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The persistence of religion

(Notes for my presentation at the 2nd Annual International Forum On Law and Religion. Theme: Religious Freedom: Rights, Trends and Opportunities; held June 14, 2018, at the University of the Philippines BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila)
“Indeed, however heartened the proponents of same-sex marriage might be on this day, it is worth acknowledging what they have lost, and lost forever: the opportunity to win the true acceptance that comes from persuading their fellow citizens of the justice of their cause. And they lose this just when the winds of change were freshening at their backs.”
Those were the words of US Chief Justice John Roberts, expressing disappointment in the Obergefell ruling.
Roberts’ dissent is mentioned for interestingly channeling another case, one heard long ago. When people were saying the same exact thing: rule favorably on it now so people can move on and eventually come together in this issue.
In short, Roberts’ dissent was a subtle riposte to that clamor: Not going to happen.
The older case was Roe v Wade, where Justice Blackmun thought that a pro-abortion ruling would rid the country of its divisiveness and make people come together in accepting abortion.
It didn’t happen then, it won’t happen now.
Same with Obergefell.
Instead, if indeed history tells us anything, the lines have been drawn more strongly and people’s determination to sift right from wrong invigorated.
The recent Masterpiece Cakeshop case (whose owner Jack Phillips refused to create a cake specific for a gay “wedding”) is but one of a long line of incidents demonstrating the progressive hostility to religion.
But also of religion’s persistence.
In demanding that Phillips bake for the gay couple, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s clear dislike for Phillips was evident.
“One commissioner suggested that Phillips can believe ‘what he wants to believe,’ but cannot act on his religious beliefs ‘if he decides to do business in the state.’”
Another: “Freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination. And to me it is one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use to — to use their religion to hurt others.”
Thankfully, the US Supreme Court would have none of this nonsense. In a ponente by Justice Anthony Kennedy (of all people), he asserted that “religious and philosophical objections to gay marriage are protected views and in some instances protected forms of expression.”
Of course, the ruling in Masterpiece is actually quite narrow and did not address the fundamental question of religion’s standing vis-à-vis other rights. What it did, gratifyingly for now, did assert — as Princeton’s Robert George pointed out in his New York Times Op-ed — is this:
“Business owners and others have no obligation under the Constitution, nor can one be imposed by statute, to confine their religion to the private domain. On the contrary, they have the constitutional right to proclaim and act on their religious beliefs in the public domain, including in the domain of commerce.”
In the Philippines, after the battering that religious rights have had (see the RH Law and St. Scholastica cases), religious freedom has been having a resurrection (pun intended), of sorts.
In Celdran vs. People of the Philippines, the Court of Appeals ruled: “religious freedom, although not unlimited, is a fundamental personal right and liberty, and has a preferred position in the hierarchy of values. It has been said that the religious clauses of the Constitution are all designed to protect the broadest possible liberty of conscience, to allow each man to believe as his conscience directs, to profess his beliefs, and to live as he believes he ought to live, consistent with the liberty of others and with the common good.”
And quite interestingly, the CA would make this sharp declaration: “There is a reasonable distinction between those who have a religion and those who do not.”
The case, though, is awaiting final ruling from the Supreme Court.
In any event, movie fans will be aware of the “tenth man” rule: to avoid surprises and be ready for any eventuality, if nine people agree on something, a tenth man is assigned the responsibility to disagree and suggest alternatives.
Am reminded of the tenth man because Charles Krauthammer, who as we speak has only a few days to live, had this to say of the Catholic Church:
“I think years from now, and decades, people are going to look back on the issue and commend the Catholic Church for having held its own, very unpopularly, when there was this sweep and wave of legalizing abortion and to make it like an appendectomy; where the Church was the one institution that would not waver, despite the ridicule and the mockery and the attacks it suffered.”
Of course, the Church does not disagree for the sake of disagreeing.
It does so because it believes it holds certain truths.
And faith tells me that it holds such truths when speaking of divorce, same sex “marriage,” euthanasia, contraceptives, and abortion, amongst many other issues.
And for those who realize how high the stakes are, if history does tell us anything, it’s a matter of gratitude then that religion maintains its incorrigible persistence.
 
