindling supply provided by the Malampaya offshore field in northern Palawan.
The LNG project “is envisaged to consist of a 5-million ton per annum LNG terminal, including storage units, re-gasification facilities, a power plant, loading/unloading area for LNG carriers, and supporting infrastructure,” the ADB said.
The ADB will provide transaction advisory services (TAS) for the project, which it hopes will “strengthen outcomes” via improved sector engagement, technical design, and implementation.
“TAS will promote the sustainability of infrastructure by emphasizing operations and maintenance, and ultimately leveraging private sector investments more effectively,” the ADB said.
However, the scope of assistance will depend on the project’s procurement mode. For unsolicited proposals, the ADB will screen and assess the viability of unsolicited proposals; assist the PNOC in negotiations with the unsolicited bidder until the granting of original proponent status; assist with the drafting of tender documents and the conduct of tender to competitively challenge the proposal of the original proponent; and the drafting of final legal agreements and negotiations of the legal documents until the concession agreement is signed.
For solicited tenders, the ADB will assist in the structuring of the project, preparing the pre-feasibility or feasibility study, drafting the tender documents, drafting the legal documents, market sounding, tendering the project and assist in the negotiation of the project with the winning bidder until the concession agreement is signed.
It may also provide advice on the monetization of the project.
Aside from securing energy sustainability, the project is also expected to “reduce the need for other fuel imports like coal or liquid fuel, which are considered more harmful to the environment.”
“Additionally, savings in foreign exchange from less expensive fuel, jobs creation, and stimulation of local economy are also anticipated,” the ADB added.
Separately, the Department of Finance said it expects to start using program loans from the ADB for infrastructure development and financial inclusion projects by the fourth quarter.
Documents distributed to reporters by the DoF’s International Finance Group indicate that two of four loans that are in the ADB’s 2018 country lending pipeline are to be used later this year.
These include the $300-million Expanding Private Participation in Infrastructure Program, Subprogram 2, which seeks to strengthen the financial support, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to Public-Private Partnerships; as well as the $300-million Inclusive Finance Development Program, Subprogram 1 worth $300 million that aims to strengthen the institutional environment and infrastructure to support financial inclusion, as well as to increase the capacity and reach of service providers of nonbank institutions to rural areas.
The DoF said that the first loan program is currently “awaiting the Office of the President’s issuance of Special Presidential Authority,” as it is targeted for the ADB Board of Governors’ approval by the fourth week of June, following which the target for first disbursement of $100 million has been set for Oct. 10.
The financial inclusion loan is awaiting the National Economic and Development Authority’s signature and the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s approval. The target for ADB approval is the third week of August with the disbursement of an initial $150 million targeted for Nov. 8. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Fuel-marking contract to be bid out in Q3

THE GOVERNMENT hopes to launch the bidding process for the fuel-marking system, a measure intended to curb tax evasion, by the third quarter, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.
“We want to see some progress by the third quarter for the fuel-marking contract,” Finance Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa S. Habitan told reporters.
She said that the terms of reference (ToR) have been approved by the DoF, alongside other government agencies.
However, she said that the DoF has only a conservative estimate for the fuel-marking program’s resulting impact on fuel excise tax collections. She did not elaborate.
Fuel marking involves the use of low concentrations of dyes to be introduced into a shipment of fuel to mark its progress through the supply chain, at certain points of which taxes are paid. The absence of the marker dye when the government conducts random inspections will be considered prima facie evidence of nonpayment of taxes.
Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said: “We are assuming that all fuel importers are paying their tax; we just want assurances that they are continuing to pay their tax.”
“They said it’s good to trust, but it’s better to verify. It’s a verification program,” he added.
Mr. Dominguez said that it would cost the government P2 billion to implement the measure, but noted that it is “not that expensive in relation to the entire potential revenue we are getting.”
Oil companies will absorb the nine centavos per liter cost of dyes, which will be passed on to consumers.
Finance Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko said that although the ToR has been signed, the authorities are “ironing out certain issues concerning the procurement exercise with the Department of Budget and Management.”
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in a 2015 study, estimated that the Philippines loses $750 million annually from fuel smuggling.
A previous fuel-marking program was launched in 2007, but was halted in 2014 due to the costs.
“We’ve done extensive research on this thing. We had meetings with people in various parts of the world that are already implementing the fuel marking system. We are learning from everybody’s experience in Asia, Africa, Europe, so I think we will come out with a very very good program,” Mr. Dominguez said.
The fuel-marking program is authorized by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, or Republic Act No. 10963.
The law also mandates the issuance of electronic receipts and invoices, and the linking of point-of-sale machines to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
“The invoicing is also proceeding, although we want to have it also as soon as possible because that would help in further reducing the number of days which VAT (value-added tax) refunds will be processed,” Ms. Habitan said. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Customs bureau seizes shipment of cigarettes worth P36.5 million

