Philippines to ease e-visa requirements for Indians

July 4, 2024 | 8:38 pm

THE PHILIPPINES seeks to ease e-Visa transactions for Indians, the presidential palace said on Thursday, after a move by some of its Southeast Asian neighbors to offer visa-free entry to travelers from the world’s most populous nation.

Easing e-visa processing for India’s 1.4 billion people would boost the Philippine tourism sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said at a meeting with the tourism sector of the Private Sector Advisory Council on Wednesday, according to a statement from the presidential palace.

Mr. Marcos said the Philippines does not have major issues with India, which would make it easier for Manila to ease visa processes for its citizens.

Under the e-Visa system, Indian nationals must still appear before the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, reducing the efficiency of the system, LT Group, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III said at the meeting.

He noted that e-visa processing for Indian tourists could take about a month.

He proposed for the government to partner with a third-party service provider to “establish, run and maintain” the e-Visa system.

“This will ensure that the program is consistently monitored and that any challenges in the process and the system will be immediately [addressed],” Mr. Tan said. “This will likewise streamline the application process and thus generate more applications due to the expedited process.”

The e-Visa system for Indian nationals is still in beta testing, piloted only for walk-in clients of the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, the palace said.

Indian nationals are “repeat visitors” who stay an average of eight nights and spend $100 daily in the Philippines, the advisory council told Mr. Marcos.

It added that 78% of Indian visitors stay in hotels. Their activities include shopping, sightseeing, beach holidays, diving, visiting friends and relatives and investing.

“India’s fast-growing economy and rising middle class are projected to help outbound trips reach 30 million by 2025,” the palace said, citing the council.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia now offer visa-free entry to visitors from India, while Vietnam and Indonesia are planning to follow suit. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Congressman pushes removal of land lease limits on foreigners

July 4, 2024 | 8:33 pm

Manila-buildings-skyline — ALEXES GERARD-UNSPLASH

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

CONGRESS should look at removing land lease limits on foreign investors instead of extending the period to 99 years, a congressman said on Wednesday.

The government will keep the power to cancel the land lease contracts with foreign investors in case of violations, Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda told BusinessWorld.

“I generally believe there should be no limits to the right to lease property,” he said in a Viber message. “It’s a cancelable contract that can be subject to rules and safeguards anyway.”

A proposal to allow foreign investors to lease land for up to 99 years from 75 years was added to the Marcos government’s legislative priorities last month.

Assistant Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. Marissa P. Magsino told BusinessWorld she’s looking at filing a bill extending the maximum lease period to 99 years to entice foreign investors.

“Increasing the length of leasehold agreements on land would make some projects more attractive to foreign investors since some investments require longer payback periods,” she said in a Viber message.

“The length of tenure will be such that investors will be encouraged to invest more and make long-term projections,” she added.

Ms. Magsino, a member of the House land use committee, said the Investors’ Lease Act of 1993 should be amended to ensure that land lease agreements with foreign investors are in pursuit of “current or projected investments.”

The removal of limits or extension of land lease rights for foreign investors circumvents the 1987 Constitution, which bars foreign land ownership, Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro told BusinessWorld on Thursday.

“It would allow [foreigners] to own land for 100 years, removing the rights of Filipinos to use the land being leased by [foreign investors],” she said in Filipino.

She is doubtful that the government would terminate the land lease agreements of erring foreign investors. “I have yet to see a foreign investor or company’s land lease being revoked due to their failure to abide by laws.”

The proposal is not meant to go around the Constitution, Mr. Salceda said.

The government should ensure that land leases do not compromise the rights of Filipinos to own land, Ms. Magsino said.

“The state must… ensure that the entry of foreign investors does not compromise the constitutional imperative of preserving land ownership for Filipino citizens,” she added.

PHL, Thailand to boost ties

July 4, 2024 | 8:33 pm

THE PHILIPPINES and Thailand have agreed to expand investment, tourism and food security ties ahead of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s state visit to Manila this year, according to their top envoys.

“The Thai private sector has played a constructive part in the socioeconomic development of the Philippines, and they are interested in expanding their investment here,” Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told a news briefing in Makati City on Thursday.

