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First among equals

TWO years ago, Novak Djokovic was on the precipice of greatness in Flushing Meadows, New York. As he surveyed the scene along with some 24,000 fans on hand at the Arthur Ashe Stadium prior to contesting the first point of the United States Open men’s singles final, he figured he had a better than even chance of meeting his date with fate. All he needed to do was beat fellow finalist Daniil Medvedev to become just the second man after Rod Laver in 1969 to claim an open-era calendar year Grand Slam. In collecting the previous three major titles, the world had been his oyster; he simply had to reaffirm it.

As things turned out, even the well-prepared and extremely experienced Djokovic was overwhelmed by the moment. Ultimately, he failed to withstand the intense scrutiny throughout the fortnight — and, of course, the intervening six weeks since his Wimbledon triumph. When the battlesmoke cleared, he was severely disappointed; Medvedev took only two hours and 16 minutes to defeat him in straight sets. That he also happened to be relieved underscored the enormous weight of the expectations he carried.

The other day, Djokovic was again on the cusp of rewriting history. Having finished a bridesmaid at the All-England Club, he could no longer go after a calendar year grand slam. Still, at stake was the chance to become the lone player in the sport’s annals to win 24 major championships. (Sorry, but the controversial Margaret Court’s numbers don’t count for a variety of reasons.) And there was extra motivation, to be sure; once again, he was at Flushing Meadows, and, once again, Medvedev was on the other side of the net. Under the circumstances, it was but fair for all and sundry to ask him: How would he fare this time around?

Considering the significance of the task at hand, it was, perhaps, only proper that Djokovic would take the same number of sets against the same opponent in the same venue to provide the answer. Not that he didn’t feel any pressure; among other things, he had to battle fatigue (not to mention an inspired Medvedev) midway through the set-to. In stark contrast to his flameout two years ago, however, he did well to stay in sync and focused on the outcome he desired. From the get-go, he picked his spots, dictated rallies, and constructed points to his liking as only he could. And, when the final point was decided in his favor, he celebrated his singular accomplishment with an air of acceptance.

Indeed, Djokovic was, well, inevitable. And, notably, there is little reason to argue that he cannot continue to be. Even at 36 and with such notables as Carlos Alcaraz angling for a changing of the guard, he stands alone at the top. The other members of the tennis elite over the last two decades have come and gone: Roger Federer long retired, Rafael Nadal recovering from injury merely for one last go-round, Andy Murray already one foot out the door. Through all the upheaval, he remains first among equals.

It’s anybody’s guess how long Djokovic can stay primed and motivated to fend off challengers to the throne. He’s certainly close to his end; Father Time is perennially undefeated. Until then, though, he plans to keep carving his name along the way, with landmarks — and vanquished foes by the wayside — standing as testaments to his preeminence. He has pledged to enjoy the adventure while it lasts. Everybody else should, too.

 

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.

N.Korea ammunition could offer Russia flawed but useful support

Military personnel take part in a parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency on April 26, 2022. — KCNA VIA REUTERS

SEOUL — If North Korea provides artillery rounds and other weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine, it could help Kremlin forces stretch their dwindling stocks of ammunition but would be unlikely to change the course of the conflict, military analysts say.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia on Tuesday for meetings with President Vladimir Putin, where US officials say they expect both sides to pursue an arms deal.

North Korea is believed to have a large stockpile of artillery shells and rockets that would be compatible with Soviet-era weapons, as well as a history of producing such ammunition.

The size of these stores and its degradation over time is less clear, as is the scale of ongoing production, but these stockpiles could help replenish those severely depleted in Ukraine, said Joseph Dempsey, a defense researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“While access to such stocks may prolong the conflict, it is unlikely going to change the outcome,” he added.

Both Ukraine and Russia have expended massive numbers of shells and have looked to allies and partners around the world to refill their ammunition stockpiles.

Russia fired 10-11 million rounds last year in Ukraine, a Western official estimated on Friday.