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) said it intercepted a Chinese shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at P36.5 million.
The BoC said in a statement yesterday that it seized seven containers from China which were misdeclared as agricultural products and household goods. The cigarettes were also mixed in with fruits and vegetables.
“The actual contents found by the Customs authorities are very different from what was declared. They found inside 947 cartons of More cigarettes and 53 cartons of Marvels cigarettes, 950 boxes of Mighty cigarettes, boxes of apples mixed with onion, apples mixed with boxes of fresh carrots, and bales of (used clothing) mixed with food without Food and Drug Administration permits” Customs Commissioner Isidro S. Lapeña said.
He said that the consignees will have their Customs accreditation revoked, with complaints against them pending.
The consignees were identified as Trixcean Trading, Marid Industrial Marketing, Khalevskies Enterprises, Ashton & Ilyze Trading, and Yohann Rein.
The BoC on April 10 seized shipments of cigarettes carrying Philippine brands from China worth P18.5 million.
Last year, the Finance department discovered that fake Philippine excise tax stamps were being sold on Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba.
“We will be filing cases against the consignees and brokers for violating Section 1400 (Misdeclaration, Misclassification, Undervaluation in Goods Declaration) in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” Mr. Lapeña said. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Cable cars still on the table, Tugade says

THE Department of Transportation said plans to attract investment in a cable-car line are ongoing, two years after the department first floated the idea as a means of easing road congestion.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said at the Asia CEO forum at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City that he “has not forgotten” about the cable cars.
“We are finalizing certain details, hopefully I would be able to convince proponents,” he said.
Mr. Tugade said the current issue is fares, which he hopes will be set at levels that will make cable cars attractive relative to jeepneys, buses, taxis and trains.
“I don’t want a rate that is high so that the public can benefit (from the cable cars),” he added.
In 2016, a month after President Rodrigo R. Duterte assumed the presidency, Mr. Tugade first floated his intention to pursue a cable car project.
At the same forum, Mr. Tugade said he is determined to see through jeepney modernization, noting that the protests of transport groups will not stop him from pursuing the program.
“How many more lives would you like to lose? How many more people will be injured simply because we are using a dilapidated transport system? This has got to stop,” he said.
He said his goal is to create a transport system that treats the rich and poor equally.
The government has given jeepney drivers and operators three years to replace units aged 15 years and above with “modernized” e-jeepneys that are “safer” for the environment. It also offered loans through the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to support drivers and operators in the transition. — Denise A. Valdez

DA hopes easy-access credit will replace subsidies by 2021

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it hopes to phase out farm subsidies by 2021, replacing them with easy-access credit.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol told reporters after the first Philippine Agriculture and Trade Investment Forum on Thursday that the move to financing instead of subsidies will save the government money.
“The subsidy program is a political decision and bleeds the government dry every year. For production support for all sections, it reaches P30 to P40 billion annually and all of that money is just given away without chance of recovery,” Mr. Piñol said.
“The subsidy program is the reason why all our economic managers are stingy when it comes to giving money to agriculture because they feel that we’re just throwing money away every year.”
Mr. Piñol expressed confidence in easy-access credit after Production Loan Easy Access program under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council recorded a 96% repayment rate.
“Next year we have a P4-billion [budget for credit]. Plus, in tier two, I’m asking for P10 billion from Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno and the good thing is that the DBM (Department of Budget Management) likes the idea,” he added.
“They love the idea of the DA being able to recover its investment and plow it back into the program again next year.”
Mr. Piñol also said that he will be making a formal proposal at the next Cabinet meeting, and will seek to tap the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a conditional cash transfer scheme, as another form of agriculture-related financing.
As the 4Ps have a budget of P70 billion, Mr. Piñol said the program can be deployed for livelihood activities to increase further food productivity.
Mr. Piñol said he does not propose that the 4Ps be taken away from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Instead of it being a cash dole out, it will come out as a livelihood fund assistance,” he added, noting that this approach respects the dignity of recipients. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

