Marcos urges IPOPHL-WIPO collaboration to meet IP goals

September 12, 2023 | 7:53 pm

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. Marcos, Jr. has called on the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to work closely with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in developing the Philippines’ IP regime, reiterating his push for innovation.

Reading the President’s speech at the World Intellectual Property Organization Asian Regional Conference, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual said IPOPHL is expected to “craft programs that will strengthen the country’s IP regime and contribute to our efforts in building the new Philippines that we aspire for.”

“I also urge everyone here to work together and harness the power of science, technology, and innovation as a catalyst for our post-pandemic transformation and our inclusive and sustainable development moving forward,” Mr. Marcos said in the speech.

With the Philippines ranking 59^th in the last Global Innovation Index (GII), Mr. Marcos said the goal of his administration is to elevate the country to the top one-third of the world economy by 2028 in terms of the GII.

“We believe that by addressing gaps and challenges in innovation inputs and outputs indices as well as in making continued investments in our educational and research institutions, we will reach this dream in no time,” he said.

The President’s speech also mentioned the positive prospects for health innovation research in the country.

“I have the highest hopes that this conference — through the researchers’ findings and innovations as well as collaborations from the academe — would help create, discover, and adopt more impactful innovations for the benefit of our peoples and our global healthcare system,” he said.

The Senate has yet to pass a bill seeking to establish a national center for disease prevention and control, which is one of the administration’s priority legislative agenda. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Korean funded greenhouses set for turnover by November

September 12, 2023 | 7:52 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said that it is set to turn over its smart greenhouse projects in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao by November.

The DA said that officials from the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also met with Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban to discuss updates on the project.

The project established 10 greenhouses in Iloilo and 11 in Bukidnon, and funded by Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The DA said that this was in an effort to improve yields and quality of high value crops through “innovative technologies.”

“Based on the final monitoring of project performance and development of sustainability plan, the EPIS team (said) that the project is successful,” the DA said. — Adrian H. Halili

MILF fighters kill 2 Dawlah Islamiya gunmen in clash

September 12, 2023 | 7:52 pm

COTABATO CITY — Authorities are bracing for a possible retaliation by the Dawlah Islamiya terror group that lost two men in a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao del Sur on Monday.

The 45-minute gunfight in Barangay Mother Tuayan in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur erupted when Dawlah Islamiya terrorists intruded into an area where MILF members reside to collect money and food from farmers.

Timuay Anton Dian, Indigenous People’s Mandatory representative to the municipal council of Datu Hoffer, and Bangsamoro Parliament Member Froilyn Mendoza told reporters Tuesday around 40 Teduray families in houses around the scene of the encounter have relocated to safer areas.

“We are calling on government relief agencies to extend to them relief support,” Mendoza, who is an ethnic Teduray, said.

Col. Roel Rullan Sermese, director of the Maguindanao del Sur police, and Army Brig. Gen. Oriel Libres Pangcog of the 601^st Infantry Brigade had confirmed the incident that resulted in the death of two Dawlah Islamiya members and assured the public of their intervention to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Officials of the municipal peace and order councils in Datu Hoffer and nearby Datu Unsay and Shariff Aguak towns told reporters Tuesday the Dawlah Islamiya members killed in the clash were cousins Muntas Samsudin Ansao and Salik Abdullah Mantato.

Moro datus and other sources in the community claimed that three other Dawlah Islamiya members were wounded.

They reported to the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte that the Dawlah Islamiya terrorists involved in the clash were allegedly led by one Adbdulnasser Sangid Guinaid and a certain “Odic.” — John Felix M. Unson

PAGCOR warns public against illicit gaming websites

September 12, 2023 | 7:51 pm

casino-online gambling — JAGODA KONDRATIUK-UNSPLASH

THE PHILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has warned the public against the unlicensed gaming websites that use the PAGCOR logo without authorization.

In a statement released on Tuesday, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said these websites “may pose risks to your personal and financial information.”

“So far, we have been able to shut down most of these illicit websites, but some of them are able to immediately create new ones so we really need the public’s cooperation and vigilance to help us weed out these scammers,” he added.

Mr. Tengco said the agency has consulted with the Philippine National Police, the Department of Information and Communication Technology and the National Bureau of Investigation for “proper action.”

