How PSEi member stocks performed — May 9, 2025
Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Easing bets, midterm elections may drive PSEi
EXPECTATIONS of further policy easing after slower economic growth in the first quarter and easing inflation are expected to drive Philippine stocks this week.
Stock market sentiment would also be dictated by how well midterm elections pan out on May 12, analysts said.
“Despite a GDP (gross domestic product) miss, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) nearly touched 6,500, buoyed by resilient local earnings and investor optimism around an earlier-than-expected Fed rate cut,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note.
On Friday, the bellwether PSEi rose 1.07% or 68.71 points to 6,458.2, while the broader all-share index added 0.6% or 22.5 points to 2,762.85. Week on week, the index rose 0.72% or 46.34 points.
Markets will be closed on Monday as Filipinos pick a new set of congressmen, 12 of the 24-member Senate and thousands of local officials in midterm elections considered a referendum of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s three-year rule.
Investors would monitor the results of the May 12 elections, Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, a senior research analyst at Philstocks Financial, Inc., said in a Viber message.
“Investors are expected to watch out for the results of the midterm elections here at home as these would provide clues on future policies,” he said.
Mr. Tantiangco said the market would also be driven by hopes of further local policy rate cuts after slower inflation in April and the weaker-than-expected economic growth last quarter.
“Hopes of aggressive monetary policy easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the rest of the year following inflation and GDP data are still expected to provide support to the local market,” he added.
Inflation slowed to 1.4% in April from 1.8% in March and 3.8% a year earlier as food and transport prices declined.
Last month’s inflation was also the slowest in over five years.
The Philippine economy expanded by a weaker-than-expected 5.4% in the first quarter, slower than 5.9% a year ago, amid uncertainty from US President Donald J. Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs.
“Investors are also expected to watch out for developments with respect to trade talks with the US, with signs of progress to be taken by the market positively,” Mr. Tantiangco said.
“If the market is able to hold its ground at 6,400, this will be considered as its new support while the next resistance level would be at 6,600,” he added.
Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., put the PSEi’s minor support at 6,255 to 6,360 and resistance at 6,490 to 6,516.85.
2TradeAsia.com estimated the PSEi’s support at 6,200, primary resistance at 6,500 and secondary resistance at 6,600.
“Despite softer growth, earnings thus far, particularly in consumer and banking names, have proven resilient, and with election tailwinds extending into the second quarter, the broader picture remains constructive for local risk assets,” it said.
“Monitor volume as momentum may pick up post-election once the political noise clears and fiscal visibility improves,” the brokerage said. “While PSEi attempts to find escape velocity past 6,500, focus on quality and second-half follow-through.” — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
Peso may track US-China trade talks
THE PHILIPPINE PESO could trade sideways against the dollar this week as the market awaits the results of US-China trade talks in Geneva.
“The dollar-peso initially went to highs of P55.82, tracking the dollar strength after Trump’s talk with the German chancellor and trade talks with the US,” a trader said by telephone. “Later, there was profit taking and defensive trading because of US- China trade talks over the weekend and elections.”
The peso closed at P55.51 a dollar on Friday, 11.5 centavos stronger than a day earlier, according to Bankers Association of the Philippines data posted on its website. Week on week, it gained six centavos.
US President Donald J. Trump said on his Truth Social platform the US and China had made “great progress” in negotiating trade policies.
After taking office this year, Mr. Trump increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, leading China to retaliate by raising levies on US imports to 125%.
Market optimism also supported the peso on Friday after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona said the Monetary Board could cut rates by up to 75 basis points (bps) more this year, Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a Viber message.
Last week, the BSP chief told Bloomberg the central bank is open to cutting key rates by 75 bps more this year as inflation continues to ease.
The Monetary Board last month resumed its easing cycle after an unexpected pause in February, cutting benchmark rates by 25 bps to 5.5%. Its next meeting is on June 19.
The trader expects the peso to move sideways this week, depending on the results of the US-China trade negotiations.
Mr. Ricafort said local remittance data due this week could affect the peso’s movement.