Ease of doing business bill to be signed next week

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will sign next week the Ease of Doing Business bill, which requires government agencies, including local government units, to reduce processing time for applicants seeking to obtain business permits and official documents.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the president will sign the bill Monday.
The processing time for “simple transactions” will be set at three days at maximum and “complex transactions” have a seven-day deadline while “highly-technical applications” have been allotted 20 days.
Failure to meet these deadlines will be penalized with 30 days’ suspension without pay on first offense and a three-month suspension without pay on second offense.
A third offense will lead to dismissal and disqualification from public office; the forfeiture of civil service eligibility and retirement benefits; and possible imprisonment for one to six years.
The government is hoping to improve its standing in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business rankings after the Philippines fell 14 places in 2018.
The Philippines’ ranking also declined 9 places to 50th out of 63 economies surveyed in the recently published World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) compiled by the International Institute of Management Development (IMD).
Asked for comment, Mr. Lopez said the WCY survey was “hard to believe” considering the country’s strong economic growth.
“We have one of the fastest growth rates in the world. Faster than most peers. And infrastructure improvements are continuing,” Mr. Lopez said in a mobile message.
Mr. Lopez is expecting the government’s recent efforts “to enable us to improve our ranking soon.” — Janina C. Lim

Ancajas versus Sultan

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
MAY 27 is going to be a red-letter day for Philippine boxing as for the first time in many years two Filipino fighters will dispute a world title.
Filipino Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, the International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion, will defend his title against mandatory challenger and compatriot Jonas “Zorro” Sultan in a fight set at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, on Sunday (Manila time).
It marks the first time that two Filipino pugilists will go at it for a boxing belt since the legendary Pancho Villa defended and retained his flyweight title against Clever Sencio in May 1925.
But while the “Filipino vs. Filipino” angle of the Ancajas-Sultan fight in itself makes it a must-see event, for local boxing analyst Nissi Icasiano, the lure of the about-to-happen ring encounter goes beyond it, citing the back stories of both the protagonists and what they bring to the table as making the title fight all the more engaging.
“There’s more to it aside from being the first world boxing championship bout pitting a Filipino champion against a top-rated Filipino boxing contender in 93 years. In one corner, you have Jerwin Ancajas, who looks to establish himself as the next standard-bearer of Philippine boxing. He is more than willing to face every contender in the IBF rankings to prove that he is worthy to be called champion of the division. In the other corner, you have Jonas Sultan. He has been part of the ALA [Promotions] stable for so long, and he made his debut under the same stable in 2013. Despite the talent that he possesses, he was overlooked. At that time, ALA has a cast of young pugilists such as the Pagara brothers and Mark Magsayo. However, he didn’t get that push from ALA,” said Mr. Icasiano in an interview with BusinessWorld.
“It’s an interesting story for me. Jerwin is fighting his way up to be the flag bearer of the country on the boxing world stage, while Sultan values a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a world champion. Not only that, it’s personal because he wants to be a permanent cast member of ALA stable’s frontline unit,” he added.
Having had the chance to follow each fighter’s career path and development, Mr. Icasiano said both Messrs. Ancajas (29-1-1) and Sultan (14-3) should be expected to bring the fireworks come fight night but nonetheless giving the champion the upper hand.
“Jerwin’s advantages in the ring are his footwork, body shots, speed and experience. Jerwin’s southpaw stance may pose a problem to Jonas Sultan. Sultan I believe has only faced one southpaw in his last 17 fights, and he lost. It’s one area that Jerwin could exploit on fight night,” Mr. Icasiano said.
But he is not completely counting out Zamboanga native Sultan, saying he has the stuff to take the title away from Panabo City’s Ancajas.
“Sultan is known to be an explosive puncher. He has a good uppercut and a decent overhand right. Aside from his arsenal, Sultan is a boxer who could make adjustments as the bout progresses. It’s going to be an interesting bout,” the analyst added.
The Ancajas-Sultan title fight will be shown live over ESPN5 on Sunday beginning at 10 a.m.

