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BENECO urges NEA to recall resolutions on leadership intervention 

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BENGUET Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) urged the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to recall resolutions relating to its leadership to finally resolve the prevailing conflict within the power distributor.  

“The root cause of the issue is when the NEA Board of Administrators appropriated to itself the power to name a general manager through a NEA-BOA Resolution No. 2021-47 and No. 2021-71,” BENECO legal counsel Delmar O. Carino said in a Viber Message to BusinessWorld.  

NEA has yet to reply to BusinessWorld’s request for comment. 

In April 2021, the NEA-BOA passed the resolutions, which endorsed the candidate with the highest score in the final interview for the general manager position of BENECO. 

BENECO’s board passed a resolution of its own in May rejecting the NEA decision and upheld a previous motion appointing Melchor S. Licoben as general manager.  

NEA-BOA, however, said this particular act of BENECO was unreasonable given that it already appointed Ana Maria Paz Rafael as the new general manager, based on the April resolutions.    

Senator Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, chair of the Senate energy committee, recently called on BENECO and NEA to find a compromise to avert possible power disruptions across Baguio City and the province of Benguet.  

“We told NEA to look into this matter and find a compromise rather than a litigation or a forceful implementation. Residents and business owners alike are worried if there will be any sabotage in the operations of BENECO or if disruptions in their electricity supply will take place in the days to come,” he said during the interpellation on the budget of energy agencies at the Senate.  

Mr. Gatchalian said despite his call for compromise, the Senate energy panel will push through with its planned inquiry into issues hounding BENECO’s leadership.   

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed by BENECO against a NEA official and several others before the city prosecutor’s office after the takeover of BENECO’s main headquarters on Oct. 18.  

NEA also has a pending case against BENECO in relation to audit findings conducted by a NEA team. — Marielle C. Lucenio 

Suspect arrested in stone-throwing incident at MRT-3 train 

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A SUSPECT has been arrested in an incident where a train coach window of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) was severely damaged and one passenger injured due to a stone thrown on Sunday.  

The MRT-3 management said 29-year-old Lester Rodriguez was arrested on Sunday evening by Pasay City police.    

“Police said Rodriguez was positively identified by two witnesses as the one who threw the rock at the MRT-3 train,” it said in a statement posted on Monday.  

The incident occurred at 6:51 a.m. at the Taft Avenue Station and injured a 51-year-old male passenger.  

Charges will be filed against Mr. Rodriguez, including one for malicious mischief, MRT-3 said. — Russell Louis C. Ku 

Peso weakens on rising virus cases in Europe, hawkish Fed comments

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO declined on Monday amid concerns over rising cases of the coronavirus in some economies and hawkish comments from US central bank officials.

The peso retreated versus the greenback on Monday amid concerns over the rise in coronavirus infections in some European economies and hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve.

The local unit closed at P50.65 per dollar on Monday, shedding 24 centavos from its P50.41 finish on Friday, based on data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

The peso opened Monday’s session weaker at P50.53 per dollar, which was already its intraday best. Meanwhile, its worst showing was at P50.80 versus the greenback.

Dollars traded increased to $1.402 billion on Monday from $1.187 billion on Friday.

A trader said in an e-mail that cautious sentiment due to rising coronavirus cases in Europe, specifically in Austria and Germany, caused the peso to depreciate against the dollar.

Austria on Friday reimposed a lockdown amid rising infection cases, Reuters reported. German officials have signaled that they may follow the move, noting the country is already in a “national emergency.”

Recent statements from Fed officials about speeding up the tapering of asset purchases also affected the peso, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Reuters reported Friday that Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida said it may be appropriate to assess a quicker reduction in asset purchases at the Fed’s policy review in December.

Separately, Fed Governor Christopher Waller on Friday said the Fed should double the pace of its tapering exercise in order to finish by April and move forward into providing space for a rate hike by the second quarter of 2022.

For Tuesday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P50.50 to P50.70 per dollar, while the trader expects the local unit to move within P50.55 to P50.80. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

PHL shares inch up as investors pick up bargains

PHILIPPINE shares inched up on Monday amid sideways trading on bargain hunting after days of decline.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 2.10 points or 0.02% to end at 7,282.67, while the all shares index inched up by 0.84 point or 0.02% to 3,878.95.

Diversified Securities Inc. Equity Trader Ancieto K. Pangan said in a text message that the PSEi rose due to bargain hunting after the market was in the red for three days.

