Nation at a Glance — (06/14/18)
News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.
World Cup rivalry turns violent in Bangladesh
DHAKA — The World Cup is arousing high passions in Bangladesh, where machete-wielding fans of Brazil and Argentina have clashed in the streets and flags of the two countries are so ubiquitous that some people want to ban them.
Ignoring the lack of any obvious link to the South American giants, and the absence of their national team — which is ranked 194th out of 211 teams — World Cup fever has firmly taken hold among Bangladeshi fans.
Last week in the central town of Bandar, rival followers of Lionel Messi and Neymar fought with machetes, leaving a man and his son critically wounded, police said.
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy died after being electrocuted while putting a Brazil flag on a roadside pole.
Argentina and Brazil flags have been dominating towns in the country of 160 million for weeks ahead of the start of the World Cup in Russia on Thursday.
Supporters of the two teams hold flag processions to show their loyalties. In the northern town of Madarganj, motorcycle rallies are staged by hundreds of rival supporters waving football banners.
“They hold meetings to plan further craziness. You can feel the tension and excitement all over town,” local police chief Mohammad Rafique told AFP.
Some Bangladeshis want to end the fervor, however.
One lawyer tried to get a court order preventing the flying of flags of World Cup nations. Barisal University in southern Bangladesh has banned its 7,000 students from flying foreign nations’ colors on campus.
“The government should totally ban flying any foreign flags across Bangladesh,” university head S.M. Imamul Haq told AFP.
Flag fervor is the most obvious sign of the country’s switch of allegiance every four years from cricket to football.
Even though Bangladesh has never qualified for the World Cup, and has little chance of doing so in future, the country goes crazy for the tournament once every four years.
FROM MARADONA TO MESSI
The South American rivalry has been traced back to broadcasts of the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona’s brilliance helped Argentina win the trophy.
“Pele was a household name here. His story was in our textbook. So there was a traditional support base for Brazil. But Argentina stole Bangladeshis’ hearts after Maradona’s solo feats in 1986. I think it is when this rivalry here began,” M.M. Kaiser, editor of a sports portal, told AFP.
Maqsud Elahi, 13, said after buying an Argentina flag: “I support Argentina because of Messi. His dribbling is mind-blowing.”
Tanvir Haider, a 29-year-old doctor, however, fell for Brazil after watching Ronaldo in his boyhood.
“I love Brazil because of him. Also Brazil has a golden past. Their game is terrific and they have superstars at every World Cup,” Haider said.
But sociologists struggle to explain Bangladesh’s football phenomenon, with one criticizing it as “a kind of inferiority complex.”
“Many of these people don’t know where Brazil and Argentina are. There is no blood or language connection, still they are mad for them,” Nehal Karim, a Dhaka University sociology professor, told AFP.
“I don’t understand it,” he declared.
Mokaddem Hossain, deputy head of Bangladesh Open University, said it was globalization at work.
“This is part of worldwide branding. Hoisting flags and the excitement around it is just the result of that passion,” he said.
Ashif Entaz Rabi, a writer, defended the quadrennial frenzy, saying the World Cup is a joyous occasion for millions.
“If an Argentina fan finds happiness by flying an Argentine flag on his roof, who are you to stop him from this joy?” Rabi wrote in a widely shared Facebook comment. — AFP
Get the FIFA football fever, follow #WorldCup on Twitter
By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
IT is FIFA World Cup time once again, and for fans who want to be updated on action happening in Russia, they can do so via Twitter by following the hashtag #WorldCup.
In information released to media, fans are advised to follow @FIFAcom and @FIFAWorldCup, the official Twitter accounts for updates provided by the official site of the FIFA World Cup.
In these accounts match coverage, behind-the-scenes video and photos from Russia are to be found, as well as access to players seeing action in the quadrennial tournament happening from June 14 to July 15.
And to keep tabs on all of the conversation, fans can search for and Tweet with the official hashtag #WorldCup or #WorldCupFin
For those in search of a specific match, FIFA has put together a list of hashtags, e.g. #RUSKSA for Russia vs. Saudi Arabia happening on June 14, #GERMEX for Germany vs. Mexico on June 17, #SWEKOR for Sweden vs. South Korea on June 18, #ARGCRO for Argentina vs. Croatia on June 21 and so on.
Teams and players also have their own Twitter accounts.
In the data shared, the most Tweeted teams heading into the Russia World Cup were Argentina (@Argentina), Japan (@JFA; @jfa_en), France (@equipedefrance; @FrenchTeam), England (@England), Spain (@SeFutbol), Germany (@DFB_Team_EN; @DFB_Team), Brazil (@CBF_Futebol), Mexico (@miseleccionmx; @miseleccionmxEN), Peru (@SeleccionPeru) and United States (@ussoccer) in that Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (@Cristiano), meanwhile, was most followed on Twitter in the lead-up, followed by Brazil’s Neymar (@neymarjr), Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8), Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088), Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique), James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez), Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO), Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos), Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) and Sergio Agüero (@aguerosergiokun).
The FIFA World Cup will see the top 32 teams in the world from five confederations compete for the right to be named world champion.
In Group A are host Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay, Group B has Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran, Group C has France, Australia, Peru and Denmark, and Group D has Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria.
Group E has Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia, Group F has reigning champion Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, Group G has Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England, and Group H has Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan.
The two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage.
Milo Marathon staying relevant even after four decades
MORE than 40 years since its first race, the annual Milo Marathon has become more than just a running spectacle but has taken added dimensions, a direction officials said has been key for it to stay relevant all these years.
Set to kick off its 42nd staging with the first leg in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, on July 15, the Milo Marathon continues with its ongoing theme of “Magsama-sama, Tumakbo, Matuto,” from which the beverage brand hopes to strengthen the event’s legacy of upholding a values-driven race experience for runners.
“The 42nd National Milo Marathon continues to center on the life lessons that runners can learn and take with them beyond the finish line. We are committed to delivering an inspiring season as we highlight the values of discipline, resilience and determination to help our runners be molded into true champions,” said Lester P. Castillo, Milo Philippines Sports Executive, during the launch of the 42nd National Milo Marathon on June 7 at the Conrad Manila Hotel.
Mr. Castillo went on to say that in conjunction with the marathon series, Milo, under its Help Give Shoes advocacy, will donate 1,500 pairs of shoes to deserving public schoolchildren across the country as well as 2,500 basketballs to deserving public schools nationwide.
The added initiative of giving basketballs, Milo said, is part of its expansion thrust to reach more schoolchildren and get them into sports, and not just running.
NEEDED
For Robbie De Vera, Milo Philippines Consumer Marketing Brand Manager, the ongoing thrust of the Milo Marathon is set to continue because it something the group feels the country needs.
“Of course the Milo Marathon is still there to support the athletic side, helping find talents and developing them to become champions who can represent the country. But we will complement it with various programs moving forward because we feel it is something that the Philippines needs,” Mr. De Vera said in an interview with BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the Milo Marathon launch.
“With the decrease importance in physical education, MAPE, limited sports facilities, other problems in society and digital distractions like mobile gadgets, the point of programs like the Milo Marathon and others under the “Get Your Child Into Sports” program is to really encourage people to look at sports as another classroom where they can learn other values that they can use not only in sports but life in general,” he added.
RACE LEGS
For the 42nd edition of the National Milo Marathon, officials said they are expecting some 150,000 runners throughout the 11 legs.
After the first stage in Urdaneta on July 15, the marathon goes to Manila on July 29, Tarlac on Aug. 26, Batangas on Sept. 16, Lucena on Sept. 30, Iloilo on Oct. 7, Cebu on Oct. 14, General Santos City on Oct. 21, Butuan on Nov. 11 and Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 18.
The winners in each leg will advance to the National Finals in Laoag City on Dec. 9, with the new Marathon King and Queen earning the right to represent the country in next year’s Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting.
The 42nd National Milo Marathon is endorsed by the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, and sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA). — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Muntinlupa gives Parks, Mandaluyong a rude welcome while Marikina wins
MUNTINLUPA and Marikina carved out contrasting victories on opening night of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angelis Resort-backed Muntinlupa Cagers, runner-up to Batangas City in the inaugural staging Rajah Cup, used their chemistry to the hilt in outplaying the talented yet less cohesive Mandaluyong El Tigre, 86-74.
Ex-PBA players Chito Jaime and Allan Mangahas combined forces for the Cagers, who were able to display their balance firepower in handling the favorites a sound beating.
A PBA journeyman, the 6-foot-4 Jaime finished with 17 points, built around three triples, while Mr. Mangahas, who had a short lived career pinch-hitting for the injury-riddled Meraclo Bolts several years ago, added 16 points on top of six rebounds and five assists.
Two other players scored in double figures — Dave Moralde (12) and Felix Apreku, who finished wit a double-performance of 10 points and 16 boards.
In the first game, celebrity baller Gerald Anderson’s MPBL debut will have to wait for a few more days after he suffered a hamstring injury, but the Marikina Shoemasters were still able to pull off an 88-81 win over the General Santos City Warriors, 88-81.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and it just unfortunate I suffered an injury,” Mr. Anderson said. “But I’m confident on my teammates, especially Yves Sason.”
Mr. Anderson may be the star on the sidelines, but inside the playing court, it was Mr. Sason who stole the spotlight. He finished with 33 points, including six three-point shots, allowing the Shoemasters to notch an early win.
Mandaluyong showed up with a stacked lineup headed by Ray Parks, the controversial son of seven-time PBA Best Import. He finished with 21 points, but was called for four offensive fouls, which took his rhythm out in the game.
Instead, Mr. Parks took a swipe at the officiating.
“Those were not offensive fouls. I attended the orientation. They don’t want me in this league,” he added. — Rey Joble
Caruana wins anew
6th Altibox Norway Chess 2018
Stavanger, Norway
May 27-June 8, 2018
Final Standings
1. Fabiano Caruana USA 2822, 5.0/8
2-4. Magnus Carlsen NOR 2843, Hikaru Nakamura USA 2769, Viswanathan Anand 2760, 4.5/8
5-6. Wesley So USA 2778, Levon Aronian ARM 2764, 4.0/8
7. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov AZE 2808, 3.5/8
8-9. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2789, Sergey Karjakin RUS 2782, 3.0/8
Average ELO 2790 Category 22
Time Control: 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 50 minutes for the next 20 moves followed by the rest of the game in 15 minutes. Sixty seconds is added to your time after every move starting move 61.
Fabiano Caruana won an exciting last round game against co-leader Wesley So to claim the 2018 Altibox Norway Chess Championship. Here is what he has accomplished in the last 6 months:
December 2017. Tied for first in the 8th London Chess Classic with Ian Nepomniachtchi ahead of Magnus Carlsen. He then won the blitz playoff against Ian to be declared champion.
January 2018. This was a bad tournament for Fabi. One win over last-placer Hou Yifan then four losses against eight draws. 11th out of 14 players. Magnus Carlsen won this one after a tie-breaker vs Anish Giri.
March 2018. A tremendous win in the Berlin Candidates to anoint himself as Magnus Carlsen’s challenger in the November 2018 World Chess Championship to be held in London. From Berlin he traveled to Karlsruhe (also in Germany) to play in the category-20 Grenke Chess Classic. He won this as well ahead of Magnus Carlsen.
April 2018. A slight letdown, but not by much. Caruana finished in second place at the 2018 USA Championship held in the Saint Louis Chess Club. His 8/11 (6 wins 4 draws 1 loss) score would normally have been enough to win but this was the year of the rampaging Samuel Shankland who went on a memorable win streak and finished with 8.5/11.
Which leads us here, to the 6th Altibox Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. Strangely enough Caruana almost withdrew from the event — his playing schedule had been unusually busy and the tiredness and fatigue was already creeping in. After some soul-searching the Italian-American GM decided to proceed to Norway anyway as he felt obligated to the Altibox organizers.
His start was not very promising — a first round loss to the reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen followed by blundering a pawn against Mamedyarov in the 2nd round which turned a superior position to an inferior one. Good thing he was able to hold that one. The third game was a rather correct draw.
His 4th round opponent Ding Liren fractured his hip in the free day between the 3rd and 4th rounds and had to withdraw. This additional rest day seemed to energize Caruana, for he scored an impressive victory over the always hard-to-beat “Minister of Defense” Sergey Karjakin. After two short draws against Aronian and Nakamura Fabi finished his tournament with two wins in a row. Here is the most impressive one.
Anand, Viswanathan (2760) — Caruana, Fabiano (2822) [C01]
6th Altibox Norway Chess Stavanger (8.3), 06.06.2018
Caruana started working with GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov in 2016. Kasimdzhanov’s credentials are mind-blowing: a former FIDE World Champion, an expert in all three phases of the game, a very creative player with lots of opening ideas, and a much sought-after coach and second. He was Anand’s second during the Indian’s world championship years and is credited with working out the Meran Semi-Slav which accounted for 2 of Anand’s 3 wins against Vladimir Kramnik in their 2008 match for the title.
Recently Caruana has developed the Petroff Defense into a fighting weapon for Black. You can guess who was behind that.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d3 Nf6 6.d4 d5 7.Bd3 Bd6 8.0–0 0–0 9.Bg5 h6 10.Bh4
This is already the French Exchange Variation. 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.0–0 0–0 7.Bg5 h6 8.Bh4. Perhaps Kasim’s influence too? You will notice that many of his DVDs in the opening cover the Nimzo-Indian and French.
10…Nc6 11.c3
So far so normal. Caruana now advances his g- and later f-pawn to work up an assault against the enemy King. Risky? Well, not so much if you have studied it at home.
11…g5!?
OK, obviously Caruana does not want a boring draw.
12.Bg3
The thematic sacrifice here of 12.Nxg5 hxg5 13.Bxg5 does not work. Black has 13…Kg7 14.Qf3 Rh8 15.h3 Be7 16.Re1 Be6 and the second player is better.
12…Ne4 13.Bxd6 cxd6
Of course normal is 13…Qxd6. Caruana said in the post-game interview: “It was sort of a bluff — I analyzed it, I remember that it wasn’t supposed to be very good for Black, but it’s some kind of a mess.”
14.Nfd2
Anand went into passive play too early. GM Fabiano confessed that he was afraid of 14.Qb3 here. After 14…Ne7 15.Nfd2 Be6 (15…Nf6 16.f4! White takes over the initiative) 16.Re1 (Taking the pawn with 16.Qxb7 Ng6 17.Qb3 Nf4 18.Qc2 Rb8 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Bxe4 f5 does not look very appetizing) 16…g4 17.c4 White has a counter going on against the queenside and center.
14…f5 15.Na3 Be6 16.Nc2 Nxd2 17.Qxd2 f4
One of the GM commentators to this game, Peter Svidler, remarked that it is not true that Caruana made the Petroff into a killer weapon — in the two previous Black game where the Italian-American GM had won with it (against Grischuk at the London Candidates and Vitiugov in Grenke) the White player had gone for needlessly sharp lines. This time though if Black wins it then you can really start talking about his “Killer Petroff,” for it came from a quiet line and now Black is playing with the advantage.
18.Rae1 Qf6 19.f3 Rf7
To be followed by …h6–h5 and …g5–g4.
20.Re2 Raf8 21.Ne1 Ne7 22.Bc2 a5 23.Bb3 23.Nd3 Nf5 (23…h5 24.Rfe1 Bd7 concerned Caruana because he can’t yet play …g4 with f4 hanging, since the queen is overloaded defending the knight on e7.) 24.Rfe1 Ne3 25.Nf2 Bd7
23…Rg7 24.Qd3 Bd7 [To prevent White’s Qb5 attacking his queenside pawns.]
25.a4 Kh8 26.Qd2 h5 27.Nd3 Nf5! [Winning the exchange.]
28.Bxd5 Ne3
[Attacking both the bishop on d5 and White’s f1–rook.]
29.Rxe3 fxe3 30.Qxe3 Bxa4 31.Ra1 Re7 32.Qd2 Bb5 33.Rxa5 Bxd3 34.Qxd3 Re1+ 35.Kf2 Rfe8 <D>
POSITION AFTER 35…RFE8
36.Ra8
Caruana: “After the game Vishy said that 36.g3 was a draw but actually I was really hoping he would play this, because 36…Qf5!! was my main point.”
36…Qf4 37.Rxe8+
[37.g3 Qc1 is fatal for White]
37…Rxe8 38.Qd1
Vishy could try to close the e-file with 38.Be4 but Caruana had intended 38…d5! 39.Bxd5 Qh4+ Black is clearly winning.
38…Qxh2?!
539.Qd2 Qh4+ 40.Kf1 Qh1+?!
Another inaccuracy. 40…Kg7! followed by …g5–g4 is the straightest way to a win. Let us see what happens: 41.Bxb7 g4! 42.Bc6 (42.fxg4 Rf8+ 43.Bf3 hxg4) 42…g3! 43.Bxe8 Qh1+ 44.Ke2 Qxg2+ 45.Ke1 Qxd2+ 46.Kxd2 g2 and queens.
41.Kf2 Qh4+ 42.Kf1 Ra8 43.Ke2
[43.Qe1 Ra1! 44.Qxa1 Qh1+ wins the queen]
43…Ra1 44.Kd3 b5 45.c4 bxc4+ 46.Kxc4
The White king is surprisingly slippery.
46…Qf4 47.Qe2?
Both players thought that 47.Qxf4 gxf4 48.Be6 Rb1 49.Kd5 was won for Black, but it isn’t. After 49…Rxb2 (49…Kg7 50.Kxd6 Kf6 51.Bh3 Rxb2 with a long ending ahead.) 50.Kxd6 Rxg2 51.d5 h4 52.Ke7 it is a draw.
47…Qc1+ 48.Kb5 Qc8!
Caruana finally gets back on track. He takes away White’s possible queen check on e8.
49.Kb6 Qb8+ 50.Kc6 Rc1+ 0–1
[50…Rc1+ 51.Bc4 (51.Kd7 Rc7+ 52.Ke6 Qe8+) 51…Qc8+ 52.Kd5 Qg8+]
Well, in response to GM Svidler, I guess the conclusion we can draw from this game is that truly Caruana has a new weapon, the “Killer Petroff!”
Bobby Ang is a founding member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and its first Executive Director. A Certified Public Accountant, he taught accounting in the University of Santo Tomas for 25 years and is currently Chief Audit Executive of the Equicom Group of Companies.
bobby@cpamd.net
Free agent James
It’s far from a surprise that attention has moved on to the upcoming free agency sweepstakes even as the Warriors just put the finishing touches on an successful 2017-2018 campaign. It’s the way competition has evolved in the modern era. The demands of winning places a significant burden on those who aim to break the supremacy of the blue and yellow, and to an extent that any advantage, real or imagined, is sought. And a head start is especially crucial in prepping for all the wheeling and dealing beginning next month, what with LeBron James, still the best of the best and fresh off an otherworldly playoff campaign, slated to go through The Decision 3.0.
Significantly, James’ immediate past showing — arguably the finest of his 15-year career — isn’t enough to quell the scope and extent of criticism being thrown his way. To a vocal minority, it’s as if he can do no right, or that he does rarely and with caveats. True, he’s not perfect. Then again, nobody is. He may be a prima donna, but so was, say, Michael Jordan. He may complain a lot, but not unlike, say, Tim Duncan. He may covet the limelight, but so does, say, Kobe Bryant.
From the vantage point of most other quarters, James is, at worst, the second-best player to have ever graced the hardwood. His peak is nowhere near Jordan’s, but his longevity cannot be denied. And in assessing his place in history, context is important. For instance, naysayers are fond of pointing out that he’s three and six in the Finals. Yet, advanced analytics comparing strength of rosters show that of those nine appearances, only in 2011 did he not exceed expectations.
It’s easy for — and the right of — fans and armchair pundits to draw conclusions based on subjective arguments. Some like apples. Others like oranges. The flipside, of course, is that it’s even easier not to engage in differentiation, and to just appreciate greatness as it unfolds regardless of source. Before James set foot in the NBA as a Number One draft pick, he already carried the burden of unreasonable demands. And yet he has, throughout his career, exceeded them.
By all accounts, James has an outstanding work ethic, the first to arrive in the weight room and the last to leave the practice court. He leads by example, and is most certainly a role model. He’s socially aware, has donated considerable time and money to help the plight of the less fortunate, and avoids trouble. He’s a devout family man and has never fallen prey to temptations of stardom.
All things considered, it’s no wonder, then, that James is looked up to my those whose opinions matter most to him: other players. They’re in awe of his exploits, and there can be no better psychic income than that coming from his peers, who know exactly how hard it is to compile a body of work like his. Which is why franchises are scrambling to engage his services, never mind his high-maintenance predilections. He’s worth the headaches, and the risk of upending the status quo for the prospect of greatness.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
NIA plans to build floating solar power plants on dams, reservoirs
The National Irrigation Administration is venturing into floating solar power plant on its dams and reservoirs, the agency said on Wednesday, June 13, as it looks into a proposal from the SN Aboitiz Power group to put up water-based energy project in Magat dam in Isabela.
“Such power group will conduct a 2,500-square meter pilot project over the Magat reservoir, a small-scale preliminary study prior to the performance of the large-scale project. The floating solar power project size is yet to be decided after the study,” it said in a statement.
NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya said that one hectare of solar field can produce one megawatt (MW).
For instance, in Magat dam with a reservoir of 4,500 hectares, if 200 hectares will be utilized for water-based solar power, 200 MW will be generated and 200 hectares of agricultural lands will be saved. — Victor V. Saulon
More illegally connected pipes uncovered in Boracay’s drainage system
Boracay Island Water Co., Inc. has plugged 36 more illegally connected pipes to the island’s drainage system, its parent firm said on Wednesday, June 13, as the water company takes part in the island’s drainage clearing operations.
“We need everyone to act responsibly and to properly connect to a reliable sewer system to permanently put a stop to the illegal connections of sewer lines to the drainage system which is intended solely for rain water and not wastewater. These illegal acts of violators have become the main cause of our system overflows polluting our waters,” said Joseph Michael Santos, Boracay Water general manager and chief operating officer.
The plugging of the illegally pipe connections is part of the continuing efforts by the company to ensure proper wastewater management on the island in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). — Victor V. Saulon
DTI preparing rules to implement new ease of doing business law
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has directed involved agencies to fast-track the terms of the new Ease of Doing Business Law of 2018.
“The future gameplan calls for the immediate organization of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). I direct the DTI Competitiveness Bureau, which is the Temporary Secretariat of the ARTA, to ensure that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are approved within 90 working days,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said during the 6th Ease of Doing Business Summit (EODB) held Wednesday in Pasay City.
The council will be coming up with a strategic EODB Work Plan which will take into account the reforms that are in progress. — Janina C. Lim
SEIPI sees production cost rising by 40% because of TRAIN 2
The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) said the proposed terms under the tax reform’s second package may hike the production cost of its member-firms by an average of 40%.
“The bottomline is it was gonna increase the cost for the compan[ies] on the average by about 40%,” SEIPI President Danilo C. Lachica said in a press briefing in Pasay City.
The official emphasized that the figure resulted from the group’s computation of the average assessment of all its members, noting that some firms may not be as hurt as others by the TRAIN 2. — Janina C. Lim
China may use control over disputed sea to challenge US presence in region — US report
A report from the United States Congressional Research Service revealed China’s capability to control the South China Sea in the event that a war breaks out between China and the United States.
US Navy Admiral Philip Davidson was quoted as saying in the report in part that “China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States.”
The official made the statement during a hearing last April by the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Mr. Davidson also warned that if the Chinese military facilities in South China Sea would be occupied, it may “use these bases to challenge US presence in the region.” He added that “any forces deployed to the islands would easily overwhelm the military forces of any South China Sea-claimants.”
The report also mentioned that the US may be drawn into a conflict due to its obligations under bilateral security treaties with Japan and the Philippines.
It also described China’s approach to assert its claims in South China as “salami-slicing strategy” in order to “gradually change the status quo in China’s favor.” — Camille A. Aguinaldo