“Other steps being taken include continuing engagement with law enforcement agencies and electronic payment service providers to explore the possibility of blocking payments made to and from illegal gambling websites which he said has been proven effective in the US and Singapore,” PAGCOR added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Philippine merchandise trade performance

September 12, 2023 | 7:12 pm

The Philippines’ trade deficit further shrank in July as exports and imports continued to decline, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Read the full story.

Basketball World Cup remains in Asia for third session in row

September 12, 2023 | 6:12 pm

FIBA---MVP — OUTGOING FIBA President Hamane Niang (fourth from left), with no less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (third from left), handed the golden FIBA ball to the Qatar Basketball Federation at the sidelines of the World Cup finale over the weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena. — FIBA.BASKETBALL

As Qatar formally received the hosting ball from the Philippines

THE BIGGEST basketball event in the world will stay in the Asian continent.

For the third straight edition, Asia will host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027 as Qatar formally received the hosting ball from the Philippines, which co-hosted this year’s Cup with neighbors Japan and Indonesia.

Outgoing FIBA President Hamane Niang, with no less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, handed the golden FIBA ball to the Qatar Basketball Federation at the sidelines of the World Cup finale over the weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mr. Pangilinan, also the chair of the Philippine Local Organizing Committee, first passed the ball to Mr. Niang before handing it over to Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb, president of Qatar Basketball Federation, and Sheikha Asma Al Thani, director of marketing and communications for the Qatar Olympic Committee.

“We are very proud to receive the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as the next hosts of this fantastic event. Hosting such a huge event for one of the most popular sports in the world is a huge honor for Qatar,” said Mr. Al Almoghaiseb.

“We are grateful to our colleagues in FIBA and the Philippines for giving us the opportunity to see closely the organizational delivery of the World Cup.”

The turnover ceremony from the Philippines to Qatar served as the fitting finale to a memorable World Cup that started with the FIBA congress, where FIBA Asia Chief Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani was elected as the new world basketball president to succeed Mr. Niang from Mali.

He was also the former president of Qatar federation and vice president of the Qatar Olympic Committee. Qatar prior to the FIBA World Cup came off a successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup last year.

In Qatar, leading Philippine mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has renewed its Global Partnership with the world basketball federation until the 2027 World Cup.

It’s a new four-year partnership between FIBA and Smart following an excellent team-up in bringing the 2023 World Cup closer to basketball fans around the world marked by the construction of the Mall of Asia Ball as “one of the most breathtaking and monumental basketball tributes ever seen at a FIBA event.”

SBP President Al Panlilio, for his part, beamed with honor and pride as the Philippines hosted the World Cup in flying colors for the second time around since 1978.

“I’m extremely proud of all the LOC [Local Organizing Committee] staff and volunteers. And (feel) extreme joy for the coming together of the FIBA community to make this World Cup a memorable one,” said Mr. Panlilio as the Philippines set a new World Cup gate-attendance record.

“But there’s also a feeling of extreme bittersweetness as it comes to an end, yet overshadowed by extreme hopefulness for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.”

Home team Gilas Pilipinas finished 24^th in the 32-team World Cup to earn a ticket in the Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournament in front of huge crowds, highlighted by 38,115 fans during the opener against the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. — John Bryan Ulanday

Abueva energizes Gilas Pilipinas training sessions

September 12, 2023 | 6:12 pm

CALVIN Abueva dislocated his right thumb during scrimmage, popped it back and finished the second day of Gilas Pilipinas’ training sessions for the Asian Games.

This typifies the commitment and infectious energy Mr. Abueva and the other newly-arrived reinforcements are generating in the Gilas camp.

“I really like our energy,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said after the two-hour practice at the PhilSports Arena.

Mr. Cone enlisted Mr. Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Jason Perkins, Mo Tautuaa and Stanley Pringle to join forces with FIBA World Cup holdovers June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson and RR Pogoy, WC pool members Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

“The players who played in the World Cup, they’re exhausted. So it’s really hard to bring the energy to the Asian Games. However, guys like Perk (Perkins) and Calvin (Abueva) and even Messrs. Oftana and Newsome who didn’t play, they’re really excited to be on the team and they have great energy. And the energy they have is infecting everybody,” said Mr. Cone.