“I have asked Secretary (Enrique A.) Manalo and the Philippine government for their continued support for Thai investors,” he added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

P27-B health allowances out soon

July 4, 2024 | 8:32 pm

HEALTH WORKERS are expected to receive P27 billion in remaining allowances by Friday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Thursday.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the allowances would be released even if the Department of Health (DoH) had requested their inclusion in the 2025 budget.

“Even if this was requested by the DoH for 2025, we made sure to implement this early because healthcare workers deserve this,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.

Last year, the Health department requested P27.45 billion to pay more than 5 million health emergency allowance claims and 4,283 COVID-19 sickness and death compensation claims. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Farmers not consulted on tariffs

July 4, 2024 | 8:32 pm

palay-rice-farmer — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

SENATOR Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos on Thursday called out the Tariff Commission for failing to consult stakeholders on lowering rice tariffs to 15% from 35%, which farmers said threaten their livelihood.

“As a commission, you need to consult agricultural stakeholders on tariffs,” she said in mixed English and Filipino during a Senate hearing that is looking into the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

“Clearly, no new changes were proposed at this hearing, so where did this 15% come from?”

Groups including the Federation of Free Farmers and Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura had opposed the tariff cut, the senator said, citing transcripts of the public hearings in September and October.

Tariff Commissioner Marissa Maricosa A. Paderon said they had invited 192 representatives from farmers groups, but only Alyansa Agrikultura Chairman Ernesto M. Ordoñez had participated in consultative meetings in March last year. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Abolition of wage boards sought

July 4, 2024 | 8:31 pm

Labor-Day-2023-protest-rally-PHILSTAR-WALTER-BOLLOZOS — WORKERS’ groups hold a rally in Manila on May 1, 2023, calling for a wage hike on Labor Day. — PHILSTAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Thursday called for the abolition of regional wage boards, citing their alleged failure to rule in favor of workers instead of employers.

“Workers in different regions throughout the country have long earned a minimum wage way below what we call a living wage, that’s why we need to abolish these regional wage boards” Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro told a news briefing in Filipino.

The National Wages and Productivity Commission, which supervises regional wage boards, did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.

The House of Representatives labor committee should also hear bills seeking a P150 to P750 across-the-board wage hike before Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s state of the nation address on July 22, she said.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board last month approved a P35 minimum wage hike to P645 for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR), which will take effect on July 17.

A bill that seeks to do away with regional wage boards is pending at the House labor committee. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Nationals shocker: Huge win over world No. 6 Latvia in Arena Riga

July 4, 2024 | 7:03 pm

AND shock the world Gilas Pilipinas did.

Not given much of a chance against a high-powered, seemingly unstoppable Latvia backed by a horde of home supporters, the gritty Nationals defied doubters and delivered a hell of a performance that would go down as one of the greatest victories in Philippine basketball history.

Coach Tim Cone and his gutsy Gilas 11 toppled the world No. 6 and heavily favored Latvians in the latter’s own backyard, 89-80, as they set their bid in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament off to a flying start early Thursday at the Arena Riga.

Unlike in the hosts’ previous 83-55 romp over Georgia in the Group A opener where they were untouchable, the fearless Filipinos asserted themselves and got the Latvians in a vice-grip in virtually all of 40 minutes, sending kababayans back home who stayed up in the wee hours for the live broadcast of game in a frenzy.

That massive reversal marked the first time for the Philippines to beat a European opponent in a FIBA tournament after 64 long years. Last time was an 84-82 verdict over Spain in the 1960 Rome Olympics.

In the scheme of things in this ongoing FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the Paris Games, the Pinoy cagers are now in good position to advance to the crossover semifinals either as top seed or second-placed team in the group.

A win against No. 23 Georgia (0-1) last night would make this possible. But a defeat would still suffice provided the losing margin would be 18 points or less; lose by 19 and it would be the Georgians following the Latvians (1-1) to the next stage instead.

“We’re happy about it, we’re proud of it. But it’s just one game and we’re not here to just win one game. We’re here to do what we can to get to the finals and maybe a trip to Paris,” Mr. Cone said in an interview on One Sports.

