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Alex Verdugo, Yankees clip Royals to open ALDS

NEW YORK — The final three-plus months of Alex Verdugo’s first regular season with the New York Yankees were so frustrating that there were some doubts if he would be in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS).

Though the Yankees decided to go with Verdugo mostly because of his better outfield defense than novice rookie Jasson Dominguez, the left fielder delivered on both ends to help the Yankees open the postseason on a positive note.

Verdugo hit a tiebreaking RBI single with two outs in the seventh inning and the New York Yankees opened the ALDS with a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night in New York.

Verdugo reached base three times, doing so six days after delivering a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth of the Yankees’ regular-season finale, a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on second after opening the seventh inning Saturday with a single and a stolen base, Verdugo lined an 0-1 cutter from Michael Lorenzen (0-1) into left field. He advanced to second when Chisholm scored standing up ahead of left fielder MJ Melendez’s throw to the plate.

“Just trusting that he’s going to be ready for the moment, his experience, his track record and he’s going to be ready for the moment,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Verdugo. “It’s been a little bit of an up-and-down, tough second half for him offensively, but the guy’s a good hitter.”

Acquired in a rare trade with the rival Boston Red Sox in December, Verdugo started the season decently but tailed off considerably, finishing with a .233 average that was the lowest of any of his full seasons. He ended the campaign with four hits in his final 26 at-bats but capped New York’s 94-win regular season with a two-run bases-loaded single on Sunday in the eighth to beat the Pirates before coming through again Saturday.

Before his clutch hit, Verdugo made a highlight-reel juggling catch on Michael Massey’s drive to end the fourth and strand two. He tracked down the ball as it glanced off his wrist and bounced off his chest before completing the catch with his bare left hand.

Verdugo’s clutch hit occurred after the Yankees tied the score in the sixth on a run-scoring bloop single by Austin Wells, who also drew one of New York’s two bases-loaded walks in the fifth. Anthony Volpe had the other bases-loaded free pass, but his error in the top of the sixth eventually led to Garrett Hampson’s pinch-hit two-run single that gave the Royals a 5-4 lead.

Volpe committed a throwing error on a forceout attempt at second after a grounder by Tommy Pham, and the misplay proved costly when Hampson hit his two-run single off Tim Hill through a drawn-in infield.

Verdugo singled in the third and scored on a two-run homer by Gleyber Torres. Verdugo also opened the home half of the sixth with a walk and scored on Wells’ game-tying base hit.

Melendez hit a two-run homer and Pham lifted a sacrifice fly to center against New York starter Gerrit Cole as the Royals took a 3-2 lead through four innings.

Cole allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits in five-plus innings, getting lifted after Yuli Gurriel opened the sixth with a single. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner struck out four, walked two and threw 80 pitches.

Clay Holmes relieved Hill in the sixth, got the final two outs of the frame and pitched a 1-2-3 seventh. Tommy Kahnle went two-thirds of an inning, and Luke Weaver recorded a four-out save.

Kansas City starter Michael Wacha allowed three runs on four hits in four-plus innings. He struck out three and walked three as the Royals tied a season high by issuing eight walks. — Reuters

Napheesa Collier, Lynx have Sun on brink of elimination in Game 4

AFTER taking a 1-0 lead on the road, the Connecticut Sun now face elimination from the WNBA postseason at home when they host the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday in a pivotal Game 4 of a five-game semifinal series in Uncasville, Conn.

The Sun trail the Lynx 2-1 in the series after Minnesota claimed two straight victories. Most recently, the Lynx won 90-81 on Friday night in Connecticut behind 26 points and 11 rebounds from All-Star forward Napheesa Collier.

Connecticut had been able to contain Collier early in the series — holding her to a combined 28 points on 10-of-30 shooting in the first two games — but the Defensive Player of the Year bounced back in a big way on offense in Game 3. Collier shot 11 of 19 from the floor and dished out three assists. Collier had eight points in the fourth quarter to help the Lynx hold on for the win.