Mr. Pogoy, who is dealing with an undisclosed medical issue, missed practice for the second straight day and underwent tests.

“He’s day-to-day. I hope we can get him tomorrow. We’ll see. We’re seeking doctor’s permission. It’s not an injury, it’s a medical issue and as soon as he’s over it, he’ll join us in practice,” said Mr. Cone of the TNT sniper.

Gilas returnee Mr. Abueva’s intensity was in full display when he went up for the offensive rebound in between Messrs. Kouame and Fajardo. Mr. Abueva related that the ball slipped and slammed into his thumb as he tapped it.

Meanwhile, Mr. Brownlee is looking forward to facing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the import who helped TNT dethrone Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup, in the Asiad. Mr. Hollis-Jefferson is suiting up for Jordan, Gilas’ group opponent.

“It’s going to be great. He’s an incredible player. I was just telling one of the guys I don’t know why he’s not in the NBA. With his talent, skillset, he definitely should be in the NBA,” said Mr. Brownlee.

“It’s an honor to play against a guy like him. It’s going to be tough so we have to be prepared. Him and Jordan, they played fairly well, they had some tough games in the World Cup.” — Olmin Leyba

Kampeon Cup football kicks off Sept. 22 in Talisay City, Cebu

September 12, 2023 | 6:12 pm

IT’S all systems go for the third season of the AIA Vitality Kampeon Cup featuring eight teams from across the archipelago at the Dynamic Herb Complex in Talisay City, Cebu on Sept. 22 to 24.

Back-to-back champion Cebu, as expected, looms as the heavy favorite in a hat trick bid in front of its home fans as runner-up Bonifacio Global City is out to exact sweet vengeance on the road.

Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Palawan, Pampanga, and Zamboanga are also out to give the fancied squads a run for their own money in the largest staging of the seven-a-side football league thus far.

“This will be the biggest showing yet in terms of participation in the AIA Vitality Kampeon Cup,” said AIA 7s Executive Director Ethan Lee.

“With every tournament we play, the league grows even more. I cannot think of a great way to cap off this 2023 with an eight-team field competing for the title of the fastest growing sport and biggest football tournament in the country.”

All eight cities will slug it out in the elimination round on Sept. 22 and 23 before the semifinals on the second day. On Sept. 24, only two teams will be left standing for the Kampeon Cup finals which will also have youth games as front act.

The third Kampeon Cup is only one of the local tournaments backed by the AIA 7s Football after the inaugural AIA Vitality Women’s Kampeon Cup, the first BPI AIA Asia 7s Football tournament, and the Soccer Tournament $1 Million Winner-Take-All in a bid to champion growth of Pinoy football.

“Football is really special to us. It’s our way of helping Filipinos maintain a healthy lifestyle. What’s special about Kampeon is spreading football across the Philippines and I’m sure the contribution of the 7s League is felt. We’re glad to be a partner in this,” added AIA Philippines Head of Branding and Communications Bernadette Chincuanco.

Former national team player Anton del Rosario, who founded 7s Football Philippines, said that Philippine football through the Kampeon Cup has come this far but the game is just getting started.

“Thank you for allowing us to help grow football in the country. This is part of our goal to provide a pathway for the future of Philippine football and the best way to do it is through our passion for the sport,” he said, mentioning that over 700 teams are now participating in different local 7s football tournaments.

“It’s a great time to be involved in football.” — John Bryan Ulanday

Juve’s Pogba provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone

September 12, 2023 | 6:12 pm

JUVENTUS’ France midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, Italy’s national anti-doping (NADO Italia) tribunal said on Monday.

The test, performed after Juve’s 3-0 Serie A season-opening victory at Udinese on Aug. 20, detected testosterone, a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance.

“In acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Anti-doping Prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba,” NADO Italia said in a statement.

The tribunal said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules when they found the prohibited substance “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,” adding that the results were “consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds.”

The 30-year-old Mr. Pogba was an unused substitute in the win at Udinese. Juventus said they had been informed of the provisional suspension and were evaluating the next steps.

If found guilty of doping, Mr. Pogba could be suspended for between two and four years. He will now await the results of the B Sample test.

“We are waiting for the results of the counter-analysis and cannot say anything until then,” Mr. Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement reported by Italian media.

