House approves bill creating nuclear regulator

November 22, 2023 | 8:32 pm

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to establish an independent agency to regulate the nascent nuclear industry.

With 200 yes votes, seven no, and two abstentions, legislators approved House Bill (HB) No. 9293.

The proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act seeks to establish the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), which will “have the sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control for the peaceful, safe, and secure uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources,” according to a copy of the bill.

The measure proposes to transfer the regulatory functions of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute to the new entity, with the latter relegated to research and development activities related to the use of nuclear science and technology.

“This is the first step toward realizing our dream of energy security,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Party-list Representative Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, who voted against the measure, noted that various countries have removed nuclear power from their energy mix.

Germany closed down its last nuclear power plants in April in a transition to renewable energy. Switzerland in 2017 voted to phase out nuclear energy and Italy decommissioned its last reactors in 1990.

“In the current global context, world powers like the US have also used partnerships for nuclear energy as a tool to root themselves deeper in countries like ours and make us more dependent on them,” Mr. Manuel said.

The Philippines and the US last week signed a deal that would allow the export of American nuclear technology and materials.

“The US will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

“We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines’ energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the US,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said last week.

Mr. Manuel cited the risk of the Philippines becoming “a potential dumpsite for the US and other countries’ nuclear waste and the negative effects it might have on our communities and environment.”

Bataan Rep. Albert S. Garcia, who also voted no, cited the lack of local government units’ authority to accept or reject nuclear facilities.

“All developments and all disasters are also local,” he told the plenary.

He added that while the bill allows PhilATOM a measure of independence, it does not establish its accountability in the event of nuclear disasters.

Bataan Rep. Maria Angela S. Garcia, who also opposed the measure, said it places the public at a disadvantage by passing on to consumers the cost of generating nuclear power.

HB 9293 also seeks to allocate P0.06 per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity generated to the Radioactive Waste Management Fund, which will finance the disposal of spent fuel. It will be held in trust by the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The regulator will collect a fee not exceeding P0.02 per kWh to support its operations. Funds will also come from the budget, and contributions, grants, bequests, and donations from domestic or foreign sources.

Environmental groups have said that renewables like solar, wind and hydro are cheaper and readily available, being indigenous resources. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Hydrogen exploration rules to be modeled on Presidential Decree governing resource dev’t

November 22, 2023 | 8:32 pm

Germany-hydrogen electrolysis plant — REUTERS

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said the awarding of service contracts for the exploration, development, and production of hydrogen will follow the general outlines of a 1972 Presidential Decree (PD) regulating energy exploration.

In a department circular dated Nov. 9, the DoE said that the exploration, development, and production of naturally occurring native hydrogen will follow the rules set down in PD 87 issued in 1972, as amended and implemented by the rules, regulations, issuances and procedures set down by the DoE.

“There is a need to provide guidelines to accelerate the exploration, development and production of native hydrogen to contribute to the country’s energy security, create jobs, and generate wealth,” the DoE said.

The DoE said native hydrogen resources can be classified as mineral gas akin to hydrocarbon gas, bitumen, asphalt, and “all other similar or naturally associated substances” except coal, peat, bituminous shale and/or other “stratified mineral fuel deposits.”

“Native hydrogen gas occurs naturally in geological formations and can be associated with methane and other hydrocarbon gases and can be considered a mineral gas,” the DoE said.

The Energy department said last week that it will conduct a hybrid public consultation on the draft Department Circular Providing a National Policy and General Framework, Roadmap, and Guidelines for Hydrogen in the Energy Sector on Nov. 30. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

All 3 major DoTr rail projects also seeking NEDA approval to update estimated costs

November 22, 2023 | 8:31 pm

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it will seek the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to raise the loan amount taken on to finance its three major railway projects.

“We need updated approval… because the cost will be higher due to the delays, it needs to be updated,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista told reporters on sidelines of a forum on Wednesday.

In mid-November the DoTr said it will also seek approval to adjust the cost estimates and loan terms for the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 project.

The Philippines withdrew its request for official development assistance (ODAs) from China for the three railway projects due to lack of progress on the financing decision.

