PHL touts better system vs online child exploitation after US partnership

May 5, 2021 | 8:04 pm

THE COUNTRY now has a more organized and responsive system for addressing online child exploitation following a four-year partnership with the United States, Philippine Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said.

“Through the CPC (Child Protection Compact Partnership), the Philippine government has been able to carve out a more targeted and focused response to OSEC (online sexual exploitation of children) by identifying key objectives and adjusting critical resources in order to address priority responses in the prevention and prosecution of OSEC cases as well as the protection of victim survivors,” Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said during the recent final high-level dialogue on the partnership.

The partnership, wherein the US pledged P237 million while the Philippine Department of Justice spent about P44.6 million, was a four-year program that concluded on April 11.

The Philippine Justice department reported that over the last four years, 312 child victims of online sexual exploitation were identified while 97 perpetrators of trafficking crimes were arrested.

US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires John Law said, “Our strong partnership with the Philippine government and civil society organizations has built a solid foundation reflected in various efforts aimed at eliminating all forms of exploitation against children. I remain confident that this Partnership will become even more effective at combating many forms of abuse against children in the years to come.”

Mr. Guevarra said in a mobile message on Wednesday that the Philippines and the US would “have to conclude a new agreement” if the CPC were to be renewed. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Upgraded Calbayog Airport seen to complement Tacloban gateway

May 5, 2021 | 8:02 pm

CalabayogAirport-DOTr — INAUGURATION of renovated/expanded Calbayog airport, seen complementing Eastern Visayas’ main regional airport in Tacloban + launch of new taxiway in Mactan-Cebu airport — DTI.GOV.PH

THE UPGRADED Calbayog Airport in Samar, inaugurated on Wednesday, is seen to complement the Tacloban City Airport that serves as the main gateway to the Eastern Visayas Region.

The expansion of the Calbayog Airport includes a bigger terminal building with a capacity for 450 passengers from only 76 and a runway that can accommodate bigger aircraft.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the airport’s improvement is expected to boost the economy of the coastal city of Calbayog as well as the rest of Samar, which was one of the worst hit areas when super typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, struck in 2013.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tugade also led the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday of the new taxiway at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Central Visayas.

“The extended taxiway is expected to increase passenger traffic and aircraft movement in the General Aviation area of the MCIA. This will likewise accommodate wide-body aircraft in preparation for future expansions,” the Transportation department said in a statement.

The MCIA is the second busiest airport in the country after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the capital — MSJ

50 Chinese working in steel company arrested in Sarangani for misrepresentation

May 5, 2021 | 8:02 pm

FIFTY Chinese nationals were arrested in Sarangani province by immigration officials on Friday after they were found to have falsely represented themselves as “skilled servicemen” who will conduct short-term work in a steel company.

Of the 50, only one was able to prove that he is a permanent resident of the Philippines, while “the rest of the 49 will be charged for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said in a statement.

Under Section 23 of the law, “An immigration visa, or a passport visa, or a Reentry Permit, obtained by fraud or willful misrepresentation of fact shall be subject to cancellation by the issuing officer or by the Board of Commissioners.”

Mr. Morente said concerned citizens reported the presence of the foreigners in the region, prompting the bureau’s Mindanao Intelligence Task Group to look into the matter.

Investigations revealed that the foreigners secured work permits from the bureau in March claiming to be “skilled servicemen that would conduct short-time work in the company,” Mr. Morente said.

“However, when we conducted an audit, we confirmed that they falsified their documents and misrepresented themselves,” he added.

The Bureau of Immigration said “31 of the 50 foreigners were found to be conducting manual labor, while 18 were found to have been engaged in work inconsistent with their permit.”

The 49 foreigners are temporarily in a holding facility in Saranggani Province while waiting to be transferred to the warden facility of the Bureau of Immigration. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Belt-tightening measures proposed to fund stimulus

May 5, 2021 | 7:36 pm

A KEY legislator has proposed that the government implement austerity measures in order to afford the third stimulus package, with economic managers still scrambling to identify funds for a measure that would become the third Bayanihan law if passed.

