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Peso to strengthen further this week as budget concerns ease

THE PESO may rise further this week as the market anticipates progress in the 2021 national budget deliberations.

The local unit closed P48.305 versus the dollar on Friday, rising by five centavos from its P48.355 finish on Thursday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

Week on week, the peso was stronger by 17.5 centavos from its P48.48-per-dollar finish on Oct. 2.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the peso strengthened last week after President Rodrigo R. Duterte asked the House of Representatives to hold a special session to approve the 2021 national budget on time.

This came after the House suspended its session on Tuesday, earlier than scheduled, as part of an ongoing speakership row. The House also approved on second reading the P4.5-trillion national expenditure plan that day.

Mr. Ricafort said progress on the 2021 national budget will boost the peso this week as this will give the market an assurance of economic stability amid the pandemic.

Meanwhile, UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in an e-mail that the peso will likely rise as the country produces more goods for exports to offset possible losses in remittances.

“A monthly trade shortfall of $2 billion or less due to slumping imports with fading export weakness, would ease any pressure on lackluster remittances,” he said.

For this week, Mr. Ricafort expects the peso to range from P48.15 to P48.45 versus the dollar while Mr. Asuncion sees it moving from P48.30 to P48.60.

The dollar fell to three-week lows on Friday on optimism that a deal for new US stimulus would be reached, and as investors bet that Democrat Joe Biden is more likely to win the US presidency and offer a larger economic package, Reuters reported.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would resume talks on a possible COVID-19 stimulus package with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday, while Senate Republicans voiced doubts that a deal can be reached before the Nov. 3 election.

Republican President Donald Trump, who initially withdrew from the negotiations last week only to regain interest in forging a bipartisan accord, said he was open to a larger deal.

The dollar index against a basket of major currencies fell 0.54% to 93.05, the lowest since Sept. 21, and fell below its 50-day moving average for the first time since then. It has held within a range from 91.74 to 94.75 since late July.

The euro rose 0.57% to $1.1825. The greenback weakened 0.39% against the Japanese yen to 105.60 yen.

The US currency also fell on rising expectations that Mr. Biden will win the Nov. 3 election, and that Democrats could win the Senate. A Democratic victory would likely result in larger stimulus, which would be negative for the dollar.

Rising expectations of a Biden victory has also boosted appetite for currencies that have been hurt by the trade war between Washington and Beijing, with the Chinese currency the biggest beneficiary. — with Reuters

Stocks seen dropping on budget delay concerns

By Denise A. Valdez, Senior Reporter

LOCAL SHARES are expected to continue slipping this week as worries over the possibility of a delayed 2021 budget and concerns over the coronavirus pandemic hound investor sentiment.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed Friday’s session at 5,931.61, down 11.05 points or 0.18% from the last session.

On a weekly basis, the PSEi lost 67.79 points or 1.13% as it recorded four days of decline out of last week’s five trading days.

Value turnover jumped 76% to an average of P9.37 billion, while net foreign selling continued and grew 37% to an average of P1.03 billion.

“Lacking catalysts, investors remained passive for most of the week as escalating tensions in the Congress threatened a repeat of 2019’s delayed budget,” online brokerage 2TradeAsia.com said in a note.

A speakership row at the House of Representatives has threatened the postponement of the deliberations for the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021. Before President Rodrigo R. Duterte stepped in, sessions were supposed to continue in mid-November, as opposed to the original schedule of approving the budget by mid-October.

“Similar to 2019, a derailed budget will mean a reenacted one will be put in its place, which is lower and have different sector appropriations; a repeat for 2021 will be a negative — magnified even, as specific recovery points have to be addressed in response to COVID-19,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

The 2021 budget will remain center stage among factors that will drive investor sentiment this week, Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said.

“[C]onfidence towards the local market could remain frail as investors continue to worry over economic headwinds. Concerns over the risks stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, and the possibility of a delayed passage of the national budget for 2021, may continue to dampen sentiment… With this, the local market may decline further,” he said in a text message.