Mr. Bautista has said that the government is exploring its funding options and is considering ODA from Japan, South Korea and India to fund Bicol’s South Long-Haul, Mindanao Railway, and Subic-Clark Railway.

The government may also tap funding from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the DoTr has said.

Phase 1 of the Mindanao railway project is projected to cost around P83 billion. This railway runs from Tagum, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur and is expected to accommodate 122,000 passengers per day and cut travel time between Tagum and Digos from three hours to one.

Meanwhile, the Subic-Clark railway and the Philippine National Railway’s South Long-Haul railway are estimated to cost around P50 billion and P142 billion, respectively. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

DBM to release P303.5M for classroom construction

November 22, 2023 | 8:31 pm

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P303.5 million to build more classrooms.

The funds will help build 120 additional classrooms across 21 schools.

“The request for the release of funds under the Basic Education Facilities (BEF) Batch 2 for Calendar Year (CY) 2023 was approved after the requirements were completed,” the DBM said.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the release complies with the administration’s directive to “improve education facilities to create a conducive learning environment for all learners, including in remote and hard-to-reach areas.”

“The total authorized appropriation for Special Provisions in the FY 2023 Department of Education budget of P15.7 billion is being implemented by the Public Works and Highways department,” the DBM said.

“This includes P15.6 billion for the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings and technical vocational laboratories, among others,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

PHL joins board of most vulnerable countries grouping

November 22, 2023 | 8:30 pm

THE PHILIPPINES has joined the Board of Vulnerable 20 Group of Finance Ministers (V20), organized under the Group of Seven (G7) Global Shield Against Climate Risks program, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

“We will use this seat to further the interests of the Philippines. This initiative will widen access to much-needed financial protection to make climate-vulnerable countries like the Philippines more resilient,” Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

The 12-member board is composed of the Philippines, Barbados, Fiji, Samoa, Uganda, Denmark, the European Union, France, Ireland, and the UK, with Ghana and Germany serving as co-chairs.

Global Shield Against Climate Risks aims to ramp up climate and disaster protection to vulnerable countries through “pre-arranged and trigger-based finance” as well as address damage caused by the climate crisis.

“In the Philippines, climate change is a daily reality — one that includes more frequent and intense typhoons, flooding, and sea-level rise with devastating effects on our economy and communities,” Finance Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan Tiuseco said.

“On the current trajectory of global warming, we know for a fact that losses will continue to grow, while global economic shocks diminish vulnerable countries’ ability to respond,” she added.

The DoF said that its existing pipeline of partnerships with development partners on climate finance instruments can serve as “entry points or models for the type of assistance that may be secured under the Global Shield Initiative.”

“The focused and dedicated tools under the Global Shield Initiative, as a grant facility, will directly contribute to the overall climate and disaster risk management agenda and disaster risk financing and insurance strategy of the Philippines,” the DoF added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

What’s next for forex in streamlined BSP regulations

November 22, 2023 | 8:29 pm

In its commitment to maintain a foreign exchange regulatory framework that is responsive to the needs of a dynamic and expanding Philippine economy, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued a number of circulars in 2022 and 2023 which streamlined the requirements for forex transactions. The salient provisions of these circulars are as follows.

CURRENCIES DECLARATION FORM
The BSP allows persons to bring into or take out of the country Philippine currency at a maximum amount of P50,000 (up from P10,000 before 2016) without prior written authorization.

Under BSP Circular No. 1146 (dated May 26, 2022), submission of a CDF for the physical cross-border transfer of Philippine currency exceeding P50,000 is now required.

The CDF requires the person transferring currency to declare the following information:

(1) Identification of the transferor (name, birth details and citizenship, travel document details);

(2) Occupation or principal business activity;

(3) Addresses (local and overseas, as applicable);

(4) Travel details (ports of origin and destination, dates of departure and arrival);

(5) Types of currency being transferred;

(6) Date of written BSP authorization; and

(7) Source of funds (e.g., salary, business) and purpose of the currency transport (e.g., travel, medical).

The above information consolidates the requirements of the BSP, Bureau of Customs (BoC), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council for the more efficient and timely capture of data. Incidentally, an official from the BoC would be required to administer an oath and sign the CDF to verify the currency count.

