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Globe triumphs with quadruple win at HR Online’s Employee Experience Awards

Globe Vice President for People Experience Nico Bambao receives Globe’s four trophies at the HR Online Employee Experience Awards in Singapore.

Leading digital solutions platform Globe has once again proven its unwavering commitment to enhancing employee experience, taking home four prestigious awards at the 3rd annual Employee Experience Awards, run by Singapore-based HR organization Human Resources Online.

“These recognitions underscore our unwavering commitment to cultivating an environment that fuels innovation and growth. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and these awards illuminate the success of our strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing their experience and overall well-being,” said Globe Chief Human Resource Officer Ato Jiao.

Globe was named the “Overall Engagement Awardee” at the event, a big win for Globe having performed well in several categories under the engagement pillar.

Under this overall win, Globe got the Gold award for “Most Innovative and Sustainable Office Design,” commended for its sustainable, ergonomic workspace that enables employees to perform, collaborate, and flourish. It was also recognized for  “Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy” for spearheading business transformation through digitization and digitalization, significantly improving the overall employee experience.

The company also bagged a Silver for its Employee Wellness Strategy, encompassing mental, emotional, financial, and physical health, and emphasizing the company’s commitment to holistic employee well-being. Human Resources Online recognizes high-performing companies such as Globe for integrating employee health as a crucial element of their risk management strategy.

Last year, Globe also became the overall Philippine winner in the HR Excellence Awards (HREA). The organization applauded the digital tools that Globe’s HR department utilized through its Alagang Globe program, which ensured the continued safety and protection of its employees, especially during the pandemic.

Globe also secured more wins from HR Online and HREA last year: three Gold Awards for Employee Engagement, COVID-19 Response, and as “Employer of the Year,” along with a Silver Award for HR Communication Strategy, and a Bronze Award for Crisis Management and Recovery.

Adding to its trove of accolades, Globe clinched the Gold for “Best In Communication Strategy” from HR Online in 2021. This award recognized the company’s superior communication strategies in a digitized world.

With this string of recognitions, Globe reaffirms its status as an organization deeply committed to its workforce’s growth, well-being, and overall experience. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in employee-centric strategies continues to set it apart in the competitive digital solutions landscape.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

 

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Amazon Global Selling creates remote team to serve small Philippine sellers

REUTERS

AMAZON Global Selling has established a remote team dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines that plan to use cross-border electronic commerce.

The e-commerce platform said in a statement on Thursday that the remote team, based in Singapore, will focus on introducing Amazon’s innovative tools and resources to Philippine-based sellers, which could help them in expanding their customer reach. 

Anand Palit, head of Amazon Global Selling in Southeast Asia, said the remote team was established after some sellers expressed their concerns about the lack of related knowledge and skills in using the platform.

“With this new team, we will provide insights and resources to support sellers in getting started with Amazon, launching product and building a global brand,” he said.

“Since Global Selling began to support Philippine sellers three years ago, we have seen more and more local sellers started from zero and gradually build their business on Amazon’s store worldwide. We are inspired by Philippine sellers and have confidence in their potential,” he added.

Citing a 2021 study by Alphabeta, Amazon Global Selling said business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce export revenues of sellers in the Philippines reached P8.7 billion, of which 25% went to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The study said e-commerce export revenues could increase by 9% per year to P13.4 billion in five years, based on current e-commerce adoption and export trends. The annual B2C e-commerce export revenues could reach P26.9 billion in 2026 if MSMEs were to accelerate the rate at which they export via e-commerce, it added.

“With the rising adoption of e-commerce and mobile internet, plus an emerging generation of young and tech-savvy users, cross-border e-commerce landscape continues to show potential of growth in the country,” Amazon Global Selling said.

More businesses are also planning to widen their customer base as seven out of 10 e-commerce sellers and traditional export companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines are aiming to expand in new countries and regions, based on an Amazon survey in 2022.

“Almost all (96%) who were surveyed will also consider cross-border e-commerce activities in the future, motivated by the opportunity to build a global brand, and increase their customer base from overseas,” Amazon Global Selling said.

Meanwhile, Amazon will have its Prime Day on July 11 and 12, which allows customers to shop for products from top brands and third-party sellers, including SMEs from the Philippines. 

Amazon Global Selling allows sellers of different types and sizes to sell to over 300 million active customer accounts, including more than 200 million Prime customers and millions of institutional buyers. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Entertainment News (07/07/23)

THE ITCHYWORMS

The Itchyworms performs at Shangri-La Plaza

Filipino rock legends, The Itchyworms, take center stage on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza mall in Mandaluyong. Brace yourself for an unforgettable evening filled with electrifying music and incredible performances. Since their formation in 1996, The Itchyworms have consistently delivered a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. With each listen, their music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of their fans. Their chart-topping hits “Akin Ka Na Lang,” “Beer,” and “Gusto Ko Lamang Sa Buhay” conquered the local music scene and captivated international audiences across Dubai, Singapore, and the United States. Despite the recent departure of their lead guitarist, Chino, who moved to Canada, The Itchyworms continue to ignite the stage with their incredible energy and passion. They have recently released a new single titled “Panic in My Mind,” a nostalgic throwback to their ’90s indie rock roots. This catchy and upbeat track, infused with captivating vocals and poignant lyrics, is sure to resonate with fans old and new, creating an unforgettable musical experience. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Gourmet movie snacks at Newport

Newport World Resorts plays host to a crossover between the cinematic universe and gourmet culinary adventure. In collaboration with the kitchen of the Garden Wing Cafe, Newport Cinemas expands the world of classic movie snacks into a star-studded menu as the first-ever and only cinema snack bar in the Philippines to feature deluxe pastries and sandwiches. The upgraded cinema snack bar includes an array of sandwiches from the Classic Club, the Cuban panini, and a meat-loaded tortilla to other hearty bites such as creamy cheese rolls and baked pink salmon quiches. For sweet tooth cravings there are a variety of desserts including eclairs in strawberry, pistachio, and dark chocolate, cookies and cream, and dulce de leche. Now that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is showing at Newport Cinemas, discover the best movie-watching snack pairing including fudge brownie or more from the snackbar’s assortment of baked goods. For more information on Newport Cinemas, visit www.newportworldresorts.com.

Alanis Morissette to perform in Manila for 2 nights

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill concert is coming to the Philippines. The Canadian-American singer-songwriter will perform on Aug. 1 and 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The concert celebrates her breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill, in 1995 which spawned songs like “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” and “Hand in My Pocket.” Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill concert in Manila is promoted by Ovation Productions with TAPGO.TV as the official media partner. Day 2 concert tickets are still available at smtickets.com. Ticket prices range from P2750 (general admission) to P14,700 (SVIP). For more details and inquiries about the concert,check the official website and Facebook page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproduvction.

NCR minimum wage exceeds poverty threshold — DoLE

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said the P40 minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR) has brought pay above the poverty threshold, based on 2021 data.

“To ensure that it meets the basic needs of a family, the minimum wage is set higher than the regional poverty threshold for a family of five members,” Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

“It also ensures that there is sufficient space for collective bargaining and other bipartite mechanisms for establishing better working terms and conditions, including wages.”

Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority, Mr. Bitonio said the poverty threshold for a family of five in Metro Manila was P452 per day in 2021.

Last week, the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards in the NCR approved a P40 increase for minimum wage earners, bringing the daily minimum wage to P610 a day from P570, taking effect on July 16.

The minimum wage was also increased to P573 for agriculture jobs and service retail establishments with 15 or fewer workers.

Labor groups maintain that the increase is not enough for workers struggling to afford basic goods.

“This only proves once again what we have been saying all these years — that the regional wage-setting mechanism is failing the working class,”  Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa Secretary-General Josua T. Mata said in a Viber message on July 1.

Mr. Bitonio said on Monday that the regional wage boards of  Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Western Visayas and the Central Visayas will likely decide on pending wage petitions by September.

The minimum living wage for a family of five in Metro Manila has been estimated at P1,008, according to think tank Ibon Foundation.

In March, the Unity for Wage Increase Now sought to raise the P570 daily minimum wage in Metro Manila to P1,100.

The Kapatiran ng Mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa in December filed a petition seeking a P100 increase for the capital region.

Legislators have filed bills seeking across-the-board minimum wage increases for workers in the private and agriculture sectors to help them cope with inflation. 

In March, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri filed a bill seeking to increase the minimum wage for these workers by P150.

The senator has called the P40 wage hike a “wonderful development for our workers,” but called it insufficient.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines has said a legislated wage hike should also consider workers in less formal employment, noting that private-sector workers only make up 16% of the labor force.

“Any decision to increase the minimum wage should be carefully balanced with other factors, including the ability of employers to pay, and the requirements of socio-economic development, so as not to further create negative effects to the economy,” Mr. Bitonio added.

Unseen photos taken by Paul McCartney show Beatlemania 

PAUL MCCARTNEY Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm - National Portrait Gallery — NPG.ORG.UK

LONDON — Personal and previously unseen photographs taken by musician Paul McCartney as “Beatlemania” was soaring in the 1960s have gone on display at The National Portrait Gallery in London.

Images of Mr. McCartney and his former Beatles bandmates — John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison — as young men flying to America, relaxing by a pool in Miami and being chased by photographers in New York form part of Paul McCartney Photographs 1963- 64: Eyes of the Storm.

“They document this period in which they went from sort of Beatlemania in Britain through to global fame — through… their first ever visit to America,” exhibition curator Rosie Broadley said.

There are over 250 photographs from McCartney’s archive on display, which even his team hadn’t seen for decades.

One image, which Ms. Broadley said is a favorite of Mr. McCartney’s, show’s George Harrison in a pair of sunglasses relaxing with a drink and cigarette by a pool a few days after the Beatles had performed to millions of people on hit US television program The Ed Sullivan Show. “I don’t know quite if what had just happened has actually sunk in, but this photograph just shows George really enjoying .. the good life,” Ms. Broadley said.

Another shot taken in Washington shows a young girl looking in at Mr. McCartney through a car window.

“A lot of (the photographs are) very intimate and personal…. which is why it’s called The Eyes of the Storm,” Ms. Broadley said. “It’s the inside looking out. It just gives this other layer of personal experience.”

With photographs taken in London, Paris and across America, the exhibition is on until October. — Reuters

A death letter to loved ones makes financial sense

GRANT WHITTY-UNSPLASH

TRAGICALLY, the 75th anniversary of the UK’s National Health Service this week is less a cause for celebration and pride and more a grim reminder of the everyday reality of premature death.

Each week, almost 2,000 people below the age of 65 die in England and Wales. Put another way, you are 250 times more likely to suffer a premature demise than to win a million pounds ($1.27 million) in the National Lottery, and you don’t even have to buy a ticket.

Yet few of us are comfortable contemplating our own mortality, so much so that 60% of UK adults do not have a valid will. This can be a costly and distressing omission.

It’s true that a will is a pretty blunt instrument and a clunky means of imparting practical financial information to those you have suddenly left behind. So let me propose an additional way of talking to loved ones from beyond the grave: Write a letter of wishes, a document that is revealed after your death in which you can address personal and financial issues.

Unlike a will, a letter of wishes is not legally binding. Your executors are not obliged to act on its contents. Nevertheless, it can be used to set out the spirit of how you intend your dependents to be cared for and how your assets should be managed in a way that no legal document can.

The advantages are many. First and foremost, unlike the late Queen Elizabeth’s will, any will you write eventually becomes a public document, so it’s generally not the place to express strong feelings or air long-held grievances. A letter of wishes, however, remains private. As such, it is ideal for informing loved ones of pensions, bank accounts and, critically, any life insurance you may have.

Details of life insurance policies can be especially valuable at such times, because as long as they have been written in trust (as most are), they are exempt from the lengthy probate process (and inheritance tax). This generally means that the money can be accessed more readily, which is useful because most of your other assets will effectively be frozen until the legal processes surrounding your taxable estate have been completed.

An important point to note is that including explicit instructions for life insurance or pension proceeds in a will can make them legally binding, arguably removing the trustee discretion that is required for them to avoid becoming part of your taxable estate. It is safer to instead inform your policy provider of your wishes and to include this information in your letter.

Other subjects for such a letter include why certain investments have been made and whom to contact for advice. One surprisingly common issue is for loved ones to fail to appreciate the value of a particular item or work of art. Detailing this in a death letter can avoid them throwing away that Picasso that has hung for years in the smallest room. Such heavenly financial guidance can also be invaluable to avoid unnecessary tax or credit issues.

People with minor and/or disabled dependents frequently have trusts established upon their deaths for the benefit of their vulnerable charges. This is an area for expert legal advice, but a letter of wishes can provide trustees with valuable guidance regarding how to exercise their discretion. Many of the tax advantages of trusts have been legislated away over the years, but they are still useful for managing assets for those too young to do so themselves. Additionally, some tax advantages remain for disability trusts, which are well worth considering (and frequently overlooked).

On a more personal level, the letter can detail any funeral wishes you might have and who you would like to be informed (or not) of your death. This is often the time people disclose previously unknown offspring and even spouses. Less controversially, it can set out your intentions for any crypto wallets, social media or cloud storage accounts you might have. This is an especially sensitive area given that most personal photographs are stored electronically these days rather than in shoe boxes in the loft.

In practical terms, a letter of wishes can take any format you like, but should be dated and signed and include the details of any executors or trustees. The safest place for such a document is probably with your will, which tends to be lodged with the solicitor who wrote it. The key, though, is that those who survive you know where to find it.

Of course, we all hope that we’re not among the 100,000 people of working age who die prematurely each year, many leaving vulnerable dependents. Yet while death and taxes are sadly inevitable, being prepared might ease the pain of the former, while minimizing the latter.

BLOOMBERG OPINION

Mitsubishi Motors appoints Philippine chairman

VEHICLE manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has appointed Noriaki Hirakata as its first-ever chairman as the company moves to improve its corporate structure and strengthen its market presence.

“The strategic appointment reflects MMPC’s stronger commitment to enhancing corporate governance and driving sustainable business growth,” the automaker said in a statement on Thursday,

Mr. Hirakata’s appointment took effect on July 1. He is in charge of overseeing the implementation of the business plans crafted by the company’s executive management committee to boost market standing.

The responsibility of managing day-to-day operations remains with MMPC President and Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Hara.

Mr. Hirakata is concurrently serving as assistant executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC), the parent firm of MMPC. At MMC, he is responsible for corporate strategy management in the Tokyo head office, allowing closer coordination between the two offices to ensure the “smooth execution of business plans for the Philippines.”

MMPC operates a 23-hectare manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which has a maximum production capacity of 50,000 units. The manufacturing plant produces Mitsubishi models such as the Mirage, Mirage G4, and the L300.

Industry data showed that MMPC had the second highest car sales among car brands as of end-May with 30,200 units sold, up 86.3% from 16,209 units in the same period last year. The sales figure translates to an 18.18% market share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Australian firms keen on investing in Clark — CIAC

SEVERAL Australian companies have expressed interest in investing in Clark’s civil aviation complex, the top official of state-led Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) said.

“Our prime government lands surrounding the Clark airport have to be under the radar of global industry leaders so we hope the interests generated from our joining the investment mission will soon come to fruition,” said CIAC Officer-in-Charge Nancy C. Paglinawan in a statement on Thursday.

She described the interested Australian companies as engaged in business process outsourcing, renewable energy projects, agriculture and food security, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and electric vehicle manufacturing. They have expressed interest in forging trade deals with CIAC, she added.

Ms. Paglinawan made the statement after a CIAC team joined a Philippine delegation in a series of forums held in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane from June 26 to 30. The business mission was led by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana.

Ms. Paglinawan said Clark is a viable investment option for Australian companies due to its international airport, aviation complex, and business-friendly and disaster-resilient environment.

According to CIAC, some 584 hectares of prime real estate under its management are available for lease. These lands could be utilized for mixed-use commercial use, logistics, and transport hubs, service industries for airlines, manufacturing, information and technology, and other non-aviation-related industries.

CIAC is a subsidiary of the BCDA but the Department of Transportation exercises policy supervision and operational control over the company.

CIAC manages the 2,367-hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex, which houses the Clark International Airport and hosts the mixed-use commercial hub Clark Global City and other locators engaged in manufacturing, information and technology, renewable energy, and other non-aviation-related industries.

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry show that Australia was ranked as the Philippines’ 14th major trading partner (out of 231), 18th export market (out of 213), and 12th import supplier (out of 216) in 2022.

Approved investments from Australia rose 8.78% to P722.64 million in 2022 compared with P664.32 million in 2021. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

As companies bring more jobs to Mexico, US seeks assurances on labor safeguards 

REUTERS

MEXICO CITY — The US wants Mexico’s government to build strong institutions to protect worker rights as companies aiming to avoid supply chain disruptions in far-off production spots bring more jobs to the country, a top US labor official told Reuters.

Mexico has begun to benefit from “nearshoring” in which companies seek to move production closer to the US market while maintaining competitive costs.

The trend is further testing a trade deal known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), in effect since July 2020.

The pact has tougher labor rules than its 1994 predecessor and underpins new Mexican laws that empower workers to push for better wages and conditions after years of stagnant salaries and pro-business union contracts.

Three years into the deal, experts say, some workers have begun to benefit but broad impacts are still far off.

“Hopefully that will ensure that Mexico doesn’t become a dumping ground for companies looking for cheap labor and lax regulations,” said Thea Lee, US Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs, who polices USMCA compliance.

She said in an interview that Mexico is working to fulfill its commitments, backed by leadership keen on helping workers.

Mexico’s new regulations favor companies taking on higher ethical standards, she said.

“Maybe 20 years ago it was okay for a multinational corporation to throw up their hands and say, ‘we have no idea what’s in our supply chain, what the labor conditions are,’” she added. “That doesn’t seem to be acceptable anymore.”

Mexico has made progress improving labor courts, resolving worker complaints faster and easing union organization, but needs to do more, Ms. Lee said.

“Our hope is that Mexico will be well-poised to take advantage of nearshoring … if they continue on the path towards really building labor institutions that work, where workers can have confidence.”

Since 2020, several US labor complaints in Mexico have paved the way for independent unions to land pay raises and even expand.

Ms. Lee said such examples inspire workers who in the past may have feared threats or dismissals for trying to organize.

Four more cases are under review: At a garment factory, an auto parts plant, a Goodyear tire plant, and a mine owned by conglomerate Grupo Mexico.

Yet one employer that faced two USMCA complaints, US-based VU Manufacturing, which makes interior car parts in the northern city of Piedras Negras, recently dismissed dozens of employees just months after a new union, La Liga, pressed for better wages.

VU did not respond to a request for comment.

Ms. Lee said the company risks penalties if it does not uphold an agreement around worker rights. But La Liga members have already been laid off, and fear the company aims to discourage organizing, said union leader Cristina Ramirez, who lost her job.

“It’s very disappointing and frustrating,” Ms. Ramirez said. “We wanted to fight for things to improve.” — Reuters

BSP may hike rates further as Fed maintains hawkish stance

BW FILE PHOTO

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to hike borrowing costs by at least one more time this year to keep a healthy rate differential with the US Federal Reserve, even as inflation is expected to slow further.

“Despite the current outlook for inflation, it might be premature to conclude that the hiking cycle is over. One or two more rate hikes are still possible for the rest of the year depending on how the FX (foreign exchange) market will react in case the Fed hikes again,” BPI said in a statement on Thursday.

“So far, the differential between US and Philippine policy rates is 100 bps (basis points). This can narrow further to 50 bps if the BSP doesn’t hike. The BSP may hike again if the FX market becomes volatile given the narrower interest rate differential,” it added.

Following the slower June consumer price index (CPI) print, BPI said it expects inflation to return to the BSP’s 2-4% target by September or October “if conditions remain favorable.”

“With the global economy still struggling from weak demand, stable commodity prices should continue to pull inflation back to target. However, we also see upside risks that could prevent inflation from declining faster. The most significant risk is food security especially given the looming El Niño,” it said.

Headline inflation slowed to 5.4% in June from 6.1% in May 2023 and June 2022. Still, it marked the 15th straight month that the CPI exceeded the BSP’s 2-4% target for the year.

For the first six months, inflation averaged at 7.2%, still higher than the central bank’s 5.4% forecast for 2023.

The BSP kept its policy rate at 6.25% at its last two meetings in May and June and signaled an extended pause as inflation continues to ease.

Meanwhile, the Fed last month paused its tightening cycle after hiking rates for 10 straight meetings by a total of 500 bps to a range between 5% and 5.25%.

Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell has said one or two more 25-bp hikes are possible within the year as stronger-than-expected economic data support further tightening.

With the Fed staying hawkish, rate cuts from the BSP may be out of the question in the near term, BPI said.

“It’s even more premature to expect rate cuts this year given the conditions abroad. With the Fed still keeping its hawkish stance, it might be difficult to cut rates while minimizing the impact on the currency,” the lender said.

“Refraining from cutting interest rates immediately and too aggressively will also allow the BSP to build up its foreign reserves… A weaker external position may also prevent the BSP from cutting rates immediately since it has less buffers to address the volatility that a narrower interest rate differential could bring,” BPI added.

TRANSFER FEE WAIVED
Meanwhile, the Ayala-led bank on Thursday said in a separate statement that it will waive the fee for interbank fund transfers of up to P1,000 made via its mobile app until Sept. 30.

“We encourage our clients to take advantage of the new BPI app and transfer up to P1,000 via InstaPay for free to fully enjoy and maximize the benefits of digital bankings,” BPI Consumer Platforms Head Fitzgerald S. Chee said.

The best Supreme Court ever

PCFUEL.COM

By this we’re not talking of the present Philippine Supreme Court. As reported by the latest Pulse Asia survey, the Chief Justice apparently has a lower trust rating than the Vice-President, President, Senate President, and House Speaker (in that order). Amongst judicial offices, the Supreme Court itself has a lower trust rating (this time according to a 2022 SWS survey) than the Public Attorney’s Office.

Instead, we’re referring to the present US Supreme Court, particularly of Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney-Barrett. That Court already perhaps laid claim to the distinction of promulgating the greatest ruling ever made by a tribunal: Dobbs vs. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, the case that — not to put a too fine point to it, killed Roe vs. Wade.

The first blow for sanity came with Students for Fair Admissions vs. President and Fellows of Harvard College, where the US Supreme Court finally buried race-based college admissions standards. Ostensibly a policy for “equity,” such has been used by elitist “progressive” universities like Harvard to prop up the black student population but at the expense of Caucasian and Asian student applicants.

Rebuffing the lame dissent of affirmative action hire Ketanji Brown Jackson, the majority correctly declared that such affirmative action policies violate the 14th Amendment. As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.” Justice Thomas was even more succinct: “The Constitution continues to embody a simple truth: Two discriminatory wrongs cannot make a right.”

Heritage Foundation Senior Fellow Mike Gonzales lays out the twisted logic of affirmative action: “The view that disparities, in educational attainment and elsewhere, are prima facie evidence of something called ‘systemic racism’ — another idea virtually signaled without factual support — stands behind this idea of getting a quick fix on results. It runs counter to the actual data. For example, 52% of US-born Venezuelan Americans have at least graduated from a four-year university, a much higher rate than the 23.5% of all Americans. Other ‘Latinos,’ a victim category according to the theories peddled by those who have pushed for racial preferences, also have high levels of educational attainment. Better evidence yet comes from Nigerian Americans. At least one study shows that 73.5% of US-born Nigerian Americans are college graduates. That is compared to 32.9% of US whites.”

The solution? The traditional family: “We should now pivot to considering the effects of family formation. Family intactness is closely correlated to good life outcomes. Nigerian Americans have rates of family intactness that are nearly equal to that of whites. Let’s go back to teaching the success sequence (graduate, get a job, get married, have a baby — in that order) in schools and all areas of life.”

This was then followed by the case of Biden vs. Nebraska, where the Supreme Court struck down US President Joe Biden’s plan to “forgive” the debt of 43 million students that would have cost US taxpayers more than $400 billion. While it would be great to point out that the principle upheld was a simple “stand by your commitments,” unfortunately the reason was more technically prosaic: “The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it,” again Chief Justice Roberts, writing for the majority. In other words, the Executive Branch doesn’t have the power to effect changes in rules, with such wide-ranging consequences at that, if such goes beyond — contravenes even — the authority delegated to it by Congress.

Finally, the US Supreme Court ruled on 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis, whereby the state of Colorado tried to compel a Christian computer graphic artist to build website celebrating same-sex marriages. This case should be read alongside the non-stop persecution of another Christian, Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, who refused to make wedding cakes for same-sex marriages.

The US Supreme Court ruled that building a website is a creative work and thus a form of constitutionally protected speech. No discrimination is also said to be condoned here as no person was refused service simply for being LGBT, the actual issue rather being whether a person could be forced to act against his/her religious beliefs.

And thus, for the second year, the present US Supreme Court (by its rulings of profound significance) consolidated its reputation as being the best ever.

 

Jemy Gatdula is a senior fellow of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations and a Philippine Judicial Academy law lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence

https://www.facebook.com/jigatdula/

Twitter  @jemygatdula

SGV names new partners, principals, one readmission

SGV & Co. has announced nine new partners, three new principals, and one readmission to the largest professional services firm in the country.

The new partners are Jay Loren C. Malig-Castañeda, Anna Maria Rubi B. Diaz, Winnie S. Estrella, Dexter Allan Noel N. Madamba, Alvin G. Manuel, Miguel Carlo S. Rancap, Hanna S. Rojo, Erickson Errol R. Sabile, and Dara Ledda A. Urbiztondo.

Designated as principals are Alden Patrick C. Labaguis, Donna Frances G. Ylade-Torres, and Cecille M. Santillan-Visto. SGV also announced the readmission to the partnership of Francis J. Ricamora.

The move, which took effect on July 1, 2023, brings SGV’s partners and principals to 151 outstanding leaders, mentors, and stewards leading the firm’s nearly 6,000 professionals and supporting staff from various disciplines.

SGV said its partners and principals are“deeply committed” to guiding the firm in its purpose “to nurture leaders and enable businesses for a better Philippines and a better working world.”

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