Jemy Gatdula is a Senior Fellow of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations and a Philippine Judicial Academy law lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence.
jemygatdula@yahoo.com
www.jemygatdula.blogspot.com
facebook.com/jemy.gatdula
Twitter @jemygatdula

The influence of affluence

“Have you ever dreamed of being rich?”
What can be bought for money?
“The never-ending thirst for more, and the dream of becoming someone else,” Liv Astrid Sverdrup, Director of exhibitions, wrote about Lauren Greenfield’s stunning exhibition “Generation Wealth” at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, which opened in February and will run until August.
Time magazine has described photojournalist Lauren Greenfield as “one of the most acclaimed chroniclers of youth culture and the affluent.”
Over the past 25 years, she has explored social trends that are linked to consumerism and materialism. The traditional American and western values have changed. There is a growing, obsessive, zealous pursuit of wealth, beauty, eternal youth, and fame.
This obsession started in California in the 1990 and it has become a global trend. The exhibit is a visual history of decadence in the USA, Dubai, Ireland, Moscow, Beijing, and Reykjavik. There are explicit photographs, documentary films, and interviews.
The viewer gets an insightful glimpse of interesting and/or controversial people and the exclusive social circles that are closed to others.
Martin Luther King, when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, remarked in his acceptance speech, “The beauty of genuine peace and brotherhood is more precious than diamonds, or silver or gold.” He struggled for a more equitable society in America and was a vocal opponent of materialism. It is one of the “giant triplets” along with racism and militarism.
Ms. Greenfield explained: “I hope that this work can be a wake-up call and help show our addiction to consumerism ultimately unsustainable for our environment, our communities, our economies and our families.
“In this work, I have examined the shift away from traditional virtues — modesty, thrift, social responsibility — toward a culture that admires bling, and self-indulgence.”
The photographer has been interested in the psychology behind the desire to acquire, to strive to “be other than who we are.” Thus, countries such as Russia and China now have people who also seek status through luxury brands. They have rejected the communist ideology that attempted to erase class distinctions.
She stated, “What I learned …is that chasing wealth is ultimately unsatisfying.” In her extensive interviews, her subjects were candid.
“It is an addiction like any other,” according to Wall Street trader Sam Polk.
The fugitive financier Florian Homm discovered the meaning of life after losing everything. A former spendthrift woman “Kathy” became homeless but realized that found and experienced peace by living by the sea.
Iceland’s citizens experienced real social change after they had the largest banking collapse in economic history.
Ms. Greenfield’s film The Queen of Versailles showed the time-share mogul David Siegel (who tried to build the biggest house in the USA). He admitted that he regretted trying to pursue his grand ambition though frantic borrowing. He said, that it was “a vicious cycle… and No one is without guilt.”
“Celebrity culture creates fictitious personalities,” Chris Hedges, author of “Empire of Illusion,” commented. His essay was featured in the exhibition with photos of famous rock stars.
Presentation is more important than who you are on the inside. Con artists can succeed if they present well. The reward is fame and money. The fake values have infected all aspects of society.
“There are entire industries — fitness instructors, plastic surgeons — designed to turn us into …fantasies of celebrities. They prey on our anxiety: this need to become something we’re not,” he added. “Human beings become commodities.”
Everyday we are receiving messages that we can have a fictitious lifestyle. We are told that we can replicate the lifestyle of the elite. What is sad is that many people spend the rest of their lives trying to pay for it.
“You believe the propaganda — that you can join the club. You can’t. This is the lie that bombards people and fuels a sense of inadequacy,” Mr. Hedges warned.
“We worship narcissistic monsters. The drive to become a celebrity is at the core a drive to become immortal…. seeking an unattainable perfection. You’re seeking essentially to become a god.”
Ms. Greenfield considers celebrities as the face of “consumer society’s holy grail: a life of limitless material possibility” and maximum public exposure.
She reminds us that the most extreme “iteration of celebrity: being famous for being famous.”
She describes how stars are made by birthright, production. Through expert publicity, the stars are packaged and sold. The star product is strategically aimed at those who seek meaning in the looks and lifestyles of the famous. Even when these stars fall, they continue to fascinate people.
Image is so important. Photography plays a major role in the commodification of the famous, everything hinges on image, for example, the art-directed film set and well composed “selfie.” Personal brands are made on camera.
She focuses on reality entertainment and the Internet, the attraction of overnight fame and fortune. The public can imagine themselves as rich and famous, in the future. So they study those who have arrived, and aspire to fulfill the fantasy.
“The cult of celebrity bridges the ordinary and privileged lives.”
The adoring fans identify with their tabloid idols. Therein lies the illusion of an intimate connection.
Ms. Greenfield started to photograph and interview her subjects in 1992 using a signature method that combines the study and practice of anthropology and journalism. She expanded on the themes in her first book and exhibition “Fast Forward/I shop Therefore I am.” It showed diverse kids from South LA, California, who felt pressured “to live large and look rich.” These images populated her life’s work as shown in “Generation Wealth.”
Branded commercial interests seduce customers from cradle to grave and extended their influence to the global market. Ms. Greenfield captured this influence visually with emphasis on the distraction of artifice and the psychology of desire.
She exposed the dark side of celebrity and materialism. Her descriptions and captions were brief, sharp and precise.
In her exhibit, extensive panels with hundred of huge photographs were overwhelming. One panel showed young working women who were undergoing various stages of cosmetic surgery. Other panels showed high style fashion — celebrities and models wearing designer gowns, handsome actors driving fast sports cars, fabulous mansions and the celebrities who lived in them. There were little beauty queens who were all dolled up and packaged to become stars who would sell their look-alike dolls and merchandise. It was surreal, incredible.
There was one photograph (2014) of a former first lady taken in her family home that had been sequestered by the State. It showed all her numerous bank accounts and the documents spread on a big table. In the 1990 trial, the US accused her and her late husband of “stealing $200 million from their country’s citizens and invested it in jewels, art and Manhattan property. She was acquitted.”
The entire exhibition is meant to be both a self-reflection and a debate about what values are important to individuals and society. It is thought provoking as we are asked which values do we cherish and should pass to the next generation.
 
