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Serena gets Wimbledon wild card to return to Tour at Eastbourne

SERENA Williams will resume her quest for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles title at this month’s Wimbledon after making her long-awaited return to the Tour when she competes in doubles at the Eastbourne International.

The former world number one has not played competitive tennis since limping out of last year’s first-round match at the grasscourt major — where she has won seven of her 23 titles — in tears due to a leg injury.

The 40-year-old has slipped down the rankings to 1208th and needed a wild card from the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which organizes Wimbledon, to compete in the main draw of women’s singles.

But Williams will first team up with Tunisian world number four Ons Jabeur for the doubles event at Eastbourne which gets underway this weekend.

“SW and SW19. It’s a date. 2022 See you there,” Williams wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, referring to the postcode of the AELTC which hosts Wimbledon.

Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said the pairing of Williams, who has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and Jabeur are not likely to play their first match before Tuesday in the WTA 250 tournament.

“Eastbourne has a unique charm that you don’t see anywhere else on Tour and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans again.”

Since lifting her last Grand Slam trophy at the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has been on the hunt for an elusive 24th that will put her level with Australian Margaret Court for the most major titles.

She reached the final at four majors since returning to the Tour after giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017 but lost in straight sets on each occasion.

The main draw at Wimbledon starts on June 27. — Reuters

Nuñez joins Liverpool for initial fee of €75 million

LIVERPOOL has signed Darwin Nuñez after the Uruguayan forward completed his medical following his move from Benfica, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

Portuguese side Benfica had announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached with Liverpool for the 22-year-old for an initial fee of €75 million ($78.17 million).

The transfer fee falls short of the club record £75 million ($89.92 million) Liverpool paid for defender Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.

However, Nuñez’s fee could rise to £85 million, if he reaches individual targets and if he wins the Champions League.

“I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Liverpool. It’s a massive club,” said Nuñez, who signed a six-year contract.

“I’ve played against Liverpool and I’ve seen them in lots of games in the Champions League, and it’s my style of play. There are some great players here and I think it’s going to suit my style of play here.

“I hope I can give everything that I’ve got in order to help the team… I want to win a lot of trophies at Liverpool.”

Nuñez was the top scorer in Portugal’s top flight last season and scored 34 goals in all competitions for Benfica, including strikes in both legs of the club’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat by Liverpool.

His move is subject to the successful granting of a work permit and international clearance.

Nuñez’s arrival comes after Belgian striker Divock Origi left the club while the Uruguayan’s move also paves the way for Sadio Mane to leave Anfield, with the Senegalese forward linked with German champions Bayern Munich. — Reuters

Hungary condemns England to worst home defeat since 1928

WOLVERHAMPTON, England — Hungary humiliated England 4-0 away on Tuesday to go top of their Nations League group and hand the hosts their worst home defeat for 94 years in a competition Gareth Southgate’s side had hoped would be a morale-boosting warm-up for the World Cup.

Southgate made nine changes from the team that drew with Italy at the weekend to give some fringe players a chance. But despite dominating possession, England created few chances and the experiment backfired against a Hungary team who beat them in Budapest earlier in the month and were out for blood again.

“Tonight is a chastening experience,” Southgate said, after last year’s national heroes as European Championship finalists were booed off at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton.

Hungary’s Roland Sallai began the rout when he controled the ball on his knee after a miscued header from John Stones before drilling past Aaron Ramsdale in the 16th minute.

Sallai scored a second in the 70th minute with a perfect finish with the outside of his boot after Kalvin Phillips lost a tackle. Zsolt Nagy chipped Ramsdale and Daniel Gazdag drove from distance into the corner for two late goals that heaped pain on England.

Adding to their disastrous night, England defender Stones was sent off for two yellow cards.

Southgate said he had picked a young, experimental team, heavy on attacking talent, which left his side exposed when the game turned against them.

“That’s my responsibility at the end of the day.

We couldn’t keep flogging our best players… But I think I’ve given too much for them to do tonight. I understand the reaction to that in the stadium,” he said.

“I’m not going to say that it doesn’t hurt… We’ve seen that you’ve got to be at full strength. It was an important experience for young players across this tranche of games.

“This group of players have been unbelievable for the country and it’s important that they stay with them,” added Southgate, who also led England to a World Cup semifinal in Russia in 2018.

KANE: ‘NIGHT TO FORGET’
The result left Marco Rossi’s tough Hungary side top of Group A3 on seven points, with England in fourth and bottom spot on two points. Germany are second on six points after winning 5-2 against Italy, who are third on five points.

With two games left, the group winners go to the Nations League finals next June while the bottom team are relegated.

England captain Harry Kane, who provided some of England’s few moments of quality and hit the bar with a header, acknowledged his side’s second half capitulation was “unacceptable” but also urged fans to be forgiving.

“It’s our first big defeat in a long time. It’s not time to panic, it’s time to keep our heads up,” he said.

“A night to forget but we have to take it on the chin and move forward, prepare for a big World Cup, and we’ll learn a lot… Let’s not forget where we’ve come from. It’s not going to be perfect every game.”

After narrowly losing last year’s Euros to Italy, England has high hopes for the Qatar World Cup at the end of this year. But their dismal form in the Nations League has baffled fans, with some pundits pointing to player exhaustion after the rigors of the Premier League and other competitions for many.

It was the first time England had lost a home match by four or more goals since March 1928 when Scotland beat them 5-1. And it was the first time an away team had scored four goals against England since the Hungarians themselves won 6-3 1953.

Hungary did not qualify for the World Cup. — Reuters

Koepka says LIV talk putting ‘black cloud’ on US Open

BROOKLINE, MA — Twice champion Brooks Koepka criticized the media on Tuesday for constant questions about the LIV Golf Invitational Series that he said were only serving to throw a “black cloud” on this week’s US Open.

Koepka, whose younger brother Chase played in the inaugural LIV event last week outside London, where even the last-place finisher earned $120,000, got frustrated when asked about the chances of joining him on the lucrative series.

“I’m here at the US Open. I’m ready to play US Open, and I think it kind of sucks, too, you are all throwing this black cloud over the US Open,” said Koepka.

“It’s one of my favorite events. I don’t know why you guys keep doing that. The more legs you give it, the more you keep talking about it.”

The PGA Tour has already suspended members who decided to join the Saudi-backed LIV series, which has lured players over with a $255-million purse spread over eight events this year, and said others who make the jump will face the same fate.

Koepka said he has yet to discuss the LIV experience with his brother but followed his progress during the first event of a series that threatens to blow apart men’s professional golf.

“Obviously, LIV is trying to make a big push for golf,” said Koepka. “Look, I mean, I love my brother. I support him in anything he does. It’s family. I’ll always love and support him. Whatever he does, I’m cheering for him.”

Toward the end of his pre-tournament news conference Koepka, who has battled a number of injuries in recent years, said he had not given much thought as to whether there was a dollar figure that would convince him to join LIV.

When a reporter expressed surprise at that, Koepka again expressed his frustrations for the interest in LIV in the lead-up to the year’s third major.

“I don’t understand. I’m trying to focus on the US Open, man. I legitimately don’t get it. I’m tired of the conversations. I’m tired of all this stuff,” said Koepka.

“Like I said, y’all are throwing a black cloud on the US Open. I think that sucks… We’re here to play, and you are talking about an event that happened last week.”

Koepka, who in his last two starts missed the cut at the Masters and finished in a share of 55th at the PGA Championship, will play the first two rounds with Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Australian Cameron Smith. — Reuters

Security forces start enforcement of safety measures for VP inauguration

VICE Presidential-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio delivers a speech at her local party’s Miting de Avance on May 6 held at the San Pedro Square in Davao City, the same venue for her inauguration on June 19. — PCOO.GOV.PH

SECURITY measures are set for the inauguration of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio in Davao City on June 19, according to the military and police, with road closures around the venue to take effect as early as Thursday evening. 

Outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte, her father, is expected to attend the ceremony, the first time that it will be held at the Dutertes’ hometown in southern Philippines.

President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., who will have his inauguration in Manila on June 30, has yet to confirm attendance on Sunday. 

Venue will be at the San Pedro Square, an area fronting the city government complex and next to the San Pedro Cathedral, the oldest Catholic church in Davao and marked as a National Cultural Treasure, which had been a site of two bombing incidents, the first in 1981 and then in 1993.  

The head of the anti-terrorism unit of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, called Joint Task Force Haribon, has been designated as ground commander for the event’s security operations. 

“We will deploy our troops and all available resources to boost the security within the city and its borders, as well as conduct of maritime and air patrols. We will also utilize our medical group to provide medical support in case of any emergency,” EastMinCom commander General Greg T. Almerol told the media earlier this week.

The military, police, and the Presidential Security Group met at the weekend to firm up the security plan.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce a ban on firearms during the separate inauguration ceremonies of Mr. Marcos in Manila and Ms. Duterte-Carpio. 

In a live-streamed briefing on Wednesday, PNP Director for Operations Valeriano T. de Leon said the gun ban is a measure to prevent possible safety threats during the oath-taking ceremonies of the country’s newly-elected top two officials.

“The world is watching this historic event, so it is also important to show that we can do this orderly,” he said.

The gun bans will take effect from June 16 to 21 in Davao City, and from June 27 to July 2 in Metro Manila. 

Mr. De Leon also encouraged those who will attend the events to use transparent plastic bags to carry their belongings to allow easier inspection. 

PNP Officer-in-Charge Vicente D. Danao, Jr. said during a briefing on Monday that protesters would be allowed to hold rallies near the National Museum in Manila, where Mr. Marcos’ ceremony will be held, only if they show support for the incoming president.

On the other hand, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra told reporters in a Viber message on Wednesday that “As long as they (protesters) do not constitute an actionable offense, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression.” 

“The right of peaceful assembly, regardless of one’s political beliefs or affiliation, is guaranteed by the constitution, subject to reasonable regulations to maintain peace and order, including the requirement to obtain a prior permit.” 

The Davao City police had also said that rallies will be allowed on Sunday, but organizers will have to secure a permit from the local government.  

Ms. Duterte-Carpio is the outgoing mayor of the city, a position held for several terms over more than decades by her father. She will be succeeded by her brother, current Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Z. Duterte. — Maya M. Padillo and John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Identity, livelihood projects for MILF camps transformation get EU, UN, Australia support 

GOVERNMENT representatives visit Camp Abubakar in Maguindanao in this July 2019 photo. — OPAPRU

TWO PROJECTS funded by the European Union (EU), United Nations, and Australia were launched Wednesday in support of the ongoing transformation of six camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). 

“We are happy to be partnering with Australia and the UN on normalization, since enhancing the normalization track — allowing for all the people engaged in the conflict to lead peaceful and productive lives without leaving anyone behind — is crucial to build lasting peace,” said EU Ambassador Luc Véron in a statement. 

The MILF signed a peace deal with the Philippine government in 2014, paving the way for the establishment in 2019 of a new Bangsamoro autonomous region in the southern island of Mindanao.   

Part of the region’s transition process is the social and economic development of MILF camps as former armed fighters of the group are decommissioned.  

The first program, the Access to Legal Identity and Social Services for Decommissioned Combatants (ALIAS DC), will provide 31,000 MILF former combatants, their families, the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Brigade, and their communities with legal identities through birth certificates so that they can re-engage into civilian life.   

This will give them mobility rights and access to basic services and social protection. 

The EU will provide funding of about P62.41 million and Australia at P18.1 million. 

“I’m glad that we are helping provide such foundational assistance to former combatants,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson said in the same statement.  

“Identity documents are something that many of us take for granted, but if you lack these you can find yourself locked out of education, health, work, and wider opportunities to participate in society.”  

“I hope these documents will help kick-start the process to transform these camps into peaceful communities,” he added.  

LIVELIHOOD
The second project, co-funded by the EU for P221 million, is called the Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE). 

The project’s implementation includes supporting the formation of social enterprises, offering agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood training, providing assistance packages, and improving access to basic services and social infrastructure.  

PROACTIVE aims to transform conflict areas by enhancing the capacities and participation of stakeholders, creating a culture of peace in the community. 

“Peace and development must walk hand-in-hand,” said UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez. “Today we celebrate another milestone in this complex but rewarding journey.” 

“As the United Nations, we are proud of being part of this collective investment jointly with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, OPAPRU (Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity), and our long-standing development partners, Australia and the European Union,” he added. 

MISEREOR, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, and The Asia Foundation headquartered in the United States are also supporting the projects.  

The two programs will be implemented in camps Bilal, Bushra, Rajamuda, Abubakar, Badre, and Omar, which are located across the Lanao, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato provinces. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan 

Anti-Terror Council includes Jalandoni, 10 others in terrorist list 

THE PHILIPPINE Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated 11 individuals, including former peace negotiator Luis G. Jalandoni, as terrorists.   

In a statement dated May 25 and made public on Wednesday, the council said it found probable cause in classifying these individuals as terrorists.  

Included in the list are five members of communist organizations, and five from radical Islamic groups. 

“There is a finding of probable cause, warranting the designation of specific persons … for committing, conspiring, planning, preparing for the commission of terrorism and recruitment to and membership in, and providing material support to terrorist organizations or groups organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism,” it said.  

Last year, the ATC had designated the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a terrorist organization, citing its link to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).  

Mr. Jalandoni was a member of the NDFP panel in peace talks with the government.  

The NDFP is a coalition of progressive organizations and among its members are the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.    

The CPP had denounced the ATC’s designation that year, saying the council itself was undemocratic and used as a tool of oppression against the people. 

Incoming Justice Chief Jesus Crispin C. Remulla will become a member of the council once he assumes office. He will also head a committee that investigates the killings of activists and dissenters.  

In April, the Supreme Court had denied an appeal to reverse its decision upholding the constitutionality of questioned provisions of the anti-terrorism law passed in 2020, the basis of the ATC’s creation.   

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin M. Andanar said the High Court ruling is a “triumph for peace-loving and law-abiding Filipinos,” affirming that the country is not a safe haven for terrorists.  

The country’s Anti-Money Laundering Council has said that the law is crucial to efforts in countering “dirty money” and terrorism financing. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Guanzon gets Comelec nod as P3WP party-list nominee 

TWITTER/ROWENA_GUANZON

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday granted the nomination of Maria Rowena V. Guanzon, a retired commissioner of the election body, as the P3WP party-list group’s representative in the incoming 19th Philippine Congress after five of its previous nominees resigned on Tuesday. 

“Upon majority vote, the Comelec in its regular en banc meeting today, June 15, 2022, approved the recommendation of the law department on the June 14, 2022 submission of Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD),” Acting Comelec Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco told reporters in a Viber message. 

He noted that Comelec will release a copy of the resolution at a later date.

On Tuesday, Ms. Guanzon, who retired from the Comelec in February, had submitted notarized certificates of acceptance to become the P3WP’s first nominee. 

“This is not the first time that this issue happened, with ‘all’ nominees withdrawing the acceptance of their nominations after the close of the polls,” Mr. Laudiangco said. “In all instances, the ruling of the commission has been consistent.” 

Under the Party-list System Act, groups that win seats in Congress may still submit a new set of nominees in case of vacancies. 

The party-list group had placed 24th out of the 55 winning groups in the May 9 national and local elections, earning a seat in the House of Representatives.

The law provides that elected officials from these groups must belong to “marginalized and underrepresented sectors.” 

P3WP aims to represent the interests of persons with disabilities. 

In this year’s elections, 177 party-list groups were accredited by the Comelec, which has said that any changes in the party-list system would require legislation by Congress. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Driver in Mandaluyong hit-and-run surrenders to police

THE OWNER and driver of a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Mandaluyong City surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, after the national police chief issued a manhunt order and an immigration lookout bulletin was released. 

In a live-streamed press briefing of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the owner of the sports utility vehicle apologized to the shopping mall guard he ran over and said he will explain his side in a counter-affidavit. 

He also surrendered the vehicle to the police. 

“As far as the PNP is concerned, we consider this case solved considering that we already filed the case, and the person of interest voluntarily gave up to clear the matter at hand,” PNP Officer-in-Charge Vicente D. Danao, Jr. said during the briefing.

The incident on June 5 was recorded in a dashboard camera from another vehicle, and went viral on social media. It showed the driver of the vehicle leaving the scene after running over a shopping mall security guard, who was directing traffic at an intersection.  

Government prosecutors had filed charges of frustrated murder and abandonment of the victim under the Revised Penal Code.

He earlier failed to appear before authorities even after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued multiple show cause orders directing him to explain the incident. 

The Land Transportation Office on Monday revoked his license and permanently barred him from driving a car in the country. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Rights group calls for release of environmental activist 

A HUMAN rights group on Wednesday called for the release of an environmental activist who was arrested in Pakil, Laguna on June 11 for alleged rebellion charges.

“We call for her immediate release, a victim of warrantless arrest and unjust detention based on false charges, which are seen as reprisals on her advocacy work for the environment and her community,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina E. Palabay said in a statement. 

“At this rate, this rebellion charge may be used repeatedly against activists in Southern Tagalog as the government continues its harassment against activists and government critics,” she said.

The 69-year-old Daisy Macapanpan was arrested by joint military and police forces, who allegedly presented just a copy of a warrant for a 2008 rebellion case against her.

She had served as a speaker in a gathering of other environmental activists opposing the construction of the Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower project in Pakil.

Karapatan, citing witness accounts, also condemned the way Ms. Macapanpan was allegedly treated during the arrest as she was handcuffed and forced into a police vehicle. 

As of Wednesday, Ms. Macapanpan was detained at Camp General Nakar, Quezon. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

Manulife partners with 3 NGOs for social development programs 

MANULIFE Philippines has partnered with three non-government organizations for its corporate social responsibility initiatives focusing on health and well-being, inclusive economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. 

Manulife, a subsidiary of international financial services provider Manulife, signed contracts on Wednesday with Gawad Kalinga, the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Foundation (CSAMF), and Haribon Foundation. 

“We have partnered with three NGOs that are aligned with our values and have the knowledge, expertise, experience, and track record to effect positive change,” Manulife Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson said.  

“By collaborating with these organizations, we are confident that we can maximize engagement with our sustainability programs and make an impact on the communities that we serve.” 

The company will support Gawad Kalinga’s Goodbye Gutom program, helping 300 families in 30 locations across the country to grow their own food. They will also be working on the establishment of learning centers, where five Gawad Kalinga villages can have access to internet for virtual classes. 

With the CSAMF, Manulife is expanding their existing partnership for a financial counseling program to 1,200 students from an initial 100 two years ago. 

For nature conservation group Haribon Foundation, Manulife will provide support to its Forests for Life Movement, adopting 12 hectares of land in Laguna, Quezon and Rizal, where 15,000 native trees will be planted to improve soil quality and water retention. — Tobias Jared Tomas 

Shanghai tops list of world’s most expensive cities

REUTERS

FOR the ultra-rich living in some of the world’s most expensive cities, like Shanghai and Hong Kong, the surging prices of luxury items over the past year have taken a bite out of their vast purchasing power.

For the wealthy individuals who reside in London and New York, on the other hand, the higher cost of designer handbags, shoes, suits and watches doesn’t even keep up with their countries’ overall inflation rates.

The global divergence in price growth and monetary policy is the undercurrent to Julius Baer Group Ltd.’s 2022 global wealth and lifestyle report, which ranks the world’s most expensive cities by analyzing the cost of residential property, cars, airfare, business school and other luxuries. Shanghai once again topped the list, while London took second place from Tokyo, which plunged by the most of any city to eighth. New York placed 11th, down one spot from last year’s survey.

The findings highlight that the rich aren’t immune to inflation, which has reached 8.6% in the US and 9% in the UK, even if they’re more easily able to withstand it than those who are less affluent. What’s more, wealthy individuals are also disproportionately likely to own stocks, which have tumbled as central banks raise interest rates to address price growth. The world’s 500 richest people alone have seen a combined $1.4 trillion erased from their cumulative fortunes this year, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

“While the financial situation of many high-net-worth individuals has actually improved over the last year, the concurrent increase in the basket of goods and services that make up our lifestyle index means the ‘money illusion’ of previous years still lingers,” according to the Julius Baer report, which was released Wednesday.

Still, “our survey reveals a mildly optimistic post-pandemic picture,” it said. “The wealthy are spending normally again.”

The cost of tech items like laptops and smartphones globally surged the most, 41%, spurred by the shift to work from home and a global chip shortage. Hiring a lawyer became 33% more expensive, while bike prices rose by 30%. On the flip side, the cost of wine fell 26%, more than any other category.

The report analyzed prices of about 20 goods and services individuals with bankable household assets of $1 million or more typically buy in 24 cities across regions, with the data gathered in two rounds between November and April. Moscow was removed from the list. — Bloomberg

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