“Right now… naghahanap po ng excess fund sa mga ahensiya (the economic managers are looking at funding sources from agency budgets),” Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo said at a televised news briefing.

“Iyong mga hindi naman ganoon ka-essential na gastusin ng mga agencies, halimbawa po iyong mga kunwari may mga travel… baka naman puwedeng ipagpaliban muna dahil talagang hindi naman safe mag-travel pa sa ngayon (We can look at some non-essential agency spending items like travel, which could be foregone for now given the restrictions on travel),” according to Ms. Quimbo, a former economics professor at the University of the Philippines.

At least three committees at the House of Representatives have approved the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act or Bayanihan III, which sets aside about P405.6 billion to help the country recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

Speaker Lord Allan Q. Velasco has said the chamber will fast-track the approval of the measure once session resumes on May 14.

Ms. Quimbo said President Rodrigo R. Duterte may certify the bill as urgent once economic managers figure out how to fund it.

“Ang pinakamagandang mangyari ay ma-certify as urgent ‘yan ng Pangulo. Pero sa tingin ko po, mangyayari ‘yan as soon as ma-identify nang maayos ng ating economic managers ang fund sources. Ngayon, admittedly, ‘yan ang pinakamalaking obstacle (The biggest obstacle to an urgent certification is finding the funds for the stimulus package),” she said.

Aside from taking in excess capital and more dividends from government-owned and -controlled corporations, Ms. Quimbo said the measure could also be funded by savings from the 2020 and 2021 national budgets.

Also on Wednesday, Senator Franklin M. Drilon said about P500 billion from the 2021 national budget could be realigned to fund the bill.

“Potentially, we can review about P500 billion in the budget for activities which have not been undertaken,” he told ABS-CBN News Channel.

Mr. Drilon said Congress can review the funds allotted for the programs of the government’s anti-communist task force and other contingency funds in the 2021 budget.

He said however that legislators need to validate whether the funds have been disbursed.

Terry L. Ridon, convenor of infrastructure think-tank InfraWatchPH, said the funds earmarked for some pending infrastructure projects could also be used.

“The first way forward is to reconsider all pending non-urgent infrastructure projects, the funds for which can be used for government’s social programs for the pandemic,” he said in a Facebook messenger chat.

“Government, through Congress, can do whatever is necessary to respond to a continuing public emergency. For historical context, infrastructure funding in 2013 was realigned by Congress to respond to Yolanda,” he said. “Congress and Malacañang can do the same to address the coronavirus crisis.”

“This balancing act ensures that infrastructure projects can still provide day jobs to marginalized families while resolving real gaps in the government social response to the pandemic,” Mr. Ridon said.

John Paolo R. Rivera, an economist at the Asian Institute of Management, said the bill, if passed, could boost household spending and economic productivity.

“Passing Bayanihan III will definitely ramp up our economy. With its pump priming effect to both demand- and supply-side, it will stimulate consumption and production that will allow our economy to move faster than it is now and reach growth targets,” he said in a Viber message.

“Delaying this means delaying economic growth too,” Mr. Rivera said, noting that the bill is more urgent now after Philippine inflation came in at 4.5% in April. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

‘Food holiday’ threats brushed off as DA assures Metro Manila supply is adequate

May 5, 2021 | 7:36 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said the flow of agricultural produce to Metro Manila will continue even with hog raisers threatening to declare a so-called “food holiday” to protest inadequate government help in addressing the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and plans to import more pork.

Agriculture Spokesman Noel O. Reyes said farmers and fisherfolk will continue to produce food and asked those planning to declare a food holiday to abandon the idea.

“We should help each other during this time, especially with the pandemic. We are hoping that it will not push through,” Mr. Reyes said in a radio interview Wednesday.