“This is one step for us but just a baby step. We’ve got more steps ahead of us. We’re not going to get too high with this win (as) we have more to do.”

Justin Brownlee sizzled with 26 big points and went a rebound and an assist shy of a triple-double output in the one-for-the-books takedown of Latvia, a team that defeated Spain, France, Lithuania and Italy en route to fifth place in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.

Mr. Brownlee highlighted his superb play with clutch hits from everywhere that helped Gilas create separation and lead by as many as 26 points plus a dagger four-point play that quelled the hosts’ fourth-quarter rally and stunned the predominantly Latvian fans in the 8,835-strong crowd.

“The world doesn’t really know much about Justin Brownlee, but for me, he is the Michael Jordan of Philippines basketball. That’s what we expected him to do and that is what he does every night,” Kai Sotto, who had 18 and eight, said of the Gilas naturalized player.

“I appreciate this coming from Kai, but I’m just out there trying to do my best, trying to do whatever I can to help the team win,” said Mr. Brownlee. — Olmin Leyba

The Scores

Philippines 89 — Brownlee 26, Sotto 18, Ramos 12, Fajardo 11, Newsome 10, Perez 6, Quiambao 3, Aguilar 2, Tamayo 1, Oftana 0.

Latvia 80 — Kurucs 18, Dav. Bertans 10, Strelnieks 10, Zoriks 10, Smits 9, Strautins 6, Lomazs 6, Dar. Bertans 5, Timma 3, Cavars 2, Mejeris 1.

Quarterscores: 32-16; 54-38; 67-56; 89-80.

Alas Pilipinas clashes with heavily favored Vietnam at FIVB Challenger Cup

July 4, 2024 | 7:03 pm

ALAS PILIPINAS team captain Jia de Guzman has tempered expectations on their chances against a heavily favored Vietnam and in the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Challenger Cup that came off the wraps at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Thursday.

But deep inside the soft-spoken and courageous skipper and the rest of Nationals, they all dream of the same big dream — punch a ticket straight to the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) main group next year.

And it starts Friday when they square off with the Vietnamese, who swept and dominated last month’s AVC Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum where the Filipinas snatched a historic bronze, at 6:30 p.m. “Well, all we can ask the girls is to do its best while not putting pressure on the team that much,” said the charismatic Alas team leader.

The team lost power spiker Eya Laure and libero Jen Nierva and were replaced by Creamline’s Jema Galanza and National University’s Bella Belen. Ms. Belen’s teammate, Alyssa Solomon, and Ms. Galanza’s fellow Creamline star, Tots Carlos, were enlisted into the pool but will not be able to join due to undisclosed reasons.

“It’s great to have new reinforcements in the pool. Experience-wise,” said Ms. De Guzman of Mmess. Galanza and Belen.

Intriguingly, Ms. Nierva’s last-minute withdrawal left the squad with one legitimate libero in Dawn Catindig.

Cherry Nunag was listed as the team’s second libero but, in essence, she’s a natural middle blocker. The other members of the team are Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Vannie Gandler, Julia Coronel, Angel Canino, Dell Palomata, Arah Panique, Thea Gagate and Sisi Rondina.

The trek to that VNL dream is long and arduous though as Alas Pilipinas would need to win all its games against Vietnam, the semis and eventually the finals, assuming it could make it that far, to realize it. — Joey Villar

Gilas boys get beating from USA

July 4, 2024 | 7:01 pm

GILAS PILIPINAS boys absorbed a hapless 141-45 beating at the hands of the reigning champion and world No. 1 USA to bow out of contention in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup late Wednesday night at the Sinan Erdem Dome, in Istanbul, Turkey.

A forgettable outing it was for the overpowered Nationals, who stared an early 13-43 hole en route to a decimating 96-point defeat in the Round of 16.

It was the fourth straight blowout loss for the undersized and undermanned Filipinos to formally crash out of play in the world youth championships, where they made a return for the first time since 2019.

All but one player barged into the scoring board for the Americans, who won all six editions of the U17 World Cup, led by Koa Peat with 22 points on 11-of-13 clip laced by seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in only 15 minutes of play.