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
mavrufino@gmail.com

China’s next big thing? Used cars.

By Adam Minter
CHINA’S huge bet on new-energy vehicles has understandably gotten the world’s attention. But a less flashy phenomenon now under way may be at least as consequential for the environment in the near term: China is finally getting into used cars.
A familiar ritual in most countries, buying vehicles secondhand had until recently been all but unknown in China. In most markets, sales of used cars outpace those of new ones by a wide margin, usually two-to-one or more. About 39 million used cars were sold in the US last year, for instance, compared to 17 million new ones. In China, the opposite prevailed: 29 million new cars sold, and just 12 million used ones.
That’s thanks to some quirks in China’s auto market. Until the late 2000s, poor-quality manufacturing limited the lifespan of Chinese-made cars, while prospective secondhand buyers had few ways to determine a vehicle’s ownership and accident history. The industry was also highly fragmented, with a well-earned reputation for sketchiness.
Local governments tended to make things worse. Many prohibited the sale of used vehicles between provinces as a means of propping up manufacturers and dealerships. The central government, for its part, has long looked askance at the used-car trade while supporting sales of new ones.
Yet all this is starting to change. Many Chinese-made cars now match or exceed global quality standards, and thus are lasting longer. The government has begun lifting restrictions on used-car sales between provinces, while consumers are getting over their secondhand hang-ups and recognizing that used cars are a good value.

cars parking lot
AFP

Since the early 2010s, in fact, sales of used cars have been growing much more quickly than those of new ones. In 2017, the used sector grew by 19.3%, compared to 3.2% for new cars. Analysts predict that secondhand sales could hit 20 million by 2020, and still be years away from meeting the two-to-one ratio that prevails in the US. In other words, China is well on its way to becoming the world’s biggest secondhand market.
Businesses have certainly taken notice. Manufacturers such as General Motors Co. have rolled out certified pre-owned vehicle programs, while Internet used-car services are proliferating. Last year, Chinese bought 1.3 million used cars via online platforms, which offer such novelties as nationwide price comparisons, financing options, vehicle inspections, and at least some degree of transparency about a car’s history.
Investors are justifiably excited. They poured more than $2.5 billion into the sector last year. In June alone, online platforms have raised at least $225 million. Uxin Ltd., one such platform, recently announced that it hopes to raise $500 million in an upcoming initial public offering. Expect other entrepreneurs to follow.
All this is good for consumers — and, more importantly, for the environment. Manufacturing makes up as much as 35% of a vehicle’s lifetime carbon emissions, meaning that every buyer who selects a used vehicle over a new one is helping to slow the buildup of greenhouse gases. In the short term, at least, that’s a big deal: Although China is encouraging consumers to go electric, demand for gasoline-powered cars won’t disappear any time soon. For at least the next 20 years, there will be significantly more internal-combustion engines on the road than new-energy vehicles. A thriving used-car industry is by far the most efficient way to reduce their carbon impact.
In time, the combination of government inducements to go electric and a burgeoning secondhand market should create a virtuous cycle, as new-energy cars transition to second and third owners and ease out gas-guzzlers in the process. It’s a promising model — and suggests China may finally be on its way to a low-carbon future.
 
