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SSI, VMC, Filinvest, RRHI included in CWDI’s list of top women-led firms

FOUR publicly listed companies in the Philippines have been included in a US-based nonprofit organization’s 2021 report of the top 10 women-led firms in a field of almost 3,000 companies across 55 countries.

Corporate Women Directors International (CWDI) ranked firms “to generate baseline data on women in leadership roles.”

Details of its “Women CEOs: Opening Doors to Boards and C-Suites” report was sent by Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILREIT) via e-mail on Monday.

SSI Group, Inc. was listed first among Philippine firms with women making up 80% of its leadership and management, followed by Victorias Milling Co., Inc. (VMC) with 60%, while both Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI) have women filling up 50% of company leadership roles.

Zenaida R. Tantoco leads SSI Group as its CEO and chairman of the board; Minnie O. Chua is VMC’s board vice-chairman, president, and CEO; Lourdes Josephine Gotianun-Yap is one of FDC’s directors as well as the company’s president and CEO; and Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe is RRHI’s director, president, and CEO.

“Too few women have reached the CEO level of the largest companies in each country,” CWDI Chair Irene Natividad was quoted as saying.

In its report, CWDI noted that only 143 out of the 2,994 publicly listed companies surveyed have a woman sitting as their chief executive.

“This paltry number accounts for only 4.8% of these companies in the world’s biggest economies. The top leadership role in the most influential companies globally overwhelmingly remains the domain of men,” CWDI said.

CWDI said that firms with a woman sitting as their CEO “tend to have more women board directors,” often ending up with 34.1% of women-held board seats versus the 23.3% for companies with male CEOs.

It also noted that the percentage of women board directors would increase once a woman is appointed as the company CEO.

“The average percentage of women’s board representation prior to a woman being named CEO was 21.9% compared to the current percentage of 34.1%,” CWDI said, adding that firms with female CEOs would also have more female executive officers.

FDC and its other units are also led mostly by women. Property arm Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) is also led by Ms. Gotianun-Yap, who sits as director, president, and CEO. Filinvest said women account for 60% of FLI’s leadership.

Meanwhile, FLI-sponsored real estate investment trust (REIT), FILREIT, also has a woman at the helm with Maricel Brion-Lirio as its director, president, and CEO. Other Filinvest firms such as Filinvest Alabang, Inc. and Filinvest Cyberparks, Inc. are also led by women, accounting for 71% and 79% of their respective teams.

“Although knowledge, experience, and technical skills are fundamental to a successful leader, having the emotional soft skills of a woman is a big advantage,” FILREIT’s Ms. Brion-Lirio said.

“Our soft skills include the ability to easily collaborate, having more empathy and emotional quotient, and having to express ourselves more openly,” she added.

Meanwhile, CWDI’s Ms. Natividad noted that although it is known “through dozens of studies” that having women leading companies will lead to a “positive impact on a company’s bottom line” and are also good for all stakeholders, there aren’t enough companies appointing women in CEO roles.

“Clearly, companies need to proactively commit to speeding up the pipeline of women corporate leaders to achieve future growth,” said Ms. Natividad. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Gov’t urged to expedite delayed port projects to unlock private capital

Iloilo City

THE TRANSPORTATION department has not done enough to mobilize private sector participation in its projects as mandated, a key Senator said, noting delays to the privatization of the Port of Iloilo.

At a finance committee hearing on the Transportation department’s 2022 proposed budget, Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon said International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) had committed to invest P8 billion as far back as five years ago, but no action had been taken.

Discussions on the ICTSI unsolicited proposal have stalled amid back-and-forth between the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said.

The Secretary said he expects contracts to be signed by the first quarter of 2022, giving the various participants six months to firm up the unsolicited proposal, which by government procurement rules must undergo a Swiss challenge to bring out any other competing proposals.

“In the next six months, can we have a signing of the operation of the port by the private sector, so that we can at least look forward to the private sector investing the committed P8 billion, to start with, for the improvement of the port?” asked Mr. Drilon, whose constituency is Iloilo, to which Mr. Tugade agreed.

Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay-Angeles also asked whether other projects have been on hold. The DoTr noted similar situations in the General Santos Port and the Davao Sasa Port.

Ms. Binay asked for the status of the two other ports and the details of the delays to be sent to the committee.

The department also said that overall, more than 450 seaports have been established and developed in the past five years.

Ms. Binay also said P726.8 million for the maritime infrastructure program posted disbursement rates of between zero and 20%, according to the Commission on Audit.

Transportation Finance Undersecretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said there were some social tourism port projects that remained unimplemented or delayed. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

National Competition Policy seen to improve market efficiency

THE implementation of the National Competition Policy (NCP) will help improve the country’s market efficiency and spur economic recovery, according to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

“By ensuring that government responses and interventions follow competition principles, we can prevent policies which may exacerbate market failures and distortions,” PCC Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a statement on Monday.

On Oct. 20, President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Administrative Order No. 44 mandating the nationwide adoption and implementation of the NCP.

Under the said administrative order, all national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local government units (LGUs) are required to comply with the NCP by implementing pro-competitive policies and interventions, creating a level playing field between public and private sector businesses, and helping the PCC in enforcing competition law.

The NCP was issued through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01-2020 dated July 30 last year signed by the PCC and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

According to the PCC, the NCP gives the framework for government agencies in creating and adopting pro-competitive policies, rules and regulations, and issuances to avoid an uneven playing field for businesses.

The NCP also directs government agencies to support the PCC against cartels, market dominance abuses, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.

“It complements Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act and the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 in guiding the design of government interventions, especially those relating to the economic recovery of vulnerable sectors like micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” the PCC said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Balisacan said mainstreaming a culture of competition needs a “whole-of-government” effort.

“While the importance of competition is mainly felt by businesses and consumers, its success requires appreciation of competition principles by leaders, regulators, policymakers, and the entire bureaucracy,” Mr. Balisacan said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Dune opens to $40 million at the US box office; strong enough for a sequel?

STILL from the film Dune

LOS ANGELES — Dune, an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, opened to $40.1 million at the North American box office. It’s a respectable start given the ongoing pandemic and the film’s unconventional theatrical debut. In addition to playing in 4,125 domestic theaters, Dune (like all Warner Bros. movies in 2021) premiered simultaneously on HBO Max, which might have taken a chunk out of overall ticket sales.

In a milestone for the studio, Dune landed the biggest three-day tally for Warner Bros. since the company began its day-and-date strategy on HBO Max. Godzilla vs. Kong, which scored a then-pandemic record $31 million in April, previously held that high-water mark. In the months in between, anticipated movies such as The Suicide Squad, the LeBron James sports comedy Space Jam: A New Legacy, and the musical adaptation of In the Heights failed to live up to box office expectations while being offered concurrently on HBO Max.

“I’m smiling,” Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Jeff Goldstein said on Sunday morning. “Exhibitors are thrilled. The best part is, fans are loving what they’re seeing. They’re loving the big-screen experience. It’s been a winner of a weekend for movie-lovers.”

Directed by Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival) and starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Josh Brolin, Dune is the first chapter in an expected two-part saga. Mr. Villeneuve and the cast of the movie have said they would like to make the follow-up to complete the story about warring political dynasties that clash over access to a vital planet. The question now: will ticket sales to start be enough to justify a sequel? Given the film’s hefty $165 million price tag, including the millions spent to market it as a cinematic event, it’s unclear if box office revenues alone will be enough to warrant a return to the desert land of Arrakis. In that case, Dune will have to perform very well on HBO Max to convince the studio it should inject another $165 million to complete the star-studded interplanetary tale. Legendary Pictures co-financed Dune in addition to producing and developing the movie.

In an interview with Variety this week, WarnerMedia chair Ann Sarnoff said plans for the sequel will be based on “the entirety of what Dune can do for the company, including HBO Max.” She added, “The story in itself sets up for a sequel. The production is so amazing and the storytelling is so compelling that it’s not going to be judged on box office alone.”

Avid fans of Mr. Herbert’s seminal 1965 novel sought out Dune on the biggest screen possible, with premium formats such as Imax, Dolby and 4DX accounting for 50% of domestic ticket sales. Imax alone contributed $9 million, representing 22.5% of the market share, marking the company’s largest opening weekend since the pandemic. — Reuters

Hybrid work to continue even after pandemic ends — WeWork

WEWORK, a co-working space provider, is confident that the hybrid working model will continue even after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Even post-pandemic, we see the hybrid workplace strategy remaining, and this flexibility that allows employees to work anywhere and allows companies to scale operations and their workspace commitments will help drive the demand for co-working spaces,” WeWork said in a statement sent to BusinessWorld on Oct. 20.

The changes brought about by the pandemic has “increased interest” in WeWork locations in the Philippines, the company added.

WeWork has a global real estate portfolio of over 760 locations across 38 countries, with Southeast Asia offering 30 locations and four locations in the Philippines.

“Companies have started planning for a longer term, sustainable workplace strategy while smaller businesses are opting for more flexible, workspace arrangement as opposed to traditional workspace commitments,” WeWork said.

Asked if there are plans to add locations in the Philippines, WeWork said: “While we do not have current plans to add more locations to our portfolio here, the Philippines is a key market for WeWork and we will continue to review every asset in order to optimize our footprint and ensure all of our locations are creating value for our portfolio in the long term.”

Hybrid work, which combines working from office, home, or anywhere, is currently being adopted by many companies as a way to recover from the pandemic, WeWork General Manager for Australia and Southeast Asia Balder Tol told BusinessWorld in a recent online interview.

“I think flexibility… really gives choice to employees; and I think with choice, it gives us a sense of empowerment on where we can be most productive for the task at hand,” he said.

A third space is also an ideal solution to improve employee productivity, Mr. Tol said, noting that “for many, working from home can be isolating and distracting, and that in itself can bring a lot of stress.”

“We see that prolonged working from home and being empowered on when and how to work results in longer hours for working for many as well, so creating a professional space outside of the home for employees to collaborate or socialize is a key factor in bringing employee happiness.”

The flexible work setup can also come with challenges, including the difficulty in assessing employee productivity.

“The potential of burnout without the realization from the managers is [also] one of them,” Mr. Tol said.

The increased reliance on technology is one of the biggest challenges for companies.

“For example, in hybrid meetings, if you want to truly innovate and collaborate, there is nothing more frustrating than having some people in an office and some people on Zoom trying to… have an active discussion,” Mr. Tol said.

“The last part is team building when there is a distance. Obviously, offices have traditionally been places where you build culture or where you have learning opportunities,” he added.

The WeWork executive noted a centralized location is ideal for team-building activities in a hybrid work setup to “really ensure that there is an inclusive culture.”

A recent global survey by the Future Forum — a consortium that includes Herman Miller, the Boston Consulting Group, Slack, and Fortune Magazine — showed 76% of the respondents want flexibility in where they work.

The survey also showed that 93% of workers want flexibility to determine when or how much time they spend on work.

Songs of the North: new songwriting fest focuses on Northern Luzon talent

TO foster a better understanding of Northern Luzon culture and identity, AmiananPop Music, Inc. has launched a songwriting festival, the finals of which will take place online on Dec.  4.

Following in the footsteps of the Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the new AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 puts a spotlight on musicians and songwriters from the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan regions, as well as non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon.

The songwriting festival is the first project of AmiananPop Music, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization.

THE COMPETITION

“Amianan” is an Ilocano term which means “north.” Through AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021, artists from the North are encouraged to write, record, and produce songs in their own languages.

“Every language and/or dialect is unique, and so are the stories and nuances that come with it, and that is why this is the ultimate goal of the movement, to create a community of storytellers that will represent the ‘now’ generation of Northern singer/songwriters,” AmiananPop co-founder and chairman Davey Langit said in a statement.

The songwriting tilt uses the tagline Sikamimet!, which is an Ilocano for “It’s our turn.”

The competition is meant to bring modern regional pop music to the forefront of mainstream consciousness by making sure that the songs are well-produced and can compete on a global level.

“All the finalists have written and arranged songs, and the melodies are great. How do we bridge the gap? We make sure that the songs are well-produced, so that when people not familiar with the language hear them, they will be encouraged to look for the translation of all songs,” Ebe Dancel, pop rock musician (formerly the lead singer of the band Sugarfree), songwriter, and co-founder and president of AmiananPop said during the online press conference on Oct. 15.

THE FINALISTS

From 58 submissions, the entries were narrowed to 10, who will be competing for the grand prize in December.

The 10 finalists are: “Sungbat” by Angelic Mateo; “Urayen Ka” by Harold Lumandaz; “Bisikleta” by Jomabel Trapse; “Laineng Onan Aro” by Fernan Castro Estrada (composer) and Melchor Orpilla (lyricist); “Pudno Nga Ayat”  by Ryan Madrid (composer) and Kimberly Collado (lyricist); “Agka Pamaga” by Ruth Lee Resuello; “Anto Kasi Ngaran Tu Man” by Ruth Lee Resuello; “Napacurug Nga Aya” by Rivah-Anne and Remedios Singson; “Arapaap” by Red Gumayagay; and “Lab Story” by Patrick Visto.

The selection of the finalists was made by Messrs. Langit and Dancel, along with foundation board members National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, singer-songwriters Noel Cabangon and Gary Granada, Ma. Cristina Joy Balajadia, musical director Melvin Morallos, Christopher Donaal, and singer Agat Morallos.

The finalists were selected based on musicality, lyrics, creativity, and new sound. Mr. Langit, who is himself a singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, noted that the chosen songs have modern arrangements and strong melodies.

The Grand Champion of AmiananPop will win P100,000; the 1st runner up with get P50,000; 2nd runner up gets P25,000; 3rd runner up gets P15,000; and the 4th runner up gets P10,00. The remaining five will receive consolation prizes.

AmiananPop is also looking at digital platforms on which to release the songs.

“A songwriting competition is the best way to bring out these talents. Since we have this, this might encourage other songwriters… This is a good platform to have their music heard and encourage them to write more,” said Mr. Cabangon, who is a co-founder and board member of AmiananPop.

“Our dream is not just to make them available but hopefully promote them,” he said.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AmiananPop/. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Gov’t makes full award of T-bills

BUREAU OF THE TREASURY FACEBOOK PAGE

The government made a full award of the Treasury bills (T-bills) it auctioned off on Monday on stable demand as investors continue to prefer to park their funds in short-term papers amid inflation fears.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P15 billion as planned via the T-bills it auctioned off on Monday as total tenders reached P34,721 billion, more than double the initial offer but lower than the P36.088 billion in bids logged in the previous auction.

Broken down, the BTr raised P5 billion as planned via the 91-day debt papers from P9.3 billion in bids. The three-month T-bills fetched an average rate of 1.119%, up by 0.6 basis point (bp) from the 1.113% seen at last week’s offering.

The BTr also borrowed P5 billion as programmed from the 182-day securities it offered on Monday as bids reached P14.201 billion. The average rate of the six-month T-bills slipped 0.3 bp to 1.387% from 1.39% a week ago.

Lastly, the government made a full P5-billion award of the 364-day T-bills as the tenor attracted tenders worth P11.22 billion. The average yield of the one-year instruments stood at 1.606%, up by 0.2 bp from the 1.604% fetched last week.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon said in a Viber message to reporters after the auction that rates moved sideways on the back of good demand for the short-term papers due to their limited supply.

The BTr is only offering P15 billion in T-bills weekly.

Meanwhile, a bond trader in a Viber message noted that Monday’s auction result was “nothing new” as the rates fetched reflect the bids are client-driven.

“We expect it to remain the same moving forward,” the trader said.

A second trader said T-bill yields moved sideways from the previous auction “supporting the bear steepening trend of the GS (government securities) yield curve due to rising inflationary expectations.”

“Global oil prices continued to hover at their highs, while domestically, we continue to observe nine consecutive weeks of oil price hikes,” the second trader added.

Global oil prices climbed on Monday amid tight supply and strong fuel demand in the United States and other economies rebounding from the effects of the pandemic, with US crude hitting a seven-year high, Reuters reported on Monday.

Brent crude rose 0.83% to $86.24 a barrel, while US crude rose 0.80% to $84.51.

At the secondary market, the 91- 182- and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 1.2296%, 1.4582% and 1.6104%, respectively, before the auction, based on the PHL Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

On Tuesday, the BTr will offer P35 billion in reissued seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) with a remaining life of six years and nine months.

The Treasury bureau is looking to raise P200 billion from the local market this month: P60 billion from weekly offerings of T-bills and P140 billion from weekly auctions of T-bonds.

The government wants to borrow P3 trillion from local and external sources this year to help fund a budget deficit seen to hit 9.3% of gross domestic product. — Jenina P. Ibañez with Reuters

Ayala Land subsidiary expands Cavite Technopark

AYALALAND Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) recently unveiled the third phase of its industrial park in Naic, Cavite.

Cavite Technopark was originally launched in 2015 with 118 hectares, and now covers 166 hectares.

“Cavite Technopark aims to put Naic on the map as another key growth center in South Luzon. As the industrial estate develops, we not only pave the way for the rise of more light and medium, non-polluting enterprises, but also continue energizing environments and generating more employment opportunities for Caviteños,” Patrick C. Avila, ALLHC head of industrial parks and real estate logistics, said in a statement.

While the first phase caters to companies registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the third phase is for non-PEZA registered industrial locators.

ALLHC, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc., is targeting to complete Cavite Technopark Phase 3 by the second quarter of 2023.

The company expects on-going infrastructure projects to improve the industrial park’s accessibility and connectivity. These projects include the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) extension, the Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX), and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.

Last January, ALLHC broke ground for the second phase of its ALogis Naic ready-built facilities within Cavite Technopark. The project adds 16,000 square meters (sq.m.) of gross leasable area to the existing 13,000 sq.m. area.

Revenue from marked fuel tops P305 billion

DUTIES AND TAXES collected from marked fuel products totaled P305.79 billion as of Oct. 22, dating back to the launch of the program in 2019, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

The volume of fuel on which the taxes were collected was 31.22 billion liters starting from Sept. 4, 2019.

Revenue generated includes P276 billion in Customs duties from September 2019 to Oct. 21 this year, along with P29.786 billion in excise taxes between December 2019 and July 2021.

Around 73.32% of the marked fuel volume was in Luzon, with 21.15% in Mindanao and 5.52% in the Visayas.

Diesel accounted for 60.93% of the volume and gasoline represented 38.54%. The rest was from kerosene.

The program aims to deter fuel smuggling by injecting a special dye into fuel products to signify tax compliance. Absence of the dye is deemed evidence that the fuel was smuggled.

The government in September last year began collecting a fuel marking fee of P0.06884 per liter, inclusive of value-added tax on all manufactured, refined or imported petroleum products.

Revenue foregone due to fuel smuggling was between P20 billion and P40 billion a year, the DoF said. — Jenina P. Ibañez

House committee approves barangay microfinancing bill

A HOUSE COMMITTEE approved Monday a bill that proposes to establish a microfinance cooperative for barangays to help community members fund their entrepreneurial ventures.

In a hearing, the House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development approved an unnumbered substitute bill and committee report to House Bill 7968 filed by Bataan Rep. Geraldine B. Roman, which if passed will become the Barangay Microfinance Cooperative Act.

If signed into law, the measure will require barangay microfinance cooperatives (BMCs) to register with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and to make distributions of up to P3 million from income to its members.

The bill requires certificates of accreditation issued by the CDA to be subject to minimal requirements with no fees collected and need to be processed within 30 calendar days upon submission of complete documents. The certificate will be effective for five years and can be renewed.

Income generated from operations of the BMC will be exempt from any tax, subject to compliance with reporting requirements to various government agencies. Failure to comply would lead to the suspension of their registration for up to one year.

BMCs will also be exempt from the Minimum Wage Law provided that all employees are entitled to government benefits given to regular employees.

Under the measure, barangay officials cannot be elected as officers of the BMC.

Funding for the proposed law will come from the annual budget of the CDA, with additional funding to be provided from revenue generated from government-licensed gambling and lotteries.

Any additional funding burden will be shared equally among regulators, operators, and licensors such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and will be made available five years after the pandemic has been formally declared to have ceased in the country.

Misamis Oriental Rep. Christian S. Unabia, chairman of the technical working group that prepared the substitute bill, said the five-year provision was inserted following input from the funding agencies that their revenue is needed for measures deemed vital during the pandemic, such as the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.

Ms. Roman said current financing laws do not provide an adequate and accessible system for barangays, leaving potential entrepreneurs little resort to financing except from usurers. — Russell Louis C. Ku

Alec Baldwin was aiming at camera when gun discharged — affidavit

Alec Baldwin in Live from New York! (2015)

SANTA FE, N.M. — Alec Baldwin was drawing a revolver across his body and pointing it at a camera during rehearsal on the set of Rust when the weapon fired and struck the cinematographer in the chest, according to an affidavit released on Sunday.

The affidavit provided additional details about Thursday’s accidental shooting in New Mexico that killed 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. Mr. Baldwin had been handed the prop gun and told it was unloaded, authorities in Santa Fe have said in court documents.

“Joel stated that they had Alec sitting in a pew in a church building setting, and he was practicing a cross draw. Joel said he was looking over the shoulder of (Ms. Hutchins), when he heard what sounded like a whip and then loud pop,” the affidavit read.

Ms. Hutchins was shot in the chest area, the document said.

“Joel then vaguely remembers (Ms. Hutchins) complaining about her stomach and grabbing her midsection. Joel also said (Ms. Hutchins) began to stumble backwards and she was assisted to the ground,” the affidavit adds.

Ms. Hutchins said she could not feel her legs, Reid Russel, a cameraman who was standing next to her at the time of the shooting, told officials.

A distraught Mr. Baldwin, 63, was photographed on Saturday outside a hotel in Santa Fe embracing and talking with Matt Hutchins, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, and their nine-year-old son. In a statement read to a candlelight vigil on Saturday, Mr. Hutchins called his wife’s death “an enormous loss.”

No one has been charged in the fatal incident during a rehearsal on Thursday at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe as the sheriff’s office continues its investigation.

Multiple media and social media reports have raised concerns about safety protocols on the set of the low-budget movie. Both Mr. Souza and Mr. Russel described a walk-out by a camera crew before the accident.

“Reid stated that the camera crew was having issues with production involving payment and housing,” the affidavit reads, adding that Mr. Russel had said six individuals had walked out.

Serge Svetnoy, chief electrician for Rust, said in a Facebook post on Sunday that he had held Ms. Hutchins in his arms while she was dying and blamed “negligence and unprofessionalism” for her death.

Celebrity website TMZ.com, citing unidentified sources connected to the production, said the gun handed to Mr. Baldwin had previously been used by crew members for target practice off-set, using real bullets.

Reuters could not verify the report and police in Santa Fe did not respond to inquiries on Sunday.

According to the Los Angeles Times, more than a week ago Mr. Baldwin’s stunt double accidentally fired two rounds from a prop firearm after being told it was “cold,” an industry term meaning a weapon is not loaded with ammunition, including blanks.

Rust Movie Productions said last week that although they “were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down.”

According to court documents, the prop gun was handed to Mr. Baldwin by the film’s assistant director, Dave Halls, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the business.

Mr. Halls did not respond to requests for comment on Sunday. Also involved in the sheriff’s probe is the movie’s chief armorer, Hannah Gutierrez. She could not be reached for comment. —  Reuters

Court acquits GMA execs accused by ABS-CBN of copyright infringement

LISTED broadcast company GMA Network, Inc. announced on Monday that a Quezon City regional trial court had acquitted its two executives of copyright infringement charges filed by ABS-CBN Corp.

“The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 93 acquitted Grace Dela Peña-Reyes and John Oliver T. Manalastas, who were then GMA Network’s news operations head and news program manager, respectively,” the media company said in an e-mailed statement.

ABS-CBN filed a copyright infringement complaint against GMA in 2004 for the latter’s coverage of the homecoming of overseas worker and hostage victim Angelo dela Cruz that year.

“ABS-CBN allowed Reuters Television Service (Reuters) to air the footages it had taken earlier under a special embargo agreement,” the Court of Appeals said in its summary, as cited by the Supreme Court in a 2015 decision, where ABS-CBN’s petition to sue Ms. Dela Peña-Reyes and Mr. Manalastas was granted.

GMA said the complaint stemmed from the “alleged unauthorized and illegal use and broadcast of ABS-CBN’s footage.”

“In the Sept. 29, 2021 decision penned by Presiding Judge Arthur O. Malabaguio, the court sided with Dela Peña-Reyes and Manalastas, citing ‘the failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt,’” GMA said.

“GMA’s use of the said footage was done under a valid subscription agreement with Reuters and CNN, which allows it to air and re-broadcast these video feeds,” GMA also said, citing Ms. Dela Peña-Reyes and Mr. Manalastas.

ABS-CBN was sought for comment through its head of corporate communications. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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