Luis A. Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales, said in a Viber message that local shares “traded quietly, tracking the performance of regional market.”

Value turnover stood at P8.47 billion with 1.06 billion shares changing hands, down from Friday’s P22.07 billion with 2.11 billion issues.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.1%, Reuters reported. Futures steadied after selling on Friday and EuroSTOXX 50 futures were up 0.2% and S&P 500 futures up 0.3%.

Sectoral indices were mixed. Financials went up 10.91 points or 0.69% to end at 1,589.16 and mining and oil increased by 45.54 points or 0.48% to 9,353.76.

Meanwhile, industrials lost 31.82 points or 0.29% to close at 10,675.18; services declined by 3.46 points or 0.17% to 1,976.99; property dropped 4.92 points or 0.14% to 3,329.44; and holding firms went down by 6.20 points or 0.08% to end at 7,005.78.

Net foreign selling was at P461.9 million on Monday, down from the P1.82 billion recorded on Friday.

“For the time being, we see this as a temporary pause of the reopening rally, one that needs to be rewound for the recovery trend to be reactivated,” COL Financial Group, Inc. Chief Technical Analyst Juanis G. Barredo said.

“We do hope that strong sales numbers may stem this Thanksgiving retail weekend (for Black Friday and Cyber Monday), to help prop the US market up… and hopefully other markets as well. But we may have to deal with some profit taking turbulence after these special discount days,” Mr. Barredo added.

“Historically, stocks have a good track record of bucking gains in Thanksgiving week. However, the resurgence in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases globally may either dent or cap gains on equities this week,” Regina Capital’s Mr. Limlingan added.

“On the other hand, investors are also expected to direct their attention to President Joseph R. Biden’s pick for the next Federal Reserve Chair in the coming days,” he said.

Austria began its fourth lockdown on Monday, with neighboring Germany warning it may follow suit, shutting Christmas markets, bars, cafés and theaters, Reuters reported.

Trade is likely to be thinned this week by Thanksgiving in the United States, but the virus’ resurgence has traders once again monitoring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and governments’ responses, it added. — MCL with Reuters

Esports: League of Legends 2022 World Championship to be held in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — The League of Legends 2022 World Championship final will be held at the Chase Center in tech-savvy San Francisco, game developer and tournament organizer Riot Games announced on Sunday.

The “Super Bowl of esports” will take place at the state-of-the-art home of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Golden State Warriors in early November after qualifying rounds are played in Mexico City, New York and Toronto.

“It’s going to be a full continental tour, which we’re really excited about,” said Naz Aletaha, global head of League of Legends Esports.

It will mark the championship’s 12th iteration and its return to North America for the first time since 2016.

The Mexico City event will mark the first time the competition has been held in Latin America.

China’s Edward Gaming was crowned the 2021 champions in Reykjavík earlier this month with South Korea’s DWG KIA finishing runner-up.

Peak viewership during this year’s finals hit a record 73.8 million, a 60% jump from the previous year, said John Needham, president of Esports at Riot Games.

“The excitement and momentum around League of Legends esports is at an all-time high,” Aletaha said. — Reuters

Collin Morikawa becomes first American to win Race to Dubai

COLLIN Morikawa became the first American to win the Race to Dubai title after a late surge took him to victory in the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday as Rory McIlroy faltered at the Jumeirah Golf Estates course.

Morikawa, who won this year’s British Open, finished with a flawless round of 66 including six birdies to top the leaderboard at 17 under par and win by three shots.

The American also ended the season as the European Tour’s number one.

Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick carded 66 to move up 11 places on the final day and the Englishman finished tied for second with Sweden’s Alexander Björk.

“I feel so good, I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t watching what Matt Fitzpatrick was doing today,” Morikawa said.

“Boy, did he put out a run. He came out firing… But it’s 18 holes, all I needed to do was catch a spark.

“It’s an honor to be the first American to do that (win the Race to Dubai) on the European Tour, to put my name against many greats, hall of famers — it’s special.”

McIlroy held a one-shot lead going into the final day and looked set to become the first three-times winner of the event.

But the Northern Irishman made bogeys at the 15th, 16th and 18th holes to finish tied for sixth — five shots behind Morikawa. — Reuters

Suns bury Nuggets for 12th straight win

DENVER NUGGETS guard Facundo Campazzo (7) defends Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) during the second half at Footprint Center. — REUTERS

THE Phoenix Suns never trailed en route to their 12th consecutive win, a 126-97 blowout of the Denver Nuggets, on Sunday in Phoenix.

Cameron Johnson led all scorers with 22 points coming off the Suns’ bench. Deandre Ayton led the Phoenix starters with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting to go with eight rebounds and two blocked shots.

Devin Booker added 17 points and seven assists, Jae Crowder scored 15 points, and Chris Paul finished with nine points and 10 assists. Cameron Payne and JaVale McGee scored 10 points each.

The Suns pushed the longest winning streak in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the franchise’s best run since winning 17 straight in 2006-2007 to 12 games.

The loss marked four straight for the Nuggets, and the third during the skid by a double-digit-point margin.

Jeff Green led Denver with 19 points. Aaron Gordon posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, JaMychal Green added 14 points and eight rebounds. Will Barton, Monte Morris and Austin Rivers each scored 10 points.

The Suns set the tone early, closing out a 48-point first quarter on a 15-3 run.

Phoenix’s burst to close the opening period extended its lead to 20 points. The Suns held a double-digit-point cushion for most of the rest of the game.

Denver, playing without reigning Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokić for the second consecutive game due to a sprained wrist, cut the gap to nine points midway through the third quarter.

Phoenix responded with a 17-4 run to close out the period. The Suns extended their advantage to as many as 30 points behind a balanced scoring effort.

The Suns scored as many field goals off assists (33) as total field goals they yielded to Denver. The Nuggets shot just 33 of 90, while Phoenix went 46 of 87. — Reuters

Germany’s Zverev defeats Russia’s Medvedev to capture second ATP Finals championship

TURIN, Italy — Germany’s Alexander Zverev capped a memorable year by sweeping aside Russian world number two and defending champion Daniil Medvedev (6-4, 6-4) to win the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals on Sunday, claiming the title for the second time in his career.

The 24-year-old Zverev, who did not face a single break point in the final, has now won six titles in six finals this year — including Olympic gold in Tokyo and two Masters titles in Madrid and Cincinnati.

Zverev, who also beat world number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday, became only the fourth player to beat the top two players in the world in the semis and final of the season-ending tournament.

Victory was also sweet revenge for Zverev, who lost in three sets to Medvedev in the round robin stage and came into the match having lost his last five meetings against the Russian.

“You keep talking about the perfect match… It was great. I mean, in the final against somebody, I had lost five times in a row, so I had to play one of my best matches,” Zverev said in a post-match interview.

“I’m happy about that, happy to go on holidays with this win now… There’s no better way to end this season than winning here, so I’m obviously fairly happy, but I’m also now very much looking forward to next year already.”

Zverev lost the first five points of the match but quickly changed gears to win 12 of the next 13, taking the early break and going 3-1 up in no time.

The German hardly put a foot wrong thereafter and was at his aggressive best from the baseline and the net to put Medvedev on the back foot, serving out the opening set and wrapping it up in 33 minutes.

Medvedev continued to struggle with his serve as Zverev broke him in the opening game of the second set to pile the pressure on the reigning US Open champion.

Although Medvedev briefly found his groove at 3-2 down in the second set, the German immediately slammed the door shut to deny a break point opportunity.

Zverev’s ability to cover the court with long strides also proved too much for Medvedev, who looked to find angles for passing shots but quickly found himself scampering to stay in the rally.

With the writing on the wall, the Turin crowd tried to urge Medvedev to force a decider but Zverev was firmly in control, sealing the title with his eighth ace.

Earlier, French duo Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won their second ATP Finals doubles title by beating American Rajeev Ram and Briton Joe Salisbury (6-4, 7-6(0)).

`After their victory, Mahut signed the camera with the message “Where is Peng Shuai,” the Chinese former doubles number one, whose safety and whereabouts have been a concern since she accused a former vice-premier of China of sexual assault. — Reuters

WTA says Chinese tennis star’s call with Olympic chief is not enough

SHANGHAI — Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai’s video call with the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not address or alleviate the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) concern about her well-being, the WTA said on Monday.

The whereabouts of former doubles world number one Peng have been a matter of international concern for nearly three weeks after she alleged that a former senior Chinese government official sexually assaulted her.

She appeared at a dinner with friends on Saturday and a children’s tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday, photos and videos published by Chinese state media journalists and by the tournament’s organizers show. But they have done little to quell concerns.

“It was good to see Peng Shuai in recent videos, but they don’t alleviate or address the WTA’s concern about her well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion,” a WTA spokeswoman said in an e-mail.

Asked about the call with the IOC, the spokeswoman said: “This video does not change our call for a full, fair and transparent investigation, without censorship, into her allegation of sexual assault, which is the issue that gave rise to our initial concern.”

The IOC said in a statement that Peng held a 30-minute call with its president Thomas Bach on Sunday and thanked the Olympic organization for its concern.

“She explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time,” the IOC’s statement said.

“That is why she prefers to spend her time with friends and family right now. Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis, the sport she loves so much.”

The concern over Peng comes as global rights groups and others have called for a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February over China’s human rights record. The WTA has also threatened to pull tournaments out of China over the matter.

On Nov. 2, Peng posted on Chinese social media that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had coerced her into sex and they later had an on-off consensual relationship. The post was quickly deleted and the topic has been blocked from discussion on China’s heavily censored internet.

Neither Zhang nor the Chinese government have commented on Peng’s allegations.

France’s foreign minister called on Sunday for Chinese authorities to let Peng speak publicly.

“I’m expecting only one thing: that she speaks,” Jean-Yves Le Drian told LCI television, adding that there could be unspecified diplomatic consequences if China did not clear up the situation. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the IOC’s statement.

The United States and Britain have also called for China to provide proof of Peng’s whereabouts.

Current and former tennis players, including Naomi Osaka joined the calls seeking to confirm she was safe, using the social media hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.

Men’s singles world No.1 Novak Djokovic said it would be strange to hold tournaments in China unless the “horrific” situation was resolved. — Reuters

NFL roundup: Jonathan Taylor scores five times as Colts blast Bills 

JONATHAN Taylor rushed for 185 yards and scored a franchise-record five touchdowns Sunday as the Indianapolis Colts walloped the Buffalo Bills 41-15 in Orchard Park, NY. 

Mr. Taylor tallied four scores on the ground and another on a pass as Indianapolis (6-5) made a mockery of the point spread that had Buffalo listed as a seven-point favorite. Mr. Taylor is the 16th player in National Football League (NFL) history to score at least five touchdowns in a game. 

It was the second loss in three games for the Bills (6-4), who fell a half-game behind surging New England in the AFC East. Buffalo’s performance was rife with mistakes, such as seven penalties and four turnovers. 

Indianapolis quarterback Carson Wentz was 11 of 20 for 106 yards and a touchdown, but he merely needed to avoid mistakes and hand the ball to Mr. Taylor. 

Chargers 41, Steelers 37: Justin Herbert threw for 382 yards and the game-winning touchdown as host Los Angeles (6-4) recovered from blowing a big fourth-quarter lead against Pittsburgh (5-4-1) in Inglewood, California. 

Mr. Herbert’s 53-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams with 2:09 left erased Pittsburgh’s short-lived lead, which came on Chris Boswell’s 45-yard field goal at the 3:29 mark. Mr. Herbert completed 30 of 41 passes with an interception and added a team-high 90 rushing yards. Austin Ekeler accounted for 115 yards from scrimmage and scored four times. 

Ben Roethlisberger, who was activated from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) list Saturday after missing a 16-16 tie against Detroit last week, connected on 28 of 44 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. 

Football Team 27, Panthers 21: Taylor Heinicke threw three touchdown passes to upstage former teammate Cam Newton, helping Ron Rivera and Washington top Carolina in Charlotte, NC. 

Mr. Newton was playing his first home game with the Panthers (5-6) since 2019. He was signed before last weekend’s upset victory at Arizona. He threw for 189 yards on 21-for-27 passing with two touchdowns. 

It was a good homecoming for Rivera, who guided the Panthers to the Super Bowl in the 2015 season. He was fired during the 2019 season and hired by Washington in 2020. Terry McLaurin made five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, and Antonio Gibson gained 95 yards on 19 carries for Washington (4-6). 

Texans 22, Titans 13: Tyrod Taylor rushed for two touchdowns and Desmond King II recorded a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions as Houston (2-8) snapped an eight-game losing streak with the upset of host Tennessee (8-3). 

Mr. King returned his second interception of Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill 25 yards to the Tennessee 15-yard line, and Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn followed with a 37-yard field goal with 3:26 to play to make it a two-possession game. 