BLOOMBERG

Alaska Aces push on for seventh straight victory

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
CURRENTLY the hottest team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, the Alaska Aces look to extend their tournament-best six-game winning streak when they return to action today against the struggling NLEX Road Warriors in the 7 p.m. main game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Lost in their opening game of the tournament, the Aces (6-1) have not looked back since, going on an impressive run to date that has put them in prime position to finish in the top two at the end of the elimination round that would merit for them the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Leading the way for Alaska of late is Vic Manuel, the reigning PBA player of the week for the solid performances he has been churning out.
Mr. Manuel has been averaging 24.9 points a game, a major step-up for the Aces who are without key cogs Calvin Abueva (due to team suspension) and Jeron Teng (out because of off-court injury).
The 30-year-old forward, nicknamed “Muscle Man,” dropped a career-high 35 points in their last victory over the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, 103-99, on June 10, 17 of which coming in the pivotal fourth quarter.
“I don’t know what to say, he just went on. He’s pretty phenomenal,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton of Mr. Manuel in the win over Magnolia.
Import Antonio Campbell also had it big in said game, winding up with a double-double of 28 points and 15 rebounds.
Standing in the way of Alaska is NLEX, a team that is having it disappointing in the ongoing tournament with a 2-6 record and already out of the running for the playoffs.
Like Alaska, NLEX is missing key pieces like prized rookie Kiefer Ravena (FIBA suspension) and Kevin Alas (injury) which has only compounded its woes in trying to compete well.
The Road Warriors have lost their last two games, the latest of which at the hands of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 93-85, in an out-of-town game in Legazpi City on June 9.
Import Arnett Moultrie had another big game for NLEX of 30 points and 19 rebounds but just did not have the needed support from the rest of the team to challenge the Kings.
Meanwhile, playing in the curtain-raiser at 4:30 p.m. are the Meralco Bolts (5-2) and Blackwater Elite (1-8).
The Bolts have won two straight and are still on track of a top-two finish in the eliminations while the Elite fell back to earth after losing in their last game following a debut win in the tournament in their previous assignment.

Ronaldo primed for likely last shot at World Cup fame

SOCHI, RUSSIA — Cristiano Ronaldo will launch his latest and probably last attempt to crown his career with a World Cup winners medal when European champions Portugal face neighbors Spain in their opening World Cup game here on Friday.
The 33-year-old will lock horns with six of his Real Madrid teammates as the Spaniards attempt to shrug off the shock sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui following the announcement that he will take over at the Bernabeu next month.
It is worth wondering what Ronaldo might have known of Lopetegui’s imminent appointment at Real, given the relationship both have with Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes, at a time when the forward’s own club future remains the source of speculation.
But now, amid all that, Ronaldo’s focus is on the World Cup, the one major honor still missing from his CV.
It is a stretch to make Portugal one of the favorites to win the trophy, even with Ronaldo, but they are nevertheless in Russia as the reigning European champions after surprising France on home soil two years ago.
Ronaldo is 33 now, still in fantastic physical condition and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. He can probably play on for as long as he wants, but it is hard to imagine him returning for a fifth World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
If he is to cap his career with a World Cup winner’s medal, then now is his time, and what better way to start than by inspiring Portugal to victory over their neighbors and put themselves in pole position in Group B.
“Of course Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world at the moment and he will be the top player at this World Cup. There are no words to describe him,” said admiring teammate Joao Mario at Portugal’s base near Moscow this week.
FATHER FIGURE
Ronaldo was playing the last time Portugal beat their rivals in a major tournament, winning 1-0 to eliminate Spain in the group stage at Euro 2004.
He was just 19 then, and has gone on to become his country’s leading scorer with 81 international goals.
He won his 150th cap in the recent friendly against Algeria. And yet he has never quite managed to replicate his club form on the major tournament stage.
He lasted just 25 minutes before coming off injured in the Euro 2016 final, watching from the sidelines as Eder’s extra-time goal shocked France.
At the World Cup so far, Ronaldo has managed just three goals in three tournaments: a penalty against Iran in 2006; one against North Korea in 2010, and one against Ghana in 2014.
There will be an obvious determination to improve that record in Russia, with Portugal also facing Morocco and Iran in their group.
But he also needs to act as a father figure to the talented young members of Fernando Santos’s squad, like Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes and Gelson Martins.
The latter is one of four Portugal players — along with William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes and Rui Patricio — who say they will be breaking their contracts with Ronaldo’s first club, Sporting Lisbon, after being attacked by disgruntled fans last month.
Ronaldo has a responsibility to unite the squad and focus minds ahead of his fourth World Cup.
“Ronaldo is our captain, he sets an example for us and is advising us younger players and sharing his experience,” said Manchester City’s Silva.
That experience, and inside knowledge of many of the Spain players, will be crucial on Friday by the Black Sea. — AFP