Finally, the CDF indicates that the limit for cross-border transfer of Philippine currency is on a per-person basis, regardless of age. As an example, for a family of four, a total of P200,000 may be brought in or out of the Philippines without prior authorization.

SIMPLER ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
In response to the pandemic, the BSP temporarily allowed the submission of soft-copy documents; in turn, all documents issued by the BSP (e.g., letters of approval and the Bangko Sentral Registration Document or BSRD) during the quarantine period were made electronic. A year after, the BSP formally adopted, on a permanent basis, the issuance and submission of documents via electronic means through BSP Circular No. 1124.

BSP Circular No. 1171 (dated March 29, 2023) was also issued to further formalize the simplified documentary requirements, as follows:

(1) Application forms from the BSP-International Operations Department (IOD) can be electronically filed to the BSP without e-signatures, provided that these are accompanied with the attestation required under prevailing circulars; and

(2) Relevant supporting documents are not required to be notarized (unless provided for by applicable laws), subject to the submission of the above attestation.

Following these, the effective date of filing/submission to the BSP will be the date when the reports are sent electronically to the designated BSP e-mail addresses. Prior to Circular No. 1171, it was mandatory for forex reports to be filed physically at the BSP’s Main Office or its Regional Offices.

In view of the above, prior to processing a forex transaction, authorized agent banks are required to verify first with the BSP the authenticity of electronically issued BSP documents submitted by their clients.

NO PROCESSING FEES
In the same circular, applications for approval and/or registration of forex transactions submitted to the BSP-IOD (e.g., forex loans, inward investments) are now free of charge, unless otherwise required. As such, the BSP deleted the corresponding appendix listing of its processing fees on forex transactions.

The BSP likewise repealed the assessment of processing fees when a private sector foreign loan (that is not publicly guaranteed) is registered with the BSP.

REISSUANCE OF LOST E-BSRDs
From March 27, 2020, lost BSRDs issued in electronic form may now be reissued by the BSP pursuant to Circular No. 1171, provided that there has been no change in the financial terms of the registered forex loan. Previously, the BSP only allowed the replacement of lost BSRDs subject to the foreign investor’s submission of an affidavit of loss.

A request to reissue shall be filed with the BSP-IOD by the resident borrower, supported simply by a cover letter or e-mail containing the signed attestations required by the BSP.

APPRAISAL OF NON-CASH INWARD INVESTMENT
Finally, Circular No. 1171 removes the requirement that the BSP appraise the value of in-kind inward foreign investment (i.e., assets actually transferred to the Philippines, such as machinery/equipment) for registration purposes.

Given the pressing need to make cross-border transactions more convenient, it is encouraging to see the BSP revisiting its regulations and ensuring that these keep up with the faster pace of doing business after the pandemic.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

Bon Yannicka M. Chua is an assistant manager at the Tax Services department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

bon.yannicka.x.chua@pwc.com

Ateneo routs Adamson to earn last ticket to UAAP Final Four

November 22, 2023 | 7:50 pm

Games On Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
11 a.m. — UST vs UP (women’s Final Four KO)
2 p.m. — UP vs Ateneo (men’s Final Four)
6 p.m. — La Salle vs NU (men’s Final Four)

REIGNING champion Ateneo de Manila University ran away with a coast-to-coast 70-48 win over Adamson University (AdU) in the knockout set to earn the last and fourth ticket in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s basketball tournament Final Four yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles took flight with an 8-0 start and never set foot on the ground since then, leading by as many as 25 points en route to the big win that kept their title defense hopes flickering against no less than a very familiar neighbor.

Ateneo faces its Katipunan rival and top-ranked University of the Philippines (UP), a team it faced in the last two finals, this time in the Final Four albeit with a twice-to-win handicap as the No. 4 squad.

Jared Brown stood at the forefront of the barrage with 20 points on four treys laced by four rebounds, four assists and a steal as Ateneo emerged triumphant its first ever playoff match to dodge a rare semis miss under the watch of Tab Baldwin.