“The threat of a holiday is unfounded and baseless. We are encouraging our farmers, fisherfolk, and those in agribusiness trade to continue the delivery of agricultural products to Metro Manila,” he added.

Nicanor M. Briones, Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. Chairman-Elect, said in a separate radio interview that the idea of declaring a food holiday arose after the “failure” of the DA to address the issues of the local hog sector such as the ongoing ASF outbreak.

Mr. Briones said that aside from pork products, the planned food holiday will include other products such as chicken, fish, vegetables, and rice.

“There is no final date yet on when the food holiday will be. But we are looking at doing it for around three to five days,” Mr. Briones said.

“There is support from other farmers such as poultry raisers, fishermen, and crop farmers,” he added.

Earlier in the year, the DA projected a pork deficit of around 400,000 metric tons (MT) after the ASF outbreak depleted hog inventories.

As a result, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 128 on April 7 that lowered the tariff rates on pork imports within the minimum access volume (MAV) quota to 5% in the first three months and 10% in the following nine months.

Tariff rates for out-of-quota pork imports were also reduced to 15% in the first three months and to 20% in the succeeding nine months.

After one year, the tariff rates of both in-quota and out-of-quota pork imports will return to their previous levels of 30% and 40%, respectively.

MAV is applied to farm commodities that are charged lower tariffs under the World Trade Organization trading system.

Mr. Duterte also submitted a recommendation to Congress to increase the MAV import quota by 350,000 MT, on top of the current 54,210 MT allocation, in order to augment supply.

The DA also implemented a suggested retail price for imported pork shoulder (kasim) of P270 per kilogram and imported pork belly (liempo) of P350 per kilogram.

The Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority have said at Senate hearings of the Committee of the Whole that the entry of more pork imports at lower tariffs will not kill the hog industry while benefiting consumers.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III told senators that the government will lose P13.68 billion in potential revenue due to lower tariffs, but will result in consumer savings of P67.38 billion.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the volume of pork imports will be moderated by the lack of cold storage capacity. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Water districts keen to tap expanded LGU budgets

May 5, 2021 | 7:34 pm

irrigation-system-021119 — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) need to collaborate more with local water districts for the effective use of additional funds to be released via the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Mandanas ruling next year.

Carlos N. Santos, Jr., Santa Maria Bulacan Water District general manager, said during a recent webinar organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies that local water districts are concerned about how to fund their water source development projects, facilities expansions, and investment requirements for sanitation.

“Funding for these programs is not easy to acquire and takes time as well. Local water districts can no longer rely solely on their annual revenue for operations to support these capital-intensive activities” Mr. Santos said.

Set to take effect in 2022, the Mandanas ruling expands the LGU share of National Government revenue, adding funding to their internal revenue allotments (IRA).

According to Mr. Santos, some of the objectives included in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan 2019-2030 need major capital investments each year.

“It would be music to the ears of local water districts to partake in the anticipated increase (in the) IRA of LGUs brought about by the Supreme Court ruling. It would be beneficial to local water districts as this would be a source of ‘free’ funds,” Mr. Santos said.

Aside from concerns on funding, Mr. Santos said it is difficult to align the regulatory parameters as they concern private and non-profit operators, including local water districts and water utilities operated by LGUs.

“Some water districts are not actually performing well and fall short of their mandate to provide safe and potable water, which may affect the national targets on water supply and sanitation,” Mr. Santos said.

“There is also a need to expand the water supply distribution system to provide enough water to the population and to develop and construct collection treatment and disposal facilities for wastewater,” he added.

BusinessWorld solicited comment from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), which had not responded at deadline time.

The LWUA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation that promotes and oversees the development of water systems in provinces and towns outside Metro Manila. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

ADB to ramp up investment in climate change adaptation, resilience projects

May 5, 2021 | 7:28 pm

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Tuesday that it will raise its investment allocation for climate change adaptation and resilience projects in developing countries.