Tatum and Celtics a win away from NBA Finals

WASHINGTON — The Boston Celtics, reinvigorated by a return home, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 96-83, on Wednesday to move within one win of reaching the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals.
Rookie Jayson Tatum scored 24 points to lead five Boston players in double figures as the Celtics took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals.
Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James led Cleveland with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
But James looked at times as if he were feeling the effects of the heavy load he has carried for the Cavs in these playoffs, coughing up six of Cleveland’s 15 turnovers, including four in the second half.
“I think everybody at this point is tired or worn down or whatever the case may be,” James said. “I’m fine.”
Kevin Love, with 14 points, was the only other player to score in double figures for the Cavs, who host Game Six on Friday trying to stay on track for a fourth straight trip to the Finals.
Game Seven, if needed, will be back in Boston on Sunday.
James himself is seeking an eighth straight trip to the title series, although he said that streak wouldn’t be on his mind come Friday.
“Not at all,” he said. “It’s just all about just win every game and it should put us in position to play for a championship.
“We look forward to having an opportunity to force a Game Seven. It’s up to us to see if we can come back here [to Boston] for one more.”
The winner of the series will play either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets for the NBA crown. The Western Conference rivals are locked at 2-2 in their series.
With James on the bench to open the fourth quarter, the Celtics pushed a 16-point lead to 21.
A 9-0 Cavs run reduced the deficit to 12 points, but Cleveland came up empty on their next four attempts.
“Defensively we gave ourselves a chance,” said James, noting the Cavs held the Celtics to 36.5% shooting.
“At one point we had two opportunities to cut it to single digits and missed some really good looks, two three-pointers. We couldn’t make. And if you don’t make, it’s going to come back to bite you.”
The Celtics improved to 10-0 at home this postseason, and Tatum said there’s no reason they can’t wrap up the series on Friday, even though so far the home team has won every game in the series.
“We’ve got to be focused, composed and play with a lot of poise and we’ll be fine,” he said, clearly up for the challenge.
“It’s my first year. We’re one win away from going to the Finals. It doesn’t get any better than that,” he said.
The Cavs got off to a rocky start, with five first-quarter turnovers nearly matching their seven field goals.
SHOVING MATCH
With 10:47 left in the second quarter and the Celtics up 17 points, Boston forward Marcus Morris and Cleveland’s Larry Nance tangled, with Nance sent sprawling to the floor.
Morris appeared to say something to Nance before turning away, and Nance rose from the floor and shoved him from behind.
As officials and other players intervened Celtics guard Terry Rozier raced into the fray and pushed Nance.
It all ended with Morris, Nance and Rozier receiving technical fouls.
An energized Cleveland team then twice whittled the deficit to eight points before the Celtics reasserted themselves to lead 53-42 at halftime.
“I didn’t think we played well tonight at all,” said Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue. “So now we’ve got to go home, win Game Six and come back here for Game Seven.” — AFP

PBA All-Star Game 2018 moves to Batangas City

FOLLOWING a successful staging of its Mindanao leg in Davao on Wednesday, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Game 2018 moves to Batangas City today.
The second of a three-leg road show, today’s festivities are for the Luzon stretch of the midseason PBA classic and will be held at the Batangas City Coliseum.
The All-Star Game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will see the Luzon All-Stars go up against the national team.
Headlining the Luzon All-Stars of coach Leo Austria of San Miguel are Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra, Calvin Abueva of Alaska, Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang of Magnolia, Jayson Castro of TNT, Stanley Pringle of GlobalPort, Matthew Wright of Phoenix, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos of San Miguel, and Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine.
They are to go up against the national team made up of June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, Carl Bryan Cruz of Alaska, Troy Rosario of TNT, Mac Belo and Allein Maliksi of Blackwater, Terrence Romeo of TNT, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Jio Jalalon of Magnolia and Kiefer Ravena of NLEX.
Coaching the national team in the Batangas All-Star joust is NLEX’s Yeng Guiao.
Also on tap in today’s PBA event are the skills challenges — obstacle challenge, three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.
In the obstacle challenge, the league’s big men are to compete with former league most valuable player Asi Taulava (NLEX) leading the participants.
Others expected to compete in the challenge are Alaska’s Thoss, Rain or Shine’s Almazan and Beau Belga, Blackwater’s JP Erram, GlobalPort’s Kelly Nabong, Magnolia’s Aldrech Ramos, Columbian’s Russell Escoto, San Miguel’s Gabby Espinas and TNT’s Yousef Taha.
In the three-point shootout, defending champion Maliksi of Blackwater tries to defend his crown against Mr. Romeo of TNT, James Yap of Rain or Shine, JVee Casio of Alaska, Mr. Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra, Mr. Pringle of GlobalPort, Ronald Tubid of Columbian, Niño Canaleta of Meralco, Larry Fonacier of NLEX, Mr. Wright of Phoenix, Mr. Lee of Magnolia and Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel.
Chris Newsome of Meralco, meanwhile, goes for back-to-back slam dunk titles when he goes up against former champion Rey Guevarra of Phoenix, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser of San Miguel, Renz Palma of Blackwater and Lervin Flores of GlobalPort.
MINDANAO ALL-STARS WIN
Meanwhile, the Mindanao All-Stars relied on their speed and quickness to turn back the national team, 144-130, in the All-Star Game held in Digos City on Wednesday.
Meralco’s Baser Amer led the host team with 22 points with Mark Barroca and Peter June Simon of Magnolia adding 20 and 17 points, respectively.
League most valuable player Fajardo paced the national team with 34 points while Barangay Ginebra’s Aguilar added 25.
Also winning was the team of Mr. Romeo and presidential son-in-law Mans Carpio, who combined for 33 points to top the legends three-point shootout event over the teams of legend Kenneth Duremdes and former boxer Bobby Pacquiao (27), Allan Caidic and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go (22), and Mr. Thompson and Major Michael Sabsal (18).
After today’s festivities, the PBA All-Star Game moves to Iloilo City for its final leg on May 27. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Aung La N Sang defends ONE crown in Myanmar