Cameron Boozer (20), Jalen Haralson (16), Caleb Holt (14), Chris Cenac (14), Cayden Boozer (12), Tyran Strokes (12) and Brandon McCoy (11) were also instrumental as USA notched the second biggest output in FIBA U17 history.

USA, which set the mark in a 146-62 win over China in the group phase, also posted the most assists in history with 49.

Joaquin Gabriel Ludovic and CJ Amos with 15 and 10 points, respectively, were the lone twin-digit scorers for the wards of coach Josh Reyes, winless in four one-sided affairs.

The world No. 25 Gilas, which previously bowed to No. 7 Lithuania, 107-48, No. 2 Spain, 96-32, and No. 15 Puerto Rico, 98-53, in Group A, will still play in the classification rounds against No. 16 Argentina at 7:30 p.m. today with hopes of scoring a breakthrough win.

USA, for its part, will shoot for a Final Four spot on the same day at 8 p.m. with a quarterfinal duel against Canada. — John Bryan Ulanday

Raducanu storms into Wimbledon third round with dominant victory

July 4, 2024 | 7:01 pm

LONDON — Emma Raducanu powered her way into the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday with a comfortable 6-1 6-2 victory against Belgian Elise Mertens.

Ms. Raducanu has struggled for fitness since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021 but looked at the top of her game as she pummelled Ms. Mertens into submission from the baseline, shouting and fist-pumping almost every point won. The British wildcard raced into a 5-0 lead against the 28-year-old under the closed roof of Court One which was packed with a passionate home crowd.

Ms. Mertens did get on the scoreboard to avoid a bagel, but that was the only positive for her as Ms. Raducanu clinched the first set.

The Briton then broke in the third game of the second set with a brilliant backhand across court and broke again to go 4-1 up.

Ms. Mertens, ranked 33 in the world, held to love in the next game but could not stop Ms. Raducanu bringing up two match points with an ace and then winning the first of them after the Belgian went long.

It’s the first time Ms. Raducanu has reached a third round of a Grand Slam since her title win at Flushing Meadows and raises tentative hopes of a first British women’s singles triumph at Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977.

“I think I’m playing really good tennis. I’m really happy with the improvements I’ve made,” Ms. Raducanu said on court. “I knew all the hard yards and hard work I was doing this year would lead to something. I’m just so happy I’m able to reap some of the rewards here at Wimbledon.”

She will play ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday in the third round. Ms. Raducanu beat the Greek in the semifinals en route to her US Open win, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era.

“(The) circumstances are different. Like, in a third round compared to a semifinal,” Raducanu told a press conference. “At the time the dynamics were also different. I was an unknown player pretty much.

“I’m expecting a really tough match. She’s… in the world… top 10 or something. It’s going to be a really difficult one.” — Reuters

Lakers off-season deal

July 4, 2024 | 7:01 pm

Regardless of whether the glass is seen as half empty or half full, the Lakers’ offseason has made few insiders happy. They began it with promise, with projected lottery pick Dalton Knecht landing in their laps at 17^th in the rookie draft. They then applied a full-court press on Splash Brother Klay Thompson; top dog LeBron James put his money where his mouth was, exhibiting a readiness to take a pay cut and personally courting the would-be free agent. As the days passed, however, it slowly became apparent that their efforts to strengthen the roster would be for naught.

True, the dealmaking isn’t done yet. There are still some cogs available in the market for the Lakers, the spurning of Thompson for the Mavericks and the loss of supposed secondary target Jonas Valanciunas notwithstanding. Evidently, they have shifted their sights to the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Jerami Grant, and, yes, Kyle Kuzma. Unfortunately, their flexibility to improve their position has been hampered by the irony of D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, and Christian Wood exercising their player options for the coming season.

It bears noting, of course, that the Lakers’ top-heavy situation has already placed a ceiling on their potential to contend for the championship. With or without Thompson, they would still begin their 2024-25 campaign staring at the backsides of such notables as the Celtics, Mavericks, Thunder, Sixers, Timberwolves, and Nuggets. In short, they’re doomed to cast moist eyes on the Larry O’Brien Trophy with internally generated handicaps — including the assimilation of new head coach JJ Redick.

