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Dining In/Out (03/17/22)

Belmont Hotel Manila Grill and Chill Nights

Belmont’s al fresco lounge

AMIDST the rows of hotels found in Newport City is a quaint rooftop that is quickly becoming the hideaway of travelers and vacationers for a relaxing evening. Rooftop 11 is Belmont Hotel Manila’s alfresco bar with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a breathtaking view of the city. Enjoy their hit Grill and Chill Night with grilled meat and seafood served with a choice of vegetables or potatoes. Live acoustic performances of classic and modern hits start at 7 p.m. Grill and Chill Nights are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Prices vary depending on the choice of grilled food. Rooftop 11 has also partnered with Nipa Brew locally brewed craft beers. The hotel’s selection includes Tropic Haze, Professor’s Brew, Fizzo, and Release Me From Lockdown. Meanwhile, in celebration of International Women’s Month, women guests will be treated to a complimentary pink cocktail with a minimum total bill of P500 for the month of March. For more information, e-mail  info@belmontmanila.com or call 5318-8888.

Summer drinks, more at Discovery Shores Boracay

AS PART of Discovery Shores Boracay’s “Happy Summer” campaign there are culinary offers and value for money accommodation deals among others. Choose between limitless servings of Cuba Libre, Mai Tai, Rhum Rita, Caiprinha, Daquiri for P890++ per person from Mondays to Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m. at Sand Bar, or bottomless pours of premium gin-based cocktails at P1,590++ per person every day from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sand Bar and 360 Roof Lounge. For those who want to have numerous toasts on their favorite summer mixes, they can order the Pitcher Perfect offer with cocktails served by the pitcher at P990++ daily at Sand Bar and 360 Roof Lounge. Guests can avail of 20% savings on Tomahawk Steaks for lunch and dinner from Mondays to Thursdays or enjoy a free Pepperoni or Margherita pizza when they order a whole gourmet pizza from 3-5 p.m. at Forno Osteria Restaurant from Mondays to Thursdays. For fresh seafood, guests can book a table at Indigo Restaurant for a family-style meal or Indigo’s Signature Seafood Board consisting of Boston lobster, mud crabs, hard shell clams, prawns, and Chilean mussels. A Happy Summer booking at Discovery Shores Boracay starts at P14,999++ per night in a Junior Suite, inclusive of daily breakfast for two at Sands Restaurant, roundtrip Caticlan airport transfers for two, one round of complimentary Happy Summer cocktails per adult per night and P3,000 in dinner credits at Forno Osteria or Indigo Restaurant per two-night stay. The “Happy Summer” package is available until May 31. The package is valid for a minimum of two nights stay. For inquiries and reservations, visit www.discoveryshoresboracay.com, or call (632) 7720-8888 for Discovery Shores Boracay. A summary of Boracay travel requirements is listed at https://www.discoveryshoresboracay.com/discover/what-to-prepare-when-traveling-to-boracay/.

Club Paradise looking forward to a Happy Summer

CLUB Paradise Palawan’s “Happy Summer” campaign includes culinary offers and value for money accommodation deals. Guests may choose to cool down with a glass of fruit and milk shake, or go for a glass of Minty Matcha, a minty cocktail drink with a green tea twist for P550+ per glass. For those who want to bring an ice box full of fun to their room, at their private terrace, or by the beach and have numerous servings of their favorite cocktail, chilled beers, wine and cold canned sodas, they can order “Booze by the Ice Box’ or have Bar-on-the-Go, with drinks specially prepared for them by their personal bartender. Guests may savor a gourmet pizza, freshly baked by the poolside, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Club Paradise Palawan’s “Happy Summer” rates start at P13,999++ per night in a Garden Suite which comes with daily breakfast at Firefish Restaurant for two persons, roundtrip Busuanga airport transfers for two, one round of complimentary Happy Summer cocktails per adult per night, and P3,000 in dinner credits at Firefish Restaurant per two-night stay. The “Happy Summer” package is available until May 31. The package is valid for a minimum of two nights stay. For inquiries and reservations, visit www.clubparadisepalawan.com or call (632) 7719-6971. A summary of Coron travel requirements at https://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/discover/traveling-to-coron-checklist/.