The trader expects the peso to trade at P55.30 to P55.80 a dollar this week, while Mr. Ricafort expects it at P55.20 to P55.70. — Aaron Michael C. Sy
Hospitals bat for tax perks, lower import tariffs
By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter
THE GOVERNMENT needs to provide tax incentives and streamline the import process for key healthcare goods, the hospital industry said.
“The government is providing incentives for the tourism industry, so why not healthcare?” Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. President Jose Rene de Grano told BusinessWorld.
He said tax incentives will ease the burden of acquiring capital-intensive hospital equipment.
“Actually, some of our smaller hospitals would like to expand, but there’s a lot of equipment needed, which is expensive, so they can’t do it,” he said.
“Public hospitals have the funding, but for private hospitals it is too expensive; even more for smaller hospitals,” he added.
He said smaller hospitals are also struggling with personnel costs.
“Salaries have been increasing, and while secondary and tertiary hospitals can do it, smaller hospitals cannot; they will close, and now they want to legislate wage increases; that will hurt a lot of industries,” he added.
He said that the government could also help the industry by reducing the tariffs for imported equipment.
“Before we used to import from Germany, the US, and the UK, but it has become too expensive” because of the duties, he added.
He said that only big hospitals can now afford to source equipment from Germany, adding that it has become too costly for smaller hospitals due to the high tariffs.
“I hope the tariffs are reduced so we can buy proper equipment,” he added.
He said he is hoping the Food and Drug Administration can streamline the import process for medical devices.
“Right now it takes months, sometimes even years,” he said.
‘Hijacking’ of party-list system erodes farmer representation
By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter
THE party-list system was designed to represent specific interests in Congress like agriculture, but has been co-opted by dynastic politicians, political analysts said.
“The party-list system has been hijacked by traditional politicians and dynasties. It is difficult to win seats if the playing field is not even,” Maria Ela L. Atienza, a political scientist at the University of the Philippines, said via Viber.
“While we have genuine progressive candidates from the farming and fishing sectors running at the Senate level, elections in the Philippines are still dominated by elites, celebrities and political dynasties,” she added.
The Philippines will hold midterm elections today, Monday, with 12 seats in the 24-member Senate and over 300 seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs.
Randy P. Tuaño, dean at the Ateneo School of Government, said the achievement of major reforms has been marked by concerted efforts by farmer interest groups.
He said the farm lobby was strong in the 1980s, when the main issue was land justice, which led to the passage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program law in 1988.
He said land reform was a significant component of the 1987 Constitution, thanks to the efforts of the Congress for a People’s Agrarian Reform, which brought together over 200 groups representing farmers and fisherfolk, alongside civic and church groups.
Mr. Tuaño said some of the notable recent reforms include the Sagip Saka Act, which gave local government units the power to purchase agriculture produce for their feeding and relief programs directly from farmers groups, without the need to go through public bidding.
The law was written by Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan, who is seeking to return to the Senate as a farmer advocate.
The other advocates for farmers and fisherfolk seeking Senate seats are Roberto Ballon, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee recognized for his mangrove and marine conservation efforts; Danilo H. Ramos of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas; and Ronnel G. Arambulo of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya.
In the House, at least four party-list organizations are billing themselves as farmer advocates.
According to an international observer mission fielded by the International Coalition for Human Rights, at least 78 of the 156 party-list organizations certified by the Commission on Elections are affiliated with political families.
“If we are talking about the farming lobby per se, its strength is tied to the connections our various farmer organizations and federations have with sympathetic politicians,” according to Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches politics at the Ateneo de Manila.
The result has been that “many of our leading lawmakers (are tied to) agribusiness or are landowners,” he said via Messenger chat.
He said the last major item of legislation that advanced farming industry reform was a 2009 law that extended the deadline by five years for distributing agricultural land — originally set to expire in 2008.
De La Salle University political science professor Anthony Lawrence Borja said agrarian groups have “little to no power in the policy process” in the absence of any “effective, comprehensive, and nationalist policy on agrarian reform and industrialization.”
According to an ASEAN briefing report in March, the growth of Vietnamese agriculture, which employs 33% of that country’s workforce and which is set to grow 3.5% to 4% annually over the next five years, is driven by its focus on higher-value crop production and export-oriented agribusiness.