“The only certain thing is that Paul Pogba never intended to break the rules.”

TORRID SPELL
Mr. Pogba has had a torrid second spell with Juve due to injuries since he returned to the Turin-based club following his departure from Manchester United on a free transfer last year.

The 2018 World Cup winner barely played last season due to knee and hamstring injuries as well as knee surgery which prevented him playing for France at the World Cup in Qatar.

Mr. Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.

Mr. Pogba’s contract with Juve expires in June 2026.

Apart from injury troubles, Pogba said last year he was the target of extortion attempts and threats from an organised gang, with his brother Mathias placed under formal investigation.

Paul told the Paris prosecution office that he had been the target of extortion by childhood friends since March 2022 and had paid €100,000 ($107,450) to that group in the spring.

Mathias was taken into custody in September last year and released in December. The 33-year-old, who has also played professionally, denied the allegations against him.

In an interview with Al Jazeera published on Monday, Paul said he had considered retiring from the sport having been worn down by the alleged extortion attempts and threats.

“Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me — not for the fame, not for the money,’” he said. — Reuters

Djokovic will dominate tennis for years, says Murray

September 12, 2023 | 6:11 pm

MANCHESTER, England — Novak Djokovic, who won his 24^th Grand Slam title on Sunday, will dominate men’s tennis for years because younger players have yet to reach his level, according to Andy Murray.

Mr. Djokovic’s latest triumph at the US Open saw him equal Margaret Court’s record of major singles titles.

“It’s up to the young guys to be pushing Novak and looking to overtake him. It doesn’t look like that’s close to happening,” Mr. Murray told the BBC on Monday.

“He proved that he’s the best player in the world again yesterday and like I said it’s up to the youngsters to improve enough to take him.”

The 36-year-old Serbian, one of the ‘Big Three’ with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer who dominated men’s tennis for the past two decades, said he had no plans to retire.

“Novak’s longevity has been the greatest. He’s played at this level for such a long time now,” said Britain’s Mr. Murray, who won three Grand Slams.

In July, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz ended Mr. Djokovic’s Wimbledon reign after the Serbian had won four titles in a row at the All England Club. However, Mr. Murray believes the wrong conclusions were drawn from the Spaniard’s victory.

“I said that after Wimbledon, everyone was saying it was a changing of the guard, but it wasn’t for me,” he added.

“Physically, motivation, whether someone like Alcaraz improves — he’s an amazing player Alcaraz, he’s brilliant, but to do what Novak is doing on a consistent basis is different.”

World number one Mr. Djokovic will next travel to Valencia and join the Serbia team for their Davis Cup Finals group stage ties with South Korea, Spain and Czech Republic. — Reuters

Portugal chalk up record win with 9-0 thrashing of Luxembourg

September 12, 2023 | 6:09 pm

PORTUGAL enjoyed their biggest-ever win as they thumped Luxembourg 9-0 at Estadio Algarve on Monday to preserve their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Substitute Joao Felix secured the record victory with a goal two minutes from time after Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, and Diogo Jota all scored twice. Ricardo Horta and Bruno Fernandes, who had three assists, were also on the scoresheet.

Portugal’s previous record was 8-0, which they achieved three times — twice against Liechtenstein (1994 and 1999) and once versus Kuwait (2003).

Portugal have won all six of their Group J matches under Roberto Martinez, who took over in January, scoring 24 goals with none conceded. They are five points clear of Slovakia.

The result matched the biggest-ever loss for Luxembourg, who have 10 points and are third, three points behind Slovakia. — Reuters

NBA poised to curb teams resting star players

September 12, 2023 | 6:09 pm

THE NBA Board of Governors is set to vote on a new policy this week that would prevent teams from resting more than one star player per game, The Athletic reported Monday.

A “star” player is defined as someone who made an All-Star team or All-NBA team in the past three seasons, per the report.

The policy is a culmination of talks over the past couple of years about cutting down on teams using “load management” to the detriment of fans and the audiences for national TV games, per the report.

For example, the Los Angeles Clippers wouldn’t be able to rest Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the same game, if the new policy is moved along and eventually passed.

The NBA has cut down on scheduling back-to-backs in different cities, increasing instances of playing consecutive road games against the same opponent. — Reuters