As investors await developments on the budget, 2TradeAsia.com said the focus will be on the fourth quarter performance of the economy, as this will indicate how 2021 may pan out. “Black swan events in 2020 have encouraged market players to train attention to 2021 instead, of which the fourth quarter will play a crucial part, particularly for position-investing.”

Unlike previous years, the brokerage said fourth quarter performance may remain slow this year, as the holiday-induced spending will likely be dampened by, possibly,  lower 13th month wages and deferred company bonuses.

“The incoming yuletide season is thus expected to remain underwhelming year-on-year, but a touch improved quarter-on-quarter,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

The brokerage is putting immediate support at 5,700 and resistance within 6,000-6,150. Philstocks’ Mr. Tantiangco sees minor support within 5,830-5,700 and resistance at 6,100.

Lawmakers move to ensure budget passage

By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter

MEMBERS OF Congress, both in the Senate and House of Representatives, are taking steps to ensure the timely passage of the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021 after the speakership row threatened to delay its enactment.

Several House members representing different camps held a joint press conference on Sunday to give assurance of their commitment to tackle and pass the budget.

They also called on “troublemakers” to prioritize next year’s spending plan.

Concerns on the possible delay of the enactment of the 2021 national budget arose when the House of Representatives suspended sessions without passing its version on final reading. The suspension also comes weeks before the Oct.17-Nov. 15 break.

This stemmed from the 15-21 term-sharing agreement between Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Q. Velasco, which the former has now rejected.

Mr. Cayetano on Oct. 6 suspended plenary sessions until Nov. 16 after the budget was passed on second reading.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has since issued Proclamation 1027 directing the House to hold special sessions from Oct. 13-16 to pass the budget and prevent a reenacted budget scenario.

“The President’s call for a special session is very clear, that is for the deliberation and approval of the budget. Budget first, budget is a priority. Politics later,” House Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr., who represents the 50-member Nacionalista Party in the lower chamber, said in an online press conference.

Mr. Villarfuerte — who was joined by Cavite Rep. Elpidio F. Barzaga, Jr., chair of  the House National Unity Party — also said the four-day special session is enough for them to pass the budget on third reading, citing that no one from the minority has so far expressed opposition.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar R. Erice assured that the Liberal Party, which has memberships in both the majority and minority blocs, will adhere to the President’s call of passing the budget on third and final reading on or before Oct. 16.

House Minority Leader Bienvenido M. Abante, Jr. said members from the minority will abide by the rules and ensure the budget’s swift passage without compromising scrutiny.

“Troublemakers won’t come from the minority. We are united in approving the budget,” Mr. Abante said.

Majority Floor Leader Martin G. Romualdez recently said the House ‘supermajority’ will enforce the term-sharing deal after the passage of the budget on third reading on Oct. 16.

“I assure my esteemed colleagues that the gentleman’s agreement will be honored after the approval of the national budget for 2021 on third and final reading on Friday, October 16,” he said in a Viber message.

On the other hand, House Deputy Speaker Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. and Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael T. Defensor, along with his colleagues in the Lakas-Kampi CMD, remained firm in maintaining the status quo.

Meanwhile, a senator proposed on Sunday that special sessions be conducted between Nov. 9-13 to tackle the budget. “We will debate on the budget from Nov. 9 to 13. We can finish it within five to seven days and allot two weeks for the bicam (bicameral conference committee),” Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon said over DzBB radio.

“Congress can send to Malacanang the 2021 GAA (General Appropriations Act) by the first week of December so that the President can sign it before January 1, 2021.”

Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara, chair of the finance committee, said in a phone message he will support initiatives to pass the 2021 spending plan, provided it is “legal and constitutional.”

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said he will look into whether a directive from the President is warranted to reopen sessions, considering it is only suspended.

“I will check on whether we may convene without the President declaring a special session because we are only suspended,” Mr. Sotto said in a phone message on Sunday.

The finance committee’s vice-chair, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, underscored the importance of the budget’s prompt passage as the country addresses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Without the 2021 spending plan, he said, the government will have no immediate funding for vaccine procurement, among other response measures outlined in the budget proposal.