Mr. Borja added that the case of Japan highlights how comprehensive agrarian reform under strong state institutions can foster agrarian industrialization that is high-value and capital-intensive.
“Some lessons for the farming sector interests include consolidation of the various farmers groups so that more unified and effective lobbying efforts can be undertaken,” Mr. Tuaño said.
Farmers’ groups should also wage campaigns at the local level, pressing for greater local budgets for food security and agricultural modernization, and climate change adaptation, he added.
Retail industry seeks gradual cuts to de minimis threshold
THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) said it supports the gradual abolition of the de minimis rule for imports, adding that the lowering the threshold for taxing such shipments would be a good start.
It said the outright abolition of the de minimis rule could be “too aggressive” a move for consumers.
Retailers have been complaining about competition from overseas online sellers, whose shipments are untaxed if their value falls below P10,000.
“Considering the current importation climate in the Philippines, removal may be too aggressive of a step,” the PRA said in a letter to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) dated May 6.
The PRA said that the government could explore alternatives like lowering the threshold, limiting the availment of the de minimis tax-free privilege to once per month per consumer, and applying tax if the goods are for commercial resale and not personal use.
PRA President Roberto S. Claudio said that the group will continue pushing for the eventual removal of the de minimis rule.
“The European Union has already completely abolished de minimis; in the US, they also eliminated it,” Mr. Claudio said by telephone.
“If we don’t abolish it, we could just gradually lower the threshold. We are not giving a figure because we want the BoC to determine that,” he added.
The P10,000 de minimis rule was implemented through Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 2-2016. The exemptions are designed to ease the administrative burdens of such imports.
“The reason they implemented the de minimis rule is to ease the clearance of personal effects, so there will be fewer administrative steps involved in bringing in small and insignificant products,” he said.
“But with the advent of e-commerce, items come by piece; they don’t come in bulk shipments. So this leads to a tremendous loss of government revenue,” he added.
The PRA has yet to receive a response from the BoC, but noted that Finance Secretary Ralph G. Rector has said that the CAO is currently being reviewed. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
Mercedes-Benz says PHL market for EVs growing more attractive
DEMAND for electrified vehicles (EVs) has been growing in the Philippines, making it more attractive for car brands to launch new models, Mercedes-Benz Philippines said.
“I think acceptability has been growing for new energy vehicles, and that includes full electric, hybrids, and mild hybrids,” Maricar Parco, general manager at Mercedes-Benz Philippines, told BusinessWorld on Friday.
“We have seen that from the previous year, this has doubled. If I am not mistaken, it is from about 3.5%, and this year for the first quarter it is about 7% already. So most brands are also providing opportunities for Filipinos to try the new energy vehicles,” she added.
She said Mercedes-Benz vehicles with some form of electric propulsion consist of 10% of the sales mix.
“It’s significant, and we want to grow that further with our plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) to about 15% of our sales mix,” she added.
On Friday, Mercedes-Benz launched two plug-in hybrid models — the GLC 350e PHEV and the E 350e PHEV, the brand’s initial PHEV models in the Philippine market, which will sell for P4.89 million and P5.49 million, respectively.
“We introduced the full electric models two years ago, which is the EQ line. Now, we are building on that portfolio with PHEVs … And we are starting with two models, a sedan and an SUV. These are just additional products in our portfolio for new energy vehicles,” Ms. Parco said.
“This is really part of our business strategy towards electrification. Mercedes-Benz set a target in 2018 to go fully electric by 2039. So that will also depend on the market readiness. But for our part, we feel that PHEVs would be a good alternative for Filipino motorists who are not ready yet to go full electric,” she added.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold over 700 vehicles, while in the first four months of this year, the brand accounted for 15% of the luxury segment.
“We are looking into the introduction of a couple more plug-in models for the second half of the year. So people can expect more to come,” she added.
She said that the company is looking to add one more dealership in Northern Luzon.
“We are still in talks with potential partners. But we are looking at having that up hopefully by the third quarter,” she added.
Currently, Mercedes-Benz has four dealerships, located in Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Cebu. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
P1.6-B NGCP Ilocos Norte substation project approved
THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has won approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to pursue its P1.63-billion substation project in Ilocos Norte.
