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Netflix sued by ‘real-life’ Baby Reindeer stalker

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IMDB

NETFLIX, INC. faces a defamation lawsuit seeking at least $170 million from a woman who claims to be the inspiration behind a central character in the hit series Baby Reindeer.

Fiona Harvey sued the streaming service in a California court alleging the creators of the show exposed her identity and ruined her life “out of greed and lust for fame.” The program is said to be based on the real life of stand-up comedian Richard Gadd and his experience being stalked by a woman.

Netflix failed to verify lies told about her in the series, the lawyers said. There are “very serious misrepresentation of the facts” and details exposed in the series led social media users to identify her as the stalker, lawyers for Ms. Harvey said in the claim.

The portrayal of the character, named Martha, as a convicted stalker who sexually assaulted Mr. Gadd’s character, “viciously” destroyed her life, according to the claim.

Netflix used her “identity and likeness” for profits and resulted in “severe and extreme emotional distress,” Ms. Harvey’s lawyers said in the claim. They called for a trial by jury to recover more than $50 million in profit the show made for Netflix and over $120 million in damages.

Baby Reindeer has become a worldwide hit for Netflix — amassing 22 million viewers in just its third week on the site. Mr. Gadd’s spokesperson and Ms. Harvey’s lawyers didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

“We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story,” Netflix said. — Bloomberg

PSEi member stocks performed — June 10, 2024

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc. to hold 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on July 9 via remote communication

NOTICE OF 2024 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING
July 09, 2024

The 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of TOP FRONTIER INVESTMENT HOLDINGS, INC. will be held on July 09, 2024 (Tuesday) at 2:00 p.m. The Company will conduct the Meeting through remote communication.

The proceedings will be livestreamed at the Company’s website www.topfrontier.com.ph. The Chairman will preside the Meeting at 40 San Miguel Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The Agenda of the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is as follows:

  1. Certification of Notice and Quorum
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on August 03, 2023
  3. Presentation of the Annual Report
  4. Ratification of Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors and Corporate Officers
  5. Appointment of External Auditors
  6. Election of the Board of Directors
  7. Approval of the Per Diem Allowance for Directors
  8. Other Matters
  9. Adjournment

The electronic copies of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on August 03, 2023, the Notice of the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, the Definitive Information Statement (together with the Management Report), the sample ballot and proxy form, the 2023 Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A), the 1st Quarter 2024 Report (SEC Form 17-Q), the summary of the resolutions of the Board of Directors since August 03, 2023, and other pertinent documents for the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, are available at the Company’s website and can be easily accessed through this link: www.topfrontier.com.ph/index.php/investor/TFASM2024. The aforementioned Company reports and other disclosures are likewise available in the Philippine Stock Exchange Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology (PSE Edge).

Stockholders can only attend the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting by remote communication by following the procedure summarized below.

a. Stockholders may view the livestream of the meeting by accessing the link provided in the Company website www.topfrontier.com.ph. There will be an audiovisual recording of the proceedings, for future reference.

b. Attendance of the stockholders of record as of May 28, 2024 shall be counted, and their votes will be cast, through ballots submitted by the stockholders or their proxies. The deadline for the submission of ballots and proxies is on June 25, 2024. Ballots and proxies may be sent through email at stockholders@topfrontier.com.ph or by mail to the SMC Stock Transfer Service Corporation office located at the 2nd Floor, SMC Head Office Complex, No. 40 San Miguel Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines. Validation of ballots and proxies will be on July 02, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the SMC Stock Transfer Service Corporation office located at the above-mentioned address.

For an individual, his/her ballot or proxy must be accompanied by a scanned copy of his/her valid government-issued identification card with photo for verification of identity. For a corporation, its ballot or proxy must be accompanied by its Corporate Secretary’s certification setting the representative’s authority to vote and/or represent the corporation in the meeting, where applicable.  Ballots and proxies need not be notarized. For your convenience, a sample ballot/proxy is attached to the Definitive Information Statement. Hard copies of the ballots and proxies and notarized Secretary’s Certificates are requested to be sent to the SMC Stock Transfer Service Corporation office located at the above-mentioned address within a reasonable time thereafter.

c. The Company shall entertain questions and comments after the Presentation of the Annual Report. Questions and comments to the Board of Directors and/or Management may be sent in advance (or may be written in the ballot/proxy) by email to stockholders@topfrontier.com.ph. Questions which were not answered during the meeting shall be forwarded to the Office of the Corporate Secretary for appropriate response.

d. The requirements and procedure for the nomination for election to the Board, the pre-screening and evaluation of the qualifications of the nominees, and the voting procedure for all items in the Agenda (including the election of the members of the Board), are set out in the Definitive Information Statement.

e. Stockholders whose shares are lodged with brokers are requested to directly contact their respective brokers for guidance on their participation in the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

Should you have questions or requests for clarification on the procedure for the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, please email them to stockholders@topfrontier.com.ph.

(Original Signed)
Virgilio S. Jacinto
Corporate Secretary and
Compliance Officer

 

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FDI growth in first quarter shows rising investor confidence — DTI

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the expansion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first quarter indicates growing global confidence in the Philippines.

“The 42.1% surge in first quarter FDI net inflows year-on-year highlights global confidence in the Philippines as a preferred investment destination,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said in a statement on Monday.

“The investment increase is across diverse sectors, underscoring our dynamic economic landscape and strategic potential,” he added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Monday that FDI net inflows amounted to $3 billion in the first quarter.

In March, FDI net inflows grew 23.1% to $686 million, with Japanese investments accounting for 64% of the total.

The other top sources of FDI in March were Singapore (16%) and the US (10%).

For the quarter, the top FDI sources were the Netherlands (68%) and Japan (21%).

“The significant increase in equity capital from key partners like Japan, Singapore, and the US reflects strengthened bilateral relations and continued economic opportunities,” Mr. Pascual said.

“The positive trends follow our investment promotion efforts in these countries, among others. These engagements have been pivotal in bolstering investor confidence and forging stronger economic partnerships,” he added.

Investments in March were mostly in manufacturing, which accounted for 66% of the total. It was followed by financial and insurance (14%), real estate (11%), and others (9%).

In the three months to March, the top industry was financial services and insurance, which accounted for 71% of all net inflows. It was followed by manufacturing (16%), real estate (5%), and others (8%).

“As the country prioritizes infrastructure development, economic stability, and investor-friendly reforms, the DTI under the Marcos Jr. administration remains committed to fostering an environment conducive to long-term investments and sustainable growth,” Mr. Pascual said.

“Our goal is to ensure that investment inflows translate into meaningful economic opportunities and improved quality of life for all Filipinos,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

El Niño farm damage reckoned at P9.89B

REUTERS

AGRICULTURAL damage due to El Niño was estimated at P9.89 billion as of June 6, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In Bulletin No. 12, the DA said damage in volume terms amounted to 441,801 metric tons (MT), affecting 183,455 farmers and fisherfolk.

The total area affected was 170,469 hectares, with about 71.2% of farmland deemed to be capable of recovery.

Damage to the rice crop was P4.75 billion or 48% of the total. The volume of rice lost was 191,233 MT across 86,587 hectares, below the DA’s projection of 150,000 hectares.

The lost crop is equivalent to 2.07% of the 9.2 million MT production target for the dry cropping season. The DA is projecting palay (unmilled rice) production of 20.44 million MT this year.

The department said 70.8% of the affected farmland was classified as damaged, with the remainder completely written off.

Damage to the corn crop was 188,861 MT, valued initially at P3.37 billion. This accounted for 34.04% of the total damage inflicted by El Niño.

The DA added that high-value crop losses amounted to 50,227 MT across 13,046 hectares of farmland. The losses were valued at P1.7 billion, or 17.2% of the total.

Damage to fisheries was estimated at P57.7 million. This was followed by livestock and poultry with P10.5 million, and cassava with P3.42 million.

The department said that it had provided P9.91 billion worth of interventions to affected farmers and fisherfolks.

Last week, the government weather service, known as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), announced the end of El Niño, adding that conditions in the tropical Pacific have returned to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral levels.

Weather conditions that are classified as neither El Niño nor La Niña are considered to be ENSO-neutral.

In its final advisory, it said chances of La Niña setting in are 69% between July and September. — Adrian H. Halili

Local gov’ts with fully automated business permit processes hit 36

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said that it has validated the full automation of the business permit processes at 36 local government units (LGUs), making them compliant with electronic business one-stop shop (eBOSS) scheme.

In a Viber message, ARTA said that the latest LGU to have been validated for compliance was Baguio City, which received its certificate of commendation on June 7.

“We are still verifying the total number of LGUs that have declared that they are eBOSS-compliant from the data of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” it said.

“It is possible that there may be LGUs that have implemented fully automated eBOSS besides the 36 LGUs that we just need to validate,” it added.

eBOSS is a single portal used for the renewal and application of business permits implemented by the DILG, DICT, the Department of Trade and Industry, and ARTA.

Between May 13 and 30, ARTA handed out certificates of commendation to Davao City, General Santos City, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, Tagoloan and El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental, and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte.

According to ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, the eBOSS commendations in Mindanao “were a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call to improve bureaucratic efficiency.”

“By offering this incentive to compliant LGUs, ARTA is inspiring the rest to adopt eBOSS and to continue to push for a transition to digitalization, providing the Filipino people with expedited service delivery,” he added.

This year, ARTA is hoping to bring 200 LGUs into compliance with the eBOSS program.

Separately, Mr. Perez said that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order (EO) 59, which simplifies the approval process for flagship programs, are being finalized.

“The target date for signing is June 18,” Mr. Perez told BusinessWorld.

Last month, ARTA said that it was hoping to finalize the rules by June 10, as it is still waiting on the approval of the heads of the other agencies and the submission of the IRR to Mr. Marcos.

The President ordered the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Board Committee on Infrastructure, ARTA, and the DILG to oversee the implementation of EO 59.

EO 59 aims to fast-track the permitting process through streamlining and digitalization. It also aims to remove redundant procedures and requirements.

According to NEDA’s website, the Marcos administration has 185 flagship infrastructure projects with an estimated project cost of P9.535 trillion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DA surveying provinces with surplus ginger to supply NCR

SAAD.DA.GOV.PH

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said that it is looking at provinces capable of helping Metro Manila with its ginger shortage which has caused prices to surge.

In a statement, Agriculture Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero said: “If the challenge is logistics, then how do we help (producers) bring the crop to Metro Manila systematically,” she added.

Ms. Natividad-Caballero said last week that demand for ginger from the processing sector was behind the tight supply.

The retail price of ginger in Metro Manila markets was between P220 and P280 per kilogram as of June 6, according to DA price monitors.

She added that the DA is looking closely at usage, consumption, and sourcing for shallots as well.

Additionally, Ms. Natividad-Caballero said that the agency is seeking to expand the production of garlic in the Ilocos Region. 

“The DA is supporting efforts to preserve the garlic heritage through genomics. So, we are looking at a strategic investment in resilient agriculture…to again position our bawang as the white gold of Ilocos,” she added.

Garlic production accounted for only 2.6% of annual demand of 146,879 metric tons, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Ilocos Norte, Batanes and Nueva Ecija are the top three producers of garlic. — Adrian H. Halili

National ID backlog at 32 million physical cards

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE National ID backlog is currently at 32 million physical cards, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Monday.

PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said at a briefing that for the time being, the public “can download their digital national ID.”

The constraint on printing the physical ID cards is the limited capacity of government printing facilities, Mr. Mapa said.

“The maximum number of cards that can be printed on a given day is 80,000; depending on conditions, sometimes it’s lower,” he said.

A total of 51.6 million PhilIDs have been printed and distributed as of the end of May, Mr. Mapa said.

The PSA did not provide a timeline for clearing the backlog.

The digital PhilIDs may be used in transacting with government offices, banks, remittance centers, and electronic merchant platforms.

National ID registrants may access their digital ID through their mobile devices, which will be generated from the national ID official website.

The National ID is expected to improve efficiency in delivering government services, reduce corruption, and dedicate government funds to crucial development programs, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said during its launch.

“We want to lessen leakages and ensure that public money is spent where it must be spent,” he said. “This reduces opportunities for corruption and enables the government to bypass logistical costs for delivery.”

The PSA also launched the National ID Check platform, where the physical national IDs may also be verified by scanning the QR code found on the card. Organizations may also use the platform to verify the identity of an individual presenting the ID.

As of the end of May, 87.6 million Filipinos have registered for the national ID. The government’s goal is to register the entire population with the Philippine Identification System, Mr. Mapa said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

NPC will require firms handling data to prove registration exemption

THE National Privacy Commission (NPC) said businesses processing data that do not meet the registration threshold must still submit a declaration of exemption or risk penalty.

NPC Data Security and Compliance Office Director Aubin Arn R. Nieva said in a statement on Monday that, in general, business owners processing the data of clients, customers, and employees must register with the NPC.

“If your business has 250 or more employees, 1,000 or more customers, or collects personal data that poses a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, you are required to register with the NPC,” Mr. Nieva said.

“Even if your business does not meet these thresholds, you must submit a declaration of exemption. Non-compliance will result in corresponding sanctions and penalties,” he added.

According to Mr. Nieva, businesses that will not comply with NPC Circular No. 2022-04 could face fines of up to P5 million for violating the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012.

Previously, the NPC said that personal information controllers (PICs) and personal information processors (PIPs) that remain unregistered will be issued show cause orders for non-compliance with the DPA and relevant NPC issuances.

“The public is strongly encouraged to report any business collecting personal data without the NPC Seal of Registration,” Mr. Nieva said.

According to Mr. Nieva, the NPC is adjudicating the cases of 50 PICs recommended by the Data Security and Compliance Office for administrative fines due to non-registration, including 28 from government entities,” he added.

Last month, the NPC held its first on-the-spot privacy sweep and compliance check at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, which resulted in the issuance of 65 show-cause orders to independent retail and service stores.

The regulator plans to replicate the on-the-spot sweep at other malls to ensure that PICs and PIPs are fully aware of their responsibilities under the DPA. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DoTr still seeking funding for Mindanao Rail project

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it has not yet obtained funding for the Mindanao Railway project.

“There is none yet, but we are working on the (new) plan,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

Mr. Bautista said the DoTr is currently conducting a feasibility study which will require an overhaul of the original plan.

“The original study called for the use of diesel-powered trains. So, maybe our train system should be modern and environment-friendly,” he said, adding that the new study is still being prepared.

Mr. Bautista said the DoTr has tapped consultants to conduct the new study to evaluate viable options for the Mindanao railway project.

Last year, the DoTr said it is considering official development assistance from Japan, South Korea, and India to fund three major railway projects after it dropped China as funding source.

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

Earlier this year, the DoTr said it will continue to work on the first phase of the Mindanao Railway project despite uncertainty in funding. 

The DoTr has said it is also still studying the feasibility of phase three, which will focus on cargo lines to the various ports in the region. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

BCDA rejects talk of Central Luzon garbage crisis as landfill deal ends

METRO CLARK WASTE MANAGEMENT FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) rejected speculation of a garbage crisis in Central Luzon with the imminent expiry of the contract to provide waste disposal services to local governments in the Clark area.

BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana said three operational facilities can step in as alternatives to Capas, Tarlac’s Kalangitan sanitary landfill.

“To those local governments who use Kalangitan, please do not worry, as there are (three) facilities where you can dispose of your garbage,” Mr. Lorenzana said.

“We have three and a half months to arrange the transition from Kalangitan to these three facilities,” he added.

The BCDA said the three sites are run by Eco Protect Management Corp., whose landfill has a capacity of 2,500 metric tons (MT) per day; Florida Blanca Enviro Park Project Corp. with a 3,500 MT per day landfill; and Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc., which operates a 5,000-MT materials recovery facility.

“In total, the capacity is at 11,000 MT for these three facilities in Central Luzon, which are mostly located in Pampanga. The current Metro Clark landfill has an average capacity of 2,500 MT. So these three facilities are enough to service the LGUs surrounding Clark,” Mr. Lorenzana said.

The 25-year contract between Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC), the current operator of Kalangitan, and BCDA’s subsidiary Clark Development Corp. (CDC), will end on Oct. 5.

According to Mr. Lorenzana, there is no provision in the contract between the MCWMC and CDC for a renewal or extension.

Citing a legal opinion rendered by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, the BCDA said that the contract cannot be extended even on an ad interim basis as it would violate the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.

The BOT Law was the framework used in the bidding and awarding of the contract for the Kalangitan landfill.

“In the meantime, the BCDA will study and benchmark successful projects in other countries to learn how to rezone and rehabilitate landfill sites,” it said.

“The BCDA is also in talks with LGUs to assist them in exploring alternative solutions to avoid disruption of waste management services,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DA lifts ban on poultry imports from Ohio

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it lifted a temporary ban on imports of poultry and by-products from the US state of Ohio.

In Memorandum Order No. 23, the DA said it lifted the ban following an official report by the US government to the World Organization for Animal Health.

“This order is hereby issued to lift the temporary ban on the importation of live poultry, poultry products, and by-products including day-old chicks and hatching eggs originating from the State of Ohio, and shall be in accordance with existing rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture,” the DA said.

In January, the DA froze poultry imports from Ohio after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Bird Flu was detected in the state.

The import ban had included domestic and wild birds, along with their associated products such as poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Ohio.

“All affected counties of Ohio reported that HPAI cases have been resolved with no additional outbreaks after April 2,” the DA said.

In 2016, the Philippines and US veterinary authorities agreed that a statewide ban can be imposed if three or more counties are affected by the virus.

“This clearance from the US veterinary authorities provided the necessary assurance for the Department of Agriculture to lift the import ban, allowing the resumption of trade in domestic and wild birds including poultry products from the State of Ohio,” it added. — Adrian H. Halili

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