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Gonzales eyes first table tennis gold in Cambodia SEAG

RICHARD GONZALES and John Russell Misal with PTTF chief Ting Ledesma — PHILIPPINE TABLE TENNIS FEDERATION

AT 51 years old, Richard Gonzales isn’t done playing for the national team just yet.

In fact, the Filipino table tennis living legend is eyeing nothing less than delivering the country’s first ever Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) gold medal in this year’s edition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“I can still do it,” said Mr. Gonzales during an interview in the Philippine Sports Commission’s online People, Sports, Conversations show on Thursday. “And with your prayers and support, we will try to win the gold in Cambodia.”

Mr. Gonzales earned his outright spot to the Phnom Penh-bound national team along with John Russel Misal after the duo delivered a silver in last month’s Hanoi SEA Games.

And it could have been a gold — the country’s first in its SEA Games participation in the sport — had Messrs. Gonzales and Misal held on to set point in the fourth game and force a deciding fifth game where momentum would surely be on their side.

It wasn’t meant to be, though.

“We felt if we took that fourth set, we would have gotten momentum and win the gold,” Mr. Misal, a former UAAP MVP, said for his part.

Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma said they will hold a national team selection for the eight remaining spots to the Cambodia-bound squad — five females and three males.

“John Russel and Mr. Richard are assured of their spot to the SEA Games. The rest will have to compete for the remaining eight slots to the team,” said Mr. Ledesma. — Joey Villar

SEC expands online payment system

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Thursday that it has added new options for its online payment system.

The commission said that this would make payments for registration and transaction fees “faster and more convenient for the public.”

GCash payment wallets can now be used to settle registration and transaction fees and penalties through the Electronic System for Payments to the SEC (eSPAYSEC).

“It has only been a year since we rolled out the eSPAYSEC, but it has already become a preferred payment option for the transacting public because of the convenience and security it offers,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said in a statement.

“This is proof of the public’s readiness to adapt to digital solutions when they are available, and strengthens the Commission’s commitment to its digital transformation initiatives to improve the ease of doing business for Filipinos,” he added.

To use GCash, clients only need to enter the reference number provided in the Payment Assessment Form issued by the SEC, select GCash as their payment option, then provide the required information. Each transaction charges a convenience fee of P10.

Other online payment channels that are accepted by eSPAYSEC include debit and credit cards powered by Visa, Mastercard and JCB, as well as PayMaya wallets.

The eSPAYSEC was launched in March 2021 as a web-based system that allows for the online payment of fees and penalties to the commission using debit and credit cards, digital wallets, and other cashless payment options.

As of June 8, the online payment portal has accepted payments for fees and penalties amounting to P202.32 million from a total of 29,565 transactions. Of the total, P99.57 million was recorded in 2022. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

US says convicted R&B singer R. Kelly deserves more than 25 years in prison

R&B singer R. Kelly — NICHOLAS BALLASY/WIKIPEDIA

NEW YORK — US prosecutors on Wednesday said the multiplatinum R&B singer R. Kelly deserves to spend more than 25 years in prison after being convicted of sex trafficking.

In a filing in Brooklyn federal court, prosecutors said Kelly exploited his stardom and wealth over a quarter century to lure women and underage girls for sex, demonstrating a “callous disregard” for his victims and showing no remorse.

“Indeed, the defendant’s decades of crime appear to have been fueled by narcissism and a belief that his musical talent absolved him of any need to conform his conduct —  no matter how predatory, harmful, humiliating or abusive to others —  to the strictures of the law,” prosecutors said.

Kelly, 55, who has been jailed since 2019, remains a “serious danger” to the public, justifying keeping him behind bars until well into his 70s, prosecutors added.

Jennifer Bonjean, a lawyer for Mr. Kelly, has said he should spend fewer than 14 years in prison, and will in a filing next Monday explain why his “history and characteristics” justify a shorter sentence.

Ms. Bonjean’s office declined to comment.

Mr. Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, faces a minimum 10-year term at his June 29 sentencing.

He is among the most prominent people convicted of sexual misbehavior during the #MeToo movement against such conduct by prominent men.

Mr. Kelly’s 5-1/2 week trial amplified accusations that had dogged him since the early 2000s.

Testimony from 45 government witnesses, including several of Mr. Kelly’s abuse victims, portrayed in often graphic detail an unseemly side to a music career highlighted by the 1996 Grammy-winning smash “I Believe I Can Fly.”

Witnesses said Mr. Kelly would demand that his victims strictly obey rules such as needing his permission to eat or go to the bathroom, calling him “Daddy,” and writing “apology letters” that purported to absolve him of wrongdoing.

“The defendant severely physically and psychologically scarred all of his victims repeatedly and consistently,” prosecutors said. “The government has little doubt that if afforded an opportunity to offend again, the defendant would.”

Much of the case turned on accusations related to six women.

They included the singer Aaliyah, who prosecutors said Mr. Kelly fraudulently married when she was 15 to conceal abuse from when she was 12 or 13. Aaliyah died in 2001.

Jurors needed a little over a day to convict Mr. Kelly last Sept. 27 on all nine counts he faced.

The charges included racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Mr. Kelly has repeatedly denied sexual abuse accusations. He also faces federal charges in Chicago on child pornography and obstruction, and state charges in Illinois and Minnesota. — Reuters

Shift to flexible work gives boost to London landlord Workspace

REUTERS

DEMAND for flexible office space in London is back to pre-pandemic levels as employees return to the workplace and companies adapt their real estate strategies for an era of hybrid working.

Workspace Group Plc, a London office landlord that offers flexible leases, reported occupancy of almost 90% at the end of March, an increase of 7.8% from a year earlier. That’s roughly in line with the company’s occupancy for the same period in 2019, before the pandemic struck.

“Our focus over the past year has been to support our customers’ return to the office, rebuild like-for-like occupancy back to 90% and drive trading profit growth,” Chief Executive Officer Graham Clemett said in a statement on Wednesday. “Customers want their office space to be as flexible as their working habits.”

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated a shift toward flexible leases as companies adjust their office footprints to take account of evolving working patterns. While London has seen a steady recovery in the number of people returning to the office, building occupancy remains down on pre-pandemic levels as more employees work from home at least part of the week. 

The demand for more flexible space lifted Workspace rental income by 6.4%, contributing to a return to profitability. The company reported a pre-tax profit of £124 million ($156 million) for the year through to the end of March, up from a £235.7 million loss a year earlier. — Bloomberg

Philippine trade year-on-year performance

THE PHILIPPINES’ April trade deficit narrowed month on month to $4.8 billion, as exports slightly picked up and imports grew at their slowest pace in 13 months amid the Russia-Ukraine war and supply chain disruptions. Read the full story.

Philippine trade year-on-year performance

Revitalizing alliances to address competition

WASHINGTON, DC-based Center for New American Security (CNAS) recently released a report on the current state of US-Philippine relations amid intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. The think tank has formed a task force to assess the security alliance between the Philippines and America.

“China’s growing military and economic power, along with its increasingly aggressive behavior regarding Taiwan and its territorial claims in the South China Sea, is putting stress on the rules-based order in the region,” the CNAS report said. It cites our deep historical and cultural ties, including the significant Fil-Am community, as well as our archipelago’s strategic position in the “first island chain” as factors that make the 75-year alliance between our two countries critically important.

CNAS advised policy makers that they should seek to reinvigorate this critical alliance amid Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s rise to power “following a six-year period marked by turbulence and volatility.” Among its recommendations is the conduct of multilateral security dialogues with countries like Japan and Australia in congruence with US President Joe Biden’s goals of achieving greater integrated deterrence by bringing the Philippines into discussions with key allies.

Another suggestion is to establish American consulates general in Cebu and Davao, where both China and Japan maintain such diplomatic offices. This is in line with the White House’s Indo-Pacific strategy and would facilitate not only closer people-to-people ties but also more effective strategic communication.

How would Mr. Marcos react if trilateral dialogues will be instituted between America’s allies to come up with a common stand on the West Philippine Sea issue? To some extent, it would depend on who the incoming secretaries of national defense and foreign affairs shall be. Abangan!

LOST IN TRANSITION
With just 20 days to go before the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte steps down, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has not given the green light for the installation of mobile betting systems in its popular lotto games. As a result, the “MobiLotto” project of a Filipino-Chinese joint venture is now in limbo.

This consortium made up of SmartInfo Philippines and China LotSynergy Enterprises was not able to obtain an injunction from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) that would have compelled the state-owned charitable institution to implement the integrated sales agency agreement (ISAA) that allows mobile betting for PCSO’s lotto games. According to career officials of the agency, the ISAA was signed by the incumbent chairman without prior board approval, while the legal department warned the agency’s officers against implementing the contract due to technical and legal issues.

Neither did the RTC issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the PCSO. The judge handling the case has reportedly gone on leave, and the executive judge reassigned it instead to a newly appointed judge. Apparently, it is a tradition in the judiciary not to issue TROs during the transition between outgoing and incoming administrations.

As political appointees, members of the PCSO’s board of directors are coterminous with Mr. Duterte and their terms will also expire on June 30. Thus, they should focus at this time on the ongoing turnover to their successors, under whose watch those issues can be resolved.

Business decision makers are currently maintaining a wait-and-see attitude with regard to the next administration’s policy-making quality. Nominees for many Cabinet and major line agency positions have yet to be announced. They will be crucial in running the government over the next six years, and thus, the business community is waiting with bated breath to find out who they are.

 

J. Albert Gamboa is the chief finance officer of Asian Center for Legal Excellence and chairman of the FINEX Media Affairs Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and BusinessWorld. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph

PSC’s Rise Up! Shape Up! promotes injury prevention in sports

WHILE the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) encourages people of all ages to take up sports and be active, the agency highly encourages everyone to ensure that no injuries will be sustained in the process.

In line with this, PSC’s web series Rise Up! Shape Up! will demonstrate some basic warm-up exercises in a special webisode on Saturday, June 11 featuring professors Emman Papa and Michaela Angela Sales, both from the University of the Philippines-College of Human Kinetics. The two will share kid-friendly whole-body warm-ups and stretches.

“Proper warm-ups and stretches will increase blood flow in the muscles and loosen joints a bit to prevent tears or bad twists when we exercise. This is especially needed in kids because they are still learning how to do proper form when exercising,” PSC Women in Sports Commissioner oversight Celia H. Kiram said.

“While kids will not likely associate play with exercise, playing is a physical activity that allows them to move and use their muscles, and there is still a risk of injury. Since play is significant in a child’s growth, we want them to enjoy playing as a physical activity but free from injury,” added Ms. Kiram who will also talk about play and playground in the “K-Isport” segment.

Joining the program is Cagayan State University College of Human Kinetics Professor Darwin Robin Tuliao who will share some safety gears for kids that can help prevent injuries.

PSC’s Rise Up! Shape Up! is streaming live on Facebook and YouTube on Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m.

Meralco, Ayala Land partner for a stable power in Vermosa area

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) has started building a new substation at the Vermosa estate in Imus, Cavite that is aimed at ensuring reliable electricity service within the Ayala Land, Inc. project.

“This project is part of Meralco’s thrust to serve its customers, more so in planning all facilities requirements, which we can ramp up and forecast according to projected turnover, during the master planning stages,” said Ferdinand O. Geluz, Meralco first vice-president and head of customer retail services.

The 115 kilovolt (kV)-34.5kV substation will be located within Vermosa, a 725-hectare mixed use development along Daang Hari Road. It will house three transformer banks, each capable of generating 83 megavolt amperes (MVA) of power or a combined capacity of 249 MVA.

“This is a critical step to enhance the delivery of electricity services and ensure reliable power across all end users,” Mr. Geluz said.

Jay Teodoro, who heads Vermosa estate, said the partnership would make the project “move-in ready” with its own Meralco substation.

“For several years, we have worked hand in hand with Meralco in the master planning of our estates, offering key utilities to residents, locators and visitors,” he said.

The substation is set for full operations by December 2022. It will provide adequate capacity to accommodate new and additional load applications in the area. It will guarantee a smooth flow of electricity for Vermosa’s residential customers as well as its commercial and industrial accounts.

Meralco said having the substation “will guarantee operational switching flexibility” during contingencies and improve voltage regulation for Vermosa’s locators as well as peripheral developments in Imus.

Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco senior vice-president and head of networks, said the power provider is encouraging developers to work closely with it at the early stages of their planning.

“We are committed to provide the energy infrastructure to meet the projected growth of new communities, not just for timely energization, but to have the right facilities to meet their needs,” he said.

Vermosa, the fourth-largest estate of Ayala Land, is masterplanned to offer mixed-use components, including a range of horizontal residential options, a regional mall, a central business district, educational institutions, and leisure establishments.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

Jurors shown video of Cosby denying Playboy Mansion assault claim

A publicity still of Bill Cosby from the 1980s highly successful television comedy series The Cosby Show. — IMDB.COM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. —  Comedian Bill Cosby denied a California woman’s claim that he sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion in the mid-1970s in a recorded deposition shown on Wednesday to a jury considering one of the last legal cases against him.

Judy Huth, who is seeking unspecified damages in a civil lawsuit she filed in 2014, has testified that Mr. Cosby forced her to perform a sex act at the mansion when she was a teenager.

On Wednesday, jurors were shown a roughly 10-minute video that showed clips of Mr. Cosby answering questions from one of Huth’s attorneys during a deposition in 2015.

Mr. Cosby answered “no” to questions about whether he tried to put his hands down Ms. Huth’s pants and then took her hand and used it to masturbate, as she alleges.

He acknowledged that he would bring guests to the mansion but said he does not remember Ms. Huth or the friend who said she accompanied her that night.

“I don’t know Ms. Huth,” he said.

Asked if Ms. Huth’s account could have been accurate but Mr. Cosby had forgotten the incident, he said that was not possible because “this young lady is saying that she told me she was 15.”

Mr. Cosby, now 84, said he never pursued sexual contact with anyone he knew was under 18. He is not expected to attend the trial in person.

In cross-examination of Ms. Huth, Mr. Cosby attorney Jennifer Bonjean challenged her account, including her revised timeline.

When the lawsuit was filed in December 2014, Ms. Huth said the incident occurred in 1974, when she was 15. She testified this week that she recently concluded that she had been mistaken about the year and now believes it happened in 1975.

Ms. Bonjean pressed Ms. Huth on Wednesday about past traumas in her life and antidepressant use, suggesting any emotional distress she suffered was unrelated to her time with Mr. Cosby.

Ms. Huth, now 64, testified that she was abused by a former partner and was a passenger in a car accident that left five people in another vehicle dead.

But she said her interaction with Mr. Cosby had the most impact. “Nothing as bad as that, that’s for sure,” Ms. Huth said.

The civil trial in California is taking place 11 months after Mr. Cosby was freed from prison when Pennsylvania’s highest court threw out his sexual assault conviction in a different case.

Mr. Cosby is best known for his role as the lovable husband and father in the 1980s television comedy series The Cosby Show, earning him the nickname “America’s Dad.”

But his family-friendly reputation was shattered after more than 50 women accused him of sexual assaults over nearly five decades. — Reuters

Why managers should respect job applicants

I’ve been a victim of rude human resource (HR) managers several times. It’s discouraging taking a leave of absence from my current job to suffer the indignity of answering irrelevant job interview questions and be shooed away after less than 15 minutes of a face-to-face interview. Worse, some managers did were late. Aren’t managers supposed to have good manners? – Pissed Off.

Meeting rude hiring managers is one of the reasons why you should not jump right away into every job interview opportunity without first doing your homework. Investigate the background of the manager and the company they’re representing. These days, it is easy given the availability of information on social media. If the manager concerned is not on social media, Google their name and organization.

Do your due diligence. Why take chances on changing employers if you’re not in a hurry to get another job? 

I agree that irrelevant questions should not be asked. They’re a waste of time. Why ask about the applicant’s employment history when it’s already stated in the curriculum vitae (CV)? Any questions asked must not be immediately apparent from the CV. Hiring managers must focus on asking questions about job situations, such as — how would you manage an irate customer, if you’re applying for a customer service job.

Equally important, if your interviewer is late for more than five minutes, abandon the interview right away. It’s not worth it. A tardy interviewer is a red flag. If they’re interested in you, they will move heaven and earth to meet you. Try it. You’ll feel good about leaving.

SELF-RESPECT
Most books and articles on employment are for the benefit of job applicants. They’re geared towards giving the best answers to killer job interview questions, but not much is said about how job interviewers and HR managers should conduct themselves in interviewing applicants. Why is this so? Some interviewers take the opportunity to power-trip. But what for?

Whatever an interviewer does with applicants is a reflection on the organization they’re representing. If an applicant is disrespected, it could lead the applicant to no longer patronize the company’s products or services. Worse, the applicant may write a complaint to the chief executive officer (CEO) about how the job interview went.

Former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was right: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Even if the CEO fails to reply, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re sure that it was received.

Therefore, hiring managers must conduct every job interview with utmost decency and professionalism towards all applicants. To do this, HR managers and interviewers must do the following:

One, express genuine interest in dealing with applicants. Every manager must know how to handle interviews professionally. Be on time. Offer a firm handshake. Break the ice with small talk. Smile. Make eye-to-eye contact. Put the applicant at ease. And so on.

Two, spend at least 30 minutes with each applicant. Don’t decide based on a single mistake they make. By asking all applicants questions about job situations, you will be able to identify your best candidates. Try asking questions that have significant bearing on the job description.

Three, ask for the applicant’s value proposition. As soon as you’ve completed the interview, allow applicants to elaborate on his or her value statements. Discover characteristics that would make them unique. Expect to hear a brief but powerful summation of the skill and experience that person can bring to the organization.

Four, allow applicants to ask questions after the interview. A job interview is not a one-way street. In fact, applicants must be judged not only by the quality of their answers but on the questions they ask. These may include: “Why can’t you fill this position internally? How strategic is your succession plan?”

Five, provide a clear roadmap on how to go forward. “Please don’t call us” is discourteous. If you don’t want to be bothered with follow-ups, be clear about it in your job vacancy ad with a statement like: “Due to the numerous job applications that we’re receiving every day, we regret to inform you that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of our hiring process.”

Last, offer a sincere ‘thank you’. Professional courtesy is one thing you mustn’t ignore. Being considerate can enhance your image. Again, imagine the amount of time, effort and little money applicants spend to show up for a job interview. Take some time to appreciate the opportunity to meet them.

 

Have a chat with Rey Elbo via Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or send your workplace questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

LANDBANK partners with MultiSys for LGU online payment system

Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has partnered with software solutions firm MultiSys Technologies Corp. to provide local government units (LGU) with a digital payment system.

The state-run bank said in a statement on Thursday that its mobile wallet LANDBANKPay would be integrated into MultiSys’ Smart City App, which will allow residents to settle payments to LGUs without having to visit local offices.

These include payments for real property tax, business tax, community tax certificates, local civil registry, health and business permits, and licenses.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) with MultiSys was signed on May 24 and includes a provision that any future payment applications that MultiSys develops in the future will also use LANDBANKPay as its primary electronic wallet.

“The integration of LANDBANKPay and the Smart City App will help boost LGU collection rates and generate operational cost savings in the long run,” LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cecilia C. Borromeo said. “More importantly, we will be providing greater convenience and security to residents when settling local government fees.”

“We believe that this initiative is very vital not only on a local scale but also on a national scale,” MultiSys President and CEO David L. Almirol said. “And we know that LANDBANK is our key partner to really accomplish this.”

MultiSys’ Smart City App is used in 75 LGUs nationwide, with the firm eyeing further expansions later in the year. Aside from the banking industry, the software firm also serves clients in retail, hospitality, and healthcare, among others.

“LANDBANK’s partnership with MultiSys builds on its broader thrust of serving the nation through the delivery of innovative financial products and services powered by digital banking platforms,” the state-run bank said.

Between January and March of this year, LANDBANK facilitated a total of 39.14 million transactions worth P567.61 billion through its major digital banking channels.

LANDBANK’s income for the first quarter was P13.2 billion, 141% higher than the P5.48 billion a year prior. This translates to a return on equity of 14.27%.

Its first-quarter performance was attributed to higher interest income from loans and investments, as well as one-time gains from the merger with the United Coconut Planters Bank. — T.J. Tomas

Stephen Loman on a collision course with Andrade

STEPHEN LOMAN — ONE CHAMPIONSIP

WHEN Stephen Loman joined ONE Championship in 2021, his primary goal was to become a World Champion with the organization. For the Baguio City native, that means he’s willing to face anybody in his path keeping him from holding the belt.

Whether that’s reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker, former kingpin Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, or even the streaking Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade, who recently collected his fourth straight knockout victory last week at “ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen.” For Mr. Loman, it doesn’t matter.

Mr. Andrade stopped #2-ranked Kwon Won Il in just over a minute in the first round with a thunderous kick to the liver that instantly dropped the South Korean. The victory may have punched a ticket to a shot at the World Title for Mr. Andrade, although nothing is official as of yet. “Wonder Boy” is certainly fixated on fighting for the belt next, but also mentioned in previous interviews that should he become champion, his first title defense could come against Mr. Loman.

For his part, “The Sniper” is more than game, and the 26-year-old Filipino unsurprisingly employs the same mindset as his younger Brazilian counterpart.

“In any case, from Lineker or from Andrade, I have a firm goal to bring the belt home to Philippines,” said Mr. Loman.

“We are aiming at the same target and that’s to face John Lineker and be the World Champion in the Bantamweight division. Surely, Andrade is a tough one and if he will get the chance to fight Lineker before me and he aces out Lineker, then I am all up to grab the belt from him, if given the opportunity.”

Mr. Loman is a perfect 2-0 in ONE Championship since making his promotional debut late last year. He stopped former top-five fighter Yusup Saadulaev in his first fight in the Circle in December, and then decisioned highly regarded Shoko Sato in January.

Mr. Loman’s victory over Saadulaev allowed him to gain entry into the bantamweight top five, earning a berth at the #3 spot in the rankings.

Conversely, Mr. Andrade has no doubt been as impressive, if not even more, and now appears to be on a collision course with Mr. Loman. For his part, “The Sniper” believes a fight against Mr. Andrade is inevitable, and one that could come sooner rather than later.

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