“ADB will enhance its investments in adaptation and resilience in various ways so that our climate finance will be more balanced between mitigation and adaptation,” ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said during a virtual event hosted by the bank at its 54^th Annual Meeting on Tuesday.

“ADB will invest in more projects with climate adaptation as their primary purpose, while promoting strong integration of the ecological, social, institutional, and financial aspects of resilience across its operations,” he said.

Mr. Asakawa said the ADB is looking into investing in nature-based solutions such as planting mangroves for coastal resilience, building flood risk management-related infrastructure, and promoting climate-smart livelihood practices like agroforestry.

He said that the bank is also working with countries and financial institutions to roll out a community resilience partnership program which will scale up resilience investment in Asia and Pacific region at the local level.

Mr. Asakawa said that the bank’s direction is in line with its goal of ensuring that 75% of its operational support climate action by 2030. At present, ADB has allocated $80 billion to climate finance projects.

Mr. Asakawa noted that the Asia and Pacific region was already bearing the brunt of climate change, which has impacted livelihoods, health, food and water security. “In this regard, we have to listen to the voice of small-island developing states,” he said.

He said the region is responsible for producing around half of the global greenhouse gas emissions, and that 80% of the projected growth from coal demand will come from the region.

Over the weekend, another ADB official, Yongping Zhai, who heads the energy sector group, wrote a blog post addressing questions on the bank’s updated energy policy. He said that there was a need to revise its current policy which was approved in 2009, following the adoption of the 2015 Paris Agreement which sought to limit the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.

“ADB will support its (developing member-countries) to reduce their dependence on coal and eventually phase out coal power generation. This will be done by setting standards and requirements such as emission intensities and minimum efficiency levels, while introducing low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies,” Mr. Zhai wrote.

He said coal was important for many Asian countries for affordable energy and has allowed universal energy access. But he added that it was not prudent to rely on just one energy source.

“A well-balanced energy mix with an increasing share of renewable energy will be necessary for the foreseeable future in most Asian countries,” Mr. Zhai said.

In its timeline, the ADB said that it plans to issue its draft energy policy for public comment no later than June. It said that it hopes to submit its draft energy policy to the ADB board for approval between September and November. — Angelica Y. Yang

Pandemic tax filing — Boon or bane?

May 5, 2021 | 7:27 pm

Recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) released its tax campaign jingle “Para sa Pilipino” with the following lyrics:

Sino pa ba ang tutugon

Para sabay-sabay ang pagbangon

Progreso ating ambisyon

Sama-sama sa hamon ng panahon

(Who else will answer the call/to bring everyone up together/Progress is our ambition/Hand in hand we meet the challenge of the times)

As the words suggest, everyone has to pay their share to fund economic recovery, given the country’s current state. Thus, the tax filing deadline for 2020 was not extended.

While the BIR released a number of pronouncements to address concerns about tax filing during a pandemic, I cannot help but mull over the benefits and disadvantages of these issuances.

APRIL 15 FILING OF AITR WITH OPTION TO AMEND
A few days before April 15, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 46-2021, which stated that the deadline for the filing of the 2020 Annual Income Tax Return (AITR) and payment of the corresponding tax was to remain April 15. However, in consideration of those unable to meet the deadline due to the lockdown restrictions which would impair travel to and from the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus quarantine zone, taxpayers may file a provisional AITR on or before the deadline. The return may be amended on or before May 15 without penalty for taxpayers whose amendments would result in additional tax liabilities. In cases where such an amendment will result in an overpayment, the taxpayer may opt to carry it over as a credit against the tax due in the succeeding period or to file a claim for a refund.

Though the RMC reduced taxpayers’ hardships in filing during a pandemic, businesses owners faced a further challenge in the deadline for the filing of first quarter tax returns for 2021, which also falls on May 15. This means that individuals with businesses will need to prepare two returns (AITR and first quarter tax return) and travel to the RDO where they are registered. This poses a health risk to manual filers, especially if they reside outside of their RDO’s jurisdiction, unless the out-of-district filing and payment allowed under RMC 41-2021 and Bank Bulletin 2021-06 is extended. However, they may maximize this opportunity by filing it in one day with the Bureau, which would only require them to travel once to their respective RDOs.

It remains to be seen but perhaps the Bureau could extend out-of-venue filing to May 15 to tip the scales even further to the benefit side.

RECOGNITION OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
It was also reiterated in RMC No. 46-2021 that all tax returns, including attachments, can be signed electronically by the taxpayer. Such e-signatures are deemed equivalent to an actual or “wet” signature.

This is in conjunction with the Circular issued by the BIR (RMC 29-2021) early this year which gave withholding agents the option to use e-signatures in the Certificate of Withholding (e.g., BIR Form 2316, 2304, 2306, 2307). The BIR’s approval is no longer required for e-signatures; however, the Certificates shall be the replica or the copy of the latest version (or revised copy in case it will be made available) provided by the Bureau.

Further, RMC No. 29-2021 highlighted that the use of the e-signatures gives rise to the following presumptions:

1. It is that of the person to whom it correlates;

2. It was affixed by that person with the intention of authenticating or approving the electronic document to which it is related or to indicate such person’s consent to the transaction embodied therein; and

3. The methods or processes utilized to affix or verify the e-signature operated without error or fault.

The acceptance of digitally-signed documents is a welcome change as our country tries to embrace digitization. It certainly simplifies and encourages compliance from taxpayers.

SUBMISSION OF ATTACHMENTS VIA EAFS
The Bureau also issued revised guidelines through RMC 43-2021 on the use of the Electronic Audited Financial Statement (eAFS) System in submitting an electronically filed ITR and the required attachments, including BIR Form No. 1709.

While taxpayers may submit the required attachments through this system, they must observe the procedures specified in the guidelines, such as using the corresponding naming conventions.

This Circular pushed for online submission to address the restrictions in movement and health concerns.

SUBMISSION OF ATTACHMENTS FOR THE AMENDED AITR
Just before April 30, the Bureau also issued an advisory extending the deadline for attachments to the electronically filed AITR in case of amendments. Based on initial pronouncements, taxpayers had to submit attachments to the AITR on April 30, even if an amended AITR was to be filed on May 15. This would result in double filing of possibly voluminous attachments. With this advisory, the deadline for the submission of attachments is now May 30.

No penalty will be imposed for non-submission of the attachments to the AITR but later amended on or before May 15. Taxpayers are given 15 days from the date of the filing of their provisional AITRs to submit the attachments if they were not able to do so. However, in case no revisions or changes are made to the documents submitted previously, attachments to the amended AITR need not be submitted.

Considering that the rise of COVID 19 cases remains unabated, less physical interaction or social distancing remains the norm. The availability of online platforms, such as the eAFS and eBIRForms/eFPS, helps ensure taxpayer compliance and safety. Thus, taxpayers are highly encouraged to utilize the online portals to minimize exposure.

However, for taxpayers who still choose to file manually, it would be of great help if the government could also continue to allow the filing of the amended AITRs and their attachments at any RDO assuming that the lockdown is extended. As of this writing, out-of-district filing has only been allowed until April 30. In addition, the BIR may also consider adding accredited banks or online payment options to encourage more taxpayers to file electronically.

Certainly, the Bureau heeded taxpayers’ calls for consideration in the filing of the AITR this year. The response may not be up to everyone’s expectations, especially in terms of timeliness, but it is nevertheless appreciated. Regardless of the times, planning ahead and making timely decisions that benefit taxpayers will certainly help to make future pronouncements more boon than bane.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

Giselle Juliane is a consultant at the Tax Services Department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

giselle.juliane@pwc.com

Bucks beat Nets again

May 5, 2021 | 7:15 pm

THE Milwaukee Bucks scored their second win over the Brooklyn Nets in as many games (124-118) on Tuesday in Milwaukee. — MILWAUKEE BUCKS FB PAGE

GIANNIS Antetokounmpo made 4-of-12 three-pointers en route to a team-high 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks scored their second win over the Brooklyn Nets in as many games (124-118) on Tuesday in Milwaukee.

The Bucks (41-24) dominated the interior with advantages of 44-30 scoring in the paint, 62-50 rebounding and 20-9 on second-chance points. Coupled with an overwhelming defensive effort in the fourth quarter, Milwaukee completed the two-game sweep to gain ground in the Eastern Conference chase with Brooklyn (43-23). Milwaukee moved to 1.5 games behind Brooklyn for the No. 2 seed in the East.

After falling behind by six, its largest deficit of the night, Milwaukee scored seven straight points with a pair of Donte DiVincenzo baskets from point-blank range, book-ending a Bryn Forbes three-pointer.

Forbes made 4-of-7 3-pointers and finished with 14 points. DiVincenzo scored 10 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.

Those seven points were part of a 22-5 Bucks run that proved decisive. Brooklyn endured a field-goal drought of 4:37 after Mike James’ three-pointer with 10 minutes to go put the Nets ahead (103-97).

James, whom Brooklyn signed to a second 10-day contract on Monday, came off the bench for 10 points and three assists.

Brooklyn ended the first half in a manner similar to its fourth quarter, outscoring 22-10 over the final 6:56 of the second period. The Nets whittled the deficit in the third quarter behind Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Irving scored a game-high 38 points, which included 6-of-12 shooting from 3-point range.

Durant went 4-of-8 from outside and finished with 32 points to move past Charles Barkley to No. 26 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Joe Harris made one of his four three-pointers to pull Brooklyn within five points, helping Irving and Durant lead a late-game charge. Irving made a pair of free throws to cut the gap to four points, but Jrue Holiday forced a turnover from Irving in the final minute that sealed the win for Milwaukee.

Brooklyn shot 20-of-43 from three-point range to Milwaukee’s 14-of-37, but it was not enough to overcome the Bucks’ advantage inside.

Holiday, who went 4-of-6 from beyond the three-point arc for the Bucks, finished with 23 points and approached a triple-double with 10 assists and eight rebounds. Khris Middleton added 23 points. — Reuters

Philippine rowing team vies for slots in Tokyo Games at Asian-Oceanian qualifiers

May 5, 2021 | 7:14 pm

THE quest for Olympic slots of the Philippine rowing team began on Wednesday in the qualification regatta in Tokyo, Japan.

Five rowers, namely: Melcah Jen Caballero and Joanie Delgaco in women’s lightweight women double sculls, Zuriel Sumintac and Roque Abala, Jr. in the men’s lightweight double sculls, and Cris Nievarez in the men’s single sculls are out to see their Olympic dreams through the 2021 World Rowing Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta slated from May 5 to 7.

The team is hoping to add to the number of qualified Filipino athletes for the rescheduled Summer Games in the middle of this year, which currently stands at seven.

The national rowers admitted preparing for the qualifiers did not come easy as they grappled with the limitations presented by the pandemic. But they were able to manage to conduct their affairs and stay focused thanks to the support of numerous stakeholders, including the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“[The PSC] was supporting us and monitoring our progress which really eased the difficulty of our preparation and kept the athletes motivated,” said rowing coach Edgardo Maerina in Filipino.

The sports agency, the rowing team said, was with it every step of the way in the lead-up to the qualifiers.

Through the PSC’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services (MSAS) units the national rowers were able to stay fit not only physically but mentally.

The team’s hotel accommodation, allowances, and airfare amounting to over P1.4 million, too, were covered by the PSC. This includes the additional support covering the RT-PCR tests upon entry to Tokyo, and accommodation assistance on their return to the country.

The country’s rowers are looking to return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2000 in Sydney, where Benjamin Tolentino represented the Philippines in the men’s single sculls event. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Paulo Avelino partners with esports personality KuyaNic in gaming firm

May 5, 2021 | 7:14 pm

LuponWXC_PauloandNico — AWARD-WINNING actor Paulo Avelino (left) has teamed up with Filipino esports icon Nico “KuyaNic” Nazario to launch the first community-backed gaming company in the Philippines — LuponWXC.

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

ADD gaming company partner to the growing list of achievements of actor Paulo Avelino.

The award-winning thespian has teamed up with Filipino esports personality Nico “KuyaNic” Nazario to launch the first community-backed gaming company in the Philippines — LuponWXC.

Mr. Avelino said his new venture is an extension of his passion for gaming and something he hopes would help in the continued growth of the local gaming scene.

LuponWXC was founded in 2015 by Mr. Nazario on the belief “gaming is the future.” The company offers streamers, esports players, and professional groups in the Philippines new and diverse opportunities to connect with their viewers.

As partner in the gaming company, Mr. Avelino will play a key role as he taps on his experience in production and the media industry in positioning LuponWXC’s entry to the mainstream.

Part of his plan is to improve the quality of the company’s curated content and the coverage of all current gaming events.

Currently, LuponWXC has six operational studios focused on original content, Mobile Legends, DotA 2, original show concepts with Kumu, event activations, and major broadcast productions.

The creators of LuponWXC regularly stream on YouTube, Facebook, and Kumu. They have also released a line of gaming merchandise and clothing called D’Armory, which is currently available online through Shopee.

Later this year, Messrs. Avelino and Nazario shared that they will be unveiling their world-class gaming facility in General Trias, Cavite, which boasts of 11 broadcast studios, where they hope to further maximize their resources and take the company to new heights.

“What I’m most looking forward to is expanding our talent pool with more games,” said Mr. Avelino of what lies ahead for LuponWXC. “The pandemic has hit everyone hard. I’m just glad we’re able to keep all of our employees — who love and see a career in the gaming industry.”

For more information on LuponWXC, check its official website at www.luponwxc.gg, or follow facebook.com/luponWXCofficial on Facebook and @luponwxc on Instagram.

Abdilla seeks further success with Creamline’s beach volleyball team

May 5, 2021 | 7:14 pm

NATIONAL volleyball player Ranran Abdilla seeks to have continued success this time on the sand court with the Creamline beach volleyball team.

The Tawi-Tawi native was signed by the team last March and is expected to shore up Creamline’s beach volleyball roster not only with his skills, but also with his experience.

Mr. Abdilla, 29, was last in action as part of the silver medal-winning Philippine men’s indoor team in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, and is grateful to Creamline for welcoming him on board.

“I feel blessed to be a part of Creamline beach volleyball. They have thrown their full support. It’s a big motivation for me to do well. I will not waste this opportunity given to me,” said the 6-foot-2 spiker in Filipino.

Seeing what Mr. Abdilla can do and provide to its team, Creamline said it was excited with its latest hire.

“Ranran’s athletic prowess and court maturity will definitely elevate the roster of Creamline Beach. His teammates will greatly benefit from Ranran’s experience as he shares his learning to the youngsters,” said Charo Soriano, Creamline beach volleyball program director.

NATIONAL TEAM
Apart from Creamline, Mr. Abdilla also hopes to be included in the national team seeing action in the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Vietnam later this year.

He took part in the national team tryouts for beach volleyball organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. (PNVF) last week.

Mr. Abdilla teamed up Pemie Bagalay in the tryouts held at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.

He admitted that making it to the national team would not be easy because of the deep pool of players who tried out, but he remains hopeful to get the nod.

Results of the tryouts will be made available by the PNVF anytime this week.

Prior to seeing action in the SEA Games in 2019 in indoor volleyball, Mr. Abdilla participated in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 1-Star Boracay Open in May 2019, pairing with Air Force teammate Jessie Lopez.

His tandem with Mr. Lopez was very successful, resulting in four consecutive Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour leg championships. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo