Nomura Global Markets upgrades 2023 view on PHL growth to 4.3%

December 7, 2022 | 8:21 pm

MALLGOERS-shoppers — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE PHILIPPINES is expected to post gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.3% in 2023 the face of a widening current account deficit and still-elevated inflation, Nomura Global Markets Research said.

Nomura Global was upgrading a previous estimate issued in August of 3.6%, though the projection still suggests the Philippines will fail to meet its official GDP estimate of 6-7% by a wide margin.

In a research note issued by analysts Euben Paracuelles, Charnon Boonnuch, and Rangga Cipta on Wednesday, Nomura Global said: “Amid a global growth downturn, we do not see domestic demand being as resilient as in the past, and hence overall economic performance is likely to weaken significantly, particularly in the first half of 2023.”

Nomura Global expects the current account deficit to hit the equivalent of 6.3% of GDP this year and remain high at 4.4% in 2023.

It also forecasts exports to contract next year due to a sharp global slowdown with recessions expected in Europe and the US.

Rising prices of food imports will also continue to have a significant impact next year, it said.

“We believe the emergence of protectionist measures, with a growing list of countries implementing food export bans, will still disproportionately affect large food importers such as the Philippines. With still no end in sight on the conflict in Ukraine, we continue to assume prices of fertilizer and feedstock will remain high, boosting imports further,” Nomura Global said.

The current account deficit was at $7.9 billion in the second quarter, higher than the year-earlier $1.3-billion deficit, as the trade in goods deficit widened.

In the first half, the current account deficit blew out to $12 billion from $1.3 billion a year earlier.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects a current account deficit of $20.6 billion — equivalent to 5% of GDP — this year.

“Importantly, we expect private consumption growth to ease to 5% from 8.1%, as pent-up demand fades and rising inflation hurts household purchasing power,” Nomura Global said.

Amid soaring prices of oil and food imports, headline inflation is expected to remain above the BSP’s 2-4% target in 2023. Nomura Global sees inflation to average 5.8% in 2022 and 4.2% next year.

Moreover, second-round effects will still be evident in the first half of 2023, with Nomura Global citing the transport fare adjustments made in October. Petitions for higher wages from workers are also increasing.

“As a result, we expect core inflation to remain elevated at around 5.9% year on year in (the first half of) 2023, before easing to around 3.1% in (the second half),” Nomura Global said.

Inflation of 8% last month was the highest in 14 years, or since the 9.1% posted in November 2008, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Tuesday. — Keisha B. Ta-asan

British pork shipments to PHL up 41% in first nine months

December 7, 2022 | 8:19 pm

PORK imports from the UK rose 41% in the first nine months, according to the British Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

AHDB Senior Export Manager Susan Stewart said during a recent meat trade mission organized by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) that UK pork shipments to the Philippines during the period amounted to 28,000 tons.

“From January to September 2022, UK pork exports to the Philippines (posted a) 41% increase by volume. From 2020 to 2021, there was a strong demand for British pork (in) the Philippines,” Ms. Stewart said.

BCCP estimates indicate that UK pork exports to the Philippines hit 25,299 tons in 2021, up 216%. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

‘Mine’ it right: Revisiting guidelines for online businesses

December 7, 2022 | 8:18 pm

If there are any silver linings from the COVID-19 pandemic, one would probably be the public’s increased enthusiasm for making use of technology in their daily lives. For the retail industry, we have seen the transition of consumers from shopping in physical stores to checking-out or “mine-ing” in online shops. Even now that the COVID restrictions have been relaxed, many still seek the convenience and advantages of purchasing online.

To protect the rights and interests of consumers online, several government agencies, particularly the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA), Health (DoH), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC), issued Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01. This JAO is also known as the Guidelines for Online Businesses Reiterating the Laws and Regulations Applicable to Online Businesses and Consumers.

JAO No. 22-01 reminds online businesses of their responsibilities to build trust in e-commerce and to always protect and uphold the interest of consumers by complying with all Philippine laws, rules, and regulations. It also indicates the liabilities of online businesses, e-commerce platforms and e-marketplaces, as well as responsibilities of government agencies and remedies available to consumers.

