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Prices rise on 43% of Christmas-feast items

PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said 43.2% of the items on its list of ingredients for the traditional Christmas feast, known as the Noche Buena, reflected increased prices.

The DTI’s 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide covered 236 stock keeping units (SKUs) from 22 manufacturers. Of these, prices for 102 SKUs rose, while those for 121 SKUs were unchanged and those for 13 SKUs declined.

According to the DTI, prices were stable for certain brands of ham, fruit cocktail, the domestic variety of Edam cheese known as queso de bola, sandwich spread, cheese, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and all-purpose cream.

“Additionally, the 13 SKUs with price reductions include selected brands of mayonnaise, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, and all-purpose cream,” it added.

All fruit cocktail SKUs showed higher prices, as did some brands of ham, cheese, all-purpose cream, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce.

“This year’s Noche Buena Price Guide demonstrates the DTI’s commitment to empowering Filipino families to make informed choices,” Acting Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.

“By publishing this price guide, the DTI urges consumers to compare prices and select products that best fit their budget and preferences for the holiday season,” she added.

The DTI said that the prices listed in the price guide will remain effective until Dec. 31.

The list gave a price range for ham of P170 to P928.50, queso de bola P210 to P445, fruit cocktail P61.76 to P302.5, cheese P56.50 to P310, mayonnaise P20.40 to P245.85, and sandwich spread P27 to P263.

The range given for all-purpose cream was P36.50 to P72, spaghetti P32 to P114, elbow macaroni P30.50 to P126.25, tomato sauce P16.50 to P92.85, salad macaroni P36.50 to P126.25, and spaghetti sauce P28.50 to P103. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL renewables project pipeline leads region, but commitment to gas signals long transition — CEED

THE PHILIPPINES has the strongest renewable energy (RE) project pipeline in Southeast Asia, according to a report, though banks’ appetite for financing gas and coal-fired projects remains strong.

A report released by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) on the region’s RE and coal financing said the Philippines and Vietnam led the region’s RE expansion, particularly in solar and wind, with a total planned capacity of 160.8 gigawatts (GW) and 131 GW, respectively.

But the Philippines, after Vietnam, also had the most gas-fired power plants in the pipeline, with the two countries accounting for 62% of the total planned capacity in the region.

The Philippines, which is grappling with the dwindling domestic supply of gas, has 7.7 GW of future capacity announced, 2.0 GW under construction, 14.0 GW dormant, and 18.7 GW in the pre-construction stage, according to the report.

Vietnam, which has the most planned gas power plants, has 23.0 GW announced, 3.1 GW under construction, 12.0 GW dormant, and 17.6 GW in pre-construction, it said.

The Verde Island Passage — a stretch of water between Batangas and Mindoro — has been the center of fossil gas expansion in the Philippines, hosting five existing fossil gas plants, 10 proposed gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants, and two operating LNG import terminals, with three more in the pipeline, according to the report.

The Philippines considers natural gas, which is not a renewable energy source as it comes from a non-replenishing source, as a transition fuel to meet its climate goals.

But CEED said the volume of planned gas projects suggests a long-term commitment to fossil gas that “extends well beyond any reasonable transition timeline,” noting that increasing reliance on natural gas runs counter to the Global Methane Pledge’s goal of 30% emissions reduction by 2030.

It said each power plant represents potential methane leakage points across the gas supply chain, from production and transportation to storage and combustion.

Gas commissioning hit its highest in 2016 at 7.3 GW and then in 2021 at 6.1 GW.

“Without reconsideration of these expansion plans, Southeast Asia’s gas infrastructure boom could undermine global efforts to curb methane emissions, one of the most potent contributors to near-term climate warming,” according to the report.

It said Southeast Asia’s gas import capacity has drastically risen since 2016 reaching 35.11 million metric tons this year, “with the Philippines emerging as the biggest developer of import terminals.”

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Thailand continued to lead the development of gas-fired power plants with 15.9 GW total capacity, up 2.2 GW since September 2023.

It was followed by Malaysia with 7.9 GW of commissioned gas power plants, and Indonesia with 7.1 GW. 

“The remaining countries make up the rest of the 2.3 GW. Although the rate of development of gas power plants post-Paris varies in gravity, it remains consistently increasing, especially in Thailand,” the report noted.

The report said the Philippine RE expansion is threatened by at least 105 contract terminations, due to proponents’ failure to obtain permits or conduct grid impact studies.

It said the grid’s inability to absorb RE capacity threatens the transition to a RE-based power system.

Philippine banks have been significant contributors in coal-fired expansion, according to the report, providing $6.3 billion in loans and underwriting to Philippine-based companies that have been expanding their coal generation portfolios.

“The Bank of the Philippine Islands and Banco de Oro are the top Philippine banks financing the coal industry and are ranked 11th and 13th in the region, respectively, with combined financing of $3.4 billion.”

The report said Indonesian banks have been the top source of coal financing among Southeast Asian banks, providing $8.9 billion since 2016.

Indonesian banks were also the top source of coal financing since the start of the decade, providing $4.2 billion or 33% of the financing channeled since 2020, “with partial 2024 numbers already surpassing the 2023 financing flows.”

Bank Mandiri was the biggest financial institution in Southeast Asia financing coal, followed by other state-owned banks — Bank Negara Indonesia and Bank Rakyat Indonesia, with their financing contribution exceeding $1 billion.

The report noted that state-owned companies are leading the coal capacity surge in Southeast Asia.

Asian firms are the biggest developers of coal plants commissioned from 2016 to 2024, it added.

It said countries whose power sector is primarily run by the government have state-owned companies pushing coal development, with Indonesia’s PT PLN, Vietnam Electricity, PetroVietnam Power, and Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Bhd being among the biggest developers in the region.

Japan’s financing institutions, meanwhile, accounted for 23% of the total coal financing in the region, primarily through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Other Japanese banks that significantly bankrolled the region’s coal dependence include SMBC, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, and Mizuho Financial — all among the biggest financiers of fossil fuels globally since 2016, according to the report.

Chinese banks account for about 11% of the coal financing in the region, through Bank of China, China Development Bank, China Eximbank, and China Construction Bank.

But since the pronouncement of President Xi Jinping of China, the Philippines’ largest trade partner, before COP26 of zeroing Chinese overseas coal projects in line with the country’s carbon neutrality target, Chinese banks who had been funneling sizeable money for Southeast Asia’s coal “ceased project financing by 2021, with small traces of corporate financing,” the report noted.

“Global North financial institutions are among the top shareholders and bondholders of local companies and financial institutions heavily involved in coal development,” the report said, adding that Western financial institutions have also historically provided significant support for Southeast Asia’s coal.

It said while US banks like Citigroup, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UBS, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays, have announced they will no longer finance coal, “their policies mainly only cover project financing, allowing them to continue supporting coal through underwriting services.”

The report said while Indonesian banks are among the top banks financing the coal industry in the region, their biggest shareholders include Western institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Vanguard, and HSBC, “showing the sustained presence of the Global North in domestic financing.”

While international commitments have significantly reduced traditional financing sources, the region adapted through domestic market development, it added. “This evolution suggests both challenges and opportunities in managing the energy transition.”

“Still, coal financing flows in Southeast Asia expose misalignment between regional climate commitments and financial sector behavior,” according to CEED.

“Major international financial institutions continue to channel significant money flows into domestic developers and financial institutions through shares and bonds and raise capital to fund coal projects in the region, which perpetuate fossil lock-in, delayed climate action, high electricity prices, and regional air quality impacts,” it said.

“The continued financial support to the coal industry has created artificially sustained coal economics, undermining renewable energy competitiveness.”

The Philippines has been chosen to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), a United Nations financing mechanism that will benefit countries vulnerable to climate change, including the host country itself.

The selection followed efforts by the Marcos administration to promote the Philippines as committed to the global green transition.

Mr. Marcos has positioned himself as a climate leader, citing the need for sustainable practices.

A 2024 Green Economy Report for Southeast Asia led by Bain & Co. said the Philippines saw a 57% increase in “green” investments to $1.46 billion in 2023, but still falls short of the over $16 billion in required capital investments needed for its green transition. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

World Bank approves amendments to terms of NCR flood management loan

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE World Bank said it approved amendments to the loan agreement for the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, including the cancellation of $22.67 million due to adjusted costings.

In a document addressed to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, the World Bank said the original cost estimate for the project was $207.60 million, which has been reduced to $184.94 million.

The loan now funds feasibility studies, the detailed design and construction of a centralized material recovery facility, and the rehabilitation and improvement of existing decentralized material recovery facilities.

The document also contained a new plan to “carry out neighborhood-level activities near the pumping stations and waterways and drainage channels as targeted in the first component.”

It also extended the project’s closing date to Nov. 30, 2026, from the same date in 2024.

“The Bank hereby cancels, as of Aug. 7, 2024, the amount of $22,665,607.25 from the amounts allocated to Categories (1) and (2) set forth in the withdrawal table in Section IV.A.1 of Schedule 2 to the Loan Agreement,” Zafer Mustafaoglu, country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Harnessing the human element in cybersecurity

IN BRIEF:

• Recognizing employees as the cornerstone of cybersecurity, organizations must shift from tech-centric defenses to fostering a vigilant, security-aware culture.

• Comprehensive education and behavioral change strategies are essential to mitigate human-related security risks and reinforce a collective approach to cybersecurity.

• A balanced strategy that combines technological tools with human oversight and continuous cultural development is key to maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated and pervasive than ever. While companies invest heavily in advanced technology and security protocols, the most critical line of defense consists of their own employees. Despite having robust security measures in place, organizations frequently find themselves vulnerable due to human error, negligence, or a lack of awareness. This reality underscores the urgent need for a shift in focus — from solely relying on technology to cultivating a culture where every employee actively contributes to cybersecurity.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR
The prevalence of cyberthreats in our interconnected world is undeniable, and the assumption that technology alone can safeguard information security and privacy is a misconception. A security-conscious culture within an organization is essential to effectively complement and enhance the technical safeguards already in place.

IT risk management, therefore, must be a holistic practice that not only includes technological solutions but also addresses the human factors that significantly influence the security landscape.

HUMAN ERROR AND SECURITY BREACHES
Human error continues to be a significant contributor to security breaches, with recent statistics from the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report indicating that 68% of breaches involve some form of non-malicious human element. According to IBM, the financial repercussions are staggering, with the global average cost of each data breach in 2024 reaching $4.88 million — the highest total ever recorded. This figure reflects direct financial losses and encompasses the long-term reputational damage that organizations suffer following a breach.

Case studies from various industries have shown that breaches often stem from a lack of awareness or negligence, underscoring the importance of addressing human error as a critical component of cybersecurity strategies.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN CYBERSECURITY
Delving into the psychological and behavioral aspects of cybersecurity reveals that human actions are often the weakest link in security chains. Common risky behaviors such as password reuse, oversharing on social media, and susceptibility to phishing and social engineering attacks can significantly compromise an organization’s security. To effectively mitigate these risks, it is imperative to understand the underlying motivations and cognitive biases that drive such behaviors and to develop targeted strategies that promote secure practices.

To combat the risks associated with human behavior, organizations must implement comprehensive and continuous education programs that raise awareness about the dangers of insecure practices and actively engage employees in adopting and maintaining secure habits. These programs should be dynamic, incorporating real-life scenarios and practical exercises that resonate with employees and foster a sense of personal responsibility for cybersecurity.

SECURITY-CONSCIOUS CULTURE
Creating a security-conscious culture within an organization begins with the development of engaging and effective training programs. These programs should be designed to capture the attention of employees, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats. Leadership commitment is crucial in reinforcing the importance of these programs, ensuring that security awareness is not just a one-time event but an ongoing priority.

A human-centered approach to designing security processes and IT risk management is essential. By considering the user experience and incorporating principles of secure-by-design and human-centered design, organizations can create systems and processes that naturally encourage secure behaviors. The promotion of security champions within teams can also further embed security awareness into the fabric of business operations.

The responsibility for maintaining a secure environment extends beyond the cybersecurity function or the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). It is a collective responsibility that requires the engagement and participation of every employee. By instilling a culture where security is viewed as a shared obligation, organizations can create a more resilient and vigilant workforce capable of defending against cyberthreats.

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN OVERSIGHT
While technology plays a vital role in supporting good security habits through tools such as two-factor authentication and password managers, human oversight remains indispensable. Employees must be trained to understand the limitations of these tools and to remain vigilant in their daily activities, ensuring that security practices are consistently applied.

The balance between automating security processes and maintaining human oversight is particularly important in the context of Zero Trust models. These models, which integrate privacy, security, and cyber resilience, rely on a combination of technology and human insight to verify trustworthiness and manage access to sensitive resources.

Evaluating the effectiveness of security awareness programs is critical to ensuring that they are meeting their objectives. Organizations should employ strategies for continuous improvement, staying abreast of emerging threats and adapting their programs to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

SECURING THE FUTURE
Fostering a culture of security and privacy awareness is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation of every individual within an organization. By integrating the human element into IT risk management strategies, organizations can build a resilient defense against cyberthreats.

Continuous education and cultural evolution are imperative in promoting this balanced approach in risk management, ensuring that organizations remain vigilant and prepared to face the rapidly evolving cybersecurity challenges of the digital age.

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 authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Joseph Ian M. Canlas is a risk consulting partner and ASEAN core consulting quality leader, and Christiane Joymiel C. Say-Mendoza is a risk consulting partner, both of SGV & Co.

Sotto ‘good to go’ vs NZ after concussion

KAI SOTTO — FIBA

SEVEN-FOOT-THREE Kai Sotto has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas, raising the prospect of a twin-tower combo with June Mar Fajardo which has coach Tim Cone excited.

Mr. Sotto, according to team manager Richard del Rosario, is “good to go” for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers games against New Zealand on Thursday and Hong Kong on Sunday after clearing the concussion protocol.

The big man was placed on concussion watch by the Japan B.League after being hit in the head during the Koshigaya Alphas’ 80-72 win over Yokohama last week.

However, 6-foot-10 AJ Edu remains doubtful as he continues to undergo treatment for his right knee, which he hurt recently in the Nagasaki Velca’s 71-68 defeat to the Akita Northern Happinets.

Mr. Sotto’s presence is a big boost for Gilas as the Tall Blacks are coming in with a seven-footer and a couple of 6-foot-10 bigs in tow.

“They bring in a lot more size than they have in the past,” Mr. Cone said of New Zealand.

Mr. Cone, meanwhile, is thrilled to have both Mr. Fajardo and Mr. Sotto in the fold.

“The nice thing is that Kai and June Mar are developing a chemistry in which they can play together. And that’s really unusual to get two fives (centers) and allow them to play together,” he noted.

He credited this to Mr. Sotto’s versatility and willingness to sacrifice, describing his attitude as “I’m comfortable with the five but I will go play the four (power forward) and be uncomfortable so that June Mar can stay at the five.”

“It’s a really good rotation. We have the two of them that can play together. And then when June Mar rests, Kai can swing to the five. And when June Mar comes back, Kai can swing back to the four. And so we have a constant.

“And that was what was missing when we played (and lost to) Brazil in the semifinals of the OQT (Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia) when Kai got injured. We didn’t have that ability to do that. It was a tough road for June Mar. Kai’s presence makes it a lot easier,” he added. — Olmin Leyba

Old Gilas foe to lead Tall Blacks vs PHL in Asia Cup qualifiers

THERE’S a bit of nostalgia for New Zealand skipper Corey Webster as the Tall Blacks face Gilas Pilipinas on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).

Mr. Webster previously featured for the Tall Blacks when they played the Nationals and other NBA-bannered rivals back in 2016 in the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

And the 35-year-old shooting guard averaged 21.7 points a game in that past stint as New Zealand gave Tony Parker and France and Tristan Thompson and Canada a run for their money before absorbing close defeats in the group stage (59-66) and semifinals (72-78), respectively.

In their group game against the hosts then, Mr. Webster banged in 23 markers as the Kiwis defeated the Andre Blatche-led Filipinos before a 13,000-strong home crowd, 89-80.

Eight years later, Mr. Webster looks forward to playing the home squad in front of their passionate “sixth man” again.

“They turn out in their tens of thousands and pack their arenas and love their national team,” the seasoned 6-foot-2 gunner said on the website of Basketball New Zealand.

“Playing in Manila is something that not too many players get to experience. It is always amazing and to have a game over there in this window is a great experience for any player. I know it will be electric.”

Mr. Webster, who has won four championships in New Zealand, three in Australia and one in Africa, is among the biggest thorns Gilas is bracing for in the squad assembled by new coach Judd Flavell.

“He’s going to be a guy that we’re going to have to be attentive to,” said Philippine coach Tim Cone. “He can change a game. You know he gets hot, he gets rolling, he can really change the game.”

With Mr. Flavell and his crew on the first step of their journey, Mr. Cone expects the visiting team to play with high energy.

“I think this is their first game together, as a group. And I remember our first game when we played in Hong Kong (first window of the ACQ in February) and when we first got together. And there was a lot of excitement, a lot of energy, and we were raring to play. So we expect that from them as well,” said the Gilas mentor, who has been whipping the Nationals into fighting shape since Friday at their training camp in Laguna. — Olmin Leyba

Ateneo places 5th in Super League after beating Benilde in four sets

Game on Friday
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
6:30 p.m. – La Salle vs NU (championship)

ATENEO drubbed NCAA champion St. Benilde, 26-24, 25-16, 21-25, 25-23, to salvage fifth place in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Seasoned spiker Lyann de Guzman fired 20 points on 19 hits and an ace to lead the Blue Eagles, who are seeking redemption in UAAP Season 87 volleyball early next year.

She drew ample support from AC Miner and Geezel Tsunashima with 13 and nine points, respectively. Ms. Tsunashima scored two in the fourth set with back-to-back kills to fend off the Lady Blazers’ attempt to force a deciding fifth set.

“Sabi ko sa kanila ‘wag masyadong relax kasi nakikita ko na hindi ito ‘yung laro namin kapag nagti-training kami. Sabi ko lang ilaban lang nila, nandito kami magtutulungan para sa isa’t isa,” said Ms. De Guzman.

Ateneo, which swept the University of the East (UE) in the first phase of the classification rounds, replicated its best finish in the SSL in the inaugural edition in 2022.

Clydel Catarig (14), Zamantha Nolasco (11) and Mary Grace Borromeo (10) showed the way for St. Benilde en route to a gallant sixth-place finish as the only NCAA team in the SSL playoffs.

Meanwhile, UE secured the seventh spot with a 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 win over the University of the Philippines behind the potent trio of Jelai Gajero, Casiey Dongallo and KC Cepada.

Ms. Gajero had 17 points while Mses. Dongallo and Cepada added 16 and 14 points, respectively, to best the Maroons, who placed eight, led by Niña Ytang with nine points as well as Kassandra Doering and Kyrzten Cabasac with eight points each.

With the rankings below already settled, all eyes will now be on fierce rivals National U, the back-to-back champion, and unbeaten La Salle in the best-of-three finals starting Friday. — John Bryan Ulanday

Four teams still in contention for three NCAA chess semis slots

UNSPLASH/DANIEL STIEL

A DOGFIGHT among Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), Jose Rizal University (JRU), University of Perpetual Help (UPHSD) and College of St. Benilde for the last three Final Four slots (CSB) is looming in today’s ninth and final round in NCAA Season 100 Chess at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

LPU and JRU are currently Nos. 2 and 3 with 21.5 and 20 points, respectively, while UPHSD and CSB are at joint No. 4 with 19.5 points apiece.

But only three will advance after San Beda booked the first semis seat and the twice-to-beat incentive that went with it.

LPU is paired with Mapua, JRU with Arellano University, UPHSD with San Sebastian and CSB with San Beda.

The final elimination round was supposed to be played yesterday but was rescheduled due to Typhoon Pepito.

“We’re hoping to make it to the Final Four for the second time under my watch,” said JRU coach and FIDE Master Nelson Mariano III.

The Final Four is set tomorrow while an extra semis game, if necessary, is slated for Wednesday.

If not, the one-game finals will be played that day. — Joey Villar

Centeno dethroned in 10-Ball Worlds

CHEZKA CENTENO — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

CHEZKA CENTENO’S reign as world champion ended Saturday night when she fell to South Korean Seoa Seo, 4-1, 4-1, 1-4, 4-1, in the semis of the World Pool-Billiard Association 10-Ball Women’s Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It was a heartbreaking ending for the 25-year-old Filipino, who was seeking to achieve what no others before her have done — win the annual tournament back to back.

“Finishing in the top four is more than I expected and for that, I am truly grateful,” said Ms. Centeno, who reigned supreme in this same meet last year in Klagenfurt, Austria.

Ms. Seo eventually settled for second after succumbing to eventual champion Kristina Tkach of Russia, 1-4, 4-3, 3-4, 4-3, 4-0. — Joey Villar

Alcaraz relishing role in Nadal’s career farewell in Davis Cup

CARLOS ALCARAZ OF SPAIN — REUTERS

SPAIN’S Carlos Alcaraz said playing in Rafa Nadal’s career farewell in the Davis Cup Final Eight will be the most special event he will play in his career.

Mr. Nadal, who captured 22 Grand Slam titles in a glittering career, will make his final bow in the team event being staged in Malaga starting next week.

Spain will face the Netherlands in their opening match in what is likely to be a momentous occasion.

“It’s probably the most special tournament I’ll play in my career, because of what’s happening, because of the circumstances,” Mr. Alcaraz was quoted by the ATP website after arriving in Spain following his ATP Finals exit.

“The Davis Cup has always been a tournament that I’d love to win one day, I’m passionate about representing Spain. Having Rafa by my side, knowing it’s his last tournament, will make it much more special.”

The 21-year-old Mr. Alcaraz, who already owns four Grand Slam titles, played with Mr. Nadal at this year’s Paris Olympics, the pair losing in the quarterfinals.

“I’ll try to contribute and help the team any way I can — for me, for Spain and especially for Rafa,” Mr. Alcaraz said. “No player deserves more to finish the incredible career he had with a title, and I know how special the Davis Cup is for him. It will be a difficult challenge but winning it for Rafa is a huge motivation.”

Spain has won the Davis Cup six times, the last occasion in 2019 when Mr. Nadal inspired the hosts to the trophy in Madrid.

“Rafa’s farewell is much more important, at least for me,” Mr. Alcaraz said. “The Davis Cup is every year. Rafa’s farewell, saying goodbye to a legend of the sport, unfortunately only happens once. Personally I’m very excited to be by Rafa’s side for his farewell. And the fact that it’s in the Davis, which is a very important tournament for him, virtually where he started his career with that victory against (Andy) Roddick (in 2004).

“It will be an incredible event because of the occasion and hopefully it will end with the title.”

Davis Cup Final Eight action takes place in Malaga between Nov. 19 and Nov. 24. — Reuters

Bench depth saves the Lakers

Considering that the Lakers were burning rubber on the second night of a back-to-back set, it was fair to expect them to have less energy yesterday. Yet, it was evident from the get-go that they weren’t just physically handicapped. For some reason, they appeared to be mentally drained as well. To contend that it was inexcusable despite their fatigue would be an understatement. After all, the Pelicans likewise suffered from a quick turnaround following a hard-fought contest, and were further hampered by the absence of no less than six vital cogs.

In short, the Lakers were up against supposed patsies featuring overmatched players. As the set-to progressed, however, it was is if they had lead feet; they were routinely beaten off the boards and on so-called 50-50 balls, not to mention predisposed to committing inexplicable mistakes. They found themselves down early, and — with 39-year-old LeBron James looking sluggish with little rest — in danger of giving up an eminently winnable outing. And even when they managed to build a double-digit lead in the final quarter, they gave off a bad vibe.

Which, in a nutshell, was why the Lakers struggled to put the game away. Certainly, the Pelicans deserved no small measure of credit for plodding on regardless of the score, for taking the match a moment at a time, for utterly refusing to consider that a setback was preordained. In fact, they managed to take the lead with a little over two minutes left in the payoff period. The 18,761-strong crowd at the Smoothie King Center was on its feet and rejoicing; through sheer grit and determination, success was at hand.

In the final analysis, the Lakers walked away with victory only because they had depth. Even as they missed the services of Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jared Vanderbilt, they coaxed solid contributions out of such notables as Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, and Christian Koloko. And, of course, they had James, who made up for costly miscues and an uneven showing with timely baskets under pressure.

There will, of course, come a time when the Lakers get burned for playing with fire all too often. For now, though, they get to bask in the glory of five straight triumphs and nine overall in 13 encounters. Clearly bent on defending their In-Season Tournament title, they know well enough to ride the wave. All the same, they need to clean up their act, and fast. Else, their fourth-place standing in the highly competitive Western Conference will be exposed as nothing but a mirage.

 

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

Xi vows to work with Trump team as he meets Biden in Peru

U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California, U.S., Nov. 15, 2023. — REUTERS

LIMA — Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on Saturday to work with the incoming US administration of Donald J. Trump as he held his final talks with outgoing President Joseph R. Biden on conflicts from cyber crime to trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea and Russia.

Mr. Biden met Mr. Xi for about two hours at a hotel where the Chinese leader was staying, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, for their first talks in seven months.

“China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged” after Mr. Trump’s election, Mr. Xi said as he met Mr. Biden, acknowledging “ups and downs” between the countries. “China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences.”

Mr. Biden told Mr. Xi that the two leaders have not always agreed but their discussions have been “frank” and “candid.”

Two months before Mr. Trump returns to the White House, US officials see magnified risks of conflict during the transition. Mr. Biden told Mr. Xi that maintaining leader-to-leader talks would be vital even after he left office, said Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

The president-elect has vowed to adopt blanket 60% tariffs on US imports of Chinese goods as part of a package of America First trade measures. Beijing opposes those steps. The Republican also plans to hire several hawkish voices on China in senior roles, including US Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz as national security adviser.

Mr. Biden has aimed to lower tensions with China, and there were few signs of a breakthrough on the major issues.

But Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi did agree that human beings, not artificial intelligence, should make decisions over the use of nuclear weapons, according to the White House, the first time the countries are known to have raised the issue.

The US and Chinese presidents also talked about North Korea, an ally of China whose deepening ties with Russia and deployment of troops in Moscow’s war with Ukraine have raised concerns in Washington, Beijing and European capitals.

“President Biden pointed out that the (People’s Republic of China’s or PRC) publicly stated position with respect to the war in Ukraine is there should be no escalation, no broadening the conflict, and the introduction of (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) troops runs foursquare against that,” said Mr.  Sullivan.

“He also pointed out that the PRC does have influence and capacity, and should use it to try to prevent a further escalation or further expansion of the conflict with the introduction of even more DPRK forces.”

MAJOR ISSUES
Other major issues raised at the meeting included a recent China-linked hack of the telephone communications of US government and presidential campaign officials, stepped-up pressure by Beijing on Taiwan and in the South China Sea, as well as Chinese support for Russia. Mr. Biden also raised the cases of Americans he believes are wrongly detained in China.

On Taiwan, the leaders appear to have had a sharp exchange. Mr. Biden called for an end to Beijing’s “destabilizing” military activity around the island, the White House said.

Mr. Xi said the “‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities” of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te were incompatible with peace and stability there, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Mr. Lai plans to stop in the US state of Hawaii and maybe Guam on a sensitive visit that is sure to anger Beijing in the coming weeks, Reuters reported on Friday.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry thanked Mr. Biden for his comments, and said China was the troublemaker.

“China’s persistent military provocations around Taiwan are the greatest source of damage to regional peace and stability and a major threat to global economic prosperity,” it said in a statement.

Taiwan’s former Economy Minister Lin Hsin-i met Mr. Biden at the summit on Friday and invited him to visit Taiwan in the near future.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. The US is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims.

At the same time, Beijing’s economy is taking a stiff hit from Mr. Biden’s steps on trade, including a plan to restrict US investment in Chinese artificial intelligence, quantum computing and semiconductors, and export restrictions on high-end computer chips. Mr. Biden has described those steps as necessary for US national security reasons and said they do not impede most trade.

During the meeting, Mr. Xi said no evidence supported the claim of Chinese involvement in cyber attacks, according to Chinese state media. He also told Mr. Biden that Washington should not get involved in disputes in the Spratly Islands, the subject of a dispute between China and the US-allied Philippines.

Beijing has rejected a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which said its expansive maritime claims over the South China Sea had no legal basis, in a case that was brought by Manila.

“When the two countries treat each other as partner and friend, seek common ground while shelving differences and help each other succeed, our relationship would make considerable progress,” Mr. Xi told Mr. Biden through an interpreter. “But if we take each other as rivals or adversary, pursue vicious competition, and seek to hurt each other, we would roil the relationship or even set it back.”

The two leaders also privately reflected back on the blunt-spoken dynamics of their long relationship, said Sullivan, the US national security adviser.

Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international relations scholar, said China wants to ease tensions during the transition period. “China definitely does not want relations with the United States to be thrown into turmoil before Trump formally takes office,” said Mr. Shen.

Pacific Rim leaders gathered at the APEC summit are assessing the implications of Mr. Trump’s return to power on Jan. 20. The South American summit offers new signs of the challenges to the United States’ power in its own backyard, where China is on a charm offensive.

Mr. Xi, who arrived in Lima on Thursday, plans a week-long diplomatic blitz in Latin America that includes a refurbished free-trade agreement with Peru, inaugurating the massive Chancay deep-water port there and being welcomed in Brazil’s capital next week for a state visit. China also announced plans to host the APEC summit in 2026.

China is seeking Latin America’s metal ores, soybeans and other commodities, but US officials worry they may also be looking for new US-adjacent military and intelligence outposts. Chinese state-backed media has called those accusations a smear. — Reuters

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