Palace Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., meanwhile, reiterated on Sunday Mr. Duterte’s appeal for House members to set aside politics for now and focus on the budget.

“Uulitin ko po, ang panawagan ng Presidente, itigil muna po ang politika diyan sa mababang kapulungan para maipasa ang proposed budget ng 2021 (I will repeat the President’s appeal, halt the politicking in the lower chamber so that the 2021 budget can be passed),” Mr. Roque said over state-run PTV station.

The signing of the 2019 budget was delayed for four months due to an impasse between the House and the budget department, and later with the Senate, causing the economy to slow down to 5.8% in the first quarters of 2019 from 6.2% the previous year. — with Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Gillian M. Cortez

COVID-19 cases close to 340,000

ANOTHER 2,502 new coronavirus infections were reported by the Department of Health (DoH) on Sunday, bringing the total to 339,341.

The death toll rose by 83 to 6,321 while recoveries increased by 17,057 to 293,075, it said in a bulletin.

There were 39,945 active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, 83% of which were mild, 11.2% did not show symptoms, 1.8% were severe, and 3.9% were critical.

Metro Manila reported the highest number of new cases with 782, followed by Rizal with 141, Laguna with 128, Cavite with 125, and Bulacan with 119.

Of the new deaths, 39 were from Metro Manila, 17 were from Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) Region, 10 from Western Visayas, five from Northern Mindanao, and four from Central Luzon.

Two deaths each were from the Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, and among repatriates, while Eastern Visayas and Caraga reported one each.

More than 3.8 million individuals have been tested for the disease, the DoH said.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will hold another inquiry on Monday on the latest developments of the clinical studies being conducted on Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine for COVID-19.

“The legislative inquiry is a follow through of the first meeting conducted last month with the Russian Embassy on the vaccine’s development,” said San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida P. Robes, who heads the committee on people’s participation.

“Since the Philippines is one of countries that is currently studying the vaccine, we want to be given updates on its trials to give our people information and to help to facilitate cooperation between the two countries,” she said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

PHL, China to open ‘fast-track lane’ for key sectors’ staff

THE PHILIPPINES and China have agreed to set up reciprocal “fast track” lanes for human resources in key industries such as infrastructure and trade amid the coronavirus pandemic, Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. on Saturday met Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China to discuss response programs on the health crisis, and cooperation in infrastructure and in the disputed South China Sea.

“Secretary Locsin and Foreign Minister Wang confirmed the prospective establishment of a Fast Lane for Urgently Needed Personnel Exchanges between the Philippines and China to facilitate, with due safeguards, the movement of essential official exchanges and travel by personnel in crucial industries,” DFA said in a statement.

This will cover business and trade, infrastructure, logistics, production and technical services.

Mr. Locsin visited China from Oct. 9-11 for a bilateral meeting with his counterpart to discuss points of cooperation under the “new normal.” It was his first visit overseas since February, the DFA noted.

Mr. Wang pushed for the personnel exchange meant to ensure continuity of operations in health and other projects as he reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to support the Philippines in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first reported in Hubei province in China.

“The two sides should advance personnel exchanges on the premise of epidemic prevention and control, and promote the resumption of work and production, as well as cooperation on major bilateral projects,” Mr. Wang said in a Xinhua report.

He added China will work with the Philippine government in negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, which has a timeline of three-years or until 2021.

The Chinese government will “advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and ensure the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement within this year,” the report also read. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Nationwide round-up (10/11/20)

68% of Filipino girls, young women experience online harassment

NEARLY SEVEN in 10 or 68% of girls and young women in the Philippines have experienced online harassment, specifically on social media, according to a global study by girls’ rights organization Plan International. The Philippine rate is higher than the worldwide average of 58%, based on the report “Free to be online? Girls’ and Young Women’s Experiences of Online Harassment” released Sunday. In the Philippines, 50% of those who have been harassed said such incidents happen frequently while 33% said its was very frequently. The study also revealed that 79% of the Filipino women surveyed said that other girls they know received threats of sexual violence on social media, while 67% said they were harassed by people they know. “The high incidence of online violence against girls and young women is alarming. In this global pandemic and in an increasingly digital world, girls are more at risk than ever,” Mona Mariano, Plan International Philippines gender specialist, said in a statement. “We must understand that it may also impact girls’ lives offline. Experiencing harassment or abuse online may take a huge toll on a girl’s confidence and wellbeing,” she added. The research is based on a survey and in-depth interviews of over 14,000 girls aged 15-24 in 31 countries, including  500 from the Philippines. The study, conducted across multiple continents, suggested that women from various countries share similar experiences of online harassment and discrimination and believe that the coronavirus pandemic limits their freedom of expression and drives them out of digital spaces. To counter the heightening online violence against women, Plan International has been pushing for a “whole-of-society approach,” which highlights the roles of governments, technology and social media firms, civil society, among other sectors, in promoting digital citizenship education, reporting abuse, crafting and implementing inclusive policies and laws, and amplifying their voices. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Almost 250,000 displaced overseas workers back to hometowns

NEARLY A quarter of a million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have returned to their hometowns after being displaced by the coronavirus global pandemic, the Labor department reported on Sunday. As of October 11, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said they have facilitated the domestic travel of 248,469 OFWs to their respective home regions since the assistance program started in May. DoLE data show the number of returning OFWs peaked in August to early October with over 100,000 going home. — Gillian M. Cortez 

OFWs in Canada get assistance from host country

FILIPINOS TEMPORARILY working in Canada will get assistance worth over P36,000 from the Canadian government to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Labor department. In a statement on Sunday, the agency said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Vancouver, Canada reported that the benefit comes from adjustments in the employment insurance program. “Canada has made changes to its Employment Insurance program and introduced a package of recovery benefits to better support not only its citizens but also qualified temporary Filipino workers,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said. The benefit covers both employed and self-employed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are not covered by the state emergency insurance. “The Canadian government’s continuous support to Temporary Filipino Workers is very much appreciated by the Philippines, most especially at this time of the pandemic,” Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said. Other employment assistance offered by the Canadian government to OFWs affected by the pandemic are the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit for those who have to temporarily stop work to isolate because they contracted the virus, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit for those who are unable to work because they have to take care of their child below 12 years old or a family member who needs supervision. — Gillian M. Cortez

Regional Updates (10/11/20)

To Ganano Falls

Access to Ganano Falls in Diffun, Quirino is now easier for visitors with the completion of a 1.5-kilometer concrete road, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The 80 meter-high falls, also locally known as Nagtugaw Falls, is ideal for eco-adventurers who enjoy a trek through forest, rivers, and streams. The access road project was under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program of the DPWH and Department of Tourism. Quirino province has one of the lowest coronavirus cases in the country, recording only five since the start of the outbreak, all of whom have already recovered.

UP-Mindanao lot eyed for 1st Davao City-owned hospital

A THREE-hectare lot within the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP-Mindanao) complex is being eyed as site for the first city-owned hospital in Davao City.  Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte, who introduced the Davao City Hospital Ordinance, said the City Engineers Office recently conducted a survey of the area that was endorsed by the university. The planned hospital will be located beside the proposed UP-Mindanao College of Medicine. Ms. Villafuerte said the Department of Health (DoH) has recommended starting with a second-level hospital and gradually expand into a third level medical training facility like the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). Davao City hosts the SPMC, the biggest and most-equipped national government hospital in Mindanao. “When we have the initial building design, then we will know how much funding is needed,” the councilor said in a text message. She added that the council’s finance committee and the mayor’s office will be coordinating for finding possible fund sources. “I would think the national government may help us and the city will allocate some funds,” she said, noting that the health facility has long been a “dream” pursued by the city council and has now become particularly crucial given the continued coronavirus threat. — Maya M. Padillo