Among the ammunition that the US has provided Ukraine are shells with advanced capabilities, such as the Excalibur, which uses GPS guidance and steering fins to hit targets as small as 3 meters (10 feet) from up to 40km (25 miles) away.

North Korea’s offering is likely to be less high-tech but accessing those stocks would likely significantly increase Russia’s capabilities in the short term, while North Korean production lines would help in the longer term, said Siemon Wezeman, of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

“Almost none of the ammunition is in any way ‘advanced’ — it would feed the traditional Russian barrage type use of artillery but not provide Russia with any precision ammunition,” he said.

To have minimal stocks for all their artillery in 100mm-152mm caliber would mean North Korea would have at least millions of shells stockpiled, Mr. Wezeman said, and just to replenish any ammunition fired in exercises or demonstrations will need some serious production capacities.

The White House has said Russia wants to buy “literally millions” of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea.

Massed artillery fire has played a key role since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a “special military operation. Some analysts call artillery the “king of battle” despite the focus on flashier, high-tech weapons.

“Used correctly, artillery can shatter the will and cohesion of the enemy, offering significant opportunity to seize both ground and the initiative,” Patrick Hinton, a British Army fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said in a recent report.

However, it is more complicated than simply throwing shells at the enemy, and Russian artillery barrages have repeatedly failed to dislodge entrenched Ukrainians, he wrote.

Hinton told Reuters the question of quality in North Korean artillery shells could have an impact if flaws fall outside accepted tolerances.

“Poorly made ammunition will have inconsistent performance  — behaviors in flight may be affected which will reduce accuracy; poor quality fuses may lead to premature function; shelf life may be reduced if the content is poorly made,” he said. “These all need to be made to a high specification otherwise they may not land where they are expected to which can have catastrophic consequences.”

The performance of North Korea’s artillery and crews has been suspect since the North Korean army fired around 170 shells at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong in 2010, killing four people.

According to a report by the Washington-based 38 North project, more than half those rounds fell in the waters around the island, while about 20% of those that impacted the island failed to explode.

Such a high failure rate suggested some North Korea-manufactured artillery munitions suffered from either poor quality control during manufacture or poor storage conditions and standards, the report said.

With very large numbers of ammunition, the lack of precision and the occasional dud shells or rockets wouldn’t matter much to the Russians, Mr. Wezeman said.

“However, it would matter if Korean ammunition is of such poor quality that it is just unsafe to use for Russian soldiers — there have been indications that such quality issues play with Korean ammunition,” he added. — Reuters

Taiwan defense ministry says China bolsters air power along coastline facing island

REUTERS

TAIPEI — China is bolstering its air power along the coast facing Taiwan with a permanent deployment of new fighters and drones at expanded air bases, Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Tuesday in its annual report.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up its military activities near the island in recent years in response to what Beijing calls “collusion” between Taiwan and the United States and to prevent Taiwan independence.

China staged war games around Taiwan in August of last year and again in April, and its forces operate around the island almost daily.

In its National Defense Report, the ministry said China uses “realistic combat training and exercises to strengthen its preparedness against Taiwan.”

“The Chinese communists have been completing the expansion of airfields along the coastline of its eastern and southern theatre commands, realigning new fighters and drones to be permanently stationed there,” it said.

China’s frequent drills to Taiwan’s north and south and into the Pacific show its efforts to “intimidate” Taiwan from both its east and west, the ministry added.

China’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan, whose forces are dwarfed by those of China’s, has been pursuing a strategy of asymmetric defense by improving its long-range, precision, unmanned, manoeuvrable and artificial intelligence capabilities. 

The ministry said that in the event there were clear signs of a Chinese invasion they could “preemptively strike its mobilizing invasion forces” with precision weapons.

China’s economic slowdown could increase the risk of Beijing taking military action toward Taiwan, the Republican chair of a US congressional committee on China said on Monday, drawing a contrast with Democratic President Joseph R. Biden, who said it made it less likely.

Asked about Mr. Biden’s comments, Huang Wen-chi, assistant deputy chief for Taiwan’s General Staff For Intelligence, said China’s defence spending continued to increase and Taiwan could not let down its guard.

