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SSS offers loan to OFWs in Taiwan

THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) has made its Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) available to members affected by the recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan. The deadline for applications for a loan of up to P20,000 will be until Aug. 20.

“The calamity loan offered to members in Taiwan was a historic first for SSS since we have never extended financial assistance to calamity-hit members outside of the Philippines until now,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando L. Macasaet said in a statement on Thursday.

Members must visit the SSS Taiwan Foreign Office in Neihu District, Taipei City, to secure a Calamity Loan Reference Number (CLRN) for their loan applications.

To qualify, members must have a My.SSS account at www.sss.gov.ph; have at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be posted within the last 12 months; must be an overseas Filipino worker SSS member; and must be living, residing, or working in Taiwan during the time of the earthquake.

Also, applicants must be 65 years old or below at the time of loan application; have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement; have no past due SSS Short-Term Member Loans; and have no outstanding restructured loan or calamity loan.

The loan can be paid in two years or 24 equal monthly installments with an annual interest rate of 10%.

SSS Senior Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Group Pedro T. Baoy noted that the 1% fee has already been waived.

The first loan amortization will start in the second month following the loan approval date, while the payment deadline is due every last day of the month.

Proceeds from the loan will be credited to the member’s registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)-ATM Card or their active accounts with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating bank.

SSS’ net income rose by 58% to a record P83.13 billion in 2023 due to the mandatory contribution hike and the increase in new members. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Bangsamoro int’l airport mulled

FREEPIK

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government and local officials in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte have forged an agreement to jointly study the viability of setting up an international airport in the municipality, the first ever in the autonomous region.

Bangsamoro Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin P. Tago told reporters on Thursday that he and the mayor of Sultan Mastura, Zulficar Ali H. Panda, signed last Monday an agreement binding their offices as the Bangsamoro Development Agency and other government entities initiate a feasibility study on the construction of the facility.

The proposed location is only 20 kilometers from this city, which is the seat of the BARMM government.

“If this initiative pushes forward as envisioned, we shall have our first ever international airport in the Bangsamoro region,” Mr. Tago said. — John Felix M. Unson

SC reopens graft case vs DBP execs

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) has reinstated a graft case against ex-officials of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) over P660 million in purported behest loans extended to the company of a renowned businessman.

The SC Second Division reversed the Sandiganbayan’s 2014 decision, saying the dismissal of the case was improper and that the case should be tried on its merits.

The SC ruled that the Sandiganbayan gravely erred in using the “undeniable fact” that Delta Ventures Resources, Inc. (DVRI) had already fully paid the loans it got from the bank as a reason to re-examine the evidence on record and conclude that there was no evidence of bad faith and manifest partiality, and giving of unwarranted benefits.

“The Court finds that the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal was improper as the standard of clear lack of probable cause was not observed,” the 20-page decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr. released on June 11 read.

In an emailed response to BusinessWorld, the bank said they would continue to respect the judicial process but would not give any comments as the officials responding to the case are not affiliated with them anymore.

The DBP officials named in the case are accused of granting two loans totaling P660 million to DVRI despite it being allegedly unqualified. The loans granted only months apart in 2009 allegedly involved unwarranted waivers to favor a company’s general manager in 2009.

In 2014, the Sandiganbayan granted the motion to quash the case and junk the charges, citing that DVRI had fully paid its loans to DBP and that the loans were not behest in nature.

The High Court said the Sandiganbayan’s re-examination of the evidence when it ruled on the motion to quash was unwarranted because it determined probable cause earlier, even issuing warrants against the accused.

It added that even though DVRI paid its loans, it does not necessarily mean the loans were not behest.

“It is only after a full-blown trial on the merits when the Sandiganbayan will be in a proper position to determine, the presence or absence of the elements of the crime charged. Since the same could not be definitively established at this point, it was highly improper for the Sandiganbayan to order the dismissal of the Criminal Case,” the decision read. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

P57M allotted for IP schooling

BW FILE PHOTO

A TOTAL of P57.12 million has been released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund the schooling of indigenous people (IP) through the government’s Educational Assistance Program.

The allocation will not only aid the program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but also the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ (NCIP) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

“We always recognize the unique challenges faced by our IP communities,” Budget Chief Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement on Thursday. “The educational assistance program is a vital step towards empowering them, providing access to quality education and opportunities for advancement.”