YANGON, MYANMAR — Reigning ONE Championship Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar will defend his middleweight title against Ken Hasegawa of Japan in the main event for the upcoming card, “ONE: Spirit of a Warrior,” on June 29 at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, the mixed martial arts promotion recently announced.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “Whenever Aung La N Sang steps foot on Myanmar soil, he is greeted by throngs of screaming fans. He truly is Myanmar’s biggest star, and is a great representative of the country’s strength and resolve. Our ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion is ready to face a tough new opponent in Japan’s Ken Hasegawa, and I am super excited for another action-packed evening in Yangon.
Thirty-three-year-old Aung La N Sang is Myanmar’s most successful athlete in history. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, he belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. Aung La N Sang captured the middleweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Vitaly Bigdash in June 2017. In his most recent bout, he defeated Brazil’s Alexandre Machado to be crowned the new light heavyweight world champion.
Japan’s Hasegawa, 31, is a martial arts veteran set to make his ONE Championship debut. The middleweight contender has finished three of his last five opponents, showcasing the undeniable submission skills and thunderous knockout power that he has become known for competing in Japanese martial arts promotions Deep and Rizin. He has a professional record of 16-2-1, which includes four submissions and six scintillating knockouts.
Aung La N Sang said of his upcoming fights: “It is always a pleasure and a privilege to share my skills and talents to everyone back home. As champion, I am willing to take on all comers. It is an honor to represent the country of Myanmar on the biggest global stage of martial arts competition. This world championship means a lot to me, to those who have been behind my career from the very beginning, to my family, and to my friends. I will do everything in my power to defend this title against the hungry lion that is Ken Hasegawa.”

Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert banners NBA All-Defensive First Team

NEW YORK — Frenchman Rudy Gobert, who helped power the Utah Jazz into the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs, was the top vote-getter on the NBA All-Defensive First Team announced by the league on Wednesday.
The 7-foot-1 (2.16m) center received 94 first-team votes and 192 points from a global media panel to edge New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis of the United States for the most support on the five-man honor squad. Davis had 73 first-place votes and 163 total points.
Gobert and Davis, both 25, are finalists for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
Joining them on the top defensive squad were Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday and Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington.
The only prior first-team defensive selection was Gobert, who made his debut last year when he led the NBA with 2.6 blocked shots a game. Davis led the NBA this season with 2.6 blocks a game.
Gobert averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists a game this season for the Jazz, who ousted Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs before being eliminated by Houston.
Jazz opponents shot 10% worse near the basket when Gobert was on the court. Utah had the second-rated defensive unit in the NBA, allowing 101.6 points per 100 opponent possessions and only 97.7 points when Gobert was on the court.
The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of 76ers center Joel Embiid, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Boston Celtics center Al Horford, San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray and Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler.
Cameroon center Embiid is also a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which will be announced next month at the NBA Awards show. — AFP

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