Russia defies critics to throw World Cup party

MOSCOW — The World Cup kicks off in Russia on Thursday as years of preparations dogged by diplomatic scandals give way to a month of action on the field in football’s global showpiece.

World Cup 2018
Fireworks are seen after a gala-concert dedicated to the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament at Red Square in Moscow on June 13. — AFP

Russia get the ball rolling against Saudi Arabia at the completely refurbished 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow after an opening ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Brazil have won the title a record five times while defending champions Germany are on four and determined to draw level with the Brazilians when the final is played at Luzhniki on July 15.
There was little romance in the prelude as Russia’s problems — from racism and hooliganism to a foreign policy sharply at odds with the West — were exposed and scrutinized.
Britain and some eastern European states still haunted by Moscow’s rule in the Soviet era tried to organize a diplomatic boycott over the poisoning in England of a former Russian spy.
Neither the British royal family nor British government members will attend, but a wider boycott effort fizzled out.
Russian organizers say they expect more than 20 heads of state to attend the opening match.
“We would like to underscore the validity of the FIFA principle of sport being outside politics,” Russian leader Putin told a meeting Wednesday of football’s governing body FIFA.
“Russia has always adhered to this principle,” Putin said.
HEARTS AND MINDS
Russia is spending more than $13 billion (€11 billion) on its most important event since the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics.
The money will boost Putin’s already sky-high prestige at home even further by giving many of the 11 host cities their first face-lifts in generations.
Cities like Saransk were sleepy outposts with decaying buildings until World Cup construction workers put them firmly in the 21st century.
The tournament also offers Putin a chance to project Russia as a global player that is accepted and respected even while being at odds with the United States.
Russia is pulling it all off while bearing the brunt of international sanctions that began after it invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014.
Moscow’s military backing of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and alleged meddling in the 2016 US election on President Donald Trump’s behalf only deepened its worst rift with the West since the Cold War.
Putin hopes the most watched event on the planet provides Russia with the ‘soft power’ needed to capture a skeptical world’s hearts and minds.
“Our goal is to make everyone, from football stars to ordinary fans, feel the good will and hospitality of our people… so that they want to come back here again,” Putin said Wednesday.
RACISM AND RIOTS
Russia’s troubles do not end in the high-brow world of geopolitics.
The bloody beating English fans took from nearly 200 Russian thugs at Euro 2016 in France has plagued preparations as much as any diplomatic dispute.
Neo-Nazi hooligans who organize mass fights in forests and chant racist slurs at players have lorded over Russian stadiums for years.
The anti-discrimination network Fare said Russia’s football federation was making matters worse by punishing those who reacted to racist abuse “while ignoring the perpetrators.”
Security services have either locked up or checked in on hundreds of hoodlums to make sure they do nothing to tarnish Russia’s image.
The scare tactics have worked. Some football gang members say they will be skipping town once the games begin to avoid getting rounded up.
Russia refused to issue tickets to nearly 500 of its supporters with suspected football underworld ties. England has forced over 1,000 known hooligans to hand in their passports.
Yet from the moment Russia gets the party started against the Saudis — they are the two lowest-ranked teams in the tournament — the focus will shift to the pitch.
Brazil enter the fray on Sunday when they take on Switzerland. The Germans start their campaign against Mexico the same day. — AFP