Which is not to say the Lakers don’t have blessings to count. First and foremost, they have James back in the fold. And even as he pushes 40, there can be no counting him — and the jersey he wears — out of any conversation. There is likewise the benefit of not spending megabucks on possibilities that carry significant risk. Thompson, for instance, isn’t worth the $20 million-per-year contract they dangled, not with two major surgeries and two steps lost on defense. The last thing they need is yet another sieve that negates their scoring prowess.

All things considered, the Lakers are actually better off than their immediate-vicinity rivals. The Clippers gave up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two pick swaps for Paul George five years ago, only to see the latter head to the Sixers in pursuit of more money. The Warriors escorted a bitter Thompson to the door, effectively bidding goodbye to a dynasty. For good measure, the purple and gold can likewise find some solace in seeing restrictive provisions of the new collective bargaining agreement victimize the hated Nuggets.

Bottom line, the Lakers remain in control of their fate. They may not be in the upper echelon of contenders, but they cannot be counted out, either. They have James and Anthony Davis, after all, and the onus is now on them to make hay while the sun shines.

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.

Unregistered vehicles, colorum PUVs apprehended for road safety

July 4, 2024 | 5:38 pm

Vehicles-cars-traffic — Motorists are stuck in traffic along ESDA in Cubao, Quezon City, Nov. 7, 2023. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

Transport authorities, led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), have been aggressive in apprehending colorum and unregistered vehicles, saying that the campaign helps ensure safety for all road users.

“Hindi lang obligasyon sa gobyerno…para sa kaligtasan ng lahat dahil kasama sa pagpaparehistro ang pag-inspect [ng] roadworthiness [Not just an obligation to government…also for everyone’s safety because part of vehicle registration is the inspection for roadworthiness],” Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief and DOTr Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said in a press release.

More than 10,000 unregistered motor vehicles were apprehended in June according to Mr. Mendoza.

The 6,824 cases of apprehended motorcycles led the list of unregistered vehicles, followed by 1,787 tricycles, 954 private vans, 451 private sedans, and 230 trucks.

Mr. Mendoza said that 9,212 of the apprehended motor vehicles were issued traffic violation tickets.

“Ito ay alinsunod sa patuloy na pagsusulong ng DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista na maging ligtas ang lahat ng road user sa ating bansa [This coincides with DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s goal of ensuring the safety of road users in the country],” he said.

‘No Plate, No Travel’

In compliance with promoting road safety, the LTO launched its “No Plate, No Travel” policy in Quezon City last Monday.

Around 23 tricycles plying their routes received apprehensions due to lack of registration, missing license plates, and driving without driver’s licenses.

According to the policy’s memorandum, tricycles plying their routes must have valid and authorized license plates clearly visible and properly attached to their vehicle. Violation of this will result in apprehension with appropriate legal action and penalties following existing laws and regulations.

Mr. Mendoza added that the policy adhered to DOTr’s instruction to ensure safer roads for everyone, especially commuters who rely on tricycles as their main mode of transport going to offices and schools.

“Tuloy-tuloy na ang implementation nito sa buong Quezon City and soon, this will be replicated nationwide, [The policy will continuously be implemented in Quezon City, and will soon be implemented nationwide,”] he said.

Colorum Crackdown

In less than a year, the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation of the DOTr (DOTr-SAICT) have collected P135 million in fines imposed upon colorum transport vehicles.

Colorum crackdown from November 2023 to June 2024 has apprehended 364 violators according to the DOTr-SAICT

In a Facebook post, the DOTr-SAICT said that the Anti-Colorum campaign “has played a pivotal role in cracking down on illegal transport activities that jeopardize the safety of commuters and road users.”

Further, the campaign aims to ensure public safety by halting illegal transport activities with a P200,000 fine for unauthorized vans and P1 million for illegal buses.

“Let’s see to it that we enforce our regulations…that road safety and regulations are continuously implemented,” Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a conference with regional directors of the LTO last June 6. – Almira Louise S. Martinez