Navotas teams up with ARTA for ease of doing business program

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) inked a partnership with the Navotas City government to streamline business processes in compliance with Republic Act 11302, the Ease of Doing Business law. In a memorandum of understanding signed on Friday, the city will simplify the issuance of permits and licenses in its 18 barangays as well as create an online version of its business one-stop shop, the city government said in a press release on Sunday. The city government will also create a committee addressing red tape, which will provide public assistance on ease of doing business-related complaints. “We want to make it easy, fast, and convenient for our constituents to transact with us. We believe that the best local government is one whose constituents do not need to go to the city hall because they could readily access our services anywhere they are,” Navotas Mayor Tobias Marcelo Tiangco said. ARTA, for its part, will provide workshops and training sessions for city government officials and employees, and assist the city’s red tape committee. The partnership was signed by the mayor and ARTA Director-General Jeremiah B. Belgica. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Dumaguete seeks waste-to-blocks supplies

THE DUMAGUETE City government is set to bid out a waste-to-blocks project with a P22 million budget under its solid waste management program. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the local government said pre-bidding is scheduled on Oct. 20 “for the delivery, installation and commissioning of one (1) set Pyrolysis Gasification Process with Environment Pollution Control Devices to turn solid wastes into useful byproducts.” Once operational, the city’s solid wastes will be processed into bricks, hollow blocks and other solid materials that can be used for the infrastructure projects and road maintenance, according to Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo. The equipment will be housed at the newly-completed Central Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) inside the Eco-Park. Mr. Remollo said the project “will guarantee that the old dumpsite will be closed for good.”

TNT wins in PBA’s return

The TNT Tropang Giga emerged victorious in the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) return from a seven-month lull, beating the Alaska Aces, 100-95, on Sunday at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga.

Led by Roger Pogoy, TNT bucked a slow start where it struggled offensively and turned things around from the second quarter onwards en route to the win.

The victory made TNT the first team to win in the PBA “bubble” in Clark City where the league will be holed up for the next two months to finish the Philippine Cup and have the league complete at least one conference in its coronavirus pandemic-hit season.

The Aces rode their hot shooting from all angles to finish the first quarter with a 30-15 advantage.

In the second frame, TNT came out on firmer footing, going on a 20-10 run in the first eight minutes to cut its deficit to single digit, 40-35.

It continued with its push the rest of the period, overtaking Alaska, 46-45, with 1:15 to go after a Pogoy triple.

The count was knotted at 48-all at the break.

 The two teams continued to slug it out to begin the third canto fighting to a 56-56 draw by the 8:36 mark.

The nip-and-tuck play continued throughout the quarter before Alaska settled with a one-point cushion (72-71) heading into the final period.

The teams tried to create separation against each other to start the last quarter.

Mr. Pogoy and the Tropang Giga would gain better traction, racing to a seven-point lead, 89-82, with six minutes remaining in the game.

Alaska then went on a 10-0 blast in the next three minutes to overtake TNT, 92-89.

Mr. Pogoy stopped the bleeding for the Tropang Giga with a three-pointer with 2:54 left to tie the count at 92-all.

Two free throws by Ryan Reyes gave TNT a two-point lead, 94-92, with 1:39 to go.

Alaska big man Vic Manuel cut TNT’s advantage by one, 94-93, by splitting his charities at the 1:27 mark.

Jayson Castro made it a three-point lead anew, 96-93, 20 seconds later before Abu Tratter pushed Alaska back to within one, 96-95, with 58 ticks left.

The Aces had their chances to go ahead but could not capitalize on them, something Mr. Castro made them pay for as he towed the Tropang Giga to a three-point lead, 98-95, with a basket with 28 seconds to go.

It was a cushion that TNT would leverage on as they went for the closeout after.

Mr. Pogoy showed the way with 45 points, 21 coming in the second quarter. He also had 10 triples.

Mr. Castro backstopped him with 28 points, while Troy Rosario had nine markers.

New Tropa Poy Erram had four points and eight rebounds, but failed to finish the game as he was ejected late in the third period after getting a technical foul for second motion. He already had a flagrant foul 1 earlier in the game.

For Alaska, it was Mr. Tratter who led the way with 17 points, followed by Michael DiGregorio with 16. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Eala happy, proud of impressive run at 2020 French Open Juniors

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

YOUNG Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala’s impressive run at the 2020 French Open Juniors’ Grand Slam Tournament came to an end in the semifinals on Friday (Manila time), but despite falling short of her quest to win it all, it was showing she was happy and proud of just as she looks forward to the next challenges for her in the sport.

Eala’s second campaign at Roland Garros was stopped after losing to hometown bet, and eventual champion, Elsa Jacquemot (3-6, 2-6) in the Final Four.

The Filipino, seeded second in the tournament, struggled to get her game going throughout the semifinal contest en route to bowing to her opponent in a little over an hour.  

Despite the earlier exit than hoped, however, Eala, who is also a Globe Telecom ambassador, said it was a tournament run that she felt good about as it served to show her continued improvement as a player as well as an opportunity to represent the Philippines in big, international events.

“I’m super happy, and super proud to be representing the Philippines. It’s an honor and the support I’m feeling back home adds to the motivation,” said Eala on the Power & Play with Noli Eala program on Saturday.

“The matches [at the French Open were] different in their own way. I had my ups and downs. This is my second at the French Open and my play was much improved from my first year in 2018,” she added.

Incidentally, the semifinal finish in this year’s French Open was the best to date for her in Grand Slams, topping the third-round ending she had in the 2020 Australian Open in January.

Eala, who is currently based in Mallorca, Spain, as a scholar of the Rafa Nadal Academy, went on to share that heading into Roland Garros she really worked hard on her game and to see the results of it made it more gratifying.

“I [trained] on clay for the past two months, working on and off the court physically. I love the hard court, so I’m pleasantly surprised of doing well on clay,” she said.

Moving forward, Eala said she and her team will continue working on her game, especially being tough mentally since it makes a huge difference in top-level competitions like the French Open.

“Your mentality is really what differentiates you from your opponents. In a tournament like this, skill levels are very much the same. It’s really a matter of who can sustain it more,” she said.

Eala, 15, reiterated her commitment to representing the Philippines the best way she can while hoping in the process she gets to inspire other young tennis players to continue going for their dreams.   

“I have two goals for Philippine tennis. First, is for it to be respected in the sports industry that when they face Filipino players, they will not think and say it will be an easy match. Second, is to inspire other young players to do well.”

PSC touches base with Tokyo Olympics-bound Filipino athletes

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) late last week touched base with Filipino athletes who have already qualified for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

In an informal online meet-up on Friday, the PSC, led by its Chairman William Ramirez, talked to Olympic-bound Ernest John Obiena (pole-vault), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno (boxing) to know their current state and where they are in their preparation as well as get their input on how the sports body can still help them in their push, especially amid prevailing conditions with the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is nothing formal. We would just like to get in touch and see how you are doing. I’m happy that all of you are alright and well,” Mr. Ramire told the athletes during the online session.

Mr. Ramirez was joined in the meeting by PSC Commissioners Arnold Agustin, Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram and Charles Maxey, officials Merly Ibay and Queenie Evangelista, and Philippine Sports Institute National Training Director Marc Velasco.

Also present were Tokyo Olympics Chef de Mission Mariano Araneta and Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary-General Atty. Ed Gastanes.

During the session, the athletes shared what they have been busy with.

Mr. Obiena, who is in Italy and coming off a good run in his pole vault season despite the pandemic, said he is in the process of getting back into shape after gaining some weight.

Mr. Yulo also related challenges in maintaining his weight, but was happy to report that he is back in good form.

The two were the first to qualify for the rescheduled Olympics, booking a spot last year.

Boxers Marcial and Magno, meanwhile, said they are also trying to stay in shape despite the eliminations brought by the pandemic.

Mr. Marcial was set to leave on Sunday for Los Angeles where he is set to begin his training as a professional after signing up with MP Promotions.

He is looking at it as an opportunity to further hone his skills in preparation for the Olympics.

Ms. Magno, for her part, is in her hometown of Janiuay, Iloilo, and is regularly training online.

All four PSC commissioners expressed their support to the four qualifiers, with Mr. Fernandez touting the athletes’ chances of winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Mr. Araneta thanked the athletes for being “a unifying force” in the country while Mr. Gastanes also showed his appreciation for them for their sacrifices and echoed the hope of everyone for a successful Olympic campaign.