“We so far can’t see any friendliness from the Chinese communist authorities towards us,” he added.

Taiwan’s government says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. — Reuters

Who should get a COVID vaccine this year?

REUTERS

THE US drug regulator authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and its partner BioNTech as well as from Moderna on Monday as the country prepares to start an autumn vaccination campaign as soon as this week. A third vaccine from Novavax remains under review. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the shots for those aged 12 and above, and authorized them for emergency use in children aged 6 months through 11 years.

Advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention were set to meet on Tuesday to discuss recommendations on who should get the vaccines this year. CDC Director Mandy Cohen said last month she expects the shots to be given annually, but not all doctors agree everyone needs them each year.

How is this year’s vaccine different from last year?

Pfizer with BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax all have created new versions of their COVID-19 vaccines. Unlike last year’s booster shot that included the original strain of the virus and the then-dominant Omicron variant, this year’s shot targets only XBB.1.5, the predominant variant through most of 2023.

The companies have said their retooled vaccines have been shown in early testing to work against newer Omicron subvariants now circulating, including the highly mutated BA.2.86.

Should seniors, the immunocompromised and pregnant people get the shot this year?

There is broad consensus among doctors that these groups should receive at least an annual COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the virus because of their elevated risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death. For instance, the British government’s vaccine committee said only adults 65 and older and some of these other categories will be offered the shot as they are the most likely to benefit.

Should younger, healthy adults get the new vaccine?

Many doctors believe the vaccine should be recommended annually for everyone, much like influenza vaccines.

Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases specialist and a liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said a simple and straight-forward recommendation is likely best.

“If you’re six months of age or older, you should get a flu vaccine. Sounds good to me for COVID also,” Mr. Schaffner said.

Dr. David Boulware, a University of Minnesota infectious diseases specialist, said he would recommend that healthy adults get the shots. According to research he has published, people who have received booster shots have symptoms that are less severe and shorter-lasting if they get sick.

Dr. Paul Offit, a University of Pennsylvania infectious disease expert and a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel, said he believes the shots should be recommended annually only for high-risk groups. Studies have not shown the booster shots protect against disease in lower-risk populations, Offit said.

Should people suffering with long COVID get the shot?

There is some data that suggests that vaccination after infection may contribute to a reduction in long COVID symptoms. Regardless, doctors have said that a second episode of COVID-19 could rekindle prior long COVID or worsen ongoing symptoms, and vaccination could help protect against that.

Should children receive a COVID-19 vaccine this year?

Opinions vary on the need for the shots in children.

University of Minnesota epidemiologist Michael Osterholm said children made up a larger percentage of deaths and hospitalizations among those currently with COVID. Although hospitalizations in general are fairly low, over the past month people ages 17 and under have accounted for around 5-6% of COVID-19 hospitalizations, compared with around 4% on average over the previous two years, according to CDC data.

“If parents want to vaccinate their kids, they should be allowed to,” Mr. Osterholm said.

Mr. Boulware said he believes giving children boosters is unnecessary unless there is an immunocompromised person in the household.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said it would make its recommendations after the CDC’s advisory committee meets. — Reuters

Pope blames workplace accidents on capitalist greed

REUTERS

ROME — Pope Francis on Monday blamed accidents at work on excessive profit-seeking and the “idolatry of the market,” in a fresh swipe at unbridled capitalism that has led some right-wing critics to paint him as a far-left radical.

His remarks came two weeks after five railway maintenance workers were killed by a passing train in the northern Italian town of Brandizzo. The accident has been linked to a suspected breach of health and safety regulations.

“Tragedies (in the workplace) begin when the focus is no longer on man, but on productivity, and man turns into a production machine,” Pope Francis said in a speech to the Italian association of people injured at work.

He said he was still thinking about the five men killed in Brandizzo.

Francis likened the frequent reports of workplace tragedies to a “war bulletin.” Such incidents happen when “work becomes dehumanized … and turns into an exasperated race for profit,” he said.