“There was nobody more frustrated than Phee over the past couple games,” said Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx head coach who also coached Collier on gold medal-winning Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Combined with her performances in a first-round sweep of the Phoenix Mercury, Collier became the first player in Lynx history to have multiple games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in the postseason, according to ESPN.

“I think just staying aggressive,” Collier said Friday of her bounce-back offensive output. “Everybody has off-nights, of course, but we won the game. That’s all that matters. But I knew I needed to come in today being aggressive and keep that for the next game.”

The Sun lost despite having all five starters score in double figures, led by Brionna Jones’ 21 points. It was the first time since Sept. 17 that Jones had scored in double figures.

For Connecticut, the game may have gone differently had Marina Mabrey (14 points) shot a little bit better than 6 of 20 from the floor and 1 of 11 from 3-point range. It was Mabrey’s worst shooting performance in 11 games. The last time she made less than 10 percent of her 3-point attempts was a Sept. 3 loss to the Seattle Storm (0 for 5).

As a team, the Sun shot just 3 of 20 from 3-point range and missed five free throws in 23 attempts.

“A lot of us have been in this position before and have come out of it,” Sun forward Alyssa Thomas said. “If you want your season to continue, you want to make it to the finals, you’ve got to give it everything that you’ve got.” — Reuters

Mets pummel Phillies’ bullpen for comeback victory in Game 1

PHILADELPHIA — Blanked for seven innings by Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler, the New York Mets erupted for six runs against the Phillies’ bullpen in the final two innings Saturday to earn a 6-2 victory in Game 1 of a National League Division Series.

Brandon Nimmo’s RBI single off Matt Strahm snapped a 1-1 tie in the eighth after Mark Vientos delivered the tying run with a run-scoring single of his own. Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez and Starling Marte also drove in runs in the inning for the Mets, who came from behind in the late innings for the third time in six days.

Nimmo, who went 2-for-4 in the game, delivered another run with a single in the ninth off Tanner Banks.

Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first for the Phillies. Schwarber went 2-for-5, but the Phillies managed only three other hits against five Mets pitchers. The last was a pinch-hit RBI double by Kody Clemens in the ninth.

Wheeler allowed a single hit over seven innings before giving way to Jeff Hoffman to start the eighth. Francisco Alvarez opened the inning with a single and Francisco Lindor then walked after falling behind in the count 0-2.

Vientos then lined Hoffman’s 1-2 slider into left field to score pinch runner Harrison Bader. Strahm relieved Hoffman, but Nimmo’s single on an 0-2 pitch brought Lindor home. Alonso’s sacrifice fly, also on an 0-2 pitch, made it 3-1. — Reuters

Real Madrid back to winning ways with win over Villarreal in La Liga

MADRID — An early Federico Valverde strike helped Real Madrid to a 2-0 home win against Villarreal in LaLiga on Saturday as Carlo Ancelotti’s men returned to winning ways after two games without a victory.

Real took the lead in the 14th minute with a stunning long-range shot by Valverde following a Luka Modric corner, before Brazilian forward Vinicius, Jr sealed the winin the 73rd with an unstoppable strike into the top corner from outside the box.

The defending champions were in need of a positive performance after losing 1-0 at Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday and being held to a 1-1 stalemate at Atletico Madrid in their previous LaLiga game.

Real, second in the standings, provisionally moved level with Barcelona on 21 points before the LaLiga leaders visit 11th placer Alaves on Sunday.

Villarreal, who have made a strong start to their league campaign with five wins from nine games, are third with 17 points. — Reuters

Liberty-Aces series

Head coach Sandy Brondello didn’t feel comfortable at the break. The Liberty were determined to finish off the Aces via a sweep of their semifinal round series, but the first half of Game Three featured a lot of keeping pace and little of forging ahead. Unlike in Game Two, when they translated a fast start into an easy win, the set-to had them quickly giving up any advantage they had early on. And so she was keen on impressing upon her charges the importance of finishing off the defending champions at the first opportunity.

As things turned out, the Liberty not only proved unable to complete the task; they came nowhere close to being themselves. They were utterly shellacked by the Aces in the third quarter, turning a seeming slugfest into a veritable rout; they managed to score only six points while giving up 21, as much an indication of their shocking ineptitude as of their rivals’ resolve. And by the time the payoff period came around, they stared at an 18-point deficit that made the outcome all but inevitable.

Needless to say, Brondello was alarmed by the Liberty’s evident lack of spirit, especially during a critical stretch in the last two stanzas that had them down by as much as 25. Unfortunately, not even a bevy of timeouts could stem the tide, what with their foils buoyed by momentum and bent on knocking them out, and, in no small measure, aided by their glaring lack of competitiveness. Forget about the final score that reflected a much lower 14-point difference; garbage time came early, enabling them to regain some measure of pride as the Aces pulled starters and brought in erstwhile benchwarmers.

The fiasco notwithstanding, the Liberty remained upbeat in the aftermath. They acknowledged their shortcomings in Game Three, but vowed to be better — make that much better — today, and certainly more in line with their capabilities. Closing out a series, especially against the reigning titleholders, will not be easy, but Brondello has pledged to get them to be more prepared for the endeavor. And though they will again be plying their trade in front of 10,000-plus hostile fans at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, they figure to be all the better for their immediate past experience.

 

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

Thousands around the world hold protests vs Middle East war

PEOPLE raise Palestinian flags during a protest against Israel and in support of Palestinians outside the US embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 6, 2024. — REUTERS

PARIS/WASHINGTON — Thousands of protesters took to the streets in major cities around the world on Saturday demanding an end to bloodshed in Gaza and the wider Middle East as the start of Israel’s war in the Palestinian enclave approaches its first anniversary.

About 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London while thousands gathered in Paris, Rome, Manila, Cape Town and New York City. Demonstrations were also held near the White House in Washington, protesting US support for its ally Israel in military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.

Protesters at Times Square in New York City wore the black-and-white keffiyeh scarf and chanted slogans like: “Gaza, Lebanon you will rise, the people are by your side.” They held banners demanding an arms embargo against Israel.

The latest bloodshed in the decades old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. It has also displaced nearly all of the enclave’s 2.3 million people, caused a hunger crisis and led to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.

“Unfortunately, in spite of all our good will, the Israeli government does not take any notice, and they just go ahead and continue their atrocities in Gaza, now also in Lebanon and in Yemen, and also probably in Iran,” said protestor Agnes Kory in London.

“And our government, our British government, unfortunately is just paying lip service and carries on supplying weapons to Israel,” she added.

In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, at least 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Sunday morning near the US embassy demanding that Washington stop supplying weapons to Israel.

In London, counter-demonstrators waved Israeli flags as pro-Palestinian marchers walked by. There were 15 arrests on the sidelines of the protests, according to police, who did not specify whether those detained were from either group.

In Rome, police fired tear gas and water cannons after clashes broke out. Around 6,000 protesters defied a ban to march in the city center ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary of Hamas’ attack.

In Berlin, a protest drew about 1,000 demonstrators with Palestinian flags, who chanted: “One Year of Genocide.”

German demonstrators also criticized what they called police violence against pro-Palestinian protesters. Israel supporters in Berlin protested against rising antisemitism. Scuffles broke out between police and pro-Palestinian protesters.

Over the past year, the scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza has drawn some of the biggest global protests in years, including in the U.S., that saw weeks of pro-Palestinian college campus encampments.

Advocates have raised concerns over alarming antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric in some protests and counter-protests related to the conflict. Rights advocates have warned about rising threats against Muslims and Jews around the world.

Israel’s supporters have expressed offense over some slogans that they say question Israel’s right to exist as a nation. Pro-Palestinian protesters point to violence such as an incident in which a mob in California attacked an encampment of demonstrators in April.

The war in Gaza has spread through the region, drawing in Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. Israel has sharply escalated a campaign in recent weeks in Lebanon that has killed hundreds, wounded thousands and displaced over a million. Israel says it is attempting to dismantle Lebanese Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles against Israel this week to which Israel has not yet responded. Israeli operations have also escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza.

In Paris, Lebanese-French protestor Houssam Houssein said: “We fear a regional war, because there are tensions with Iran at the moment, and perhaps with Iraq and Yemen.” Houssein added: “We really need to stop the war because it’s now become unbearable.”

Israel has faced wide international condemnation over its actions in Gaza, and now over its bombarding of Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government is acting to prevent a repeat of the Oct. 7 assault by Hamas and Washington says it supports Israel’s right to self-defense.

US government agencies warned on Friday that the anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks may motivate individuals to engage in violence. Officials in some states, including New York, raised security measures out of caution.

In Manila, activists clashed with anti-riot police after they were blocked from holding a demonstration in front of the US embassy in the Philippine capital against Washington’s support for Israel.

International diplomacy backed by the US has so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Hamas wants an agreement that ends the war while Israel says fighting can end only when Hamas is eradicated. — Reuters

‘Impossible’ for People’s Republic of China to be our motherland — Taiwan president

Honor guards raise a Taiwanese flag at the Presidential Palace in Taipei, Taiwan Oct. 10, 2023. — REUTERS

TAIPEI — It is “impossible” for the People’s Republic of China to become Taiwan’s motherland because Taiwan has older political roots, the island’s President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday.

Mr. Lai, who took office in May, is condemned by Beijing as a “separatist.” He rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that the island is a country called the Republic of China, which traces its origins back to the 1911 revolution that overthrew the last imperial dynasty.

The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists who set up the People’s Republic of China, which continues to claim the island as its “sacred” territory.

Speaking at a concert ahead of Taiwan’s national day celebrations on Oct. 10, Mr. Lai noted that the People’s Republic had celebrated its 75th anniversary on Oct. 1, and in a few days it would be the Republic of China’s 113th birthday.

“Therefore, in terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People’s Republic of China to become the ‘motherland’ of the Republic of China’s people. On the contrary, the Republic of China may be the motherland of the people of the People’s Republic of China who are over 75 years old,” Mr. Lai added, to applause.

“One of the most important meanings of these celebrations is that we must remember that we are a sovereign and independent country,” he said.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not answer calls seeking comment outside of office hours.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a speech on the eve of his country’s national day, reiterated his government’s view that Taiwan was its territory.

Mr. Lai, who will give his own keynote national day address on Oct. 10, has needled Beijing before with historical references.

Last month, Mr. Lai said that if China’s claims on Taiwan were about territorial integrity then it should also take back land from Russia signed over by the last Chinese dynasty in the 19th century. — Reuters

Dubai’s Emirates Airlines bans pagers, walkie-talkies after Lebanon attacks

PAGERS on display at a meeting room at the Gold Apollo company building in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Sept. 18, 2024. — REUTERS

DUBAI — Dubai’s Emirates Airlines has banned passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on its flights, following last month’s attacks on Lebanese group Hezbollah involving communication devices that exploded.

“All passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage,” the airline said in a statement on its website on Friday. It added that any prohibited items found will be confiscated by Dubai Police as part of heightened security measures.

In the deadly September attacks, thousands of booby-trapped Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios exploded — attacks that were widely blamed on Israel but which it has not claimed.

The Middle East’s largest airline also announced that flights to Iraq and Iran will remain suspended until Tuesday, while services to Jordan will resume on Sunday.

Flights to Lebanon will remain suspended until Oct. 15 due to escalating Israeli attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah, including strikes near Beirut’s airport.

Several other airlines have also suspended flights to Beirut and other regional airports amid heightened tensions. — Reuters

US officials struggle to quash Hurricane Helene conspiracy theories

STOCK PHOTO | Image by memyselfaneye from Pixabay

IN THE WAKE of the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the United States this week, a new storm emerged on social media — false rumors about how disaster funds have been used, and even claims that officials control the weather.

Local and national government officials say they are trying to combat the rumors, including one spread by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

One of the more far-fetched rumors is that Helene was an engineered storm to allow corporations to mine regional lithium deposits. Others accuse the administration of President Joseph R. Biden of using federal disaster funds to help migrants in the country illegally, or suggest officials are deliberately abandoning bodies in the cleanup.

Republican Congress member Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X Thursday night: “Yes they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.”

The conspiracy theories come at a pivotal time for rescue and recovery efforts following the storm, one of the deadliest US hurricanes this century. And the presidential election between Mr. Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris is just over a month away.

Republicans and Democrats alike say the rumors are causing problems.

“I just talked to one Senator that has had 15 calls TODAY about why we don’t stop… ‘fill in the blank,’” said Kevin Corbin, a Republican in the North Carolina Senate — a state that is one of the hardest hit by Helene. “98% chance it’s not true and if it is a problem, somebody is aware and on it,” he wrote on Facebook.

“I’m growing a bit weary of intentional distractions,” he added.

White House officials on Friday accused some Republican leaders and conservative media of intentionally peddling rumors to divide Americans in a way that could harm disaster relief efforts.

“Disinformation of this kind can discourage people from seeking critical assistance when they need it most,” a White House memo said. “It is paramount that every leader, whatever their political beliefs, stops spreading this poison.”

The memo highlighted a claim by Mr. Trump during a rally this week that Biden and Harris had used federal emergency funds “on people that should not be in our country.”

“This is FALSE,” the memo said. “No disaster relief funding at all was used to support migrants housing and services. None. At. All.”

In response to a request for comment for this article, the Trump campaign repeated accusations that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds had been spent on housing migrants in the country illegally.

The  FEMA has the funds for immediate response and recovery efforts for Helene, the White House memo said, and has provided millions of dollars in relief to those recovering.

FEMA has been the target of so many falsehoods it has set up a rumor response page on its website to try to tamp them down.

Helene slammed into Florida a week ago and has killed over 200 people and devastated a half dozen states in the US Southeast.

Some officials are trying to combat the disinformation themselves on social media. Katie Keaotamai, who works at FEMA but said she was speaking on social media in a personal capacity, explained FEMA’s disaster response processes in several TikTok posts with thousands of views.

Disaster events are often politicized, said Kate Starbird, co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, adding that social media rewards “sensationalism and outrage with attention.”

“Manipulating the sensemaking process (e.g. spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation) and politicizing the event will both make it harder to respond and recover now — and to make informed decisions about how to prepare for and mitigate the next one,” Ms. Starbird said. — Reuters

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro: Pro-level golf performance, even for hobbyists

Golf can be intimidating, especially for beginners looking to try the sport. Aside from looking for affordable and available courses, the sport requires precision, skill, technique, and stamina that even seasoned athletes find difficult to master. Luckily, HUAWEI’s latest innovation provides golf players, beginners, and hobbyists the tools they need to improve their game and perform like pros.

The global tech giant recently launched the HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Pro, its newest line of smartwatches perfect for fitness enthusiasts, golfers, and fashionistas seeking advanced health monitoring, performance tracking, and stylish design.

HUAWEI’s latest innovation is available in two sizes — 46mm and 42mm — each showcasing its own distinctive design and aesthetic that caters to various preferences. Furthermore, customers can choose ​​from a variety of stylish watch faces, from the visually appealing Blooming Brilliant to Activity Rings for active users, that complement their personal tastes and attires.

Boasting a sleek, modern design that complements any outfit, the smartwatch also features sapphire glass, an AMOLED display, and the world’s first aerospace-grade titanium alloy links and straps for superior durability. HUAWEI smartwatch’s iconic octagon look also makes its much-awaited return revamped with a rotating crown and a metallic angular look.

HUAWEI’s GT 5 Pro is also scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and the first in the industry to boast IP69K certification for maximum protection under all weather conditions. The IP69K certification is part of the Ingress Protection rating system which means that the device is designed to withstand harsh environments that involve regular exposure to water, dust, and debris.

Beyond its design and durability, the new smartwatch is engineered to enhance the golfing experience with a range of specialized features tailored for players of all skill levels.

Before swinging into the fairways, golfers can prepare and gameplan through the smartwatch’s 3D course preview feature on the smartwatch. The GT5 Pro supports more than 15,000 golf courses worldwide and over 100 courses in the Philippines and maps out their greens, fairways, and bunkers allowing users to strategize ahead of the game. 

During play, HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Pro’s Real-Time GNSS-Based Distance Measurement accurately shows a player’s distance from the front, center, and back of the green, as well as from obstacles in the course. In addition, the smartwatch’s Real-Time Environmental Information Display and new Heat Map provide essential data on green direction, wind speed, wind direction, and slope making it easier for golfers to adjust their shots.

Additionally, the smartwatch’s Scorecard Operations feature allows users to record their putts and check their scores after finishing a half round of nine holes through the device’s Half Scoring Report. This gives players the convenience of checking their scores, saving progress, adjusting their strategies, and improving their performance in the second half of their round. 

For beginners looking to better their games, the HUAWEI Watch GT5 Pro’s specialized Golf Mode can act as a personal coach on the wrist with over 100 workout modes. One of these is the “Driving Range Mode” which detects the backswing time, downswing time, swing tempo, and swing speed, during swing practices at the driving range giving beginners and golfers looking to improve valuable insights to refine their technique.

Having played using the GT5 Pro on the golf course, players will appreciate its 44-53 gram lightweight design and comfortable straps, which remain unobtrusive as they swing their bats. In addition, the smartwatch’s intuitive interface provides seamless navigation between features while walking to the next hole and its AMOLED display ensures clear visibility even under bright sunlight proving the smartwatch’s usability for golfers of all levels.

Other sports features of the HUAWEI Watch GT 5 Pro include its 5ATM water resistance and diving capabilities that enable freediving of up to 40 meters. Similarly, the smartwatch’s Trail Running Navigation and Track Return feature provides accurate route navigation to ensure that runners in complex cross-country environments can easily perform to their best ability. Likewise, the GT5 Pro’s convenient and safety-focused features share various essential indicators in real time during bike rides turning the smartwatch into an On-Wrist Cycling Guide.

To further its claim as the industry’s top smartwatch, the GT 5 Pro is packed with a suite of health features that cater to physical and mental health. HUAWEI’s newest product has health monitoring functions that measure the user’s electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, and heart rate as well as detect sleep apnea, to ensure peak condition. Meanwhile, the smartwatch also introduces the HUAWEI TruSense System, which provides real-time health stats, keeping users informed even during busy schedules.

Secure your HUAWEI Watch GT5 Series through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store or any HUAWEI Experience Stores, and receive a complimentary HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i, valued at P3,599, as well as an additional one-year warranty extension (for online purchase only). Take advantage of special 0% installment offers, available for up to six months via SPayLater on Shopee or LazPayLater on Lazada, and up to 24 months for credit card purchases at HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

With Home Credit, you can own the HUAWEI Watch GT5 Series for as low as P505.50 per month for up to 18 months, with 0% interest, by paying a 30% down payment. Additionally, customers can trade in their old HUAWEI devices and receive a P2,000 trade-in token at select HUAWEI Experience Stores.

 

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EU governments face pivotal vote on Chinese EV tariffs

A EUROPEAN UNION’S flag flutters outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 15, 2020. — REUTERS

BRUSSELS – European Union members face a pivotal vote on Friday on whether to impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles in the bloc’s highest profile trade case, which risks retaliation from Beijing.

The European Commission, which oversees the bloc’s trade policy, proposed final duties for the next five years to counter what it sees as unfair Chinese subsidies after a year-long anti-subsidy investigation.

The EU’s proposal can be blocked if a qualified majority of 15 EU members, representing 65% of the EU population, vote against it. But that is a high hurdle.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that France, Greece, Italy and Poland would vote in favor, enough to avert a blocking majority against tariffs.

In the absence of a qualified majority either way, the EU executive can adopt the tariffs. However, it could also submit an amended proposal if it wanted to secure greater backing.

The region’s top economy and major car producer, Germany, will vote against the introduction of tariffs, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters late on Thursday. It had abstained in the first non-binding vote on the proposal in July.

German carmakers, for which China represents almost a third of their sales, have been particularly vocal against tariffs. Volkswagen said they were “the wrong approach”.

While that rejection will not derail the result on Friday, the toughening stance highlights Brussels’ challenge in building support for its trade case, potentially forcing the Commission to carry out a second vote and consider possible compromises.

The economy minister in Spain, a previous tariff backer, also said in a letter to European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, seen by Reuters on Thursday, that instead of imposing tariffs, the EU should “keep negotiations open… beyond the binding vote” to strike a deal on prices as well as the relocation of battery production to the bloc.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had already said on a visit to China that the EU should reconsider its position. – Reuters

 

 

 

Some EU members are nervous about Beijing’s response. In moves seen as a retaliation, Beijing this year launched its own probes into imports of EU brandy, dairy and pork products.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned on Friday that the EU was headed for an “economic cold war” with China

However, the EU’s stance towards Beijing has hardened in the past five years, now viewing China as a potential partner in some issues, but also as a competitor and a systemic rival.

 

 

 

The Commission says China’s spare production capacity of three million EVs per year, which needed to be exported, is twice the size of the EU market. Given 100% tariffs in the United States and Canada, the most obvious outlet for those EVs is Europe.

The EU executive has said it is willing to continue negotiating an alternative to tariffs with China and could re-examine a price undertaking – involving a minimum import price and typically a volume cap – having previously rejected those offered by Chinese companies.

One option under negotiation is minimum import prices calculated using criteria such as the range, battery performance and length of the EV, along with whether it is two- or four-wheel drive, a source familiar with the matter said.

The tariffs range from 7.8% for Tesla TSLA.O to 35.3% for SAIC 600104.SS and other companies deemed not to have cooperated with the EU investigation. These tariffs are on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty for cars.

Kenya asks IMF to review corruption issues after Western push

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S. — REUTERS

NAIROBI – Kenya’s government has asked the International Monetary Fund to conduct an official assessment of corruption and governance issues, the IMF told Reuters, after a push by Western nations.

Kenya has struggled with debt that has reached precarious levels in recent years, and its withdrawal of proposed tax hikes earlier this year – following deadly protests – complicated its efforts to unlock a $600 million disbursement from the IMF.

Countries themselves must request the so-called “governance diagnostic”, which investigates whether corruption and governance vulnerabilities are draining revenue or creating other problems in state finances.

“We have received a governance diagnostics request from the authorities,” an IMF spokesperson said in response to written questions.

“The government of Kenya aims to strengthen its governance and anti-corruption policies. They intend to utilize these diagnostics to enhance public spending efficiency, boost competitiveness, foster growth, and reduce poverty in an inclusive manner.”

One source familiar with the situation said the assessment, while not directly linked to the disbursement, would be a show of goodwill in the country’s efforts to get its finances back on track.

Perceived government waste and corruption were a core driver of mass demonstrations in June that forced President William Ruto to withdraw $2.7 billion in planned tax increases.

Kenya’s finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters on Tuesday first reported that Western nations were pushing for the IMF assessment. – Reuters

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