As we are nearing the holiday season, when consumers tend to do more online shopping in preparation for the festivities, let us revisit some of the key points of JAO No. 22-01, which addresses the usual concerns in online transactions:

• Applicable laws — The laws applicable to physical or offline businesses are, as far as practicable, equally applicable to online businesses.

• Product information — Online businesses must provide easily accessible, complete, and correct information about their goods and services, and adhere to fair advertising and marketing practices. This includes information about the products’ quality, style, shape, size, color, condition (new, unused, repackaged, second-hand), quantity or availability, truthful price advantage (discounts), authorized trademark, authenticity, etc.

• Price transparency — Online businesses must ensure transparency and openness regarding prices, including any additional costs, such as customs duties, currency conversion, shipping, delivery, taxes, service/processing fees, and convenience fees.

• Price tag placement — product listings by e-retailers or merchants on marketplaces/platforms must contain the price(s) of the products/services in pesos and must display payment policies, delivery options, returns, refunds and exchange policy, and other charges, if applicable. The total price must be clear, updated and accurate to avoid misleading online consumers. The “DM is key” practice, requiring the customer to direct-message before a price is given, is considered a violation of the Price Tag Law.

• Data Privacy — Personal information collected by online sellers, merchants or e-retailers may be obtained and retained only for legitimate purposes. All personal information must be secured with reasonable and appropriate security measures to guard against use for purposes other than what the consumer has consented to.

• Defective products and services — Under Republic Act No. 7934 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, online sellers, like other tradesmen, bear the liability of the manufacturer, producer, and any importer of the defective products when (a) it is not possible to identify or there is no clear identification of the manufacturer, builder, producer or importer of the product supplied; or (b) the online sellers do not adequately preserve perishable goods.

• Regulated or prohibited products — For regulated goods, online businesses must exhibit the corresponding license or permit number as prescribed by the applicable government agencies. On the other hand, online sellers may in no case be allowed to sell or distribute goods and services specifically prohibited by law.

• Review and cancellation options — Online businesses must offer options to allow consumers to review their transactions prior to final purchase and to cancel or withdraw from confirmed transactions in appropriate circumstances. I would like to emphasize the words “in appropriate circumstances” as bogus buyers (buyers who don’t pay for their purchases) and joy reservers (buyers who keep on reserving items but will not actually buy it) are also not tolerated by the law. Under the JAO, fraudulent acts both by online businesses and consumers are to be dealt with in accordance with existing penal/special laws.

• Non-proliferation of fake online reviews — online businesses may neither restrict the ability of consumers to make critical or negative reviews of goods or services, nor spread wrong information about competitors.

• Consumer complaints — DTI implements a “No Wrong Door Policy,” which means that any consumer complaint filed with the DTI, whether the subject matter falls under its jurisdiction, is to be accepted for appropriate assistance, subject to the limitations imposed by law. Online consumers may file complaints with the DTI via walk-in, consumer care hotlines, and written complaints. However, the consumer may opt to seek resolution with the online business first before resorting to intervention by the DTI or any other regulatory agency.

• Electronic messages as court evidence — Communications of online sellers, merchants, e-retailers, and consumers, whether done via social media, e-commerce platforms, or any other form of electronic communications using an electronic device, qualify as electronic data messages. Screenshots of such electronic communications may be used as evidence to prove a fact or establish a right in administrative or judicial proceedings, subject to rules issued by the Supreme Court.

While the government extends efforts to regulate online businesses, we as consumers must also do our part and exercise caution with our online transactions. As an avid online shopper even before the pandemic, let me share some personal protocols before I purchase from any online shop for the first time: (1) do some background checks about the online shop before confirming a transaction; (2) choose cash on delivery mode of payment, if applicable, otherwise, use regulated payment channels; (3) never share or input on apps/websites any bank or financial information unless you have fully established the authenticity of the shop and the security of the payment gateway used; and (4) opt for trusted delivery channels rather than meetups.

Well then, are we now set to make some “bad decisions”? I mean, happy shopping!

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

Nestine Buisan is a manager at the Tax Services department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

nestine.p.buisan@pwc.com

South China Sea Code of Conduct still ‘very far’ from completion

December 7, 2022 | 8:11 pm

PBBM-Marcos-ASEAN-China-Summit — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during the 25th ASEAN-China Summit. — OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

By Alyssa Nicole O. Tan, Reporter

AN AGREEMENT between China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea remains far from being finalized, a Philippine diplomat said on Wednesday, despite the second reading of the draft nearing conclusion.

“Honestly, I think we are still very far from concluding this document,” Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director for ASEAN Affairs Noel M. Novicio told a press conference.

“ASEAN member states and China are negotiating this very seriously, very delicately. I think we are at least about to conclude the second reading of this significant document,” he added.

Mr. Novicio explained that a second reading meant the second round of negotiations, with the parties going line by line on the provisions of the document.

“We have finalized the preambular part of this document, but I’d like to inform you that there is an unwritten agreement among ASEAN member states and China that nothing is finalized until everything is finalized,” he said.

“The second reading means that we have completed the second round of the whole text, but it doesn’t mean that we have agreed on the text,” he added.

The 11 countries did not set a deadline for completing the proposed code of conduct, which is expected to serve as a framework for rules and standards for maritime peace and stability.

“We are confident that, of course, the negotiations will proceed next year, but I’d like to emphasize that it is a very delicate undertaking,” Mr. Novicio said. “We’re taking it very seriously. We are consulting with our experts.”

Consultations for the adoption of the South China Sea Code of Conduct began in 2013. It took about six years before the first round of negotiations reached its end and kicked off second reading negotiations.

“That document… when it is concluded, when it is finalized, I think it will be one of the most significant contributions of ASEAN in the maintenance of peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Mr. Novicio said.

The diplomat said the long process could be attributed to the need to consider the position of several nations in terms of interpretation and application.

“There are 11 countries negotiating a very important document, so you have to consider all the positions of the 11 countries. Of course, there are significant positions, core national interests being put on the table,” he said.

“For the Philippines, we look at a CoC (code of conduct) that should be based on international law… We hope that we will have a very good document that will be in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” he said.

The South China Sea is a major global shipping route. Several countries have overlapping territorial claims, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and China.

Romualdez says Marcos to sign 2023 budget after Dec. 14 Brussels trip

December 7, 2022 | 8:10 pm

HOUSE Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday said the 2023 national budget will be signed into law as soon as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos returns from this Brussels trip on Dec. 14.

“That is the most important piece of legislation, and we’ve tackled it, we’ve dispatched, and we [will proceed] now with our draft,” Mr. Romualdez told reporters during a social gathering on Wednesday.

“We hope that this would really add to the success of the presidency [and its] prosperity,” said Mr. Romualdez, a cousin of the president.

Congress ratified on Monday the Bicameral Conference Committee report on the proposed P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023.

Legislative leaders said they were hoping that the president will sign it into law before Congress goes on Christmas break on Dec. 17.

Mr. Marcos will be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union Summit in Brussels on the 14^th.

Next year’s spending plan under the 2023 General Appropriations Act includes funds for financial assistance to targeted sectors, aid for people in crisis situations, free tuition and assistance to poor patients in government hospitals, among others.

The 2023 national budget also has a P3.5-billion funding for COVID-19 vaccine procurement, classified as an unprogrammed appropriation to give the Department of Health flexibility to use it for other health emergencies if necessary.

Opposition lawmakers expressed disappointment over the restoration of the P10-billion budget for the National Task Force to End Local Community Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), an ad hoc body under the Office of the President.

The P150-million confidential and intelligence funds for the Department of Education was also reinstated after it was questioned during budget deliberations. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Justice chief promises concrete actions on UN joint rights program

December 7, 2022 | 8:09 pm

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla vowed to take more concrete actions on human rights issues as the Philippines continues to work with the United Nations (UN) on addressing concerns raised by the international agency.

Mr. Remulla led the United Nations Joint Program (UNJP) Steering Committee meeting on Dec. 5, where technical working groups were formed to tackle human rights issues in the country, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a statement.

“I trust that all the implementing partners mutually share these commitments and thus we’ll be working together to realize our shared vision of human rights and real justice for all,” he said during the meeting held at the Manila Hotel.

The UN mechanism aims to focus on capacity-building on human rights protection in the country.

The government and the UN resident coordinator in the Philippines signed the UNJP.

The Justice department plans to link its website to the UNJP’s page to complement the information on the country’s human rights programs.

A separate social media page is also being planned on the partnership.

Mr. Remulla earlier said at least three UN special rapporteurs would visit the country to help develop these programs and bolster the country’s forensics capabilities.

The Philippines accepted 200 recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council, including investigating extralegal killings and protecting journalists.

Mr. Remulla said the Philippines has responded to more than half of the recommendations and would address the remaining 89 “in due course.”

More than 30 member-states of the UN Human Rights Council have urged the Philippines to do something about extralegal killings and human rights abuses in connection with the government’s drug war.

The UN Rights Committee has said the government should cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s probe of the anti-drug campaign.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has said the country’s probe of human rights abuses in the drug war lacked transparency.

At least 6,117 suspected drug dealers had been killed in police operations, according to data released by the Philippine government in June last year. Human rights groups estimate that as many as 30,000 suspects died. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Labor group stages protest vs sovereign wealth fund

December 7, 2022 | 8:09 pm

Labor-vswealth-fund-BMP-FACEBOOK-PAGE — BMP FACEBOOK PAGE

A LABOR group on Wednesday staged a protest against a proposal to establish a sovereign wealth fund, which would source capital from state-run pension funds.

The Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), in a statement, said the government should not gamble funds meant to benefit both private and public sector workers, including minimum-wage earners.

“The Social Security System’s (SSS) funds came from the blood, sweat and tears of millions of workers, and we are worried this will be wasted through the Maharlika Investment Fund,” BMP Chairperson Leodegario “Ka Leody” de Guzman was quoted as saying during the demonstration held in front of the SSS main office in Quezon City.

The SSS covers private sector workers while civil servants are under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

He said the government should instead focus on helping micro, small, and medium enterprises and developing local businesses.

House Bill 6398, filed on Monday, seeks to set up a sovereign wealth fund called Maharlika Wealth Fund, with a P250-billion initial investment that will come from the two pension funds and government-owned banks.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso said the measure would bolster economic activity and provide funding for critical infrastructure projects in the country.

“We can cherry-pick the investments that will suit our risk parameters and credit risk management parameters that will allow our GSIS employees to benefit from all these,” he said.

GSIS has pledged to provide P125 billion for the wealth fund.

Mr. De Guzman, on the other hand, asked in Filipino: “If it is true that the plan is to grow the funds of the SSS with consideration for the benefits of its members, the government should not gamble on this big risk.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Student group slams mandatory ROTC push

December 7, 2022 | 8:08 pm

THE COLLEGE Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) on Wednesday rejected a bill that would make military training mandatory in tertiary schools and disguising that intent by using the term National Citizens Service Training Program (NCSTP).

In a statement, the alliance of collegiate student publications said the measure is a “hidden push” for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, which is currently optional under a two-semester national service course.

“The bill is belittling the critical thinking of the youth and they won’t be fooled by this push for ROTC,” CEGP National Spokesperson Melanie Feranil said in Filipino.

“Historically, the youth movement has always been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and liberation and we will continue fighting against the mandatory ROTC push,” she added.

House Bill No. 6468, authored by House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, was approved on Tuesday by the committee on technical and higher education.

Under the measure, the government would “enhance the capacity of its citizens to mobilize and perform their constitutional duty to render personal military or civil service to the [country] in times of calamities and disasters, national or local emergencies, rebellion, invasion or war” through the training program.

A Senate counterpart bill was filed on Nov. 28, which seeks to reinstitute a two-year voluntary advance ROTC program at the tertiary level.

The ROTC requirement was abolished in 2002 after Republic Act 9163 established the National Service Training Program.

Moves to abolish the compulsory military training program were prompted by the murder of a private university student who spoke out on corruption within the ROTC system involving students paying off military training officers to skip the requirement.

“We will not forget the killing, the hazing, harassment, red-tagging and all other violence on our fellow youth in the past,” Ms. Feranil said. “We will not allow fake nationalism.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

DTI says Manila supermarkets complying with Christmas feast price guide

December 7, 2022 | 8:08 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday said selected supermarkets in Manila are compliant to the recently issued price guide for food items commonly used for the traditional Filipino Christmas feast.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DTI said that it monitored supermarkets in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Dec. 2 to check their compliance with the recommended prices for what is referred to as noche buena goods.

The department said shops that were visited complied with the price guide while all shelf keeping units (SKUs), including noche buena items, had the appropriate price tags.

“Consumers should buy in bundles, as this buying scheme provides more affordable alternatives. Further, through product bundling, the buying experience of consumers is simplified,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said.

According to the DTI, it also checked the prices and supply of processed and agricultural basic necessities and prime commodities, the accuracy of weights and measures, and the appropriate price tags.

“As we get busy in preparation for the upcoming holidays, we remind our Filipino consumers to exercise their right to choose,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said as he assured continued monitoring by the agency.

The DTI’s noche buena price guide was issued on Nov. 23, which includes ham, fruit cocktail, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, and queso de bola.

A total of 195 SKUs out of 223 noche buena products recorded price increases. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocks parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila

December 7, 2022 | 8:07 pm

A MAGNITUDE 5.3 earthquake struck off the eastern part of Luzon mainland on Wednesday, with tremors felt all the way up to some northwestern provinces, according to state seismologists.

The earthquake was recorded at 1:05 p.m. with the epicenter located northeast of Tinaga Island in Camariñes Norte, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) bulletin.

Intensity V, categorized as “strong” under Phivolcs’ scale, was felt in the towns of Mercedes and Jose Panganiban in Camariñes Norte.

Phivolcs said no major damage was expected but aftershocks were likely.

The Camariñes Norte provincial disaster management office did not report any immediate damage or injuries.

Intensity IV or moderately strong shaking was reported in Daet, Camariñes Norte, and Guinayangan and Polillo in Quezon.

Iriga City and the towns of Ragay and Pili in Camariñes Sur along with Mauban, Lopez, Mulanay, Alabat, and Gumaca in Quezon experience Intensity III.

Parts of the provinces of Albay, Aurora, Batangas, Bulacan, Camariñes Sur, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, and the cities of Marikina and Pasig felt Intensity II.

Intensity I was recorded in surrounding areas, including some island provinces.

The Philippines is located within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a network of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes strike. — MSJ

Manila Water ramps up water sampling

December 7, 2022 | 8:06 pm

MANILA Water Co. is ramping up its water sampling to ensure potability, the Metro Manila’s east zone water concessionaire announced on Wednesday.

“The strict and regular testing of water samples from the source to the distribution system will guarantee that our 7.4 million customers get clean and potable water 24/7,” Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla, Jr., Manila Water’s corporate strategic affairs group head, said in a media release.

The company said the water treatment process includes microbiological, physical and chemical examinations of water samples. The sampling conducted covered about 99.85% of Manila Water’s total water distribution.

According to Manila Water, its water supply passed the parameters of the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

The east zone concessionaire said its Manila Water Laboratory has also achieved 109.3% compliance set by the PNSDW.

Mr. Sevilla also said that the company continues to conduct internal plumbing system checks to determine leaks and avoid unnecessary spikes in consumption of customers, which leads to excessive billing.

The water concessionaire serves Manila’s east zone network, which comprises Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns of nearby Rizal province. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Morocco advances to quarterfinal as Spain flops in shootout, 3-0

December 7, 2022 | 6:23 pm

Morocan-goalie — YASSINE Bounou (MAR) during the World Cup match between Morocco vs Spain in Doha, Qatar on Dec. 6. — REUTERS/FOTO OLIMPIK/NURPHOTO

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Hat-trick hero Ramos helps Portugal thrash Swiss

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Achraf Hakimi calmly converted a penalty to send Morocco through to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 3-0 shootout win over former champions Spain after a cagey last-16 clash ended goalless on Tuesday.

The Spanish-born Hakimi chipped in the decisive penalty, prompting a deafening roar of joy and celebration from the Morocco supporters, after their side became the first Arab nation ever to qualify for the tournament’s quarterfinals.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who plays for Spain’s Sevilla, saved spot-kicks from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets after Pablo Sarabia had hit the post and Hakimi, a product of the Real Madrid youth system, held his nerve to earn his team a quarter-final against Portugal.

Morocco became only the fourth African nation to reach the last eight of the tournament, 12 years after Ghana did so in South Africa.

After a scrappy match finished 0-0 after extra time with few shots on target for either side, Morocco fed off the raucous support of their red-clad fans in the shootout as Spain crumbled.

Spain enjoyed more than 75% of possession and completed almost 1000 passes but Morocco caused problems for them on the counter-attack and goalkeeper Unai Simon made some good saves.

“We fought and made the Moroccan people happy, we made history and Morocco deserve it, Moroccan people made us united on the pitch,” coach Walid Regragui said.

Morocco defender Jawad Yamiq was proud of his team’s performance.

“We honored the Arab and African football, coach Regragui gave us the confidence that we needed in this game, a big boost in morale,” he said.

“We knew that Spain depend on their ball possession and we played with that in mind. They didn’t impose any danger.”

It was the fourth time Spain have been knocked out of the World Cup on penalties and the second in a row

It was a huge blow for Luis Enrique’s team, who arrived in Qatar as one of the favorites after reaching the Euro 2020 semifinals and the Nations League final last year.

“We completely dominated the match, it’s a shame it went that way,” the Spain coach told TVE.

“It’s the most difficult thing, playing against a team like Morocco who are hard workers.

“The penalties cost us, but I am very proud of the team and all the players. I’m very sorry about the result but I congratulate Morocco.”

FEW SHOTS
Spain spent big chunks of the match orbiting around the Morocco penalty area without attempting any shots, through balls or moves to break down their well organized opponents.

They tried to play the possession-style game that was the trademark of the great Spanish sides who won two European Championships and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012.

But they lacked a cutting edge and Morocco allowed them possession while trying to exploit the pace of Hakim Ziyech and Soufiane Boufal.

A foul on the latter gave the African side the first scoring opportunity as Hakimi blazed over a free kick.

In a tight first half, the only other chances came when defender Nayef Aguerd headed over and Marco Asensio hit the side-netting for Spain.

Dani Olmo had Spain’s first shot on-target in the 54th minute with an angled shot which Bounou palmed away.

Luis Enrique sent on Alvaro Morata and Nico Williams to inject a bit of life into his team and Morocco had to dig deep to get through extra time without conceding.

They managed to do so and Spain’s collapse in the shootout prompted wild celebrations among the ecstatic Morocco supporters who will get at least one more chance to make their presence felt in Qatar.

RAMOS HELPS PORTUGAL THRASH SWISS
Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos rose to the occasion on his first World Cup start to net a hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition of Switzerland on Tuesday, sending his side through to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years and setting up a clash with Morocco.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos had benched the country’s all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, tasking Benfica forward Ramos with leading the line despite the 21-year-old making his debut just three days before the World Cup in a friendly.

Ramos had played only 10 minutes as a substitute in Qatar but the youngster looked like he belonged on the big stage with a memorable performance for Portugal, who did not miss Ronaldo — a late substitute who had a goal ruled out for offside.

After a tepid start, the game came to life when Ramos opened the scoring in the 17^thminute by picking up Joao Felix’s incisive pass before blasting the ball into the top corner from a tight angle to put the Portuguese ahead.

They doubled their lead through skipper Pepe when the 39-year-old timed his leap to perfection to rise above the two Swiss centre backs and head home from a Bruno Fernandes corner in the 33^rd minute, with Yann Sommer well beaten yet again.

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was frustrated by the Portugal defense despite the odd surging run into the final third, while their best chance of the half came when Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was pushed out for a corner. — Reuters