The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to find ways to support the athletes in their Tokyo push as well as to those still trying to qualify, despite the many  challenges.

It was a gesture of support that the athletes appreciated.

Apart from funding allowances for the athletes’ training, the sports agency bared that it is working to have locally based athletes start training for their qualification for the Games either in November or December.

The PSC said it is looking at setting up a training “bubble” at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna or on Corregidor Island.

It is currently assessing its options and crafting ways on how to go about it.

Mr. Ramirez ended the online session by urging the Olympic-bound athletes to continue working and taking care of their health even as he promised of more meetings with them in the future. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Poland rejoices after Swiatek’s French Open win

WARSAW — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda was among those offering congratulations as the nation celebrated on Saturday after 19-year-old Iga Swiatek won the French Open, becoming the first Pole to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Swiatek, ranked 54th in the world at the start of the tournament but now into the top 20, crushed American Sofia Kenin (6-4 6-1) to become the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles in 1992.

She comes from the Polish village of Raszyn, just outside of the capital Warsaw, but trained and went to school in the city.

“Great thanks and congratulations for @iga_swiatek! A historic day for Poland, for Polish sport and for Polish tennis. Bravo!” tweeted Duda.

Other politicians and national leaders followed suit, rejoicing in what many called Poland’s greatest ever tennis success.

“Huge congratulations to @iga_swiatek, who has achieved today the success of her life and – I am convinced – just the first success in the Grand Slam. Amazing story written by this young girl on the #RolandGarros courts! Paris is Polish today!” tweeted Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Swiatek was the first Polish woman to reach the Roland Garros final in 81 years and the first at any major since Agnieszka Radwanska at Wimbledon eight years ago.

“Congratulations @iga.swiatek! A fabulous showing for tennis,” Radwanska said in an Instagram post.

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski also congratulated his compatriot. “What an amazing success, what a great story! Good job @iga_swiatek,” the striker said on Twitter.

Former French Open champions Mats Wilander and Chris Evert also praised the young Pole.

“Iga looked so relieved, but also calm,” Wilander told Eurosport. “She is going to win many more — you can see that in her demeanour throughout the final.”

While American Evert, who won seven French Open crowns, said: “What a sterling two weeks of brilliant tennis. Many, many more GS Titles to come.”

Swiatek dropped only 28 games in seven matches at Roland Garros with her run to the final including a first-round win over 2019 runner-up Marketa Vondrousova and a last-16 trouncing of top seed Simona Halep. — Reuters

Germany beats Ukraine 2-1 for first win in four games

KIEV — Germany scored once in either half to beat hosts Ukraine (2-1) in the Nations League on Saturday for their first win in four matches and their first ever victory in this competition.

Matthias Ginter put them ahead in the 20th minutes after good work from Antonio Ruediger, and Leon Goretzka pounced on a mistake by Ukraine keeper Georgiy Bushchan to head in their second goal four minutes after the restart.

Despite having the rested Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig players back in the line-up, the Germans, who did not win a game in the 2018/19 edition, were far from their best.

In a sloppy first half, they repeatedly lost possession, allowing Ukraine to quickly counter attack before Ginter’s goal settled their nerves.

Having conceded equalizers in each of their three previous matches, Germany were eager to add to their lead on Saturday and carved out several good chances.

But Bushchan had a good day making a string of saves before he let the ball slip out of his hands, allowing Goretzka to score in the 49th.

He then again was on hand to stop them scoring, superbly palming a Serge Gnabry shot wide.

A 77th minute penalty by Ruslan Malinovskyi woke up the 20,000 crowd allowed in the Ukrainian capital’s Olympic stadium but the Germans managed to protect their lead despite desperate late attacks from the hosts.

“Obviously, I am happy we won, but we could have been leading 3-0 or 4-0,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

“In some cases, we gave up the ball too easily. When we were 2-0 up they were tired and we should have played more counter attacks maybe. But overall, we were solid and did not allow them too many chances,” he said.

On Tuesday, Ukraine host Spain while the Germans, who had not won a single game in the inaugural 2018/19 competition, take on Switzerland. — Reuters

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