In a notice, the ERC said that the approval of the projects is subject to “optimization based on actual use and verified expenses, and the additional instructions issued by the Commission during the deliberation.”
According to the NGCP’s 2022 application, the proposed Pinili 230-kilovolt Substation Project seeks to address load growth in the Ilocos Region.
The grid operator said the project will serve as the new connection point for future renewable energy power plants in the area.
The project is expected to be finished within 62 months.
Pinili Substation is among six projects worth a total of P20.33-billion that NGCP is seeking to pursue under the application.
Under Section 9 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001, the grid operator is required to seek the approval of the ERC for any plan to expand or improve its facilities.
Last month, the ERC said it completed the NGCP’s fourth regulatory period rate reset spanning 2016 to 2022.
In a decision by the majority composed of commissioners Alexis M. Lumbatan, Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, and Marko Romeo L. Fuentes, the regulator approved a maximum allowable revenue of P335.78 billion for NGCP for the period.
Following the decision, the majority authorized the NGCP to collect P28.29 billion in under-recoveries, which will result in an increase in transmission charges.
Under the seven-year recovery period set by the majority, the NGCP is allowed to collect an additional P0.1013 per kilowatt-hour in transmission charges over the 84 months from issuance of the decision.
EPIRA authorizes the ERC to establish a method for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates. The rates must be set in a way that allows the recovery of “just and reasonable costs and a reasonable return on rate base” to enable the entity to operate viably. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
Navigating integrity challenges in Southeast Asia
IN BRIEF:
• Ethical risks remain a significant concern for businesses in Southeast Asia.
• Major issues include a weak integrity culture, third-party risks, and inadequate whistleblower protections.
• Organizations must focus on leadership accountability, governance of third-party relationships, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values into their core operations.
Southeast Asian organizations are facing substantial ethical risks that threaten their business stability, despite notable advancements in compliance measures. As the region’s economies continue to expand, the need for a robust integrity framework has never been more critical. Rapid economic growth often brings about increased competition, which can lead to ethical compromises if not managed effectively.
Companies must navigate a complex landscape characterized by diverse regulatory environments, cultural differences, and varying levels of enforcement. This makes it imperative for organizations to both comply with existing laws and foster a culture of integrity that permeates every level of their operations.
The EY Global Integrity Report 2024 highlights these pressing concerns, drawing insights from over 5,500 board members, managers, and employees worldwide. The report serves as a vital resource for organizations seeking to enhance their ethical frameworks. As Southeast Asia continues to develop, the region must address these integrity challenges head-on to ensure sustainable growth and maintain stakeholder trust.
THE NEED FOR A STRONG INTEGRITY CULTURE
The survey indicates that while 71% of Southeast Asian respondents report improved integrity standards — outpacing the global average of 49% — there remains a troubling tolerance for unethical behavior among senior management. A staggering 44% of respondents believe that unethical conduct is overlooked by leadership, compared to 31% globally. This discrepancy reveals a “say-do” gap, where the ethical commitments of leadership do not align with their actions.
Organizations that cultivate a strong integrity culture will build trust with stakeholders and attract greater investment. Conversely, those with governance issues face heightened scrutiny and reputational risk. To foster a robust integrity culture, organizations must prioritize leadership accountability and ethical decision-making at all levels.
ENHANCING WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS
The report shows that Southeast Asia lags in providing adequate protections for whistleblowers. Nearly two-thirds of respondents feel pressured not to report misconduct, with 44% doubting that their concerns would be addressed. This lack of confidence extends to senior management, with half reporting similar pressures.
To address these gaps, organizations must establish confidential and transparent reporting channels that protect employees from retaliation. A strong whistleblower program can facilitate quicker issue detection and remediation, ultimately reducing regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
In the Philippines, there has been an increase in the interest of some companies to strengthen their whistleblowing program, including plans to fully outsource the operations of their reporting channels to third-party professional firms.
ADDRESSING THIRD-PARTY RISK
Third-party risk poses a significant challenge in Southeast Asia, with 84% of integrity incidents in the region linked to external relationships. Alarmingly, 20% of respondents would ignore unethical behavior from third parties if prompted by their superiors, and 21% would do so if it benefited their career or financial situation. This highlights the urgent need for organizations to strengthen their governance frameworks regarding third-party relationships.
Recent multimillion-dollar fines for fraud and corruption involving third parties underscore the importance of implementing thorough due diligence processes to ensure that external partners adhere to the same ethical standards as internal employees.
ETHICAL RISKS IN AI ADOPTION
As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption grows in Southeast Asia — 37% of organizations are already utilizing AI tools — businesses must establish governance frameworks to manage risks such as data privacy and algorithmic bias. However, the region’s underdeveloped structures expose businesses to potential ethical violations. Clear AI governance is essential to navigate these challenges responsibly.
THE ROLE OF ESG IN BUSINESS STRATEGY
While ESG considerations are gaining traction, many businesses in Southeast Asia remain primarily compliance driven. Almost 64% of respondents indicate that their ESG policies are motivated by regulatory requirements rather than genuine internal reform. To achieve long-term sustainability, organizations must embed ESG values into their core strategies, linking these initiatives to profitability and stakeholder trust.
C-LEVEL CONSIDERATIONS
To enhance their integrity frameworks and mitigate ethical risks, organizations in Southeast Asia should prioritize leadership accountability and strengthen third-party governance. Closing the “say-do” gap is essential; leaders must model ethical behavior and hold themselves accountable for any lapses. By investing in programs that foster a strong culture of integrity, organizations can create an environment where ethical decision-making is encouraged at all levels. There should also be consistent disciplinary action against employees who are found to have integrity issues. This consistency is crucial to demonstrate the seriousness of leaders in fostering a strong integrity culture. Additionally, it is crucial to strengthen oversight of third-party relationships through thorough due diligence processes, ensuring that external partners uphold the same ethical standards as internal employees.
Moreover, organizations must implement trusted whistleblower systems that allow employees to report misconduct confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Establishing fair investigation protocols will further enhance trust within the organization. Alongside these measures, developing robust governance frameworks to manage the ethical risks associated with AI is vital. This includes addressing data privacy and algorithmic bias to navigate the complexities of AI responsibly.
Finally, organizations should move beyond compliance-driven ESG initiatives and integrate sustainability values into their core operations. By aligning decision-making processes with long-term growth objectives, businesses can enhance their integrity frameworks and position themselves as ethical leaders in the marketplace. Strong governance and ethical behavior will ultimately safeguard organizations from legal and reputational risks while fostering sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive environment.
BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH INTEGRITY
As Southeast Asian organizations confront these integrity challenges, the path forward will require a concerted effort to embed ethical practices into their core operations. By prioritizing leadership accountability, enhancing third-party governance, and fostering a culture of transparency, businesses can build resilience against ethical risks. The integration of ESG values into everyday decision-making will enhance compliance as well as drive long-term sustainability and stakeholder trust.
Organizations that proactively address these challenges will be better positioned to thrive. By committing to ethical practices and robust governance frameworks, Southeast Asian companies can emerge as leaders in integrity, setting a benchmark for others in the region and beyond.
This commitment to ethical behavior can help protect against legal and reputational risks as well as contribute to a more sustainable and equitable business environment for all stakeholders.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinion expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.
Roderick M. Vega is the forensic and integrity services leader of SGV & Co.
FEU Tamaraws draw first blood
Blast the NU Bulldogs in thrilling five sets
Games on Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
12:30 p.m. – Awarding Ceremony (men’s)
1 p.m. – NU vs FEU (men’s finals)
4:30 p.m. – Awarding Ceremony (women’s)
5 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (women’s finals)
FAR Eastern University (FEU) handed four-peat champion National University (NU) its first finals defeat in almost a decade with a thrilling 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 Game 1 victory to move a step away from ruling the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The top-ranked FEU Tamaraws clawed back from a 1-2 deficit capped by a steely resolve in the back-and-forth decider for a 1-0 lead in the quick best-of-three titular showdown entering a potential clincher on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
FEU hit two birds with one stone, putting an end to the NU Bulldogs’ unbeaten finals run since Season 79 (2017) and also zeroing in on winning its first title since Season 74 (2012).
And at the center of it was rising star Dryx Saavedra, who fired 25 points on 21 hits, three blocks and an ace as the Morayta-based squad proved its lofty billing as the biggest threat to NU’s long-standing dynasty.
Amet Bituin backstopped him with 16 points on 13 hits and three blocks, none bigger than the thunderous hit that went through NU defenders in the tightrope fifth set to dodge a deuce and seal the gutsy victory.
Ariel Cacao facilitated the Tamaraws’ charge that included 10 points from Mikko Espartero with 24 sets while libero Vennie Paul Ceballos provided 14 digs and 20 receptions.
FEU indeed showed that thirst and hunger even at the jaws of defeat after being manhandled by NU in the third set, 13-25, for a 1-2 deficit.
With revenge in mind as well after being denied by the Bulldogs an outright finals berth with their lone loss in the elims for a 13-1 slate, the Tamaraws braved on by grinding out the fourth and escaping by the slimmest of margins in the rubber.
Looming like a mano-a-mano with equal bearings in the decider, FEU just leaned on perfection and execution with little to no mistake from as NU, on a rare occasion, became a stark contrast with three straight errors for a sudden 10-13 deficit.
The Bulldogs, as expected, managed to right the ship to move within 12-13 only for Buds Buddin to commit a service error once again that set the stage for Mr. Bituin’s finishing touch.
Leo Ordiales (23), Jade Disquitado (17) and Mr. Buddin (12) led the way but the Bulldogs still stumbled for the first time under Dante Alinsunurin to stare at a potential fall of their kingdom. — John Bryan Ulanday
Swiatek’s struggles continue as Collins ends Rome title defense
ROME — Holder Iga Swiatek crashed out of the Italian Open to American Danielle Collins after a 6-1 7-5 third-round loss on Saturday in a major upset that will cost the Pole the world number two ranking as the defense of her French Open title looms.
Swiatek held a commanding 7-1 head-to-head record against Collins before the contest and yet another early defeat does not bode well for the 23-year-old, who has not won a tournament since her fourth triumph at Roland Garros last year.
Five-times Grand Slam champion Swiatek went 5-0 down in the opening set before getting on the board to avoid a bagel.
Collins was lethal from the baseline, mixing it up with forehand and backhand service return winners as she picked apart Swiatek’s serve in an opening set that was one-way traffic.
The second was level at 4-4 as Swiatek showed flashes of brilliance, but 31-year-old 2022 Australian Open runner-up Collins showed no mercy, sealing victory in one hour and 44 minutes when a return went wide.
Collins fired 32 winners and converted six of eight break points while Swiatek, who had won the tournament three times in the last four years, made 22 unforced errors.
Swiatek has lost nine matches this year -— as many as in all of 2024 — while she has not reached a claycourt final ahead of her bid to retain the French Open title later this month.
“It hasn’t been easy,” she told reporters. “For sure, I’m doing something wrong. So I need to just regroup and change some stuff. I had some advice from the team, I’ll just try to do this.”
“I think I just wasn’t there, present, to fight and to compete (against Collins). I focused on mistakes. It’s my mistake and I’m not doing things right. So the focus is on the wrong things from my side and I’ll try to change that.” — Reuters
Philippine team secures four silvers in Asian Weightlifting Championships in China
THE Philippines continued to miss out on striking gold and have settled for four silver medals for now.
And five of those came from Rosegie Ramos and Fernando Agad, Jr.
Ms. Ramos, a 21-year-old World Championship bronze winner, raked in her share in the women’s 49-kilogram class in the lift (90kg), clean and jerk (107kg) and total lift (197kg) in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, China over the weekend.
Thai Thanyathon Sukcharoen reigned supreme in the section with 200kg total lift.
Mr. Agad, for his part, snatched silver in clean and jerk (140kg) in the men’s 55kg division that was eventually topped by a mighty Chinese in Wang Weidong, who had a 145kg lift.
Wang later pocketed another mint in total where he had 265kg.
The country’s remaining hopes for a gold will now rely on two-time Olympian Elreen Ando in the women’s 64kg and veteran internationalist Vanessa Sarno in the women’s 71kg. — Joey Villar