Entertainment News (07/02/21)

July 2, 2021 | 12:01 am

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Euphoria Relived moved to July 9

THE VIRTUAL party Euphoria Relived, led by Euphoria disco’s original DJs Boyet Sison and Mon Maramba, has been rescheduled to July 9. Originally scheduled for July 2, the event was pushed back a week as a staffer was exposed to a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient and is now in quarantine. Streaming live via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV, the event will feature DJ Boyet live from the roof deck of ABS-CBN’s main building and DJ Mon live from the US as they perform their sets in a five-hour nonstop digital party featuring the throwback hits from the late 1980s to early 1990s. Euphoria Relived is presented by ABS-CBN Events, DM Entertainment, Louie Y, and Metro. Regular tickets are still up for grabs for P599 via KTX.ph and iWantTFC, and $12.99 via TFC IPTV. KTX.ph also offers VIP tickets for P899 which come with a special Zoom link. Groove back in time with DJs Boyet and Mon on July 9 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

iWantTFC offers access to more entertainment in PH

IWANTTFC users in the Philippines can now watch 10,000 hours’ worth of local and international movies as the streaming service has offered free access to its library starting June 30. Download the iWantTFC app or visit iwanttfc.com to watch episodes of ABS-CBN’s current primetime shows FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Huwag Kang Mangamba, Init Sa Magdamag, and La Vida Lena two days before their television broadcast. Aside from the existing iWantTFC originals on the platform, users can expect new titles arriving this year, such as Charlie Dizon’s romance drama My Sunset Girl, and Sylvia Sanchez and Ria Atayde’s mom-daughter tandem in Mrs. Piggy. Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson are reuniting in the original series Love Beneath the Stars, where they will reprise their roles from their hit 2020 MMFF coming-of-age boys’ love movie The Boy Foretold by the Stars. iWantTFC is also adding to its roster of Pinoy originals from Brightlight Productions, such as Korina Sanchez’s news magazine and lifestyle show Rated Korina, comedy shows Oh My Dad and Sunday Kada, and the romantic comedy I Got You. The platform will soon add four more Thai boys’ love series: Baker Boys, Bad Buddy, Enchante, and Not Me, to its growing collection of offerings from Thai producer GMMTV. Star Cinema’s 2020 titles available are Boyette: Not A Girl Yet, and My Lockdown Romance. Viewers can also look forward to the iWantTFC-exclusive Tripol Trobol — the two-part director’s cut of the action-packed romantic comedy 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! starring Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jennylyn Mercado, and Coco Martin. A premium subscription is priced at P119 monthly. Download the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or register for an account on iwanttfc.com to access its extensive library of regularly updated content.

Alex Bruce releases new single

R&B singer Alex Bruce has released her new track “Fake Friends,” which, according to the singer, pokes fun at the unnecessary drama caused by backstabbing pals, expressing her sentiments on how she refuses to be part of its narrative. “This song is a return to form: a banger that allows me to speak my mind and be honest about what I feel.” The song’s cover art, which includes Bruce wearing venomous snakes on her head as part of a colorful collage, was designed by War Espejo. Alex Bruce’s “Fake Friends” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

iQiyi releases The Day of Becoming You

IQIYI’S romantic comedy The Day of Becoming You is now available for viewing. Revolving around the body switching trope, the series follows a performer played by Steven Zhang and an entertainment reporter played by Liang Jie, whose bodies switch during an accident. Watch The Day of Becoming You on the iQiyi app and the iQ.com site.

Maine Mendoza releases new single

MAINE Mendoza has released her new love song, “Lost with You.” The song’s music video made it to YouTube’s trending music chart just 24 hours after its official launch. Actors Vince Crisostomo and Sofia Jahrling star in the video that tells a story of love that transcends time. Ms. Mendoza described her music as something “that you’d want to listen to when you’re alone or driving”. Composed by Jimmy Borja, Judy Klass, Jacob Westfall, and produced by Ito Rapadas, “Lost with You” is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and all digital stores worldwide under Universal Records.

KZ Tandingan releases TNT’s new theme song

SINGER-songwriter KZ Tandingan has released a new song, “Yan Ang Pinoy” for the mobile brand TNT. The music video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAXUeizmYb0. The song, which was specifically written for TNT’s new campaign, aims to inspire the Filipino youth to keep pursuing their dreams no matter what challenges come their way. Along with the launch of the campaign, TNT is offering the Double GIGA Video data plan which can give users access to more shows and videos for P99.

ABS-CBN’s Cinema One, MYX start airing on Cignal

July 2, 2021 | 12:01 am

ABS-CBN Corp. announced on Thursday that its pay television channels Cinema One and MYX are now on Cignal.

“The home of Filipino blockbuster movies Cinema One, now on Cignal Channel 45, is bringing tons of fresh and classic films through its 24/7 programming, including edgy content from the long-running Cinema One Originals festival,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.

ABS-CBN’s music channel MYX is also now available through Cignal Channel 150.

The media company said Cinema One and MYX will be free for active Cignal Postpaid, Prepaid Ultimate HD, and Premium SD subscribers from July 1 to 31.

Both pay TV channels are under Creative Programs, Inc., an ABS-CBN subsidiary.

ABS-CBN has said it would continue to pursue partnerships “with various reputable companies” that would allow the media company to share its content nationwide.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises denied in June last year the media company’s franchise application.

Its attributable net loss for the first quarter of 2021 widened to P1.95 billion from P763.30 million in the same period a year ago.

Consolidated revenues decreased 54.6% to P3.92 billion from P8.64 billion previously.

Broken down, advertising revenues dropped 78.3% to P929 million from P4.28 billion, while consumer sales fell 31.3% to P2.99 billion from P4.38 billion previously.

ABS-CBN shares closed 0.75% lower at P13.18 apiece on Thursday.

Cignal TV is a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings, the media arm of the PLDT Group. BusinessWorld is likewise a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings through the Star Group of Companies. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Manufacturing purchasing managers’ index of select ASEAN economies, June (2021)

July 2, 2021 | 12:01 am

MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY in the Philippines expanded in June, snapping a two-month losing streak, as demand and production picked up after quarantine restrictions were loosened, IHS Markit said on Thursday. Read the full story.

PHL net external liability down as of March

July 2, 2021 | 12:01 am

THE COUNTRY’S net external liability position narrowed at end-March as the government paid its maturing bonds and as its investments in equities declined in value due to market volatility in the period amid a rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The country’s international investment position (IIP) stood at net external liability of $15.3 billion as of March, down by 24.1% from the $20.2 billion logged at end-December 2020, based on preliminary data from the central Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). On the other hand, the country’s net external liability rose by 10.9% as of end-March from $13.8 billion a year earlier.

The IIP takes into account the country’s financial claims and liabilities.

External financial liabilities slipped 3.3% to $245.8 billion as of end-March from $254 billion as of end-December 2020. This outpaced the 1.49% decline in residents’ foreign financial assets to $230.4 billion from $233.9 billion.

The downward revaluation of short-term foreign portfolio investments and foreign direct investments (FDI) in equity instruments resulted in an external financial liability in the period, the BSP said in a statement.

“This reflected the decline in the Philippine Stock Exchange index towards the end of the first quarter on the back of spike in COVID-19 cases during the period, the subsequent reimposition of containment measures, and concerns that these may impact on economic growth negatively,” the central bank explained.

“The repayments of maturing bond issuances by the national government as well as foreign loans by the banks contributed to the decrease in the external financial liabilities of the country,” it added.

Short-term foreign investments or hot money yielded a net outflow of $483 million in the first three months of the year, albeit smaller by 65.5% from the $1.4 billion net outflow in the same period of 2020.

Meanwhile, FDI inflows that went to equity and investment fund shares slipped 2.1% to $946 million in the first quarter from $967 million a year earlier.

On the other hand, the decline in the stock of the country’s total external financial assets was driven mainly by lower level of gross international reserve assets to $104.5 billion from $110.1 billion as the BSP diversified its foreign currency assets to include non-reserve assets.

The central bank held the largest share of residents’ total external claims, making up $109.4 billion or 47.5% of the total. These assets were mostly in the form of reserve and net placements in debt securities issued externally.

Nearly half (45.6%) or $104.5 billion of these external financial assets were reserves held by the BSP. Meanwhile, residents’ net investments in debt instruments ($36.5 billion), debt securities ($29.9 billion), and equity capital ($28.3 billion) made up 15.8%, 13%, and 12.3% of the total external financial assets, respectively.

Major financial assets such as net placements in foreign currency and deposits (6.7%) and loans extended to non-residents (4.9%) also contributed to the country’s external claims. — LWTN

How PSEi member stocks performed — July 1, 2021

July 2, 2021 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Philippine labor force situation (May 2021)

July 2, 2021 | 12:00 am

THE COUNTRY’S jobs situation improved in May as the ranks of unemployed and underemployed Filipinos fell after lockdown curbs were eased, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Read the full story.

PSEi rises on improved labor, manufacturing data

July 1, 2021 | 9:00 pm

THE main index climbed on Thursday following the release of data showing improvement in the country’s unemployment rate and manufacturing sector, which boosted expectations of a gradual economic recovery.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 62.10 points or 0.9% to close at 6,964.01 on Thursday, while the broader all shares index improved by 30.85 points or 0.72% to end at 4,275.43.

“With the decline in unemployment and underemployment last May and [the] improvement in factory output from 49.9 to 50.8 last June…, these manifest economic improvement, thus paving the way for the investors to buy in the local market,” Diversified Securities, Inc. Equity Trader Aniceto K. Pangan said in a text message.

Preliminary results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s May 2021 round of its Labor Force Survey released Thursday showed that the country’s unemployment rate was at 7.7% in May, down from the 8.7% recorded in April. This was the second-lowest unemployment rate recorded since the start of the year, following the 7.1% posted in March.

This was equivalent to 3.730 million jobless Filipinos in May, down from 4.138 million in April.

Meanwhile, manufacturing activity in the country expanded in June, bouncing back from two straight months of contraction, as demand and production picked up amid looser quarantine restrictions, the IHS Markit reported on Thursday.

The Philippine Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.8 last month from 49.9 in May. This is the first time the index went above the 50-neutral mark that separates contraction from expansion since March’s 52.2.

“Market’s approach to 7,000 has been met by mild selling as investors cashed in a portion of profits,” First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) Head of Research Cristina S. Ulang added in a Viber message.

“Market conviction about economy’s eventual emergence from recession is gathering support from economic managers’ more than 10% GDP (gross domestic product) growth forecast for [the second quarter this year],” Ms. Ulang added. “This is what’s going to push the PSEi above 7,000 near term.”

All sectoral indices posted gains on Thursday. Mining and oil climbed 192.17 points or 2.01% to 9,736.04; holding firms went up by 78.90 points or 1.14% to 6,999.39; property improved by 35.37 points or 1.06% to 3,357.08; financials gained 15.59 points or 1.04% to finish at 1,514.13; industrials rose by 44.82 points or 0.46% to 9,674.91; and services inched up by 0.46 point or 0.02% to 1,591.26.

Value turnover surged to P13.52 billion on Thursday with 2.93 shares traded, from the P6.38 billion with 1.85 billion shares logged on Wednesday.

Advancers outnumbered decliners, 120 versus 81, while 49 names remained unchanged.

However, net foreign selling surged to P4 billion on Thursday from the P730.73 million logged the previous trading day. — K.C.G. Valmonte

Peso retreats to P49:$1 level on local manufacturing data, virus concerns

July 1, 2021 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO sank to its worst close versus the dollar in nearly a year. — BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO retreated to the P49-per-dollar level on Thursday to log its weakest close in nearly a year as hopes for a further reopening of the economy boosted demand for the greenback and amid continued worries over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The local unit closed at P49.11 versus the dollar on Thursday, shedding 31 centavos from its P48.80 finish on Wednesday, based on data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. This is the peso’s weakest close since its P49.15-per-dollar finish on July 30, 2020.

The peso started Thursday’s trading session at P48.90 per dollar, which was also its intraday best. Meanwhile, its weakest showing was at P49.13 against the greenback.

Dollars exchanged climbed to $1.348 billion from $1.105 billion on Wednesday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort attributed the peso’s weakness to the improvement in local manufacturing data, which boosted demand for the dollar.

“This could suggest further reopening of the economy as well as pickup in importation,” Mr. Ricafort said in a text message.

The IHS Markit Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index in June stood at 50.8, going beyond the 50 neutral mark that separates contraction from expansion. The reading was at 49.9 in May.

Meanwhile, a trader attributed the peso’s weakness to lingering concerns over the impact of the Delta variant of COVID-19 on the global economy.

For Friday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P48.95 to P49.20 per dollar, while the trader expects the local unit to move within a weaker band of P49 to P49.20. — LWTN

Diokno says easing bank secrecy not a must to exit FATF ‘gray list’

July 1, 2021 | 8:16 pm

Benjamin-Diokno-041620 — BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno

LEGISLATION to weaken the bank secrecy law would be “welcome” though such an easing is not among the key milestones expected by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said, noting that effective implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) measures are of a higher priority.

“The Philippines has addressed technical deficiencies, that is adequate AML/CTF laws such as Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 and Republic Act 11521 which further amends the Anti-Money Laundering Act. They are already in place. Thus, there are no other legislative measures expected as Congress has already delivered what was required of them,” Mr. Diokno, who is also the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) chairman, said in an online briefing Thursday.

“The proposed amendments to the bank secrecy law primarily aim to assist the BSP and other supervisors and law enforcement agencies since the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is already exempt from the effects of the bank deposit secrecy laws… Nevertheless… any action by Congress that can dilute the bank deposit secrecy laws, is a welcome development in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing,” he added.

House Bill 8991 seeks to allow the central bank to look into the accounts of bank officials and employees when there are sufficient grounds for fraud, subject to approval from the Monetary Board. The bill is pending at the committee level.

Mr. Diokno has noted that the International Monetary Fund identified the Philippines and Lebanon hindering anti-money laundering efforts via strict bank secrecy rules. He noted that Lebanon eased its bank secrecy law in May 2020, leaving only the Philippines as the last holdout.

The FATF on Friday added the Philippines to a “gray list” of jurisdictions that are subject to increased monitoring to ensure they make progress in implementing AML/CTF measures.

This listing comes with the responsibility to submit progress reports thrice a year, with the Philippines handing in its first report to the global dirty money watchdog in September. Failure to show effective implementation may prompt the FATF to subject the Philippines to countermeasures that may impact the flow of funds, including investment and remittances.

“The country has been identified as a ‘jurisdiction under increased monitoring’ generally because the Philippines will need time to implement new AML/CTF laws, regulations and other relevant issuances to demonstrate their effectiveness,” Mr. Diokno said.

Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, who chairs the Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, said the panel will ask the AMLC to submit a report to the Senate on efforts and challenges in implementing AML/CTF measures.

“We expect a substantial update from the AMLC on the concrete steps and direction we are taking to ensure progress on our compliance,” Ms. Poe said in a statement Thursday. She noted remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers should be spared undue costs and delays, a possible outcome when countermeasures are imposed on the Philippines.

Mr. Diokno said he has not yet observed any changes to the cost of doing business since the country’s inclusion on the gray list.

“The BSP will continue to monitor developments in this space and closely engage industry to provide necessary guidance and assistance to our supervised financial institutions,” he said.

“We are confident that the Philippines will exit the gray list by January 2023. The Philippines will actively work with the FATF and will swiftly resolve the identified deficiencies within the timeframe through the cooperation of all agencies concerned,” Mr. Diokno added.

Republic Act 11521 which gave the anti-money laundering law more teeth, went into force on Jan. 29, only days before the Feb. 1 deadline set by the FATF to show tangible progress on AML/CTF issues. Republic Act 11479 or ATA was passed in July 2020, introducing stricter regulation of terrorism and proliferation financing.

The FATF will monitoring the implementation of 18 action plans with timetables of 12-18 months for each outcome. AMLC Executive Director Mel Georgie B. Racela has said these particular action plans are confidential and will involve various government agencies.

“Should the Philippines fail to meet the deadlines in accomplishing the 18 action items, the FATF may consider calling on countries to impose countermeasures against the Philippines. Let me make this very clear, accomplishing these 18 action items should be the concern of the entire country,” Mr. Diokno said.

Executive Order 68 in 2018 created the National Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Coordinating Committee (NACC) which has laid down the Philippine strategy for 2018-2022. It involves the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and others. — Luz Wendy T. Noble

Permits for all types of telco tower works to be streamlined — ARTA

July 1, 2021 | 8:15 pm

THE PERMIT process for all types of works on telecommunication towers, including applications for repairs and maintenance, is due for streamlining, according to a revised circular from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

The revised circular requires the reduction of requirements for all pending and new applications to build, repair, install, operate, and maintain telco infrastructure, including both shared and exclusively-run infrastructure, ARTA said in a press release Thursday.

This expands the circular signed by ARTA and several government agencies last year requiring process streamlining covering just the construction of shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure.

The circular was revised to harmonize with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan II) and address confusion among local government units (LGUs). The law suspended for three years almost all requirements needed to build, repair, and operate all telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

“We hope that the clarifications brought by this Expanded JMC will remove (issues brought up) by some LGUs in complying with the streamlined process,” ARTA Director-General Jeremiah B. Belgica said.

Building permit applications are still required. The revised circular lists the documents needed for this permit, removing those that are not applicable to passive telecommunications tower infrastructure. It also removed the fire safety evaluation clearance requirement for tower construction.

The revised circular also requires a unified application for building permits, locational clearances, and barangay clearances under a one-stop shop set up by LGUs.

Passive telecommunications tower infrastructure under a certain height that will be built outside the Civil Aviation Authority’s critical areas will no longer be required to apply for the civil aviation clearance. They will instead be required to submit an affidavit certified by a geodetic engineer.

Proposed projects that will be built in a residential area with no registered homeowners association can submit a certification that no such association exists in the area and that they will engage with affected homeowners.

Meanwhile, ARTA on Thursday also launched the Philippine Good Regulatory Principles framework. The principles will guide regulators in drafting policies and service standard, as well as set expectations for businesses on the regulatory regimes they will operate under.

The principles are “a set of guidelines and core principles on how to promote proportionate, consistent, accountable, and targeted regulations through effective dialogue between regulators and regulated entities,” ARTA said.

“Regulators without these good regulatory principles would be oppressive, could actually have the propensity to be oppressive without any principles or guidelines to go back to,” Mr. Belgica said. — Jenina P. Ibañez

LRT-2 to run 8 trains on Recto-Antipolo line next week

July 1, 2021 | 8:14 pm

THE GOVERNMENT inaugurated on Thursday the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) East Extension, which is due to start operations next week.

“The promise of a better commuting experience will now become a reality, as President Rodrigo R. Duterte, together with Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Reynaldo I. Berroya, lead the formal inauguration of the LRT-2 East Extension Project today, July 1,” the Transportation department said in a statement.

The LRT-2 East Extension will start commercial operations on July 5.

The project added four kilometers to the 13.8-kilometer LRT-2 light rail line, connecting Recto in Manila to Antipolo, Rizal via two new stations: Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo.

“Trains on the line running from Recto Station in Manila to the Antipolo Station have also been increased to eight from the previous five that ran from Recto Station to the Santolan Station,” the department said.

“Once operational, the LRT-2 East Extension Project will reduce travel time from Claro M. Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo from three hours via bus or jeepney to just 30 to 40 minutes,” it added.

The LRT-2 East Extension increased the rail line’s average daily capacity to 320,000 passengers from 240,000 previously.

The extension project is expected to help reduce congestion along Marcos Highway, especially in Marikina, Pasig and Antipolo.

“Actual and full-blast construction of the two new stations (Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo) started on Feb. 20, 2017 (contract amount: P1.1 billion), while the electromechanical systems contract (contract amount: P3.4 billion) was awarded on Dec. 14, 2018,” the department said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Major delays before commercial launch seen in 27 power projects

July 1, 2021 | 8:13 pm

TWENTY-SEVEN committed power projects with capacity equivalent to 2,045 megawatts (MW) have faced setbacks to reaching commercial launches since 2016, the Senate Committee on Energy said Thursday, adding that further delays may compromise the power supply.

Facilities, including those targeted to begin commercial operations this year, account for 71% of the committed projects which had been due to go live five years ago, according to Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who cited data from the Energy department.

Committed projects are those that have achieved financial closing with investors or bankers.

“They were supposed to be online a long time ago. Some were delayed twice, some three times. If projects are delayed, we will have problems in supply and planning will get thrown off,” Mr. Gatchalian, who chairs his chamber’s energy committee, said during a hearing Thursday.

“We’re very happy that we have committed plants but if the plants do not come on time, then definitely we’ll have brownouts,” he added.

One of these plants, which was delayed five times, is the 668-MW Unit 1 of the GNPower Dinginin coal-fired power plant.

“We will call all these plants to a meeting to give us the details on how we can fast-track all of these. We have to know the details of where the problems are specifically and we will also guide them on what mechanisms to use — whether its EVOSS (Energy Virtual One Stop Shop system) or any other mechanism that the DoE can utilize,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said.

Mr. Gatchalian also noted the plants which cannot provide power to the grid because they are undergoing testing and commissioning.

The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) and the market operator indicate that 12 coal, solar, diesel and biomass-run power facilities with a capacity of 1,154.6 MW are still in the testing and commissioning phase as of June.

The Luzon grid underwent a series of red alerts that month which triggered rotational brownouts in parts of the island after forced plant shutdowns, which thinned reserve levels, while higher temperatures drove up demand.

During the hearing, groups representing power producers and developers said that they had no incentive to deliberately halt operations at their plants, saying that this did not make business sense.

“We’re businessmen. We don’t have no motivation to go on outage because going on outage means no business for us. When (our plants) are down, we don’t make money,” Anne Estorco-Montelibano, president and executive director of PIPPA, said, in response to a question about possible market collusion to restrict supply and drive prices up.

“In our contracts, we have to buy replacement power from the WESM. It’s our obligation to procure the power we lost…Really, (this is a) disincentive for us to go on outage; we would rather keep on running,” she added.

Jay M. Layug, president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, Inc. said that there is “no business reason” for any power plant to deliberately shut down.

“It can be easily seen in the spot market. All energy must be bid (out) in five (minutes). If collusion is going on, the generators are going to call each other every five minutes. It does not make sense operationally,” he said. — Angelica Y. Yang