Panda Express introduces Kung Pao Fish

EXCLUSIVELY created for Panda Express in the Philippines, the savory Kung Pao Fish, its latest seafood-based dish, is now available on the menu, just in time for Lent and available for a limited time only. Kung Pao Fish is inspired by a classic Panda entrée, Kung Pao Chicken. Panda Express puts its own unique spin on the dish by using lightly breaded boneless fish, a wide variety of freshly cut vegetables along with crunchy peanuts, all tossed in a flavorful sauce with a kick. This newest menu addition is available in all participating Panda Express store locations including Don Antonio and SM North EDSA in Quezon City, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, SM Grand Central in Caloocan, Robinsons Place Mall in Manila, and Double Dragon Meridian Park in Pasay. Aside from Kung Pao Fish, guests can try a variety of other plant and seafood-based entrees like Eggplant Tofu, made with fresh eggplants, bell peppers, and tofu, wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce; and Honey Walnut Shrimp, made with large tempura-battered shrimp, wok-tossed in a sweet honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts. Dine-in, take-out or opt for delivery through order.pandaexpress.com.ph, GrabFood, or foodpanda.

Nespresso releases Miami Espresso

NESPRESSO expands its World Explorations range with the addition of a new and limited-edition espresso coffee: the Miami Espresso. The World Explorations range, which embodies the diversity of local coffee cultures, was launched in the Philippines in early 2021 with a permanent lungo (long coffee) line. The arrival of Miami Espresso marks the start of the brand’s expansion by adding espresso blends to the range. Miami Espresso is a bold blend of Arabica and Robusta coffees that highlight roasted, woody and cereal notes. Sip it as a cafecito (short coffee) black or with a sprinkle of brown sugar to enjoy like a local. Nespresso World Explorations Miami Espresso is available for a limited time in local Nespresso boutiques, pop-up stores, and online at www.nespresso.ph.

New Jollibee sundae, tuna pie for summer

JOLLIBEE has levelled-up a classic favorite, the Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae by adding even more crushed Oreo cookies to the creamy vanilla soft-serve, which is topped with a whole Oreo, crushed Oreos, and chocolate coating. The Cookies ‘n’ Cream Sundae is available for P45 at all Jollibee branches in Metro Manila, and will be available nationwide starting March 29. Meanwhile, just in time for Lent, Jollibee has come out with its Tuna Pie, available in both Original and Spicy flavors. The Jollibee Tuna Pie is available for P45 for the Original Solo, P132 for the Original Trio, P49 for Spicy Solo, and P145 for the Spicy Trio in all Jollibee stores nationwide.

Conti’s goes healthy

THIS YEAR, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant offers a new product line, Healthy Grain Bowls and Gourmet Greens. The Healthy Grain Bowls are similar to rice toppings, but instead of white rice, these seafood meals are paired with locally sourced grains called adlai – nutrient-packed, energy-boosting, protein-rich, and low in glucose. The range is made up of gluten-free Scallop Adlai Risotto, Garlic Squid Adlai, and Soy Ginger Shrimp Adlai. Meanwhile, Gourmet Greens combine fresh greens, fruits, vegetables, and nuts with Conti’s own dressings, made in-house using farm-fresh ingredients. The line is made up of Ensalada, a mix of crisp mustard leaves, red cherry tomatoes, green papaya, white radish, and salted egg, topped with pili nuts and served with a bagoong vinaigrette; and Squid Salad, made with squid, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts, served with a citrusy soy-ginger vinaigrette. For details visit http://www.contis.ph/ or check out the Facebook (@contispastryshopandrestaurant) and Instagram (@contis_ph) pages.

Raw Bites PH makes healthy snacks, beverages

GAIL Go and Jane Dee established Raw Bites PH in 2017, a digital store dedicated to offering nourishing, wholesome meals, and beverages. Helping them break new ground is cloud logistics platform LOCAD, which ensures that items remain fresh, accessible, and delectable. Raw Bites PH started as a snack subscription box business, sending their subscribers imported and healthy snacks monthly. Go and Dee did this approach for two years before they were able to assess what tickled people’s taste buds. With the launch of its website, along with its marketplaces, the online store makes it easy for more people to access their products. Today it carries a roster of healthy food alternatives, and non-dairy beverages. With its increasing popularity, Raw Bites PH was not able to keep up with the sudden surge of orders, which is why they enlisted LOCAD’s expertise in warehousing and logistics. Since then, it has been helping the owners fulfil the increasing demands for their products. Sustainability serves as a growing consideration for e-commerce shoppers these days as shown by LOCAD’s research on key e-commerce trends for 2022. The report says that 92% of SEA customers are willing to pay more for brands with sustainable products. Raw Bites PH is prepared to respond to this trend because of its commitment to sustainability.

Ayala Corp., DLSU to offer scholarships to PHL athletes

THE Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports (ACES) and the De La Salle University (DLSU) signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in support of the #AtletangAyala, a program that seeks to assist Philippine national athletes during their athletic and post-athletic careers.

Under the MOA, DLSU will provide scholarships for Atletang Ayala national athletes who would like to continue their education. The MOA will enable these athletes to matriculate in DLSU’s world-class programs, eventually earning degrees that will support their career development.

“We are happy to partner with the Ayala Group of Companies in support of the Filipino national athlete,” said Bro. Bernard Oca, DLSU president. “De La Salle University has been very blessed to count many illustrious national athletes among its alumni, such as Lim Eng Beng and Ian Lariba. We are proud to be able to continue that tradition, this time in partnership with ACES.”

ACES Program Director Jan Bengzon said, “We are very grateful to have DLSU as the education partner for the Atletang Ayala program. DLSU has long been an innovator in the development of world-class curricula that are delivered in ways that suit athletes’ lifestyles and requirements without compromising its high academic standards. These qualities fit seamlessly with the Atletang Ayala program, and DLSU’s scholarships will be a much-needed benefit for program athletes.”

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 16, 2022

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

Philippines falls in global ‘soft power’ ranking

Philippines falls in global ‘soft power’ ranking

Stocks inch up on last-minute buying, Fed meet

BW FILE PHOTO

STOCKS inched up on Wednesday on last-minute buying ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 6.53 points or 0.09% to close at 7,026.45 on Wednesday, while the broader all shares climbed by 19.61 points or 0.53% to 3,713.68.

“Last-minute buying sent the local market higher this Wednesday. For the most part of the day however, the market was in the negative territory as investors brace for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision wherein a rate hike is already possible,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday was expected to close the door on its ultra-easy pandemic-era monetary policy and step up the fight against stubbornly high inflation with the first in what is likely to be a series of interest rate hikes this year, Reuters reported.

The shift, beginning with an expected quarter-percentage-point increase in the US central bank’s benchmark overnight interest rate, has been in the works since last fall and has already driven up the cost of home mortgages and other key types of credit in anticipation of what the Fed will do to curb prices that are rising at their fastest pace in 40 years.

Yet the urgency surrounding the Fed’s policy meeting this week has intensified because inflation has shown no signs of easing and may even rise further on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which fueled an oil price spike this month.

“Philippine shares staged a rally to close slightly higher on the back of declining oil prices and a lighter than expected February US producer price index (PPI) reading at 0.8%,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

US producer prices increased in February as the cost of goods like gasoline surged, and further gains are in the pipeline following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has made crude oil and other commodities more expensive.

Majority of the sectoral indices ended in the green except for property, which fell by 31.93 points or 0.95% to 3,325.52, and financials, which dropped by 6.75 points or 0.41% to 1,622.85.

Meanwhile, mining and oil surged by 260.91 points or 2.20% to 12,073.80; industrials rose by 164.43 points or 1.74% to 9,597.93; services gained by 10.04 points or 0.55% to 1,835.45; and holding firms increased by 5.76 points or 0.08% to 6,766.29.

Value turnover decreased to P7.76 billion with 1.32 billion shares changing hands from P9.61 billion or 3.61 billion issues seen the previous day.

Advancers outnumbered decliners, 119 versus 59, while 55 names closed unchanged.

Foreigners turned buyers with P23.87 million in net purchases on Wednesday from P660.90 million in net sales seen on Tuesday. — L.M.J.C. Jocson with Reuters

Peso climbs on remittance data, lower oil prices

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE PESO strengthened versus the greenback for the second straight day as remittances rose and as oil prices dropped.

The local unit closed at P52.31 per dollar on Wednesday, appreciating by 10.5 centavos from its P52.415 finish on Tuesday, based on Bankers Association of the Philippines data.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session at P52.375 versus the dollar, which was also its weakest showing. Meanwhile, its intraday best was at P52.20 against the greenback.

Dollars exchanged increased to $1.046 billion on Wednesday from $1.01 billion on Tuesday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort in a Viber message said the continued increase in remittances boosted the peso.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday showed cash remittances rose by 2.5% to $2.668 billion in January from $2.603 billion a year earlier. This marked the 11th straight month of annual growth in these inflows.

The central bank expects remittances to grow by 4% in 2022.

Meanwhile, a trader in an e-mail attributed the peso’s appreciation to the decline in international oil prices as the diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict seemed to have some progress.

Reuters reported that oil prices were down by more than 6% on Tuesday, reaching their three-week lows after some progress with the diplomatic talks between Moscow and Kyiv. A Ukrainian negotiator said both parties are negotiating on a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops.

Brent futures  on Tuesday dropped by $6.99 or 6.5%, to settle at $99.91 a barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by $6.57 or 6.4%, to settle at $96.44 a barrel.

Brent fell as low as $97.44 and WTI hit $93.53, their lowest since Feb. 25. Oil prices have been more volatile since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

For Thursday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P52.15 to P52.35, while the trader expects the local unit to move within P52.20 to P52.45 per dollar. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

Benfica advances with shock away triumph over Ajax

AMSTERDAM — Striker Darwin Nunez headed home a 77th-minute winner as Benfica grabbed a shock 1-0 victory away at Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday to secure a surprise Champions League quarterfinal place.

The Uruguayan striker rose above the Ajax defense to score from a free kick in a rare attack for the Portuguese club, who put up a stout defensive performance at the Johan Cruyff Arena to advance 3-2 on aggregate.

Benfica’s veteran centre back pair of Jan Vertonghen and Nicolas Otamendi were a defensive wall that Ajax were unable to break down, despite dominating possession and constantly attacking the visitors’ goal.

The Dutch club had won all their group games and, after a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the last-16 tie in Lisbon last month, were expected to ease through to the last eight with home advantage in the second leg.

But their hopes of an extended run in the Champions League were brought to a sudden end by Benfica, who have had a poor domestic season and flounder 12 points from the summit of the Portuguese league.

Ajax peppered the Benfica goal in the first half at the end of swift build-ups and multiple crosses into the penalty area, but got few of their efforts on target.

Teenager Ryan Gravenberch created an opening for himself with a strong run but fired his 36th-minute shot just over the crossbar in the best effort of the opening period.

Ajax kept up the pressure in the second half with Brazilian winger Antony having two good chances. He put a header wide and was then foiled by a late Vertonghen tackle.

Benfica’s one attempt on target came after Ajax defender Edson Alvarez conceded a soft free kick.

Nunez rose high above Jurrien Timber and the on-rushing goalkeeper Andre Onana from the set piece to stun the home crowd.

“Obviously, I’m very happy. It was a very difficult game, we knew we all had to run when it came time to defend and attack,” Nunez told reporters.

“We played against a team that plays very well, we knew we were going to suffer, we suffered, we had to defend but our team gave everything,” he added.

Ajax could have equalized deep in stoppage time but Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos pulled off a superb stop to deny Brian Brobbey, although the Ajax substitute was then ruled offside.

Elimination was a bitter blow said home captain Dusan Tadic.

“We stopped all their efforts to counter attack and then we lose from a free kick… We didn’t deserve to lose. We were the better team, but in Europe it’s also about set pieces and counters. Then such a moment can be fatal.” — Reuters

Atletico wins at Old Trafford to knock United out

MANCHESTER, England — Atletico Madrid knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League and moved into the quarterfinals after a 41st minute header from Brazilian Renan Lodi gave them a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) win at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

It was a typical display of the kind of gritty defending and swift counterattacking for which Diego Simeone’s Atletico side have been known while United, for all their pressure, were unable to create enough quality opportunities to get themselves the goal they needed.

United, who have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017, are left to focus on a Premier League campaign where they face a real battle to make the top four and earn a place in next year’s Champions League.

The Spanish champions may not be favourites to reach the final in Paris on May 28 but none of the teams in the last eight will be hoping to be drawn against them.

After Saturday’s win over Tottenham Hotspur, inspired by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick, there was a positive mood around Old Trafford and the night began brightly for United with Anthony Elanga forcing a fine reflex save out of Jan Oblak with a near post flick from a Bruno Fernandes cross.

United’s Spanish keeper David de Gea then produced an outstanding diving save to push wide a long range effort from Rodrigo De Paul.

Joao Felix then had the ball in the net, tapping in a cross from Marcos Llorente but the effort was ruled out for offside.

There was no reprieve though for United, though, when after a trademark Atletico counter-attack, a clever flick from Joao Felix found Antoine Griezmann whose cross was nodded in at the back post by Lodi.

United argued that the move had followed a foul on Elanga deep in Atletico’s half but referee Slavko Vincic waved away their protests.

Fernandes ended the half with a fierce shot that again tested Oblak to the full and raised hopes among the home support ahead of the second half.

United, as expected, poured forward after the break in search of an equaliser but there was little design or craft to their attacks.

LACK OF CREATIVITY
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick threw on forwards as he sought the breakthrough bringing on Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani to play up front with Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

But his decision to take off Fernandes in the 67th minute left the team short of creativity and their attacks were increasingly just one dimensional charges at the Atletico back line.

Captain Harry Maguire was taken off, to cheers from the home support, as Rangnick threw on Spanish winger Juan Mata but the nearest United came to an equaliser was a fine header from Raphael Varane that had Oblak at full stretch.

It was scrappy and at times cynical from Atletico in the latter stages but their disciplined defense held firm for the victory that sends them into the last eight.

“We want to go far in the competition and it’s incredible to still be in it. It’s important for us to still be in the Champions League in what’s an up-and-down season,” said midfielder Koke.

“For me, Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s shown it once again tonight.”

Rangnick was upset with the refereeing of the game but had few complaints about his team’s performance.

“I think we played a very good first half — exactly the way we wanted to play with a high energy level, but we couldn’t convert that into one or two goals,” he said.

“Conceding that counterattacking goal just before half time didn’t make life any easier. It was hard in the second half and always interrupted. There was always somebody lying on the floor.

“I would also say some curious refereeing decisions. I wouldn’t say they were decisive, but at least he fell too often for those time-wasting antics.” — Reuters

Kyrie Irving drops 60 as Nets trounce Magic

Kyrie Irving scored 41 of his career-high 60 points during Brooklyn’s record-setting first half, leading the Nets to a 150-108 victory over the host Orlando Magic on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive win.

Irving’s first-ever 60-point game, breaking his previous career-high of 57 against San Antonio in 2015, featured 20 made field goals on 31 attempts. He also went 8-for-12 from beyond the arc and 12-for-13 at the foul line en route to his sixth career performance with 50-plus points, which included scoring 50 against Charlotte on March 8.

Kevin Durant, coming off a 53-point performance against the New York Knicks on Sunday, had 19 points and seven assists in the Nets’ wire-to-wire victory. Irving’s final three points came on a triple off the left wing with 8:32 left, sending him to the bench for the remainder of the game, while Brooklyn put seven total players in double figures.

Brooklyn led 86-56 at half time — a franchise record for points in a half — on the strength of a 48-point first quarter during which Irving had 16 points and the Nets shot 74.1% (20-for-27). The 48 points represented a franchise record for points in an opening period and the most points scored by the Nets in any quarter this season.

Irving exploded for 25 points in the second quarter as Brooklyn extended a 48-30 lead. The 41 points marked the most scored in a half this season in the NBA, besting Karl-Anthony Towns’ mark of 36 recorded on Monday against San Antonio, as Irving finished 14 of 19 from the field, 6 of 7 from 3-point range and a perfect 7 of 7 at the free-throw line.

Irving’s free throw at the 11:22 mark of the third quarter gave him 42 points, the most ever scored by a Nets player against Orlando. Kendall Gill held the previous mark of 41 set in 1997.

The 60 points was also just four shy of Michael Jordan’s all-time record against Orlando, which happened in 1993.

The Nets, who were fined $50,000 this week as an organization for allowing Irving to enter the locker room at the Barclays Center during Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks in violation of New York City law and health and safety protocols, led 116-89 after three quarters.

Orlando, which lost three of four games to Brooklyn this season, was led by Cole Anthony’s 19 points and seven assists. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted 18 points and seven rebounds, Moe Wagner had 17 points and Franz Wagner scored 16 points. — Reuters

Stephen Loman vs Shoko Sato beef up ONE X card

ONE Championship is swinging for the fences to make ONE X its biggest show in history. That said, the entire card has been divided into three parts, with five world championships on the line.

But the stacked event has gotten even better with the addition of an intriguing bantamweight clash between No. 3-ranked contender Stephen “The Sniper” Loman and Shoko Sato.

The Filipino warrior entered the division’s rankings after defeating Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev during his debut at ONE: Winter Warriors II.

With less than a minute left in the first round, the wushu sanda specialist from Baguio City landed a counter left punch that sent the Russian crashing to the canvas. Referee Olivier Coste stopped the fight immediately as Saadulaev was dealing with the impact of that thunderous strike.

That victory made him the third-ranked bantamweight in The Home of Martial Arts, behind former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il.

On the other hand, 34-year-old Mr. Sato has a 3-1 record and a 100 percent finish rate at ONE. He defeated Mark “Tyson” Abelardo, Rafael “Morcego” Silva, and Kwon before suffering a setback versus No, 4-ranked Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE: Unbreakable III.

The combatant from Sakaguchi Dojo hopes to return to the win column and improve his 35-17-3 career mixed martial arts record with a win over Mr. Loman. Expect an all-out striking war between the two bantamweights.

Mr. Loman, the 26-year-old competitor with a 15-2 MMA record, is the third Team Lakay member who will compete in ONE’s tenth-anniversary event. In part one of the historic show, strawweight Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang will face compatriot Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado.

Likewise, two legends will clash in part three as Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will face John Wayne “The Gunslinger” Parr in a Muay Thai rules match. The former ONE Lightweight World Champion hopes to defeat the Australian in his retirement fight.

Also, No. 2-ranked atomweight Denice “Lycan Queen” Zamboanga will be seeking payback when she gets her rematch against No. 3-ranked Ham Seo Hee. The bout was bound to happen after the Marrok Force mainstay suffered a controversial loss to the South Korean in their ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal match.

Gov’t demanded tax payments from Marcoses

EX-PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand E. Marcos and his family at the presidential palace on the day of his 1965 inaugural. — MALACANANG.GOV.PH

THE PHILIPPINE government in December asked the heirs of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos to pay billions of pesos in estate and income taxes from the 1980s, according to the nation’s tax agency.

“The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) did send a written demand letter to the Marcos heirs on Dec. 2, 2021 regarding their tax liabilities,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay said in a letter to Aksyon Demokratiko party on March 14.

Aksyon Demokratiko Chairman Ernesto M. Ramel, Jr. inquired and asked the BIR this month whether it had demanded payment from the Marcoses of their tax deficiencies, including estate and income taxes. The party gave reporters a copy of the BIR reply on Wednesday.

Aksyon Demokratiko is the political party of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso, who is running against Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. in this year’s presidential race.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel SD. Guballa did not immediately reply to a text message asking for a copy of the BIR demand letter.

Mr. Ramel also sought clarification from the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) on March 9 whether the government had reached a deal on the taxes.

If there was indeed a deal, PCGG must disclose the details because these are a “matter of public interest,” he said. “If your answer is ‘No,’ then this is another proof that the camp of Marcos, Jr. has again lied as they always do in so many issues about their family, including their ill-gotten wealth.”

He earlier said the Marcos family’s refusal to settle the taxes is a clear demonstration of “abuse of power, disregard for the laws enforced by the government and lack of respect for citizens who religiously pay the taxes imposed on them.”

Marcos lawyer and spokesman Victor D. Rodriguez did not immediately reply to a text message seeking comment.

He earlier said the pieces of property subject to the tax were still under litigation. He also said PCGG and BIR had agreed to wait for a decision on the case before collections were enforced.

“This is a very good asset, this is a huge amount of money that can be used for cash aid for the people,” Mr. Domagoso said in a video streamed live on Facebook.

PCGG, the agency created in the 1980s to recover ill-gotten wealth of the dictator and his cronies, on March 11 said there was a “verbal understanding” between it and BIR to collect estate taxes on all Marcos assets except those that had been seized by the government, as well as Swiss funds in escrow.

“It may not be accurate to state that the said agreement was ‘to determine with accuracy the fair and just tax base to be used in computing estate taxes, if any’ because as early as 1993, BIR already executed its final assessment when it levied and sold 11 real properties in Tacloban City,” it said in reply to Mr. Ramel’s inquiries.

PCGG said BIR in 1991 assessed the estate of Ferdinand Marcos P23.29 billion in estate taxes, P184.16 million in unpaid income taxes of Mr. Marcos and his wife Imelda for 1985 and 1986 and P20,410 in unpaid income taxes against the dictator for 1982 to 1985.

In 1993, BIR levied and auctioned off 11 Marcos properties in Tacloban after the family failed to file an administrative protest. The lots were awarded to the state in the absence of bidders, PCGG said.

The Supreme Court in 1997 denied a plea by Marcos, Jr. to void the levies as it ruled the tax assessments had become final and unappealable.

The P23-billion estate tax had ballooned to P203.8 billion due to interests and penalties after the Marcoses refused to pay it, Mr. Ramel said in a Viber message, citing computations by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio in a Sept. 30, 2021 column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“Twenty-four years after the Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals decision, the Marcos heirs still have not paid the estate tax,” Mr. Carpio said at that time.

The former magistrate has called the supposed agreement “wrong, a falsehood and laughable.” “There is no such thing,” he told GMA News last week, adding that the Supreme Court ruling on the case had become final.

The younger Mr. Marcos, who is leading in presidential opinion polls, was convicted in 1995 for failing to pay taxes from 1982 to 1985 when he was governor and vice governor of Ilocos Norte.

The dictator stole as much as $10 billion (P503 billion) from the Filipino people, according to government estimates, earning him a Guinness World Record for the “greatest robbery of a government.”

PCGG, created in 1987 to recover ill-gotten wealth of the family and their cronies, has recovered about P171 billion. — Norman P. Aquino and Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan

‘Innocent passage’ cited by China for navy ship intrusion

WIKIPEDIA

CHINA did not violate international law when a navy ship entered Philippine waters without permission on Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, its Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday evening.

“The Chinese naval vessel’s sailing through Philippine waters was an exercise of the right of innocent passage pursuant to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” according to a transcript of Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian’s news briefing posted on the agency’s website.

“The Chinese passage was safe and standard, and consistent with international law and international practice. We hope relevant parties can view it in an objective and rational manner,” he added.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over its navy’s intrusion in the Sulu Sea.

The vessel had reached the Cuyo Group of Islands in Palawan province and Apo Island in Mindoro, it said in a statement. Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna challenged the ship, which responded by saying it was exercising innocent passage.

China violated international law when People’s Liberation Army Navy electronic reconnaissance ship ignored orders from the Philippine Navy for them to leave immediately, Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Gonar B. Musor told reporters via WhatsApp on Monday.

DFA said its movements did not follow a track that could be considered continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days.

In 2019, a Chinese aircraft carrier, the CV-16 Liaoning, had also passed through the Philippines’ Sibutu Passage — a narrow sea lane between the main island of Tawi-Tawi and Sibutu Island — without notice.

In April, DFA summoned Mr. Huang due to the lingering presence of Chinese ships around the Whitsun Reef, locally known as Julian Felipe, and other maritime zones of the country.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio had called the Chinese out for its double standard, saying it was ironic that in their country, the right of innocent passage could only be exercised with prior notice, but the same regard was not given to its neighbors.

He was referring to China’s repeated acts of driving away vessels and planes passing through territories in the South China Sea that it claims.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 rejected China’s claim to more than 80% of the South China Sea based on a 1940s map. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

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