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Raslag to build two solar farms using IPO proceeds

SOLAR ENERGY developer Raslag Corp. plans to use an estimated P700 million from the proceeds of its initial public offering (IPO) to develop and build two solar farms with a combined capacity of around 95 megawatts (MW). 

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Raslag President and Chief Executive Officer Peter G. Nepomuceno said that land for the two solar projects — RASLAG-4 and RASLAG-5 — had already been acquired and is being paid for on an installment basis. 

“Advanced development works, including land use conversion, are currently ongoing for both projects as well,” Mr. Nepomuceno said. 

The two pipeline projects will have a capacity of 35 MW and 60 MW, respectively. They will bring the company’s total solar projects to five for a combined capacity of 136 MW. The five solar farms will bring the company’s land area to 108 hectares.  

In the next 10 years, Raslag is eyeing to build power generation projects with a capacity of at least 250 MW. 

Through the IPO, which will run on May 24-30, the Nepomuceno group-owned renewable energy power producer intends to sell 350 million primary common shares at an offer price of up to P2.00 apiece. 

An overallotment option of up to 52.5 million secondary common shares could bring the offering proceeds to P805 million. Raslag’s listing date is scheduled on June 6. 

The company’s existing two solar power plants are the 10.046-MW-peak (MWp) RASLAG-1 and the 13.141-MWp RASLAG-2, both under the Department of Energy’s (DoE) feed-in-tariff (FiT) system with a base tariff of P9.68 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and P8.69 per kWh, respectively.  

The company’s third venture, the 18.011-MWp RASLAG-3, will begin commercial operations in May. It will bring Raslag’s total solar generating capacity to around 41 MWp.  

“We are now able to generate more solar energy for less land and for even less cost. This makes solar energy a particularly attractive option in the country, which is in line with DoE targets,” Mr. Nepomuceno said. — Ram Christian S. Agustin

Emperador secures listing eligibility in Singapore

EMPERADOR, Inc. announced on Wednesday that it obtained a conditional eligibility-to-list (ETL) for its proposed secondary listing on the main board of the Singapore Exchange from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. (SGX-ST). 

“We believe that the ETL is an affirmation of Emperador’s DNA as a truly global company, given our leading positions in brandy and whisky and established footprint in over 100 countries,” Emperador Chief Executive Winston S. Co said. 

“Furthermore, we believe that our entry into the SGX should pave the way for other Philippine companies with a global reach to list in the SGX, providing greater access to international investors,” he added. 

Mr. Co said the Singapore Exchange had been working with the company over the past months to reach the “significant milestone.” 

The ETL is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions, including the submission of confirmations and undertakings by the company to the SGX-ST, with the receipt of the ETL being one of the requirements needed to proceed with the secondary listing. 

Emperador said, however, that the ETL is not to be taken as an indication of the merits of the secondary listing, the company or its subsidiaries, or its shares. 

“The secondary listing is also subject to, inter alia, the prevailing market conditions. The board of directors of the company will consider the appropriate time to proceed with the secondary listing, having regard to market conditions, investor feedback and any other relevant factors,” the company said. 

Emperador was incorporated in the Philippines and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2001. It operates as a holding company of a global conglomerate in the distilled spirits and other alcoholic beverages business. 

In March, Emperador announced that its Emperador Brandy became available at The Original Barracuda, the largest liquor shop in the United Arab Emirates. 

It also owns Fundador, Spain’s oldest and largest brandy and sherry maker, and Whyte & Mackay, the fifth-largest whisky manufacturer globally. 

In the third quarter of 2021, its attributable net income dropped by 14.4% to P2.18 billion. 

From January to September last year, attributable net income was up 23.7% to P7.26 billion. 

At the stock exchange on Wednesday, Emperador shares were up 21.97% or P3.08 to close at P17.10 apiece. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson 

Metro Retail Stores trims losses to P318M 

METRO Retail Stores Group, Inc. reduced its net loss to P318.1 million last year, or an improvement of 29.2% from the earlier year’s P449.60-million loss, as sales grew with the eased pandemic restrictions. 

“Notwithstanding the disruptions caused by the typhoon, Metro Retail Stores’ stores in the Visayas demonstrated resilience as their sales generally improved in subsequent months. Both food retail and general merchandise businesses were flattish versus the same period last year,” the company said in a disclosure on Wednesday. 

“Despite the ease of mobility in the latter part of the year, stringent quarantine measures were reimplemented due to the increase in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases across the country, while consumers continued to prune expenses to the bare essentials,” it added. 

Net sales for 2021 reached P31.21 billion, which the company said was “almost the same level” as the earlier year’s, while blended same store sales declined by 5%, but at a slower pace versus the prior year. 

Meanwhile, sales from its e-commerce business more than doubled in 2021 on the back of the growth from its online platform. Specific figures were not disclosed. 

Last year’s operating income, at P84.99 million, was a reversal of the P302.52-million loss in the previous year due to the decline in operating expenses. 

Metro Retail Stores said its operating costs decreased for two consecutive years as a result of its ongoing efforts to increase efficiency and implement cost-saving measures. 

In 2021, the company cut its operating expenses by 12.1% to P5.96 billion from P6.78 billion previously. 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were at P1.22 billion last year, with cash reserves amounting to P1.67 billion to cover its current debt. 

The company’s board of directors also approved the implementation of a share buyback program of up to P300 million to enhance shareholder value and establish an executive stock option plan. 

Metro Retail Stores said it is continuing to invest resources in its omni-channel strategy to boost its physical and digital presence. 

It enhanced its e-commerce platform, shopmetro.ph, to improve customers’ shopping experience. 

“Among these upgrades are the dynamic search bar, shopping list function, ‘one basket’ feature, as well as the upcoming integration of the Metro Rewards Club program into the Metro online store,” the company said. 

Alongside its online store, Metro Retail Stores also offers mobile commerce with its Call-TextViber (CTV) service and partnered with e-commerce enablers such as online grocers and last-mile logistics providers. 

“As the country further reopens, Metro Retail Stores remains optimistic on the recovery of brick-and-mortar stores. The company affirms its commitment to expand its network particularly in the underserved areas and innovate the look and feel of its physical stores,” it said. 

In 2021, the company’s flagship store Metro Ayala Cebu Department Store completed its rebuilding and reopened its doors to the public, while four new stores were added, including Metro Danao Supermarket and Department Store, Metro Tacloban Department Store, and Metro Sum-ag Supermarket. 

At the stock exchange on Wednesday, Metro Retail Stores shares remained unchanged at P1.34 apiece. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Globe group’s BRAD targets nationwide expansion 

BRAD, the Ayala-led telecommunications group’s on-demand logistics solutions firm, is aiming to cover areas beyond Luzon this year. 

“BRAD spent the first quarter of the year covering Metro Manila and nearby provinces. By the second quarter, it plans to expand to the rest of Luzon and then to Visayas and Mindanao in the second half of 2022,” Globe Telecom, Inc. said in an e-mailed statement. 

BRAD is a shared services provider under Globe’s wholly owned subsidiary Asticom Technology, Inc. 

“Currently, the company has more than 30 merchants in its portfolio and over 150 riders based in different localities,” Globe noted. 

The company said that options for on-demand logistics solutions in the provinces are limited. 

“We’re focusing our efforts on expanding the channels we have right now to serve the SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), especially homegrown businesses and communities.” 

Asticom Technology intends to go public in five years. 

The company has formed various subsidiaries, including BRAD, Asti Business Services, Inc. (ABSI), Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services, Inc. (FINSI), and HCX Technology Partners, Inc. 

ABSI is Asticom’s business process solutions arm, while FINSI offers end-to-end services and industry-specific solutions to telecommunications, tower, infrastructure, and technology, including construction, building, installation, and maintenance services. 

HCX is a provider of human resources, customer relationship management, and digital solutions. — Arjay L. Balinbin 

PayMaya partners with bus company for digital payments 

PAYMAYA Philippines, Inc. announced on Wednesday its partnership with a bus company that services Northern and Central Luzon. 

Victory Liner tapped PayMaya for digital payments, particularly for buying tickets and paying for cargo deliveries, the digital payments firm said in an e-mailed statement. 

“Filipinos deserve a better commuting experience. One way to improve it is by making it easier for people to buy tickets and pay for package deliveries safely with digital payments technology,” said Shailesh Baidwan, president of PayMaya. 

Passengers can now book and pay for their bus tickets at Victory Liner’s official website using their PayMaya account, any debit, credit, or prepaid card, or via other e-wallets. 

“Commuters buying their bus tickets at Victory Liner stations in Baguio, Caloocan, Cubao, Dagupan, Olongapo, Pasay, Sampaloc, Santiago, and Tuguegarao can scan to pay via PayMaya QR or any debit, credit, or prepaid card,” PayMaya noted. 

Voyager Innovations, Inc., owner of PayMaya, announced on Tuesday that it raised an additional $210 million in funding, boosting its total valuation to nearly $1.4 billion. 

The new funds will be used to launch Maya Bank (digital bank) services such as savings and credit, according to Voyager, the digital arm of the PLDT group. 

The added funds will also be used for PayMaya’s venture into new products such as cryptocurrency, micro-investments, and insurance, among others. 

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin 

Campaign to professionalize LGU treasurer corps yields 958 appointees

LOCAL government units (LGUs) have seen the installation of 958 treasurers since 2016 who are being counted on to professionalize the handling of finances at LGU level, the Department of Finance (DoF) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Executive Director Niño Raymond B. Alvina said that between Jan. 1 and March 2, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III approved the appointments of 45 treasurers. In 2021, 261 treasurers were appointed.

Under Section 470(a) and 471(a) of Republic Act No. 7160, of the Local Government Code, local government treasurers and assistant treasurers are appointed by the Secretary of Finance, from a list of eligible candidates put forward by the Governor or Mayor.

According to the Official Gazette, the Philippines has 144 cities and 1,490 municipalities.

Mr. Dominguez has taken the position that candidates who have not passed the Standardized Examination and Assessment for Local Treasury Service (SEAL) Level 1, or the Basic Competency for Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE), cannot be appointed as treasurers or officers-in-charge, unless they held an appointment predating the passers-only policy.

SEAL, which is being implemented in partnership with the Civil Service Commission, and institutionalized under DoF Department Order No. 053-2016, certifies treasurer candidates on three levels. It aims to “instill a culture of professionalism, excellence, integrity, and proficiency in the local treasury service,” Mr. Alvina added.

The certification tiers are operational (Level 1), managerial (Level 2), and leadership (Level 3).

Applicants are reviewed under DoF Department Personnel Order No. 477-2019, which includes a two-stage screening and deliberation process to find the “most qualified and competent candidate.”

Other criteria for evaluation include educational background, treasury experience, work performance, and relevant training.

Mr. Alvina said that in compliance with Mr. Dominguez’s instructions, the BLGF will attach more weight to SEAL examination performance when making treasurer and assistant treasurer appointments.

Under the Supreme Court’s Mandanas ruling, which takes effect this year, local governments will receive larger allocations from National Government revenue, and must have the capacity to manage and spend the enhanced allocations.

“This year, the CSC will conduct the SEAL Level 1 test or the BCLTE, on April 24, 2022 and Oct. 23, 2022, while the SEAL Level 2 test or the Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination is scheduled on Aug. 7, 2022,” the DoF said. — Tobias Jared Tomas

Mindoro farmers seek gov’t compensation after onion crop yields losses

BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

A PARTY-LIST organization said Occidental Mindoro farmers must be compensated for losses incurred from onion farming, which it claims stem from liberalized imports and an inability to charge fair prices.  

Farmers from Magsaysay, Oriental Mindoro cannot earn a living on a farmgate price of about P18 per kilogram and a cost of production of more than P180,000 per hectare over a 120-day cropping period, Anakpawis party-list said in a statement.  

Anakpawis blamed the “continuing liberalization in agriculture, where onion imports are actually promoted by the Department of Agriculture itself, lack of production support and regulation of the local farm gate trade of the harvested onions.”  

Anakpawis said that the government should provide seed, other inputs, and fuel and purchase the farmers’ harvest at P50 per kilogram.  

It also urged the Land Bank of the Philippines to write off the farmers’ loans.  

“For the long term, there should be adequate production support and infrastructure development such as irrigation, provision of farm equipment and post-harvest facilities such as cold-storage warehouses,” Anakpawis said.  

It also called on civil society groups and organizations to directly purchase onions at fairer prices than those on offer from traders.  

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture said that it is working on various interventions for onion farmers.  

“Local storage cannot accommodate big surpluses… We recognize the need for more storage space (beyond) the two cold storage facilities that we have granted to two cooperatives in the municipalities of San Jose and Mamburao,” the DA said.  

The department said that 40% of onion growers are not yet members of cooperatives, rendering them unable to avail of the government’s support services.  

“Compounding the problem, the new entrants are still not familiar with good agricultural practices in onion production, harvesting, and post-harvest handling that affect the quality of onions in some areas, resulting in farmers burning damaged or unmarketable harvests, as seen on the news,” it added. 

The DA said it signed an agreement with Royale Cold Storage in Cabuyao, Laguna, to accommodate the onion procured from partner cooperatives.  

The cold storage facility has a total capacity of 15,552 pallets that can accommodate a maximum load of 1 metric ton (MT) per pallet.  

“Our partner cooperatives have brought 16,000 bags to this facility to date. They are bringing more since this facility can accommodate more 153,000 MT,” the DA added. 

The department said it is working with two onion cooperatives from Occidental Mindoro to meet with WalterMart to explore the possibility of supplying onions to the supermarket chain.  

“We are also offering… to sell their onion produce (at) our Kadiwa market system space in Las Piñas, Parañaque, and other areas in the south of Metro Manila,” the DA said. 

Two cold storage facilities worth P125 million each are also being developed as part of the Philippine Rural Development Project.  

The facilities will be constructed in Magsaysay and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, with a combined capacity of 100,000 bags or 2,800 MT. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

WTO slashes global trade growth forecast to 3% on Russia-Ukraine war 

REUTERS

THE World Trade Organization (WTO) said it revised downward its 2022 forecast of volume growth for global merchandise trade volume to 3.0% from 4.7%, and global gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 2.8% from 4.1%, due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on food security in developing countries.  

In 2023, the corresponding forecasts for trade volume and GDP growth were 3.4% and 3.2%.  

In a briefing on Tuesday, WTO economists noted that Russia and Ukraine are key suppliers of wheat, fertilizer, and energy.   

“The economic reverberations of this conflict will extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders. It is now clear that the double whammy of the pandemic and the war has disrupted supply chains, increased inflationary pressures, and lowered expectations for output and trade growth,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.    

WTO economists conducted simulations that incorporated damage to Ukrainian infrastructure, sanctions on Russia, and declining aggregate demand caused by dampened business and consumer confidence.  

“A potential food crisis is looming. Food and energy prices were already high by historical standards before the war,” she added.    

Imports and GDP for the Commonwealth of Independent States are expected to contract by 12.0% and 7.9% respectively, while exports are projected to climb by 4.9% on continued reliance on Russian energy.    

The 2022 merchandise trade volume growth projections, which range from a worst case of 0.5% and 5.5% at most, are scheduled for review in October. — Ram Christian S. Agustin

Battery storage seen as critical for RE adoption 

By Ram Christian S. Agustin 

THE Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) said greater use of battery energy storage system (BESS) will be crucial in promoting renewable energy (RE) and achieving energy security. 

In a dialogue on Wednesday organized by the Asian Development Bank, the PEMC said it is embarking on a study of deploying more BESS to ensure that some RE systems whose power generation is intermittent, such as wind and solar, have a means of parking their power for later use.  

In an e-mail interview, PEMC Corporate Planning and Communications Department Head Clares Loren C. Jalocon said storage is viewed as a growth industry in the coming years, and that adjustments to how it is regulated are required.    

“It was initially determined in the ongoing study that the current rules in the market revolve much on the registration of the BESS facilities, and need to be reinforced in the areas of scheduling and dispatch, with due regard on market governance considering the high flexibility of BESS,” he added.  

RE facilities operate on a “must dispatch” and “priority dispatch” basis under the rules of the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). RE capacity participating in the market grew 50% in the first year of implementation of the dispatch regime, he said.    

The PEMC has joined the Southeast Asian Energy Transition Partnership program of the United Nations Office for Project Services.  

The partnership agreement involves the preparation of an energy transition roadmap that revolves around “introducing market mechanisms and enhancements” to promote renewable technology and ensure supply stability and diversification.      

The partnership will start with a study on the role of BESS in the electricity market, specifically in achieving grid security and reliability due to the variable and intermittent output of clean energy technologies.    

According to WESM’s technical committee study, BESS can support grid stability by enabling load shifting and load following due to its ability to withdraw from or inject power to the grid.   

Power stored in BESS addresses the variability and intermittency of RE resources.    

“When the line limitation eases or the stored supply is needed, the BESS can discharge the stored energy for the grid’s consumption,” he added. 

In a recent briefing of the Energy Task Force Election, the Department of Energy said it is also looking into BESS facilities that can augment the grid supply for the May 9 elections and the supply-challenged dry season.  

DTI issues digital transformation checklist for MSMEs

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it launched a self-assessment tool for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which will allow them to evaluate the degree to which they are ready to embark on digital transformation. 

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said during second meeting of the E-commerce Promotion Council that business must tap the opportunities on offer from the digital economy by equipping themselves with the necessary skills to navigate the digitally-enhanced market.   

Mr. Lopez said MSMEs can take a test online and receive a scorecard that will recommend specific training topics to help MSMEs make progress on their digital transformations.    

“MSMEs may opt to visit the website of DTI or the NegosyoCenter.online website and its learning resources. They can also visit their nearest Negosyo Center to inquire about the next steps, from how to create an e-mail account (Level 0) to data analytics (Level 3). There is information available for our micro, small, medium enterprises and DTI is here to help,” Mr. Lopez added.    

The MSME diagnostic toolkit was developed by Thames International for the DTI.    

In a baseline study conducted by the DTI intended to identify the level of digitalization among Philippine MSMEs, only 6% of the respondents said they employed advanced digital tools for their businesses while 23% reported not using digital tools at all.   

Meanwhile, the DTI’s employment outlook for the e-commerce industry came in at 86.7% on E-commerce Job Outlook Index.   

“One of the key strategies of the e-Commerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap is to make available a talent pool of digitally skilled workers. Skills mismatch has often been cited as a perennial problem in various industries and if we are to achieve maximum growth for the e-commerce sector, we must understand the e-commerce workforce ecosystem and identify the demand requirement so we can supply relevant skills,” Mr. Lopez said.  

The Job Outlook study also revealed that MSMEs require more digital talent in content creation and technical skills, while larger companies are seeking digital talent proficient in business intelligence and strategy.  

The DTI said it plans to collaborate with the Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in building a pool of digitally skilled talent to address industry demand. — Ram Christian S. Agustin

Bongbong supporters switch to Isko 

ISKO MORENO DOMAGOSO FB PAGE

TWO pro-administration groups in central Philippines formerly associated with the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos have switched their support to Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso, the latter’s office said on Wednesday. 

In a statement, his camp said more than 50 officers of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party of Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., and a group called Marcos Pa Rin joined a volunteer alliance in the Visayas that supports Mr. Domagoso and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio. 

“The endorsement of the original officers and members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) is a big boost to Moreno’s campaign as the party is aligned with President Duterte,” it added. Ms. Carpio, who is Davao City’s mayor, is Mr. Marcos’ vice-presidential running mate. 

The officers, who signed a manifesto of support at a ceremony in Iloilo City, said they were supporting Mr. Domagoso and Ms. Carpio because both are “top performing mayors.” 

“We commit ourselves to work together and ensure their victory in the May 9 national and local elections,” the officers said, based on the press release sent by Mr. Domagoso’s camp. 

This was the second time that leaders of Mr. Marcos’ political party came out to disown their original standard bearer, according to the statement. “Last March 30, the original officers and members of PFP surfaced in Iligan City to throw their full support behind Mayor Isko.” 

Mr. Marcos took his oath as Partido Federal chairman a day before he filed his candidacy for president in October. He is leading in presidential opinion polls, where Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo is a distant second. 

Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas, a national volunteer group that was formed in 2021 to push Mr. Domagoso’s presidential bid defected to Ms. Robredo on Tuesday, saying he doesn’t stand a chance of winning. 

Thousands of supporters have been attending Ms. Robredo’s campaign sorties in several vote-rich areas. On Saturday, she drew more than 200,000 supporters — the biggest crowd in her presidential campaign so far — at a rally in Pampanga province north of Manila, the capital. 

Mr. Domagoso has been aiming for the endorsement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whose daughter Sara is leading in vice-presidential opinion polls. 

Also on Wednesday, more than 60 retired officers of the Philippine police and the defunct Philippine Constabulary endorsed Ms. Robredo for president. 

The endorsement came after a meeting with the vice-president, who vowed to wage a war against drug lords. 

The anti-illegal drug campaign should also address demand concerns through public education and rehabilitation of users, they said in a statement. 

“We believe that is the candidate with the required sincerity, political will, leadership, competency and necessary moral strength and integrity to implement such critical programs for the best interest of the country,” they said. 

Mr. Duterte’s drug war that has killed thousands has been criticized by domestic and international civic groups and rights watchdogs.   

The Philippine justice department said last year that there were irregularities surrounding the deaths of suspects in raids involving his anti-illegal drug campaign. 

Meanwhile, Catanduanes Governor Joseph C. Cua endorsed Ms. Robredo for president at a campaign rally in the province, where she got 72,964 votes against Mr. Marcos’s 12,894 votes in the 2016 vice-presidential race. 

His brother Peter, chief of San Andres town in Catanduanes, also backed Ms. Robredo’s candidacy during the rally, which drew 12,000 supporters. 

He said all 11 mayors in the province were endorsing Ms. Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza 

DoJ probes fake drug war death certificates

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE JUSTICE department is investigating allegations that police falsified the death certificates of suspected pushers to cover up the fact that they were killed in drug raids. 

“The alleged falsification of death certificates as a cover-up for the true cause of death is part of the drug war review being conducted by the Department of Justice (DoJ), with the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra told reporters in a Viber message on Wednesday. 

Forensic expert Raquel B. del Rosario-Fortun, who has been examining the exhumed remains of drug war victims since July, has said some death certificates showed victims dying of natural causes even if they had gunshot wounds consistent with homicide. 

Of 46 cases she examined, one death certificate was missing and several others were incomplete, she told a news briefing on Tuesday. She added that at least 32 bodies had gunshot wounds as the cause of death. 

“The original problem that we encountered was the absence of a copy of the death certificate in some records or files that we reviewed,” Mr. Guevarra said. “The certificates may have been issued all right, but some of them were not found in the police files.” 

Government prosecutors have filed charges in court against law enforcers in four cases and plan to probe 250 more of what could have been wrongful deaths in President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war on drugs, Mr. Guevarra told the United Nations Human Rights Council in February. 

An inter-agency committee formed 15 teams last year that probed extralegal killings and human rights violations during these operations. 

Last month, the International Coalition for Human Rights, a global human rights watchdog, said it would sanction the “architects” of Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs. 

The measure by the group is a follow-up on a report conducted last year by Investigate PH, an independent human rights group that alleged patterns of systemic human rights violations including crimes against humanity by the government. 

Filipino lawyers have been calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to resume its probe of the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign, saying the Justice department was only looking into 52 deaths out of the tens of thousands killed. — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

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