The pope lashed out at “carewashing,” by businesspeople and politicians who “instead of investing in safety (at work), prefer to wash their consciences with some charitable work,” donating to the arts or sports.

“Responsibility towards workers is a priority: life cannot be traded for any reason, especially if it is (the life of the) poor, precarious and fragile. We are human beings and not machines, unique people and not spare parts,” he said.

Soon after he was elected in 2013, Pope Francis said he wanted to lead a “poor Church, for the poor” and has reiterated several times that worrying about the needy was not a form of communism, but a tenet of the Gospel. — Reuters

Thousands feared dead as floods hit eastern Libya

NEAR DERNA (UPDATE) – About a quarter of Libya’s eastern city of Derna was wiped out after dams burst in a storm, the administration in the area said on Tuesday, and the Red Cross said 10,000 people were feared to be missing across the country in floods.

At least 1,000 bodies had already been recovered in the city of Derna alone, and officials expected the death toll would be much higher, after Storm Daniel barrelled across the Mediterranean into a country crumbling from more than a decade of conflict.

A Reuters journalist on the way to Derna, a coastal city of around 125,000 inhabitants, saw vehicles overturned on the edges of roads, trees knocked down, and abandoned, flooded houses. 

“I returned from Derna. It is very disastrous. Bodies are lying everywhere – in the sea, in the valleys, under the buildings,” Hichem Abu Chkiouat, minister of civil aviation and member of the emergency committee in the administration that controls the east, told Reuters by phone.

“The number of bodies recovered in Derna is more 1,000,” he said. “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25% of the city has disappeared. Many, many buildings have collapsed.”

Abu Chkiouat later told Al Jazeera that he expected the total number of dead across the country to reach more than 2,500, as the number of missing people was rising.

“We can confirm from our independent sources of information that the number of missing people is hitting 10,000 so far,” Tamer Ramadan, the head of a delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), told reporters in Geneva via video link from Tunisia.

Videos showed a wide torrent running through Derna’s city centre after dams burst. Ruined buildings stood on either side.

Another video shared on Facebook, which Reuters could not independently verify, appeared to show dozens of bodies covered in blankets on the pavements.

Convoys of aid and assistance were heading towards the city. 

Libya is politically divided between east and west and public services have crumbled since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that prompted years of conflict.

The internationally recognized government in Tripoli does not control eastern areas but has dispatched aid to Derna, with at least one relief flight leaving from the western city of Misrata on Tuesday, a Reuters journalist on the plane said.

Other countries, including the United States, also said they would help. — Reuters 

Philippine International Trade

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.

Philippine International Trade

GCash banners best practices in Trust Tech at DICT-CICC Cybersphere Forum

In photo are DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado, GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, DICT-CICC Undersecretary Alexander Ramos, and DICT Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Renato A. Paraiso at the Cybersphere PH 2023 Forum at the Shangri-La at the Fort.

GCash, the Philippines’ leading Fintech company, co-presented the recent Cybersphere Philippines Forum at the Shangri-La at the Fort Hotel hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The two-day conference gathered leaders and decision makers in the cybersecurity space — while showcasing the latest trends and products on ICT, cybersecurity, and cloud.

The event was endorsed by no less than Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who expressed hope that the summit can be a venue for solutions in addressing emerging issues in the cybersecurity space. The event was also headlined by DICT Secretary Ivan Uy who was the guest of honor for the opening ceremony. Other participants were high-ranking officials from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), as well as private sector movers and shakers.

GCash, through its Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, bannered the company’s best practices in cybersecurity and trust tech. In a speech, she highlighted the topic, “E-Payments: How far can we go to reach the masses securely?”.

“With 2-factor authentication, a mobile PIN, and Face ID technology, we’re not just guarding your account; we’re ensuring it’s always in the right hands,” said Ms. Sy during her segment.

Earlier this year, GCash introduced their Cybersecurity Tech Investment “DoubleSafe,” a security feature designed to ensure only the owner can access their account in a new device. Aside from the protection provided by the 2-factor authentication and a mobile PIN, DoubleSafe uses Face ID technology to detect if the person accessing the account is the same as the owner.

GCash Chief Risk Officer Ingrid Berona joins a panel on “Managing cybersecurity threats in a resilient national network.”

More than just the latest security technology, GCash has also rampled up its education campaign against scams. Through the #GSafeTayo campaign the public is empowered on how they can protect their digital accounts. “Through the relatable content across diverse channels, we’re illuminating the path to digital safety, ensuring everyone can do transactions online with utmost confidence,” Ms. Sy added.

Meanwhile, GCash Chief Risk Officer Ingrid Beroña joined a panel on, “ Managing cybersecurity threats in a national resilient network,” where she emphasized how GCash places utmost priority on trust and security. For his part, GCash Chief Information Security Officer Miguel Geronilla shared the experience of GCash in protecting its users from evolving threats in a panel on, “Black Hat. White Hat. Grey Hat? Tapping the experience to protect the masses.” And finally, Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange, Inc., headlined a panel on, “Importance of strong public-private sector cooperation to achieve a progressive national digitalization program.”

GCash Chief Information Security Officer Miguel Geronilla joins a panel about cybersecurity professionals.

GCash has been aggressive in going after fraudsters and cybercriminals by partnering with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), as well as the DICT and CICC.

The company remains steadfast in strengthening its credibility as it continuously innovates and invests in security measures to protect its customers. But at the end of the day, GCash also believes that online or cybersecurity is a responsibility that it shares not just with its users but also with other partners and stakeholders.

 

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Experience 5G connectivity with vivo on Smart Signature Plans

It is now easier than ever for Filipino mobile users to experience 5G connectivity to cover all online activities with the latest vivo V and Y series on Smart Signature Plans, powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence*.

The vivo V27 5G and the vivo Y36 5G are now available on Smart Signature Plans with exclusive vivo device color options. Subscribers can choose between the Smart Signature Plans+ that comes with Unlimited 5G for 12 months for Plans 999 and up, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, big data allocation, rewards and privileges, and free access to entertainment content, or Smart Signature Device Plans.

vivo V27 5G for the expert in photography

Make the most of vivo V27 5G, which is perfect for detailed portrait shots through the Aura Portrait Master feature and your very own pocket studio device, what with its 50MP vlogging camera and an Aura Portrait Algorithm system to boot.

The Aura Portrait Algorithm system is a lowlight expert trio hinged on the following features: the Aura Light, Sony IMX766V Sensor, and Portrait mode. Together, these features produce nighttime photographs that are crystal clear and full of life.

Apart from the cameras, the sleek and elegant vivo V27 5G has unmatched performance with the MediaTek Dimesity 7200 processor, 12GB RAM, up to 8GB extended RAM, and 256GB storage. With the immersive display, 4600mAh battery, and 66W FlashCharge, the fun experience will never stop.

Built to last, vivo V27 5G set the quality standard and underwent tests to its limit to ensure strength and durability.

Get this premium phone in photochromic Emerald Green colorway exclusively with your Smart Signature Device Plan 1,499 with a one-time cash out of P3,400 and P200 monthly amortization for 24 months. Enjoy 10GB open access data, unli all-net calls and text, and 100 minutes calls to PLDT.

Want more data? You can also get this with a Smart Signature Plans+ 999 by just adding +1,900/mo for 12 mos. via 0% credit card installment available in our Smart Stores. This plan comes with 20GB of data, unli 5G for 12 mos. in select areas nationwide, unli all-net texts and calls including landline, plus Netflix on Us.

vivo Y36 5G for the high-performing, fun user

The latest addition to the brand’s Y Series of fun, the vivo Y36 5G showcases a larger, brighter 6.64-inch FHD+ notch display, best-in-class features, and exceptional performance.

Subscribers on a budget are also treated to the stylish smartphone experience with impressive display of the Y36 5G. Considered as the “beating heart” of the all-new vivo Y36 5G is the latest 5G chipset from MediaTek, the Dimensity 6020 — an octa-core, 64-bit processor built on the energy-efficient 7nm process.

vivo Y36 5G also features Memory Booster with the support of three core sub-features: Extended RAM 3.0, RAM Saver, and Interface Preserver. This means a faster, lag-free experience and the capability to run over 25 apps without losing momentum. Downloading or saving apps, videos, and files on the phone wouldn’t be a problem with 256GB storage.

The phone also packs a 5000mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge while IP54 water and dust resistance ensure that vivo Y36 5G keeps working under pressure.

vivo Y36 5G is available in Crystal Green and Mystic Black, two new color designs that will attract attention at first sight.

Get this youthful, “fun”-tastic phone at Smart Signature Device Plan 999 with a one-time cash out of P1,400 and P100 monthly amortization for 24 months. Enjoy 5GB open access data, unli all-net calls and text, and 50 minutes calls to PLDT. You may also get this with a Smart Signature Plans+ 999 by just adding + 960/mo for 12 mos. via 0% credit card installment available in our Smart Stores. This plan comes with 20GB of data, unli 5G for 12 mos. in select areas nationwide, unli all-net texts and calls including landline, plus Netflix on Us.

Customers can sign up for Signature Plans in Smart Stores nationwide or via Smart Online Store:

  • vivo V27 5G – www.store2.smart.com.ph/smart/customize/category/10001654/device/1602055720
  • vivo Y36 5G – www.store2.smart.com.ph/smart/customize/category/10001654/device/1602114542

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok for the latest news and announcements.

(*Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for speed and coverage Q1-Q2 2023. Ookla trademarks are used under license and reprinted with permission.)

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by enabling them to publish their stories directly on the BusinessWorld website. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Doctor asks court to toss J&J lawsuit against her over cancer research

NEW YORK – A medical researcher has asked a court to throw out a lawsuit that Johnson & Johnson filed against her over her 2019 study on the links between cosmetic talc products and cancer, saying that her research is sound and protected by free speech rights.

Dr. Jacqueline Moline, who has served as a plaintiffs’ expert in more than 200 cases alleging that J&J talc products caused patients to develop cancer, said in a Friday court filing in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, that the lawsuit was an effort to “intimidate” scientific experts.

Scientific conclusions based on accurate descriptions of the data and methodology used to develop them are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution’s protections for free speech and academic freedom, according to Ms. Moline’s court filing.

J&J faces more than 38,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder, can contain asbestos and caused cancers including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

The company says that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.

J&J’s subsidiary LTL Management, which absorbed the company’s talc liability in a controversial 2021 spinoff, sued Ms. Moline in May and three other researchers in July, accusing them of publishing fraudulent research that harmed J&J’s reputation.

J&J in a statement on Monday reiterated a claim from the May lawsuit that Moline’s study was flawed because it claimed to focus on 33 patients who had no asbestos exposure other than their use of cosmetic talc products. But at least one study participant was exposed to an additional source of asbestos, and J&J said it believes that other study participants also have additional asbestos exposure.

An attorney for Ms. Moline declined to comment on Monday beyond what was filed in court.

Ms. Moline, who works at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York, said in her court filing that her study properly disclosed that all information about the patients’ exposure to asbestos came from testimony that they provided during their lawsuits. The study also disclosed a potential conflict of interest related to her work as a plaintiffs’ expert.

When one patient separately filed a workers’ compensation claim that appeared to contradict her court testimony by alleging a different source of asbestos exposure, Moline updated her paper to say that she should not have included that patient, but stood by her paper’s conclusions, according to her court filing.

J&J has attempted to resolve the talc litigation by putting LTL Management in bankruptcy, and as part of that process offered $8.9 billion to end all current and future lawsuits alleging that talc causes cancer. Its efforts have so far been thwarted by court rulings that the company is not in sufficient financial distress to qualify for bankruptcy protection.

J&J has appealed those rulings, while also stepping up attacks on scientific studies that have been used as evidence in talc lawsuits.

The talc lawsuits have a mixed record at trial, with J&J winning several verdicts but losing some others, including a $2.1 billion judgment awarded to 22 women who blamed their ovarian cancer on asbestos in the company’s talc products. The lawsuits had been paused by LTL’s bankruptcy, but they are free to resume now that the bankruptcy has been dismissed.

J&J has stopped selling talc-based Baby Powder in favor of cornstarch-based products, citing an increase in lawsuits and “misinformation” about the talc product’s safety. – Reuters

UAW says some progress in labor talks but wide divide remains

CARLOS ARANDA-UNSPLASH

The United Auto Workers union has made some headway in labor talks with the Detroit Three automakers just three days before a potential strike of 146,000 US autoworkers, but an agreement was still not in reach, UAW President Shawn Fain said on Monday.

“We’ve made some progress, a little bit of progress but it’s still slow but we’re moving,” Fain told CNN. “We have a long way to go. … There’s a lot of issues.”

Chrysler-parent Stellantis said earlier Monday that it planned to make another counteroffer after the union made a revised offer on Sunday. The current four-year labor deal expires on Sept. 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The UAW on Friday had rejected revised offers from Stellantis, General Motors and Ford Motor GM made a new offer to the UAW over the weekend, but the details were not immediately available. GM declined to comment.

The UAW initially sought a 20% wage hike upon ratification and four annual 5% hikes, but has trimmed those hikes to around 36% in total, two sources told Reuters.

“We are on a good path and remain committed to reaching a tentative agreement without a work stoppage that would negatively impact our employees and our customers,” Stellantis told employees Monday, adding that the company and UAW subcommittees have reached tentative agreements in a number of areas, including health and safety.

Stellantis said Friday it had offered US hourly workers a 14.5% wage hike over four years.

GM said Thursday it offered workers a 10% wage hike and two additional 3% annual lump-sum payments over four years. Stellantis last week did not offer additional lump-sum payments.

Ford last week hiked its offer to a 10% wage hike and lump sum payments after offering a 9% wage increase through 2027 and 6% lump sum payments.

The Detroit Three have offered to raise minimum pay for temporary workers to $20 an hour and reduce the time necessary to reach top wages for permanent autoworkers from eight years to six years.

The union’s demands include restoring defined-benefit pensions for all workers, 32-hour work weeks and additional cost-of-living hikes, as well as job security guarantees and an end to use of temporary workers.

Stellantis previously offered $10,500 in inflation protection payments over the four years, while GM is offering $11,000 and Ford $12,000. – Reuters

Nobel laureate Ressa acquitted in Philippine tax case

MARIA A. RESSA — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

MANILA – Philippines Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and her news site Rappler were acquitted of tax fraud by a trial court on Tuesday, in another legal victory for the embattled journalist and for press freedom in the Southeast Asian country.

Ms. Ressa, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 alongside a Russian journalist, is head of Rappler, which earned a reputation for its intense scrutiny of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly war on drugs.

After the verdict was announced, Ms. Ressa told reporters Her acquittal sends a “good signal” to the business community, as her tax charges “have a lot to do with the rule of law”.

“The acquittal now strengthens our resolve to continue with the justice system, to submit ourselves to the court despite the political harassment, despite the attack on press freedom,” Ms. Ressa said.

“It shows that the court system works. We hope to see the remaining charges dismissed,” she added.

Ms. Ressa‘s acquittal was expected after she was cleared of similar tax charges nine months ago.

Those charges stem from a 2018 government indictment that accuses Ms. Ressa and Rappler of dodging tax payments after failing to declare proceeds of a 2015 sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors.

Ms. Ressa, 59, is currently on bail and was convicted in 2020 for cyber libel in one of several cases against the website filed by government agencies. She maintained those cases were politically motivated.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has been in office for 14 months, has said he would not interfere in the court cases against Rappler.

Rappler is still operating unhindered pending its appeal against a closure order from the securities regulator.

Francis Lim, one of Ms. Ressa‘s lawyers, said the team hoped the latest acquittal would lead to the dismissal of the other cases, including the closure order.

The Philippines is ranked 132 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, describing its media as “extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment” against journalists that are “too critical”. – Reuters

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