Sean Quitevis (11) and Mason Amos (10) cashed in key contributions while Kai Ballungay (7-7-4-2) and Joseph Obasa (4-16-2) anchored Ateneo’s defensive masterclass.

“I guesss probably on the scoreboard, maybe it didn’t look like a tough game in the end. But it was very tough game, it always is with Adamson,” said Mr. Baldwin.

“We’re very happy with the results and obviously, our mind is shifted over on UP beginning our preparations immediately.”

Ateneo, in a shaky title defense this season following the departure of its championship core, split its season series with Adamson with both games going down the wire.

But not this time around.

With Mr. Brown waxing hot early, Ateneo took a commanding 40-26 lead at the turn and met little to no resistance on its way to the blowout win that somehow made it up for the exit of the Ateneo women’s team earlier.

Matt Erolon (9) and Didat Hanapi (8) led the way as “King Falcon” Jerom Lastimosa, nursing an ACL, suited up in the second quarter and returned in the last two minutes before sinking a trey at the final buzzer for his fitting swan song in an illustrious UAAP career.

In women’s basketball, seven-peat champion National University (NU) dominated Ateneo, 58-43, to barge into its ninth straight finals appearance with Camille Clarin (12) and Karl Pingol (10) leading the way.

On the other hand, Favour Onoh hauled down a UAAP record of 30 rebounds plus 14 points as the third-ranked UP erased a 20-point deficit to stun No. 2 Santo Tomas (UST) in overtime, 88-80, and force a do-or-die Game 2. Louna Ozar (25), Kaye Pesquera (19) and Rhea Sanchez (12) also sizzled as the Fighting Maroons neutralized the Growling Tigresses’ twice-to-beat advantage for a chance to face the mighty Lady Bulldogs in the finale. — John Bryan Ulanday

The Scores: (men’s)

Ateneo 70 — Brown 20, Quitevis 11, Amos 10, Ballungay 7, Bongo 4, Obasa 4, Koon 3, Nieto 3, Credo 3, Espinosa 3, Lazaro 2, Chiu 0, Gamber 0, Tuano 0.

AdU 48 — Erolon 9, Hanapi 8, Calisay 5, Manzano 4, Yerro 4, Montebon 4, Sabandal 4, Magbuhos 3, Lastimosa 3, Barasi 2, Ramos 2, Colonia 0, Ojarikre 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0, Anabo 0.

Quarterscores: 24-15, 40-26, 56-39, 70-48.

The Scores:( (women’s)

First Game

NU 58 — Clarin 12, Pingol 10, Canuto 8, Konateh 8, Berberabe 4, Solis 4, Cayabyab 3, Betanio 3, Talas 3, Surada 2, Fabruada 1, Alterado 0, Alcantara 0.

Ateneo 43 — Calago 12, Dela Rosa 10, Makanjuola 8, Joson 7, Villacruz 6, Gastador 0, Angala 0, Solis 0, Nieves 0, Mataga 0, Fetalvero 0, Eufemiano 0.

Quarterscores: 13-11, 31-27, 48-37, 58-43.

Second Game

UP 88 — Ozar 25, Pesquera 19, Onoh 14, Sanchez 12, Domingo 9, Tapawan 6, Maw 2, Bariquit 1, Lozada 0, Vingno 0.

UST 80 — Pastrana 29, Tacatac 12, Santos 9, Villasin 9, Ferrer 7, Maglupay 4, Danganan 3, Dionisio 3, Soriano 2, Ambos 2, Bron 0, Ly 0, Serrano 0.

Quarterscores: 21-22, 38-45, 59-54, 72-72, 88-80 (OT).

Bacojo seals second IM norm; Arca, 14, rules blitz event in FIDE World Youth Chess Championship

November 22, 2023 | 7:49 pm

MARK Jay Bacojo and Christian Gian Karlo Arca made the country proud with a pair of feats that reverberated in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships in Montesilvano, Italy.

Mr. Bacojo, 17, sealed his second International Master (IM) norm with still three rounds to go in the 11-round event in the premier Open Under-18 section where he has accumulated 6.5 points, which was good for a three-way logjam at second with Polish FIDE Master Tymon Czernek and Kazakh IM Aldiyar Ansat.

He shocked Armenian IM Emin Ohanyan in the eighth round and was praying for another miracle versus solo leader against IM Aleksey Grebnev, a Russian representing FIDE, in the ninth round at press time.

Mr. Bacojo, whose live rating is 2387, now has two IM results and would need to earn one more and breach the 2400-rating plateau to become a full-pledge IM.

Mr. Arca, 14, for his part, shocked the world by ruling the blitz section ahead of older, higher-rated foes.

The Panabo, Davao del Norte native and now Dasmariñas-based Mr. Arca finished with 8.5 points and finished ahead of Armenian FM Benik Agasarov, who had eight points, and Mr. Bacojo, who took third with 7.5 points.

Both Messrs. Bacojo and Arca are part of the star-studded Dasmariñas Chess Academy under Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Congressman Pidi Barzaga and coach FM Roel Abelgas that produced World Cuppers IMs Daniel Quizon and Michael Concio, Jr. — Joey Villar

Siblings Creamline, Choco Mucho gun for PVL semis

November 22, 2023 | 7:49 pm

Games Thursday
(PhilSports Arena)
2 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs Akari
4 p.m. — Creamline vs Nxled
6 p.m. — Choco Mucho vs PLDT

SISTER TEAMS Creamline and Choco Mucho will try to reach the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals first as they battle Nxled and PLDT, respectively, today at the PhilSports Arena.

The Cool Smashers will also be gunning to extend their immaculate streak to eight as they battle the Chameleons, who are fighting for dear semis life with a 3-5 mark, at 4 p.m.

The Flying Titans, for their part, aim to improve their 7-1 record with a win over the High Speed Hitters, precariously at sixth with a 5-3 mark and likewise battling for survival, at 6 p.m.

A win for both will catapult the two straight to the semis and leave the rest to claw for the last two semis tickets.

Creamline has been nothing short of exceptional as it manhandled all the teams it faced and there is strong belief that it is on course to a historic 13^th straight podium finish and the possibility of claiming its seventh crown — another league record.

Choco Mucho wasn’t that far away as the dynastic champion’s younger siblings has improved by leaps and bounds by plowing the opposition one by one including F2 Logistics, which the former most recently stunned, 19-25, 25-8, 25-17, 25-19, on Tuesday.

Interestingly, the Flying Titans’ one and only loss came at the hands of the Cool Smashers themselves that came in a four-set result in the conference opener last Oct. 15 at the Big Dome.

Choco Mucho hasn’t lost since and isn’t stopping anytime now.

Also part of the heavy triple bill is the faceoff between Galeries Tower (0-7) and Akari (4-4) at 2 p.m.

GERFLOR DEFENDERS
Meanwhile, The Gerflor Defenders will have a very merry Christmas after all.

This after an anonymous Good Samaritan donated P2 million to cover for the Defenders’ unpaid salary for the rest of their Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign.

“He donated P2 million that he coursed through me,” said PVL President Ricky Paloum who added that the donor requested that his name be kept secret.

Mr. Palou didn’t name the people responsible for the controversy but said they are now banned for life from the league.

He also vowed to do more background checking in the future to ensure this unfortunate incident will not happen again.

The issue of Gerflor’s unpaid salaries and poor training venue conditions came out in social media a couple of weeks ago.

Good thing humanity prevails in the end with this mysterious person with a heart of gold coming in saving the day for the Defenders. — Joey Villar

Azkals settle for 1-1 draw with Indonesia in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

November 22, 2023 | 7:48 pm

Philippines Azkals — PHILIPPINE AZKALS — PFF.ORG.PH

THE PHILIPPINE Azkals failed to finish the job despite a one-goal headstart and settled for a 1-1 draw with Indonesia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

In front of a roaring crowd of 9,880, the Azkals struck first through veteran Patrick Reichelt in the 23^rd minute as they unleashed waves of attack in a bid to put the visitors to sleep.

But missed scoring chances outside of Mr. Reichelt’s goal and one moment of lousy defending in the 70^th allowed Saddil Ramdani to sneak one past Neil Etheridge and make it all square.

Fatigued and all, the two sides went for the go-ahead but fell short, eventually sharing the spoils in the Group F match.

The Azkals were left to rue the home advantage wasted not just in this “winnable” game against the Merah Putih but also in the 0-2 loss to Vietnam Thursday that they felt should have been 1-1 if not for unconverted attempts.

“I can’t believe how after what we had invested in the last two games, we stood here with one point only. We should have four points, this was very clear for me 100 percent,” said coach Michael Weiss.

But having put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears, the Pinoy booters were proud of this two-game showing at home, where an average of 10,129 supporters came out.

“We’re upset that we sit here with a 1-1 draw. We can feel sorry for ourselves but I won’t apologize for the effort we’ve put in this camp and these games,” said Mr. Etheridge. “I thought we fought well, we defended for our lives.”

The Azkals have their work cut out in the next window as they play unbeaten leader Iraq (six points in two wins) back-to-back on March 21 in Iraq and five days later at Rizal. — Olmin Leyba

Heavy favorite Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Bacoor Strikers lock horns Saturday for MPBL National Finals

November 22, 2023 | 7:47 pm

EXPECT an all-out war between rulers of the North and South as the battle lines are drawn for the fiery National Finals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

After reigning supreme in their respective divisions, Northern king Pampanga and Southern majesty Bacoor lock horns on Saturday for Game 1 of their best-of-five finale showdown at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.

And this early, the Giant Lanterns and the Strikers in their first ever national finals appearances are raring to go for an early leeway in an anticipated toe-to-toe race.

“It’s gonna be an exciting finals. It’s gonna be war dahil both teams are first-timers dito sa finals and both are loaded” said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, who was joined by both teams in the official pre-finals presser yesterday in Makati City. Pampanga, led by Most Valuable Player race frontrunner Justine Baltazar, cruised its way in the elimination round with an absurd 26-2 to record to top the North Division before stamping its class anew in the playoffs.

With Encho Serrano, John Lloyd Clemente and veteran Arwind Santos also in the fray, the Giant Lanterns swept their way through Marikina, Caloocan and San Juan in the playoffs to march on to the Last Dance as the undisputed heavy title favorites.

Bacoor, for its part, led the South Division with a 23-5 record and only absorbed a lone defeat in the playoffs against Iloilo before romping past last season runner-up Zamboanga and Batangas via sweep.

But the national finale will be a different atmosphere, warned team consultant Allan Trinidad of Pampanga headed by chief tactician and governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda.

The Strikers, an equal challenger after leading the South Division from the get go, echoes the same mindset with their patented defensive identity as the main weapon against the formidable North ruler. — John Bryan Ulanday

Argentina hands Brazil 3^rd straight loss after crowd trouble at Maracana Stadium

November 22, 2023 | 7:46 pm

RIO DE JANEIRO — Nicolas Otamendi scored with a towering header to give Argentina a 1-0 away win over Brazil in a bad-tempered World Cup qualifier that was delayed by half an hour on Tuesday after police clashed with fans at a sold-out Maracana Stadium.

The longstanding sporting rivalry between two of the most successful teams in world soccer hit fever pitch after the Brazilian police charged Argentinian fans in response to fighting in the stands during the national anthems.

The world champions, led by captain Lionel Messi, went over to the terraces to try and calm the situation before leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room for more than 10 minutes.

The players eventually returned and the match started in a tumult of noise as local fans roared their support of the five-times world champions, who were looking to get their campaign back on track after losing successive qualifiers for the first time.

Instead, they plunged to a third straight defeat, their first ever at home in a World Cup qualifier, to stand sixth in the standings, eight points behind leaders Argentina and in the last spot that guarantees a berth at the 2026 finals.

Brazil were arguably the better side and almost scored from a corner just before halftime through a Gabriel Martinelli strike that defender Christian Romero cleared off the goal line.

Despite being without key players like Vinicius Jr and Neymar because of injuries and losing their captain Marquinhos to a leg issue halfway throughout the game, Brazil kept up the pressure.

They wasted a golden opportunity to score in the 47^th minute when Mr. Martinelli missed an absolute sitter, striking a close-range shot straight at the goalkeeper. — Reuters