Many IPs have struggled to continue with their schooling and suffer land conflicts due to armed conflict and discriminatory policies.

The fund would cover 1,358 beneficiaries from conflict-affected IP areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Southwestern Tagalog region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao region, and the Caraga Administrative Region.

Ms. Pangandaman signed the budget release on June 7. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

CoA flags Mountain Province LGU over uninsured assets

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE COMMISSION on Audit (CoA) has flagged the Mountain Province provincial government’s uninsured assets totaling P275.4 million, citing these public facilities at risk of not being compensated in case of loss or damage.

State auditors said the provincial government violated the Property Insurance Law of 1951 and a CoA circular requiring all government assets and properties to be insured by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“Property, Plant, and Equipment aggregating ₱275.445 million, were not covered by the GSIS General Insurance Fund due to insufficiency of fund, contrary to… the Property Insurance Law and CoA Circular No.2018-002… exposing the Provincial Government to the risk of not being indemnified or compensated for any damage,” the CoA said in its report.

The provincial government of Mountain Province did not respond to an email and Facebook Messenger chat seeking comment on the report.

The CoA urged the provincial government to appropriate necessary funding for the insurance premiums of its assets and properties with the GSIS.

State auditors also flagged the cash advances for financial assistance worth P2.2 million as it was disbursed to municipal treasurers instead of special disbursing officers under the provincial government.

It also noted that cash advances amounting to P752,000 were liquidated by officials beyond the prescribed period under a CoA circular on advances. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

NBI, PCG strengthen maritime security efforts

MEMBERS of the Philippine Coast Guard participate in drills to improve search and rescue collaboration, and enforcement during the first trilateral coast guard exercise between the Philippines, Japan, and the US, at the coast of Bataan in the South China Sea, June 6, 2023. — REUTERS

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) aimed to strengthen different areas of cooperation both in land and maritime areas.

The agreement exemplifies the agencies’ commitment to stepping up law and order in maritime areas.

Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan said the PCG’s collaboration with the NBI is a conscious effort to enhance his personnel’s identification, investigation, and prosecution of crimes and offenses related to the maritime industry.

“This partnership will capacitate our personnel on how to conduct investigations and learn about doctrines on the way NBI does their operations. We will be doing joint operations with them. More significantly this will afford both agencies the opportunity to conduct more operations in our maritime and archipelagic country,” Mr. Gavan said.

In a statement, the NBI said the partnership also aims to improve the effectiveness of both agencies in ending crimes committed within Philippine jurisdiction in land and seas.

The MoA is to extend partnerships with local sectors, organizations, and other government agencies to improve maritime safety.

It also ensures the effective and efficient implementation the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 (RA 9993), Reorganizing Philippine Government Departments (Executive Order 94), and the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act (10867).

For its part, the PCG aims to help the NBI by allowing its agents to use PCG vessels for investigations.

The PCG aims to establish itself as law-abiding gatekeeper, exemplifying the Philippines’ commitment to maritime order, added Mr. Gavan after the signing. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Pivotal Game 5 between SMB, Bolts in PHL Cup finals

PBA.PH

Game Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 p.m. — San Miguel vs Meralco
*Series tied, 2-2

Results:
Game 1: Meralco def. SMB, 93-86
Game 2: SMB def. Meralco, 95-94
Game 3: Meralco def. SMB, 93-89
Game 4: SMB def. Meralco, 111-101

DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer (SMB) and challenger Meralco declared readiness to go the extra mile as they continue rumbling for the coveted PBA Philippine Cup crown.

It’s been a slugfest of a best-of-seven series with the Bolts grabbing the lead twice with victories in Games 1 and 3, 93-86 and 93-89, and the Beermen countering each time, 95-94 in Game 2 and 111-101 in Game 4, to pull even.

If Meralco would have its way, this alternating trend should continue in tonight’s fifth game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to position itself to within a win away from its franchise milestone.

But SMB would rather alter the direction the entanglement had been taking so far, seize the first back-to-back win in the 7:30 p.m. tiff and get on the hill.

“It’s a (virtual) best-of-three. It’s going to come down to who’s playing better basketball at the right time,” said Meralco heart and soul Chris Newsome, whose career-high 40 points went to waste as his squad failed to collar a commanding 3-1 upperhand on Independence Day.

“It’s a tough loss for us but that’s why we got the win last game (3) so we could have that (2-1) advantage. Now, it’s back to square one and it’s our turn to punch back. We got a day of rest and then we’re back at it on Friday. It’s going to be a grind-out for the rest of the series. We’re going to have the energy, we’re going to refocus, stay and get back to playing Meralco basketball.”

SMB counterpart Jorge Gallent said if his troops would continue what they started in the Game 4 equalizer, where they finally breached the 100-point mark and limited Meralco’s shot volume, they should be fine.

“We talked about trusting one another and sharing the ball. If we do that, our offense will come,” said Mr. Gallent, who got major contributions from series debutants Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo as 10-time Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo and gunners CJ Perez and Marcio Lasitter produced their usual numbers in making it 2-2.

“And it showed in Game 4. We had 111 (points), this is the highest output in this series. So it’s just the mindset of these players to trust one another and to share the ball. That’s the philosophy.”

Mr. Gallent also took note how SMB’s improved efforts in rebounding and defending prevented Meralco from gaining 16 extra shots like before.

“They were dictating the previous games because they were averaging 16 more shots than us. It was really hard to win if your opponent had that advantage,” he said after the Beermen outdid the Bolts in field goal attempts, 76 to 75.

“The players really focused on that and made an effort getting the rebounds kasi lahat ng extra points ng Meralco came from offensive boards.”

Bolts counterpart Luigi Trillo also feels SMB’s ramped-up energy level was a key factor last time.

“They played with a lot of energy and intensity,” he said. “We have to be better, and I think we can be better. We just can’t make it easy (for SMB). I thought San Miguel was able to take it easy because of their energy.” — Olmin Leyba

Quizon settles for share of second after the 10th round

DANIEL QUIZON — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

DANIEL QUIZON couldn’t find anything from a slight positional edge and settled for a draw with fellow International Master (IM) Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan to fall from a share of the lead to a share of second after the 10th and penultimate round of the World Juniors Chess Championships in Gujarat, India.

The 20-year-old Budapest Olympiad-bound World Cup veteran appeared to have gained an advantage and initiative in their Sicilian duel when he came out with a pair of deadly bishops and control of the central files.

But Mr. Nogerbek found a way to neutralize it and force a 33-move draw by perpetual check.

That pushed Mr. Quizon, whose trip is being backed by Kamatyas Chess Club’s David Almirol, Jr. and IM Roderick Nava, from once having a place at the helm with four others down to sharing No. 2 with Mr. Nogerbek, Armenian Grandmaster (GM) Emin Ohanyan and Serbian GM Luka Budisavljevic with 7.5 points apiece.

They were half a point behind GM Mamikon Gharibyan of Armenia, who seized the solo lead with eight points after he downed Russian-born IM Rudik Makarian of FIDE.

The standoff was a big blow to Mr. Quizon’s chances of becoming the first Filipino to win this annual meet and becoming an outright GM in the process.

There’s still a glimmer of hope for Mr. Quizon to achieve that feat though if he wins over Mr. Ohanyan and the stars align with him in the final round.

Regardless of what happens, Mr. Quizon’s original intent was to earn rating points to breach the 2500-rating plateau for him to become a full-pledged GM.

So far, he has earned 13.4 rating points in 10 games and has jumped from 2448 to 2461.4.

But of course, nothing compares to winning it all. — Joey Villar

UP’s Abadiano named Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup MVP

GERRY ABADIANO (center) of champion University of the Philippines bagged the Puso Pilipinas Finals Most Valuable Player plum.

GERRY ABADIANO of champion University of the Philippines (UP) bagged the Puso Pilipinas Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum while Kevin Quiambao of runner-up De La Salle University took home the Season Smart Sports MVP honor at the close of the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup late Wednesday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Mr. Abadiano scored all of his 12 points in the second half as the Fighting Maroons erased a 20-point deficit against the Green Archers for a 69-66 win in a gigantic rematch to capture their second straight preseason title.

His heroics overshadowed Mr. Quiambao, whose 14 points and 10 rebounds went for naught in the massive meltdown of the Green Archers following their three-game series win against the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 finals.

Both cagers traded heymakers in the anticipated finale of the staple preseason tourney among UAAP and NCAA teams with Mr. Abadiano draining a stepback jumper in the last two minutes to finally give UP the lead, 64-62, after going down as big as 23-43 at the half.

Mr. Quiambao returned the favor in the ensuing play with a booming triple to regain the driver’s seat for De La Salle, 65-64, only for the seasoned floor general in JD Cagulangan to put on the finishing touches for UP.

Mr. Cagulangan, for his part, was named to the Puso Pilipinas Mythical Five along with super rookies Veejay Pre of Far Eastern University (FEU) and Jonathan Manalili of Colegio de San Juan de Letran to join Messrs. Quiambao and Abadiano.

FEU, under the tutelage of new head coach Sean Chambers, finished third in the tourney after an equally thrilling win over NCAA bet Letran, 70-68.

Harold Alarcon (UP), Jonnel Policarpio (La Salle), Jedrick Daa (FEU), Allen Liwag (College of St. Benilde), and Jomel Puno (San Beda University) were also named to the other All-Tournament Team.

Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde’s Ian Torres torched Letran’s Stephen Garupil, 14-4, in the finals to rule the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt. — John Bryan Ulanday

Jerry West, all-time great and model for NBA logo, dies at 86

JERRY WEST, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all-time whose silhouette was the inspiration for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) logo, has died at the age of 86.

The Los Angeles Clippers, where he worked as an executive, confirmed the death on Wednesday, saying the 14-times NBA all-star passed away peacefully with his wife Karen by his side.

“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch’.”

Mr. West, who played as a shooting guard, led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals but only once hoisted the championship trophy.

He remains the only person named most valuable player of the championship series despite playing for the losing team having won the award in 1969.

Taken with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers before the team relocated to Los Angeles, Mr. West became the third player to reach 25,000 points and retired in 1974 holding the records for career post-season scoring and the highest average in a playoff series.

In 2019 Mr. West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US president Donald Trump. The sharp-shooting Mr. West was inducted into the Basketball Hall of fame as a player in 1980 and will be honored again later this year when he is enshrined as a contributor.

“As a player and an executive, his profound impact on the game of basketball is matched only by his character and integrity,” said the Basketball Hall of Fame in a statement. — Reuters

‘Inter Miami will be my last club,’ says 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi

INTER MIAMI will be the last club Argentina captain Lionel Messi plays for, the 36-year-old forward said on Wednesday, adding he feels “a little bit scared” at the thought of the day he decides to retire.

Mr. Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, has a contract with the Major League Soccer side until 2025 following his arrival last summer after a spell with French champions Paris St Germain.

“Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I enjoy everything even more because I am aware that there is less and less left,” Mr. Messi told ESPN.

“I’m not ready to leave football. I’ve done this all my life, I love playing football, I enjoy training, the day-to-day, the matches… And yes, there’s always a little bit of fear that it’s all over.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Mr. Messi is preparing with his national team to defend their Copa America title, with the tournament kicking off on June 20 in the United States.

Argentina will take on Canada in the opening match before facing Group A rivals Chile on June 25 and Peru four days later. — Reuters

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund holding talks to create boxing league

LONDON/RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in discussions with multiple boxing stakeholders to create a league, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the sport, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

PIF is looking to invest in a joint venture with some of the sport’s stakeholders that would feature more boxing bouts, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A handful of leading promoters including Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions are involved in the discussions that could result in a deal valuing the new entity between $4-5 billion, one of the people said. PIF wants to create a venture that would bring the main sport’s organizers together, in which it would take a minority stake, the person added.

Turki al-Sheikh, a close advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been heavily involved in the sports sector and is chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, was overseeing the final discussions around a potential deal about a month ago, a second person added.

Reuters could not establish the details around how a league would be structured.

PIF and Matchroom Boxing declined to comment and Golden Boy Promotions did not respond to requests for comment.

Currently the sport is made up of boxing organizations including the World Boxing Council, the International Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Association, and the World Boxing Organization, which each have their own rules for championship belts.

Saudi Arabia has poured billions of dollars into sport as it seeks to wean the kingdom off of oil dependency under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to bring in tourism, boost the private sector, and create jobs.

Boxing is the latest sport to attract possible investment from the PIF, which is chaired by the crown prince, after deals across golf, Formula 1, and football. The fund has also been considering an investment in a new cycling league, Reuters has reported. — Reuters

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