Team Spain turmoil as coach Lopetegui fired on eve of World Cup

KRASNODAR, RUSSIA — Spain’s World Cup preparations were thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as Real Madrid-bound coach Julen Lopetegui was fired on the eve of the tournament, just two days before their opening game in Russia.
In a bombshell development which followed the naming of Lopetegui as Real’s new coach on Tuesday, the Spanish federation confirmed that the 2019 World Cup winners had sacked their coach and replaced him with Fernando Hierro.
“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves,” said Hierro, who was already working for the Spanish federation as sporting director. “The objective is to fight for a World Cup. The players have been working towards this for two years.
“I’ve told the players that we have a wonderful, exciting challenge and we can’t let this be an excuse to distract us from our dream.”
Hierro appeared at a press conference alongside Spanish federation chief Luis Rubiales, who had earlier delivered the news of his decision to fire Lopetegui despite reported resistance from the Spain players.
“Negotiating is legitimate but it took place without the RFEF being informed until five minutes before a press statement was released,” said Rubiales. “There has to be a message for all workers in the federation that there is a right way to do things.”
Lopetegui had signed a new contract until 2020 just last month.
“I am very sad but we have a magnificent team and hopefully we’ll win the World Cup,” Lopetegui told reporters on his departure from Spain’s training base in Krasnodar.
Hours later, Hierro, 50, was named as an emergency replacement despite having only one season’s managerial experience in the Spanish Second Division with Real Oviedo.
Spain are due to face European champions Portugal in Sochi on Friday before taking on Iran and Morocco in Group B.
PLAYERS’ SUPPORT
There were fears Lopetegui’s appointment by the European champions could open up old divisions between the Real Madrid and Barcelona factions in the Spain squad.
For the first time since 2006, there are more players from Madrid in a Spanish squad for a major tournament, with a six-strong Real contingent and just Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets from Barca, as well as Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, who ended his 16-year career at the Camp Nou last month.
“Lopetegui’s decision was inopportune, unexpected and rushed,” former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who won the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 with Spain, told Marca at a pre-tournament event in Moscow.
“It was a surprise for everyone but Rubiales reacted very well. He has looked after the federation, which should be above any individual.”
However, according to reports in the Spanish media, the players tried to intervene at the last minute to prevent Rubiales sacking Lopetegui.
Lopetegui, who took over in 2016, never tasted defeat in his 20 games as Spain boss.
“I have spoken with the players and what I can guarantee is that the players will do everything in their power, along with the new technical team, to take the team as far as possible,” said Rubiales.
Spain and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos appealed for unity between the fans and players.
“We are the national team. We represent a badge, colors, a fan base, a country. The responsibility and commitment are with and for you. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, together,” tweeted Ramos.
La Roja were among the favorites to lift the trophy this summer but the astonishing developments of the past two days could have a devastating affect on their chances.
“It completely surprised me, I don’t know the background of the decision, but two days before the first World Cup game, it’s amazing,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
“There must certainly be unrest within the federation and the team.”
The Spanish drama came as the other 31 teams in the competition put the finishing touches to their preparations.
Hosts Russia kick off the extravaganza in Thursday’s opener in Group A in Moscow.
Elsewhere in Group A, all eyes were on Egypt star Mohamed Salah, who is racing to be fit in time for the Africans’ opener against Uruguay.
Salah injured a shoulder during last month’s Champions League final, and is battling to recover for Friday’s game in Yekaterinburg.
“There’s a good degree of progress but no definitive decision on whether he takes part, as we are following his case day by day,” team director Ihab Lahita told reporters. — AFP

Women’s basketball finding its place under the sun

THE Philippine national women’s team finished its campaign in the just-concluded FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 with a 0-4 record but not after making a gallant stand, particularly in its last two assignments, which it hopes opened eyes for people to give women’s basketball a chance in the country.
Up against some of the top teams in 3×3 in the world, the Perlas Pilipinas squad of Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Gemma Miranda, and coached by Patrick Aquino, showed a lot of heart and determination every time it stepped on the court, earning praises and respect not only from fans but from the competition as well along the way.
But the Philippine women’s team recognized that it is still steps behind the rest of the world as far as women’s basketball in general but it remains bullish of making further progress more so if given ample support and belief.
“That (support) is what we are longing for, not only from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas but from other people and groups as well. After college maybe we can have a sponsor to help these players and have semi-professional league for everybody and that will be the first step in competing at this kind of level,” said Mr. Aquino during the 3×3 World Cup that happened at the Philippine Arena from June 8 to 12.
“Give women’s basketball a chance in the country. These girls are working hard and they try to prove themselves. And I know they can be in this level [of play] in the future,” he added.
And such proving their worth mind-set is underscored by Ms. Animam, a University Athletic Association of the Philippines standout who hopes they as players be given the same attention and help that their male counterparts get.
“Women’s basketball is not given exposure here right now, which is why we are using this tournament (3×3 World Cup) as an opportunity to show that it should not only be men’s basketball but women’s as well be given the support. We are playing for the country, too, and I hope people get to see that,” the National University player said.
In the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018, the Philippine women’s team finished at 17th place in the 20-team field.
It played four games, losing to the Netherlands, 21-11, and Germany, 12-10, in their first two outings.
The team then played Spain and Hungary and was competitive losing, 21-17 and 18-15, respectively.
But its campaign had a winning finish after Ms. Pontejos topped the Shootout Contest to give the Philippines its first-ever gold medal in seniors’ play of the 3×3 World Cup. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Edward ‘The Ferocious’ Kelly aims for key win to get a ONE title shot

