Gasoline, diesel prices decrease for 3rd week

September 9, 2019 | 9:06 pm

OIL COMPANIES are cutting prices of gasoline and diesel products for the third straight week, along with kerosene which went up last week. In separate advisories, the firms said gasoline prices will go down by P0.50 per liter (/L), diesel by P0.10/L, and kerosene by P0.25/L. PTT Philippines Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said their price adjustments will take effect today at 6:00 a.m. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. implemented the price rollback on Sept. 7, while Seaoil Philippines, Inc. on Sept. 9. Last week, gasoline and diesel decreased by P.10/L, while kerosene was up by the same amount. Department of Energy data show year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P4.66/L for gasoline, P3.27/L for diesel and P1.26/L for kerosene. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Iloilo City sets up digital info kiosk

September 9, 2019 | 9:05 pm

ILOILO CITY — A digital information kiosk has been installed at the Iloilo City Hall, a step towards the local government’s goal of becoming a “smart city.”

“That is for our residents, like for example if they need their birth certificate, they will just have to tap the screens and the kiosk will automatically show the corresponding requirements,” Information Systems Office officer-in-charge Francis T. Cruz said in a phone interview Friday.

The touch-screen kiosk is equipped with data for all local services and transactions such as permit requirements and corresponding payments.

Mr. Cruz said the facility will help make transactions faster and more convenient. “Before we are giving out leaflets (to give information), but now we are ‘high-tech’… we need to shift to digital,” he said.

The facility is now being fine-tuned and Mr. Cruz said they are aiming to have it running within the week. “We have a lot of upcoming offers under the smart city direction. Now, we are looking into a mobile application for tax payment and anything that would make transactions or dealing with the city government easier, faster, less time consuming,” he added.

On Monday, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas announced that the country’s two major telecommunication companies have expressed intent to partner with the local government for the establishment of free Wi-Fi access in selected areas in the city.

Mr. Treñas said the city government is set to sign agreements with Globe Telecoms, Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. for the project.

The free Wi-Fi access will cover the City Hall, Esplanade area, bike lanes along Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao district, and public plazas in the metro.

“The partnerships are a big help for us in our quest to become a smart city. I am very excited with this as we will be giving the public more access to avail of services and for us to better serve them,” Mr. Treñas said.

The city council has already passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement with both Globe and Smart, the wireless unit of PLDT, Inc.

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

Soldier assisting DENR wounded in NPA attack

September 9, 2019 | 9:05 pm

MILITARY TROOPS assisting Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel in Brooke’s Point, Palawan were attacked on Monday by suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), leaving one soldier wounded. In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the soldiers were conducting security operations in an area being monitored by the DENR for reported “rampant illegal logging.” The AFP said, “it was unfortunate… that the Communist Terrorists have chosen to disrupt the enforcement of environmental laws by government authorities.” The attack was carried out by five NPA members at around 10:20 in the morning, according to AFP. More troops have been deployed to the area to pursue the NPAs who fled in “different directions” following the 10-minute exchange of fire. The wounded soldier is already in stable condition, the military said.

Cebu’s Enrison eyes property development projects in Dumaguete, Siquijor

September 9, 2019 | 9:02 pm

CEBU-BASED Enrison Holdings Inc., the holding company of Be Resort in Mactan and Be Grand Resort in Panglao, Bohol, is looking at other cities and provinces for more property development projects. Company Chairman Enrique Benedicto said among the locations they are scouting are Dumaguete City and the island province of Siquijor. Mr. Benedicto made the announcement following the formal launching of Enrison’s first entry into residential property development with their 20-storey Be Residences in Lahug, Cebu City. The company, also the developer of the Mabuhay Tower at the Cebu IT Park, is currently constructing two more towers at the Cebu Business Park. The Be Grand Resort in Panglao, meanwhile, is expanding with additional rooms and function halls. Enrison Holdings is also involved in cement manufacturing, construction, furniture export, among other businesses. — The Freeman

Peso rises versus dollar on US nonfarm payrolls

September 9, 2019 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO strengthened against the dollar on Monday on weaker-than-expected US jobs data.

The local currency closed at P51.865 against the greenback, four centavos stronger than Friday’s close of P51.905 versus the dollar.

The peso opened at P51.88 against the dollar. It traded within a narrow range, with its weakest point logged at P51.90, while its intraday best was at P51.77 against the greenback.

Dollars traded on Monday was down to $1.073 billion from the $1.449 billion seen on Friday.

“The peso strengthened following the weaker-than-expected August 2019 US nonfarm payrolls report and dovish comment from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell that the Federal Reserve remains committed to sustain the US economic growth,” one trader said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael L. Ricafort added that local data, including the improvement in gross international reserves (GIR) as well as inflation’s decline to a three-year low of 1.7% in August also pushed the peso up.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Friday that GIR went up to $85.61 billion as of end-August from $85.18 billion the previous month.

The end-August reserves — which serve as a buffer for liquidity shocks — is equivalent to 7.5 months worth of imports and payments of services and primary income, the central bank said.

Meanwhile, US job growth slowed more than expected in August, reflecting the US trade war with China and raising expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut this month.

Nonfarm payrolls rose by 130,000, some 28,000 less than analysts expected and a 29,000 drop from July, but average hourly earnings increased slightly and jobless rates remained steady.

For today, the first trader sees the peso slipping on likely softer China inflation data.

“This might increase speculation of monetary stimulus from the People’s Bank of China due to the lingering impact of the ongoing trade war between the US and China,” the trader said.

The trader sees the peso playing around the P51.80-P52.00 range, while Mr. Ricafort said it could move within P51.70-P52.00 against the dollar. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

Nation at a Glance — (09/10/19)

September 9, 2019 | 9:00 pm

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Stocks climb on stimulus hopes amid weak data

September 9, 2019 | 9:00 pm

LOCAL SHARES ended higher on Monday despite weak economic data from China, which showed a contraction in exports in August as an effect of its trade dispute with the United States.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up 26.65 points or 0.33% to close at 7,960.12. The broader all shares index also climbed 14.29 points or 0.29% to reach 4,799.31.

“Asian equities markets continued higher today with the PSE main index ending with some gains as well. This came despite weak data on Chinese exports, contracting for the month of August. Exports from China to the US dropped 16% due to increased tariffs. Investors are focused on more stimulus from governments to support the slowdown in global economic growth,” AAA Southeast Equities, Inc. Research Head Christopher John Mangun said on Monday.

China’s exports unexpectedly fell in August as shipments to the United States slowed sharply, pointing to further weakness in the world’s second-largest economy and underlining a pressing need for more stimulus as the Sino-US trade war escalates.

August exports fell 1% from a year earlier, the biggest fall since June, when it fell 1.3%, customs data showed on Sunday. Analysts had expected a 2.0% rise in a Reuters poll after July’s 3.3% gain.

Luis A. Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., shared the same sentiment and also noted the remarks of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the ongoing dispute between the world’s largest economies.

“Philippine shares were little changed today…. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell also said Friday the central bank will act as needed to sustain the current economic expansion, noting he does not expect the US economy to fall into a recession,” Mr. Limlingan said in a text message on Monday.

The S&P 500 and Dow industrials closed slightly higher on Friday as investors digested a mixed US jobs report and bet on a Fed rate cut this month, while China’s stimulus plan helped ease some concerns around global growth.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 69.45 points or 0.26% to 26,797.6; the S&P 500 gained 2.72 points or 0.09% to 2,978.72; and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 13.75 points or 0.17% to 8,103.07.

Back home, most counters ended higher. Financials went up 19.46 points or 1.07% to 1,823.63; property gained 22.42 points or 0.55% to 4,073.39; services climbed 7.01 points or 0.44% to 1,602.00; and industrials added 13.11 points or 0.12% to 10,928.13.

Meanwhile, the mining and oil sub-sector tumbled 146.09 points or 1.57% to end at 9,123.36 and the holding firms counter also dropped 18.33 points or 0.23% to close at 7,889.81.

Some 1.003 billion issues valued at P7.67 billion switched hands on Monday, a tad higher than previous session’s P7.65 billion.

Losers beat advancers, 103 to 91, while 51 names were unchanged.

Foreigners continued to sell their holdings, with net outflows logged at P342.75 million on Monday, higher than the previous session’s P29.11 million. — VMPG with Reuters

Azkals seek to steady qualifying bid in away game against Guam

September 9, 2019 | 7:51 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

FOLLOWING its loss in its opener in the second round of joint qualification for World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 on Sept. 5, the Philippine men’s national football team seeks to steady its ship as it treks back to action in an away game today in Guam.

Happening at the GFA Training Center in Dededo at 1:30 p.m. (Manila time), the Azkals look to bounce back after yielding to Syria, 5-2, in their first game in the second round of the qualifiers last week in Bacolod City so as not to lose much ground in the race in Group A.

In the second round of qualification, the Philippines hopes to finish on top of the grouping, or at a least have one of the best four runner-up records among the eight groups, to advance to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Also part of Group A are China and Maldives.