It was Mr. Fairbairn’s 57th consecutive conversion from 40 yards and in, securing Houston’s second victory of the season. The Titans had their six-game winning streak snapped as they committed five turnovers. 

Dolphins 24, Jets 17: Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes, including a tiebreaking one to Myles Gaskin in the fourth quarter, as Miami outlasted New York in East Rutherford, NJ. 

Mr. Tagovailoa threw a 5-yard scoring pass to Mr. Gaskin to give Miami (4-7) a 21-14 lead with 10:15 left. The drive had been kept alive by a roughing-the-passer call on New York’s John Franklin-Myers on an earlier third down. 

New York’s Joe Flacco went 24 of 39 for 291 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He lost a fumble on a strip sack in the red zone and fell to 0-5 the last two seasons as a starter for the Jets (2-8). 

Ravens 16, Bears 13: Devonta Freeman’s 3-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds left lifted visiting Baltimore (7-3) over Chicago (3-7). 

After the Bears took a 13-9 lead with 1:41 remaining, the Ravens, helped by a 21-yard pass-interference penalty and a 30-yard completion from quarterback Tyler Huntley to Sammy Watkins, drove 72 yards in five plays. 

Andy Dalton had found Marquise Goodwin for a 49-yard touchdown pass with 1:41 remaining to give Chicago the lead. 

Browns 13, Lions 10: Cleveland welcomed back Nick Chubb with open arms and closed out visiting Detroit. 

Mr. Chubb returned for Cleveland (6-5) after missing last week’s blowout loss to New England while on the reserve/COVID list. He rushed for 130 yards on 22 carries and caught a short touchdown pass Sunday as Cleveland rushed for 184 yards and never trailed. 

Detroit (0-9-1) hasn’t won since Dec. 6, 2020, and gets its next chance on Thanksgiving against Chicago. 

Vikings 34, Packers 31: Kirk Cousins completed 24 of 35 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns, and Greg Joseph made a 29-yard field goal as time expired to lift Minnesota over visiting Green Bay in Minneapolis. 

Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns for Minnesota (5-5). Adam Thielen added eight catches for 82 yards and one touchdown, and Dalvin Cook had 22 carries for 86 yards and a score. 

Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 33 passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns for Green Bay (8-3). Davante Adams had seven catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had four catches for 123 yards and one touchdown. 

Bengals 32, Raiders 13: Joe Mixon rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries and Evan McPherson kicked three field goals of more than 50 yards to lift Cincinnati to a victory over host Las Vegas. 

Joe Burrow went 20-for-29 passing for 148 yards and a touchdown as the Bengals (6-4) ended a two-game losing streak. Tyler Boyd had six receptions for 49 yards, with Ja’Marr Chase adding three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. 

Derek Carr went 19-for-27 passing for 215 yards with a touchdown and an interception, with tight end Darren Waller catching seven passes for 116 yards for the Raiders (5-5), who have lost three straight games. 

Eagles 40, Saints 29: Jalen Hurts ran for three touchdowns and Darius Slay returned an interception for a touchdown as host Philadelphia held off New Orleans. 

Mr. Hurts passed for 147 yards and ran for 69 as the Eagles (5-6) had 242 yards on the ground against the NFL’s No. 1 run defense. Philadelphia won at home for the first time since a 24-21 victory against the Saints in Week 14 last season and has won consecutive games for the first time this season. 

Trevor Siemian, who had not thrown an interception in two previous starts since Jameis Winston suffered a season-ending knee injury, threw two picks, including Slay’s touchdown. Mr. Siemian completed 22 of 40 throws for 214 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score, although New Orleans (5-5) lost its third straight. 

49ers 30, Jaguars 10: Jimmy Garoppolo threw two short touchdown passes, and San Francisco used ball control and a stingy defense to beat host Jacksonville. 

Mr. Garoppolo connected with Brandon Aiyuk for a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter and tight end George Kittle on a 1-yard score in the third. The TD passes helped the 49ers (5-5) cap an important seven-day stretch with a second consecutive win. 

Much as they had done Monday night in a clock-draining, 31-10 home win over the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers ran up a 38:22 to 21:38 time-of-possession dominance over the Jaguars (2-8). 

Chiefs 19, Cowboys 9: Chris Jones recorded 3.5 sacks and forced a fumble as host Kansas City smothered Dallas by limiting the NFL’s top-rated offense to 276 yards and no touchdowns. 

The Chiefs (7-4) continued a defensive resurgence, winning their fourth straight by pressuring Dak Prescott and allowing him to gain just 216 yards on 28-of-43 passing, with two interceptions. Prescott’s last attempt was picked by L’Jarius Sneed off a deflection by Jones with 1:00 left. 

While the game was billed as a clash between two of the NFL’s best offenses, Patrick Mahomes also did not throw for a TD. But the Chiefs rolled to a 13-point lead early in the second quarter before relying on their defense to hold off the Cowboys (7-3). 

Cardinals 23, Seahawks 13: Colt McCoy, subbing for the injured Kyler Murray, threw two touchdown passes to tight end Zach Ertz as Arizona defeated host Seattle in an National Football Conference (NFC) West matchup. 

Mr. McCoy, who led the New York Giants to a 17-12 victory at Seattle last season as an injury replacement, completed 35 of 44 passes for 328 yards as the division-leading Cardinals (9-2) improved to 6-0 on the road. James Conner scored on a 1-yard run with 2:20 remaining to help clinch the victory. 

Russell Wilson, in his second game back after finger surgery, was 14 of 26 for 207 yards for the Seahawks (3-7), who dropped to 1-4 at home. — Reuters 

Can quotas help women join boards?

TIRACHARDZ-FREEPIK

I am still wondering why women do not like quotas and insist that women get to positions of power only by merit. We were talking to a diverse group of women on the subject of female representation on corporate boards and these revelations came up. Sometimes, it is the women who prevent other women from getting into top positions and seats at the B suite. What is the reason behind this strong desire to prevent other women from taking a shot at the board room?

Merit is for those who have arrived, who have been affirmed because they already are in the position. What about the quiet, humble women who are as bright and smart but do not speak much? Will they never get to be chosen?

Last night, I was listening to commentaries from political scientists on what it takes to be President — and a professor from UP says: you have to be a Chief in many ways — chief diplomat, commander in chief, chief legislator, chief citizen, and one more — maybe chief executive. And now I think of women who rise to the top of organizations, they, too, must be chief everything. And when they rise further up into board rooms, the more they have to be a balance of mind and wit, soft or core skills and experience.

So, when we talk about women getting into boards because of merit, we actually notice only the articulate, the confident smart talker, and forget those who are just as qualified but do not speak as much. Though a stellar academic and professional record say much, the other stuff that make women get the positions are connections or networks. This is why we have organized the NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors or NOWCD. To give voice to the women who can contribute to the boards of publicly listed companies (PLCs) as well as NGOs. It will soon get its affiliation with the Women Corporate Directors International (WCDI), by which NOWCD members may be offered board seats even in international companies.

Why am I for quotas? Because quotas, like any number or target, gets talked about and remains in the consciousness of others who otherwise may not care. Quotas, even if they are filled by wives and daughters, or some token woman, will start a fire that may cause our PLCs to be more mindful of the contributions of the other sex. Most boards are still male-dominated, aka “old boys club,” and this practice is often condoned by shareholders anyway.

There are many reasons. One is the seeming lack of qualified female candidates for independent directors. So, this is one area where NOWCD will work on to ensure there is a pipeline of other qualified candidates fit for the board room. Women corporate executives often drop out in their 40s and never return due to childcare and other choices. Those who stay are a few who never get the chance to rise to the C Suite. In a leaking funnel, women in boards are only 17%, even if women are the greater number in finishing college, almost 52%.

The other reason is prominence or being known in the circles. There is a lack of promotion or self-promotion in the guise of humility. There are women who are shy or timid vs. the few who claim their seats early and network with the “boys” in organizations that matter. So, those who get elected to boards in associations, end up also getting known to the men, and then get chosen to join PLCs or NGO boards.

The third reason may be lack of resources for women to talk about professional directorships and learn from mentors. This is another area that NOWCD will address. While the same 20 women are chosen and are in multiple boards, these women have chosen to organize and endeavor to teach others how to get to the B suite. In fact, we now number 30 members and growing.

So, why quotas? Or no quotas? I have argued for quotas while those who just say merit, need to address the issue than just live with it. We all can learn a thing or two from other women on why we should give the others a leg up, and not just be silent about it.

So, how will women rise up to the Board level? We have to find them, train them, and eventually escort them to their seat at the proverbial table.

This article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines or MAP.

 

Chit U. Juan is a member of the MAP Diversity and Inclusion Committee, chair of the Philippine Coffee Board, councilor of Slow Food (www.slowfood.com) for Southeast Asia and is an advocate for organic agriculture.

map@map.org.ph

pujuan29@gmail.com

map.org.ph

Advertising a presidential candidate

MACROVECTOR-FREEPIK

In my last column, I likened a presidential campaign to a total marketing process, the electorate to the market, the candidate to a brand, public opinion polls to market surveys, local chapters to distribution channels, hugging voters and shaking their hands to personal selling, and the communication program to the advertising plan.

I wrote in that column that some political candidates think that advertising and marketing are synonymous, that advertising is all there is to marketing a candidate. That is why our air lanes are now saturated with their advertisements months before the start of the official campaign period.

In product advertising, the No. 1 principle of effective advertising is that the advertisement must be consumer oriented, meaning it should say what benefits the consumer would derive from the product. Similarly, advertisements of political candidates should be voter oriented. The advertisement should address the concerns, interests, and values of the voting population.

Principle No. 2 says the benefit promised should be the most important among the several benefits that can be derived from the product. In political advertising, the advertisement should focus on the most serious concern or the primary interest of most voters.

The advertiser of a product determines through market surveys what benefits the target consumers are looking for in a product and which benefit, among many, is the most important to them. The concerns, interests, and values of voters can be determined through public opinion polls or surveys.

Last Wednesday, five presidential candidates presented at the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo what they would do in the first 100 days in office if elected president. I deduce that what they would focus on in their first 100 days as president is what they perceive to be the most serious concerns or in the best interests of the voters.

I do not know if their priorities were based on surveys. Some political candidates do not believe in surveys. They cannot comprehend how the opinions of 1,200 people could reflect the sentiments of millions of voters spread all over the archipelago. Anyway, here are the policies and programs of the five presidential candidates in the order of the candidates’ rank in government:

Vice-President Leni Robredo: Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic through wider and more effective healthcare programs and energizing the economy through a stimulus package for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Senator Panfilo Lacson: Laying the foundation of a clean government, restoring confidence in government by requiring public officials to waive their rights under the bank secrecy law, funding fully the Universal Health Care Act, supporting the MSMEs, and expanding agriculture.

Senator Manny Pacquiao: putting corrupt officials in jail, implementing a housing program for informal settlers, reducing loans.

Senator Bong Go: restoring financial stability and the economy to pre-pandemic levels, supporting the tourism industry and agriculture, continuing the Build, Build, Build program, and increasing the Malasakit centers.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno: reinforcing the healthcare system, rehabilitating the economy by providing jobs, business and career opportunities, and reducing petroleum and electricity taxes.

Former senator Bongbong Marcos did not participate in the conference. But in his advertisement, he promises to unify the country, develop agriculture, and find new sources of energy.

In product advertising, the advertisement cites the support for the claim of high quality or superiority of the brand like a special ingredient or a unique process. In political advertising, the character, formal training, or substantial experience of the candidate or all of them are presented as the basis for the ability of the candidate to deliver his promise.

Here are the respective images the presidential aspirants said they project themselves as:

VP Robredo: a leader who marched and worked alongside people and fought for their dreams of a country they deserve; a public servant who did what she could with the limited power and resources available to her to uplift the lives of the people.

Senator Lacson: Experienced in governance, a leader, honest

Senator Pacquiao: one who truly loves the country and the Filipino people and is dedicated to improving their lives that they may not experience the suffering he went through.

Senator Go: Chosen by President Duterte to continue his reform program

Mayor Moreno: Harbinger of true and meaningful change

Former Senator Marcos: Unifying president who will bring about the country’s golden age.

The next Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia reports will indicate which candidate the voters think addresses squarely their concerns and interests and if that candidate is capable of fulfilling his promise. It is not the end of the journey to Malacañang for the presidential hopefuls who rank poorly in the surveys. They can revise their advertising strategy on the basis of what the results of the latest surveys suggest.

In the presidential race, the TV commercial can be likened to a vehicle. A change of vehicle may bring one to the destination ahead of others. A change in TV commercial may enable a presidential candidate to overtake the others and stake a claim on Malacañang.

 

Oscar P. Lagman, Jr. had worked for a public opinion/market research firm, an advertising agency, and taught marketing subjects in three graduate schools.

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