A STEADY fixture in the featherweight class in ONE Championship, Filipino Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly is itching to get his title shot, which could come in the event he chalks up a victory in his upcoming fight with the promotion.
Set to take on former ONE world featherweight champion Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa of Mongolia in the under card for “ONE: Pinnacle of Power” on June 23 in Macau, China, Mr. Kelly, who joined ONE in 2013, said he is very excited and looking forward to the match to further prove how deserving he is of a title shot.
“I am at a great spot in my career, and I am extremely excited to be facing Jadambaa. I cannot wait to test my skills against a former world champion and a respected veteran in mixed martial arts,” Mr. Kelly, 34, of Team Lakay, said.
“Being that he is the former featherweight world champion, this bout is very significant. I know if I can beat Jadambaa, it will bring me one huge step closer to getting that title shot,” he added.
Mr. Kelly, younger brother of ONE fighter Eric, is coming off a sensational victory in his last fight which took place here in Manila in January this year, where he defeated Meas Meul of Cambodia in just 21 seconds of the opening round by way of kick and punches.
It was all quick and devastating for Mr. Kelly against Mr. Meul, engaging the latter at the center of the cage early then connecting on a quick three-punch combination before unleashing the final blow that sent the Cambodian face first into the canvas.
He is not promising to have the same kind of finish against Mr. Jadambaa but vowed to have the same ferocious mentality and take the fight to his opponent.
“I am a martial artist who always looks for the finish. As much as possible, I want to give the fans what they want. They came and bought a ticket for an action-packed bout with an amazing conclusion,” Mr. Kelly said.
“In my upcoming bout, my fans should expect that I will have the same mentality. I will look for that finish,” he added.
Mr. Kelly is currently sporting a 10-4 professional mixed martial arts record, 5-4 in ONE Championship.
His opponent, Mr. Jadambaa, has a 12-5 record and last fought in November 2016 where he lost his title to Russian Marat Gafurov.
ONE: Pinnacle of Power which is to held at the Studio City Event Center in Macau is to be headlined by the women’s strawweight title fight between reigning champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan of China and challenger Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin of Argentina, with the unification bout between ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes of Brazil and interim champion Geje Eustaquio of the Philippines as the co-headlining feature. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Caloocan snaps five-game skid; undermanned Batangas City strikes

FINALLY, a win for the Caloocan Supremos-Longrich.
After four months and a five-game losing skid bridging from last season, the Supremos were able to notch their first win — only the second in franchise history and the first at home, dealing the Pasig Pirates-Gameville a 91-81 beating in the MPBL Datu Cup.
Led by mainstay Mar Villahermosa, the Supremos drew double-digit output from six players to give Mayor Oscar Malapitan a fitting birthday gift.
Batangas City showed up with a depleted lineup in the first game, but still managed to find a way to win over Quezon City, 95-90.
The inaugural staging champions Athletics, supported by Tanduay, played without key players Val Acuña, Jhaymo Eguilos and Mon Rogado and used an ailing Lester Alvarez, who is still coming off a bout with a flu, yet Batangas City showed its poise led by new recruit, ex-PBA player Bong Galanza.
Mr. Galanza tallied 28 points on a steady five-of-seven shooting from beyond the arc.
Mr. Villahermosa, the team’s resident star, finished with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Ex-pro Jopher Custodio and Cedric Labing-isa added 13 points apiece while Joseph Nalos contributed 12. New prized recruits JR Cawaling and Paul Sanga chipped in 11 apiece as the Supremos completed a come from behind victory.
The Supremos had to climb back from 14 points down, 42-56, in the early part of the third period.
Caloocan rallied and engaged Pasig in a nip-and-tuck encounter in the last five minutes before the Supremos came through with 13 unanswered points to put away the Pirates.
Mr. Sanga, who was struggling all game long, hit back-to-back treys that triggered the Supremos late-game pull away.
“One thing that has been missing in this team last season was the identity. We need the identity of a fighting team, which never gives up until the final buzzer,” said Mr. Sanga, who along with longtime teammate Cawaling, had to return to the Philippines after a stint in Thailand to represent Caloocan. — Rey Joble