Against Syria, the Azkals had an auspicious start but could not keep in step with the Syrians, who steadily found their mark as the match progressed to frustrate the home side.

Javier Patino got things going for the Philippines, scoring early to make it 1-0 for the Azkals in the sixth minute.

But visiting Syria immediately got the goal back eight minutes later as Omar Al Soma headed a cross to level the count at 1-all.

It kept the pressure on the Philippines, eventually rewarded in the 30^th minute when Khaleb Mobayed found the bottom of the net to help his team to the 2-1 advantage in the 30^th minute.

The two teams went back and forth after but the score would not change by the halftime break.

At the start of the second half, the Azkals found themselves buried deeper when captain Firas Al-Khatib capitalized on a handball inside by Daisuke Sato, scoring on a penalty shot to push Syria to a 3-1 lead with just three minutes lapsing in the restart.

Things continued to get worse for the Philippines as Al Soma scored his second goal for the match in the 55^th minute to make it a commanding 4-1 advantage for the visitors.

The Philippines tried to fashion out a comeback, changing personnel along the way, coming to within two points, 4-2, in the 83^rd minute care of Mike Ott.

But Syria restored order and command with another goal two minutes later from Mahmoud Al Mawas to stretch its lead to three points anew, 5-2, before going on and completing the win.

The Azkals said they will try to make it a thorough attack from start to finish against Guam, a 1-0 loser to Maldives in its opener, to give them a better chance in the match.

“We have a good coach and team and we just have to play our next games as if they are our last,” said Mr. Patino after their defeat.

The Azkals are being coached by Goran Milosevic of Serbia, assisted by Hezirdan Ramadani and goalkeeping coach Milos Simic.

Nadal defies inspired Medvedev in five-set epic to win US Open

September 9, 2019 | 7:50 pm

NEW YORK — Rafa Nadal survived a heroic Daniil Medvedev fightback to claim an epic 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 win and a fourth US Open title on Sunday, moving within one Grand Slam crown of matching Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20.

A routine end to the Flushing Meadows fortnight looked on the cards when Nadal went two sets and a break up but the final turned into a near five-hour thriller as Medvedev staged a comeback that left the Spaniard shaken and Arthur Ashe Stadium buzzing.

“An amazing final — seemed that I had the match more or less, it has been one of the most emotional nights in my tennis career,” Nadal said after watching a montage of his 19 major title triumphs on the stadium’s big screen.

“Tonight everybody saw why he is the number four player in the world already. The way that he was able to fight to change the rhythm of the match was just incredible.

“This victory means a lot especially because of the way the match became so difficult, so tough.”

The 33-year-old lefthander became the second oldest US Open champion in the professional era behind Australian Ken Rosewall, who was 35 when he lifted the title in 1970.

Not once since 1949 had a player come back from two sets down to win the US Open final but the tall Russian, cheered loudly by a crowd that booed him mercilessly earlier in the week, came close.

On the ropes with Medvedev looking to deliver the knockout blow, however, Nadal showed once again why he is the game’s greatest fighter and he lifted himself off the canvas to scrap his way to a 19^th Grand Slam title.

Nadal needed three championship points to finally kill off his 23-year-old opponent and let out a mighty roar as Medvedev’s final return sailed long before falling on his back to soak up the cheers.

Already the King of Clay the Spaniard has been a master of the Flushing Meadows hardcourts this New York fortnight, dropping just one set on way to the final.

Nadal’s victory also saw him join an elite club with Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Federer as winners of four or more US Open men’s singles titles in the open era.

While the women have served up four different Grand Slam winners this season, the old guard of Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic continue to rule the men’s game with the “Big Three” having combined to win the last 12 majors.

Medvedev arrived at his first Grand Slam final as the hottest player in men’s tennis, riding the momentum from reaching four consecutive finals, but it was not enough to carry him to a maiden major title. — Reuters

WWE set to rock Manila anew after three years

September 9, 2019 | 7:50 pm

THE LONG wait of WWE fans in the country for another event here is nearly over as globally popular organization is set to make its much-awaited return on Sept. 20 with “WWE Live Manila.”

Happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the WWE is once again bringing some of its top superstars for a night of top-quality pro wrestling action and entertainment.

The event next week marks the first time after a very long while that the WWE is playing the Araneta Coliseum.

Starting with 1994’s Manila Mania, numerous legends have graced the Big Dome’s halls including Bret “Hitman” Hart, “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Triple H, Edge, