Retailers see share of GDP growing despite lack of tax on online sellers

September 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

MALLGOERS-shoppers — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) said it expects the retail industry’s contribution to the economy to grow by at least one percentage point this year even in the absence of a tax regime for its online competitors.

PRA President Roberto S. Claudio told reporters on the sidelines of the National Retail Conference and Expo that the retail industry accounted for 18.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.

“It will keep growing. The GDP contribution of retail has been going up at least 1-2 percentage points a year. So we feel that by the end of 2024, that should move up to about 20%,” Mr. Claudio said.

Citing data from between 2017 and 2022, he said that taxes paid by retailers in the Philippines averaged P750 billion over the five-year period.

“These are a mix of value-added tax (VAT), income tax, municipal tax, excise tax, and whatever taxes that are being paid,” he said.

However, he said that the government’s revenue from retailers could decrease over time if it does not create a level playing field with online merchants.

“Since online transactions are not charged VAT and duties, we feel that what is happening is business is being taken away from brick-and-mortar stores because (and) moving online,” he added.

He said that the government is missing out on the opportunity to benefit from the growth of online e-commerce, on which no taxes and duties are imposed.

“We cannot compete with the prices online because the online sellers are not paying VAT and duties,” he said.

“We pay 12% for VAT, and other products even have 5% duties, so easily (online is) 17% cheaper,” he added.

A measure that seeks to impose a 12% VAT on foreign digital service providers was approved by the bicameral conference committee on June 27 and is now awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Mr. Claudio said the measure could result in a pushback from consumers, though the government must address the revenue it has been forgoing.

“It deprives the government of the revenue. And, because the traditional retailers are losing out to online, over time, our sales will fall. And, when our sales fall, our tax declarations will also go down,” he said.

“Our appeal is for leveling the playing field. It’s up to the government whether they want to earn revenue or not. Because you can just imagine how much revenue the government is losing out on simply because it cannot impose VAT on foreign merchants,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

NGCP fined P3.5M over delayed transmission projects

September 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

electric pylon tower — ANDREY METELEV-UNSPLASH

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has imposed a fine of P3.5 million on the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) over its failure to meet the timelines set for 10 transmission projects.

The regulator cited “unjustified delays in implementing CAPEX (capital expenditure) projects,” according to a statement issued on Saturday, detailing a decision made on June 25 and promulgated on Aug. 31.

The ERC said that the NGCP failed to meet the approved project timelines of the Baloi-Kauswagan-Aurora 230-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project (Phase 2) – (Kauswagan-Lala 230-kV T/L Project), the Pagbilao EHV (extra high voltage) Substation Project, the Antipolo EHV Substation Project, the Tuy (Calaca) – Dasmariñas 500-kV T/L Project, the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu Transmission Project, the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kV Backbone Project Stage 3, and the Tacurong-Kalamansig 69-kV Line.

The ERC said that a separate decision covering 27 more CAPEX projects covered by the investigation will be issued separately.

In its decision, the ERC cited the grid operator’s obligation to adhere to the project timelines approved by the ERC when it applied for the CAPEX projects.

“It must be emphasized that this is not an issue of whether or not these CAPEX projects have a rate impact to the consumers because any delay and unrealized CAPEX project is prejudicial to the public,” the regulator said.

“This is especially true for NGCP’s CAPEX projects since (NGCP) serves as the sole concessionaire for the operation of the transmission system. Any inexcusable delay on these projects will have a far-reaching impact on our nation’s electric power quality, reliability, security and affordability,” it added.

The ERC said that the delays to the CAPEX projects could affect the grid’s ability to absorb new capacity, “ultimately affecting public interest.”

Asked to comment, NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza said: “We confirm receipt of the ERC’s Decision dated June 25, 2024 yesterday, Aug. 30, 2024.”

“We are studying the issuance and our legal options under applicable laws, rules and regulations,” she said via Viber.

The ERC said that “any motion for reconsideration of the decision will not prevent the said decision from becoming executory, unless otherwise ordered by the commission.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Gov’t borrowing up 43% in July

September 1, 2024 | 7:50 pm

THE National Government’s (NG) gross borrowing rose 43% year on year in July as the budget deficit widened in recent months, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said.

The BTr reported that gross borrowing in July rose to P188.65 billion from P131.94 billion a year earlier.

Month on month, gross borrowing rose 27.32% from June.

Nearly all of July’s gross borrowing (95.73%) was domestically sourced.

Domestic debt rose 63.43% year on year to P180.59 billion in July.

Gross domestic borrowing for the month included P155 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds and P25.59 billion in Treasury bills (T-bills).

Gross external borrowing declined 62.39% year on year to P8.06 billion in July, the BTr said.

In the seven months to July, gross borrowing rose 15.49% to P1.76 trillion. Some 84.34% was borrowed from domestic sources.

Gross domestic borrowing rose 30.69% year on year to P1.48 trillion at the end of July.

Domestic debt during the period consisted of P764.21 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P584.86 billion in retail Treasury bonds, and P134.66 billion in T-bills.

On the other hand, external gross borrowing dropped 28.98% to P275.48 billion in the seven months to June.

This consisted of P115.25 billion in global bonds, P100.5 billion in program loans, and P59.73 billion in new project loans.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said widening budget deficits required the government to borrow more.

In the first seven months, the NG’s budget deficit widened 7.2% year on year to P642.8 billion.

Debt service costs also rose amid the peso’s continued weakness since 2022, Mr. Ricafort said.

The peso closed at P58.365 at the end of July, strengthening by 24 centavos from the end of June, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

“For the coming months, further local and Fed rate cuts and a stronger peso recently could help reduce the NG’s debt service costs, but (debt remains) a function of the budget deficit trend for the coming months,” Mr. Ricafort said via Viber.

Last month, the Monetary Board eased interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25%, from an over 17-year high of 6.5%.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could deliver another 25-bp rate cut in the fourth quarter, Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said.

The Federal Reserve could begin its easing cycle as early as this month, Chairman Jerome H. Powell said on Aug. 23.

“Higher borrowing can be typically attributed to lagging revenue collection in the course of the fiscal year, as revenue becomes insufficient to cover the expenditure requirements of government,” Terry L. Ridon, a lawyer and convenor at think tank InfraWatch PH, said via Viber.

“However, for as long as government keeps within or close to the 60% standard of debt-to-GDP ratio, it should not be a serious cause of concern,” he said.

The NG’s debt-to-GDP ratio was 60.9% at the end of June. This is above the 60% threshold deemed manageable for developing countries, according to international development banks.

Despite this, the government should find ways to keep its borrowings within the threshold, Mr. Ridon added.

The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 60.6% by the end of 2024 from 60.1% in 2023, BTr said.

This year’s borrowing plan is set at P2.57 trillion, with P1.92 trillion from domestic sources and P646.08 billion from foreign sources, according to the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing data. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Gov’t urged to encourage private sector investment in schools charging low fees

September 1, 2024 | 7:50 pm

teacher-students-classroom — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE GOVERNMENT should encourage investment in schools by charging affordable tuition to improve access to education, a congressional think tank said.

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) said in a report: “Encouraging conglomerates to invest in low-fee schools and bring their presence in areas where there are limited basic private schools may have the potential to effectively augmenting access to… quality education.”

“Government partnership with low-fee schools may also attract more low-income families to consider transferring their children to private schools,” it added.

The government is spending around P32 billion per year in private school subsidies under the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE) program, providing low-income learners access to quality education, according to the paper.

Filipino students were among the world’s weakest in math, reading, and science, according to the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment. The Philippines ranked 77^th out of 81 countries and performed worse than the global average in all categories.

However, students enrolled in private schools fared significantly better compared to public school students, the CPBRD said.

“The contribution of the private education becomes even more increasingly significant in light of the government’s limited fiscal space to ensure the provision of full access to quality education,” it said.

Encouraging low-income families to enroll their children in private schools requires the government to support the development of low-fee schools via subsidies.

“Quality low-fee schools can be prioritized by the government as grantees of ESC (Educational Service Contracting) and VP (Voucher Programs), subject to standard qualification requirements,” it stated.

“Continuous development and government support to the private education sector are indispensable in the promotion… (of) greater access to quality education,” it added.

The government should also look at exploring public-private partnerships to support further improvement in the education sector.

“The government may also explore and consider other forms of complementary partnership with private education which are not limited to direct subsidies to students, teachers, and schools,” according to the CPBRD. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

How digital transformations can drive organizational success

September 1, 2024 | 7:48 pm

IN BRIEF:

• Companies can keep pace with rapid technological advancements by embracing digital transformation, upskilling employees to work with AI, and ensuring cybersecurity to protect digital assets.

• The success of digital transformation is closely tied to human emotions, necessitating leaders who prioritize empathy and a people-focused approach.

• Organizational agility, clear governance, and data governance are key to navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

In the digital age, businesses are compelled to continuously innovate and adapt to maintain their competitive edge. The advent of groundbreaking technologies is disrupting traditional practices, compelling companies to undergo digital transformation — a complex process that requires substantial investment.

This transformation goes beyond merely adopting the latest technologies; it necessitates bridging the skills gap. As artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence, there’s a growing need for a workforce adept at integrating AI into its workflows, mirroring the agility of startups that rapidly modify apps based on user feedback.

Cybersecurity is equally critical, with data breaches underscoring the importance of safeguarding digital assets as fervently as one would secure a physical storefront. Furthermore, robust governance policies provide the strategic direction needed to navigate the digital domain, akin to a CEO’s decisive investment in blockchain for enhanced supply chain transparency.

Digital transformation is a concrete shift in business operations, using technology to transform processes and services. EY exemplifies this with its EY Digital Audit, which integrates three platforms: EY Canvas, EY Helix, and EY Atlas.

These platforms have transformed EY’s auditing process. EY Canvas facilitates global team and client collaboration, EY Helix employs advanced analytics on financial data, and EY Atlas acts as a digital repository for current accounting standards and insights. The EY Digital Audit helps ensure that EY firms around the world provide a consistent audit across more than 150 countries, linking over 120,000 EY professionals.

When executed effectively, digital transformation reshapes the entire business ecosystem, yielding enhanced results for clients and stakeholders.

UNPACKING THE DIGITAL INVESTMENT INDEX (DII)
The EY-Parthenon Digital Investment Index reveals a surge in digital investments as companies race to launch tech-driven offerings. A significant 55% of executives report digital upgrades boosting customer experience. From 2020 to 2022, firms reaping benefits from cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies jumped by 54%, reflecting a trend towards AI and machine learning to enhance customer interactions and gather insights. However, those lagging in adapting strategies risk falling behind.

These findings highlight certain factors that underpin successful digital transformations: leadership, capacity, agility, data and cybersecurity, and clear governance.

HUMAN-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP IN DIGITAL CHANGE
EY Teams and Oxford’s Saïd Business School research highlights the crucial role of human emotions in digital transformation success across various sectors. It points to the importance of empathetic leadership that prioritizes people to enhance performance and drive growth. Leaders should champion technology while ensuring its smooth incorporation into everyday tasks. They must foster innovation, adopt new technologies, and safeguard employee well-being to stimulate change from the ground up.

EY exemplifies this by embracing remote working technologies, with leaders integrating tools like Microsoft Teams to facilitate seamless remote collaboration, mirroring the effectiveness of in-person engagement. EY wavespace™ centers embody EY’s commitment to innovation, providing a collaborative space for teams to explore technologies like AI and blockchain, fostering a culture that values tech integration and employee well-being for digital transformation.

EMPOWERING THE WORKFORCE FOR THE AI REVOLUTION
The EY 2023 Work Reimagined Survey reveals that 84% of employers expect their employees to engage with generative AI (GenAI). To capitalize on GenAI’s capabilities, companies must prioritize extensive training, ensuring their teams not only use new tools but also possess a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in them. In the face of digital evolution, closing the skills gap and providing upskilling avenues is essential for enhancing workforce competencies.

This investment in human capital is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Customized learning and development (L&D) programs are key, preparing employees to adeptly manage and exploit digital advancements like GenAI. Cultivating a culture of ongoing learning and flexibility enables organizations to become more robust and positions them to navigate the future of work with a workforce that is agile and digitally savvy.

Recognizing and unlocking the full potential of the workforce is essential for any organization’s digital evolution. This leadership approach ensures that technology serves people and not the other way around, paving the way for a transformation that is both progressive and human-centered.

CULTIVATING AGILE ENTERPRISES
In the face of technological evolution, the agility of an organization is paramount for successful digital transformations. Companies must be adaptable and forward-thinking, swiftly converting emerging trends into chances for growth. Agility is also anchored in data-centric decision-making. By harnessing data analytics, organizations can discover valuable insights that inform strategic choices and propel digital initiatives.

A flexible business and tech framework is essential for supporting transformation efforts. However, many companies grapple with legacy systems, inflexible structures, and compartmentalized operations. Leaders must focus on harmonizing their tech infrastructure with their overarching business goals to foster a responsive and integrated environment.

EY demonstrates agility through its adaptive approach to business and technology. The firm actively replaces legacy systems with scalable cloud-based solutions, allowing for a more flexible and integrated tech infrastructure. This shift enables EY to respond quickly to market changes and client needs.

MAXIMIZING DATA POTENTIAL WITH ROBUST SECURITY
As digital strategies advance, organizations face increased risks of cyberthreats and data breaches. To counter this, they must deploy comprehensive cybersecurity measures, robust data protection tools, and stringent privacy protocols. Data is the cornerstone of technological progress and must be managed with strategic care and caution.

Safeguarding data is only part of the equation — effective data governance is also essential for organizations to unlock the full value of their digital assets. This means not only protecting data from external threats but also ensuring its quality, accessibility, and ethical use within the organization. With the right governance framework, companies can confidently leverage their data to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.

IMPLEMENTING CLEAR GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKS
The intricate nature of any transformation demands substantial resources. Amidst this complexity, there’s a danger of straying from the initial business goals, potentially slowing progress or even sidetracking the entire transformation effort. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial for organizations to define their desired business outcomes from the outset.

Leaders play a pivotal role in crafting and enforcing detailed governance policies and a decision-centric operating model. By doing so, they provide a clear roadmap that aligns the transformation process with the organization’s strategic objectives, ensuring that every step contributes to the momentum needed to achieve a successful transformation.

CHARTING THE DIGITAL COURSE
Staying competitive means embracing innovation. Leaders must ensure digital transformations are in sync with their immediate and future objectives, including a commitment to long-term strategies and a focus on people. Awareness of employee well-being, tech progress, and emerging cybersecurity threats is key to adapting digital strategies amid new challenges.

Crucial to this journey are effective leadership, talent empowerment, agility, cybersecurity, and definitive governance. By valuing these elements, organizations can navigate the digital terrain, secure ongoing success, and maintain a competitive edge.

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

Ryan Gilbert K. Chua is the business consulting leader and technology assurance leader of SGV & Co.

Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan gets another Paralympics glory crack

September 1, 2024 | 7:15 pm

PARIS — Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan is taking no chances in his farewell event at the 17^th Paralympic Games.

Mr. Gawilan missed the medal race of the men’s 200-meter individual medley SM7 and he intends to atone for that lost opportunity by giving his all in the 400m freestyle S7 race on Monday at the Paris La Defense Arena here.

He’s Asia’s best in the said event, capturing the gold medal twice in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia and the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China.

Mr. Gawilan lacked both legs since birth along with an underdeveloped left arm.

He reached the wall sixth in his heat during the 200m IM preliminaries, missing the chance for a medal.

Mr. Gawilan, a four-time Asian Para Games gold medalist, has been bunched with Argentina’s Inaki Basiloff, Ukraine’s Andrii Trusov, Cuba’s Yosjaniel Hernandez Velez and Yurii Shenhur, another Ukranian, in the 400m freestyle.

Mr. Basiloff nosed out Mr. Trusov for the gold medal in their 200m IM encounter over the weekend.

Para swimming coach Tony Ong said he expected Mr. Gawilan to qualify to the 200m IM final but faced problems during the breaststroke sequence of the event and didn’t force his way.

“Anyway, we tried to use this event as part of the tuneup for his favorite event, the 400m free on Monday,’’ said Mr. Ong.

Should Mr. Gawilan get through the heats, the medal race for the 400m free is set early Tuesday morning.

As the Games approach the halfway mark, the Philippines have four more athletes capable of delivering a medal in the nation’s campaign facilitated by the Philippine Paralympic Committee and fully backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Para swimmer Angel Mae Otom will open her bid in the women’s 50m backstroke S5 on Tuesday and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan steps into the Stade de France anew for the qualifying heats of the men’s 100m T52 race on Thursday.

Ms. Otom, a triple-gold medalist in the 2023 Asean Para Games, gets another crack at a medal in the women’s 50m butterfly S5 on Friday, after which Cendy Asusano closes out the Philippine campaign in the women’s javelin throw F54 on Saturday. — PSC

Gilas U18 boys battle Indonesia in Amman, Jordan

September 1, 2024 | 7:14 pm

AND the journey to the FIBA U19 World Cup starts Monday.

In a bid to follow the steps of their senior and sibling squads, Gilas Pilipinas youth ushers in its campaign in the FIBA Under 18 (U18) Asia Cup against rival Indonesia Monday at the As Salt Arena Complex in Amman, Jordan.

Game time is at 9:30 p.m. (Monday Manila time) with the Filipino boys, ranked No. 25 in the world, eyeing a flying start against No. 73 Indonesia in Group D that also features No. 27 New Zealand and No. 51 Jordan.

The Philippines takes on Jordan next on early Wednesday before wrapping up pool campaign versus New Zealand late Wednesday evening, both Manila times.

Gilas has to finish first in the group to clinch an outright quarterfinal ticket that would shore up its bid to qualify in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, where only the Top 4 from Asia will advance.

At home, Gilas men last year participated in the 2023 FIBA World Cup for the third straight edition as Gilas U16 snapped a 5-year drought to make it back to the FIBA U17 World Cup held this year in Turkey.

This time, the wards of coach Josh Reyes are brimming with confidence they can follow suit especially with star guard Andy Gemao leading the way.

A former Letran Squire in the NCAA, Mr. Gemao towed the Nationals to a 3-0 sweep of the SEABA Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur to barge into the Asian championship as one of the teams to beat.

With Mr. Gemao at helm, Gilas pummeled its Southeast Asian neighbors with an average winning margin of 27.3 points after blowout wins against Indonesia, 87-64, host Malaysia, 97-71, and Thailand, 87-54.

Gilas is a heavy favorite to score a repeat win against Indonesia today in preparation for expected tough duels against the hosts and New Zealand.

If Gilas fails to finish atop of Group D, it will still have a chance in the qualification featuring second and third-ranked squads as the bottom squad gets the boot. — John Bryan Ulanday

DigiPlus, ArenaPlus pay tribute to Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic achievement with P5-M cash gift

September 1, 2024 | 7:14 pm

DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. together with ArenaPlus, proudly celebrated Carlos Yulo’s historic victories at the 2024 Paris Olympics by presenting him with a P5-million cash gift during a grand media event, dubbed “Astig Ka, Carlos”

Held last Aug. 31 at Cinema 11 of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, this event offered the public a chance to honor Mr. Yulo’s remarkable dedication, talent, and hard work, recognizing his monumental achievement of winning two gold medals for the Philippines, for Men’s Vault and Men’s Floor artistic gymnastics.

After showcasing his extraordinary capabilities and setting a new benchmark for Filipino athletes on the world stage, DigiPlus, with Arena Plus, gave Mr. Yulo a well-deserved warm welcome through the Astig Ka, Carlos Press Conference.

Eusebio H. Tanco, chairman of DigiPlus, expressed his admiration, saying, “Carlos” victories at the Paris Olympics are not just personal triumphs; they are a beacon of hope and possibility for every aspiring Filipino athlete dreaming of making their mark on the world stage.

He adds, “DigiPlus is immensely proud to support champions like Carlos (Yulo), whose relentless pursuit of excellence embodies the spirit of the Filipino people.”

Meanwhile Mr. Yulo expressed his gratitude to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for their unwavering support. “I’m deeply grateful to DigiPlus and ArenaPlus for celebrating this win with me, and recognizing my perseverance. Success does not come overnight — it is made possible with the support of those who believe in you. I’m honored to have incredible partners by my side as we chase dreams for the Philippines.”

The grand celebration began with a tribute audio video presentation showcasing Mr. Yulo’s breathtaking winning moments.

Hosted by Sean Kyle Ortega, the press conference was opened with remarks from Mr. Tanco, who highlighted the significance of Mr. Yulo’s achievements to the Filipino people.

Shortly after, Mr. Yulo was presented with a P5-million reward and a plaque of appreciation, as symbols of gratitude for the honor he brought to the country.

Various proud citizens also shared their messages of congratulations and support to Mr. Yulo, in another tribute video played during the event.

Mr. Yulo then delivered an inspiring speech, sharing his journey, and the joy of achieving his dreams.

In the press conference, DigiPlus announced the renewal of Mr. Yulo’s contract with ArenaPlus, a partnership that reflects the company’s continued support as Mr. Yulo moves forward in his athletic career.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer (Q&A) session, where Mr. Yulo answered questions from the media and engaged with his fans.

“Carlos’ success is a powerful reminder that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, Filipinos can achieve greatness. At DigiPlus, we are deeply committed to empowering not just Carlos, but other aspiring athletes who strive to make their dreams a reality,” Mr. Tanco shares.

Improving Wings brace for battle vs Caitlin Clark, Fever

September 1, 2024 | 7:13 pm

IF IT was not already, Sunday afternoon’s clash between the host Dallas Wings and the Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever has ventured into must-watch territory at Arlington, Texas.

While the Fever have been one of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) top draws in 2024, Dallas’ late-season move from the cellar into contention for a playoff spot has its own built-in drama.

The Wings (9-22) are finally healthy and playing their best basketball after extending their winning streak to three games with in an impressive 94-76 home victory over playoff-bound Minnesota on Friday. Arike Ogunbowale scored 25 points and Satou Sabally added 18 for Dallas.

Natasha Howard scored 17 points and Teaira McCowan collected 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Wings, who limited the WNBA’s top 3-point shooting team to just 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.

The Wings reside two games out of the postseason with nine to play and are growing into a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.

The Fever (16-16) have won three straight and seven of their last nine and are currently qualified for one of the four remaining playoff spots. — Reuters

Sinner secures safe passage at US Open as Swiatek rolls on

September 1, 2024 | 7:13 pm

NEW YORK — Jannik Sinner reached the fourth round of the US Open, avoiding the fate as his main rivals, while fellow top seed Iga Swiatek gained momentum in her bid for a sixth Grand Slam title after a pep talk from Serena Williams on Saturday.

With defending champion Novak Djokovic forced out by a shock loss to Alexei Popyrin in the third round on Friday and another title contender, Carlos Alcaraz, stunned by Botic van de Zandschulp in round two a day earlier, all eyes were on Mr. Sinner.

The Italian, who has managed the intense scrutiny following a doping controversy in the build-up to the tournament, thumped Christopher O’Connell 6-1 6-4 6-2 to underline his credentials as the outright favorite at the year’s final major.

Up next for the Australian Open champion is Tommy Paul, who is among a group of players keen to end a 21-year American wait for a homegrown major winner, since Andy Roddick claimed the title in New York.

Mr. Paul, the 14^th seed, recovered from a first-set wobble to overcome Canadian Gabriel Diallo 6-7(5) 6-3 6-1 7-6(3).

His compatriot and sixth seed Jessica Pegula advanced in the women’s draw with a 6-3 6-3 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, but Ashlyn Krueger crashed 6-1 6-1 to Liudmila Samsonova.

French Open champion Ms. Swiatek later swatted aside Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-2 with a near-flawless performance after a chat with 23-times major winner Ms. Williams, who returned to the US Open as a fan having stepped away from tennis in 2022.

Roland Garros and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini beat Yulia Putintseva 6-3 6-4 as the diminutive Italian continued to fly under the radar, but she could face a big hurdle with Czech Karolina Muchova up next. — Reuters

Clock ticking

September 1, 2024 | 7:13 pm

Novak Djokovic did not mince words in criticizing his own performance following his shocking exit in the United States Open. It wasn’t simply that he had his worst showing at Flushing Meadows since 2006. It was that he bowed out in a whimper; his four-set defeat at the hands of 28^th seed Alexei Popyrin was a master class in how not to compete against an opponent he had already beaten in three previous meetings. “It was just an awful match for me. I wasn’t playing even close to my best.” Talk about an understatement.

The irony, of course, was that Djokovic arrived at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in high spirits. He had just come off a successful run at the Paris Games, thereby cementing his status as the best of the best of all time. And, outside of the momentum he generated as a result, he was at his fittest for the year. The torn meniscus in his right knee that required him to go under the knife in late June was fully healed, and he appeared confident in his chances to take a record 25^th Grand Slam title.

Unfortunately, Djokovic came nowhere close to being at his best. Perhaps the truncated schedule also affected him the way it did Olympic silver medalist Carlos Alcaraz, who failed to survive the second round. As he explained in his post-mortem, “It’s not good to be in that kind of state where you feel okay physically, and of course you’re motivated because it’s a Grand Slam, but you just are not able to find your game.“ And he was on the mark; by the time he shook hands with Popyrin at the net, he had amassed a whopping 14 double faults along with a bevy of uncharacteristic missed shots.

In any case, the bout with futility has left Djokovic without a major this season. Interestingly, he last held an empty bag seven years ago, and seven years before that. To argue that the clock is ticking for him would be to highlight the obvious. If there’s anything his immediate past experience has showed, it’s that he has, at 37, become increasingly susceptible to the vagaries of Father Time. He’s now swimming against the current, and how much longer he can delay the inevitable remains to be seen.

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

Israel recovers bodies of six hostages in Gaza

September 1, 2024 | 5:41 pm

JERUSALEM — Israel recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza where they were apparently killed not long before Israeli troops reached them, the military said on Sunday.

“According to our initial estimation, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists a short time before we reached them,” military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters in a briefing.

Days earlier, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a member of the Bedouin community in southern Israel, was rescued about a kilometer away, the military said.

The Israeli military said the bodies of Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino had been brought to Israel.

US President Joseph R. Biden, who has closely followed the fate of the hostages seized on Oct. 7, said the six included Israeli American Mr. Goldberg-Polin.

“I am devastated and outraged,” Mr. Biden said in a statement issued by the White House.

After Mr. Alkadi was located, Israeli troops were told to be more cautious because of the likelihood that there might be other hostages in the area, but there had been no precise information on the location of the hostages, Mr. Hagari said.

Hamas and its armed wing did not immediately comment on the accusations.

At least 40,691 Palestinians have been killed and 94,060 injured in Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the enclave’s health ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The war was triggered when Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

On Saturday, clashes broke out between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank as Israel pushed ahead with a military operation in the flashpoint city of Jenin. Hundreds of Israeli troops have been carrying out raids since Wednesday in one of their largest actions in the West Bank in months.

Mr. Goldberg-Polin, captured at a music festival near Gaza, appeared in a video released by Hamas in late April.

“He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world,” Mr. Biden said. His parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, “have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable,” Mr. Biden said.

“They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions. I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express,” the president said.

Mr. Biden vowed that “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement, “I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world. Ms. Harris, the Democratic candidate running to succeed Mr. Biden, said she and he would never waver in their commitment to free the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza.

Earlier, speaking to reporters in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Mr. Biden said he was “still optimistic,” about a ceasefire deal to stop the conflict.

“I think we’re on the verge of having an agreement,” he said. “It’s time this war ended.”

Mr. Biden added that “people are continuing to meet.”

“We think we can close the deal, they’ve all said they agree on the principles.” — Reuters