Woods on US Open

When Tiger Woods tees off in the first round of the United States Open today, he will not be among the favorites. It isn’t just because a decade has passed since he last triumphed in golf’s most demanding major event. It’s that in the aforesaid decade, he has gone through ups and downs, and both on and off the course. And considering that he’s still in the midst of sharpening his game after a prolonged convalescence from injury, it’s no wonder pundits peg his chances of finishing in the Top Ten to be slimmer than those in the Top 30.
Don’t tell that to Woods, though. Even as he has stayed even-keeled in his 10 tournaments back on tour, he remains focused on claiming victory. Never mind that his progress has been stunted by inconsistencies in his game. Forget that Shinnecock Hills figures to be a stern test for any given hopeful, let alone one whose body is still adjusting to the rigors of competition. As far as he’s concerned, his return to the top is simply a matter of when, not if, and could very well happen this weekend.
Needless to say, others in the field acknowledge his capacity to put together a win regardless of circumstance. In so doing, they hark back to his extraordinary effort in the 2008 US Open, which he won on a broken leg. And for all his current travails, he has shown flashes of his trademark brilliance more than enough times to justify heightened expectations.
All the same, Woods would do well to keep tempering his goals. The sport is invariably fickle, providing him with unforeseen obstacles even at his finest. At this point, the fact that his name is again being bandied about in pre-tournament prognoses is progress in and of itself. And as he makes his steady climb to respectability, the last thing he needs is to be his own worst enemy.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

PHL stocks extend decline after US Fed rate hike

SHARE PRICES dropped anew on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the second time this year.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell 0.96% or 73.44 points to 7,529.54.
The all-shares index also lost 0.78% or 36.17 points to 4,593.18.
“The market still gave way to selling with the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) raising rates, more importantly implying that four rate hikes will happen this year instead of three,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan said in a mobile message.
Fed Chairman Jerome H. Powell announced after the US central bank’s two-day policy meeting that it has decided to raise benchmark rates by 25 basis points, bringing the interest rates to a range of 1.75% to 2%. The FOMC decided to increase rates on the back of optimism for the US’ economic growth.
This marked the second rate hike for the year, with analysts anticipating two more rate hikes within the year.
“The rate increase also had the effect of narrowing a closely watched gap between rates of two-year and 10-year Treasury notes, which has recently been one of the strong predictors of recessions,” Regina Capital’s Mr. Limlingan said.
Main indices in the US also bled following the rate hike. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 0.47% or 119.53 points to 25,201.20. The S&P 500 index went down 0.40% or 11.22 points to 2,775.63, while the Nasdaq Composite index dipped 0.11% or 8.09 points to 7,695.70.
Most Asian markets also closed lower on Thursday, as investors priced in the effects of the rate hike.
Back home, the property sector suffered the largest decline with a loss of 3.11% or 115.59 points to 3,596.05. Financials went down 1.11% or 21.22 points to 1,882.44, while industrials shed 0.28% or 30.27 points to 10,725.69. Mining and oil gave up 0.19% or 19.61 points to 10,130.77, while services dipped 0.10% or 1.54 points to 1,493.43.
Holding firms was the lone sub-index that managed to eke out gains, rising 0.11% or 8.34 points to 7,514.66.
Some 940.36 million issues switched hands, resulting in a value turnover of P12.31 billion, almost twice the P7.17 billion seen in the previous session.
Decliners outpaced advancers, 110 to 76, while 57 issues switched hands.
Net foreign selling swelled to P2.22 billion from the P1.51 billion recorded on Thursday. This is the 21st straight day that investors maintained a selling position from the local equities market.
“It looks like FTSE’s (Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index) rebalancing along with further weakness from the peso really did a number on the index as the PSEi saw P2.2 billion of net foreign selling today,” Papa Securities Corp. trader Gabriel Perez said in an e-mail on Thursday.
With this, Mr. Perez noted that foreign investors have already sold what they bought in 2017, with year-to-date net foreign selling now at P58.5 billion, versus 2017’s net foreign buying of P56.2 billion. — Arra B. Francia

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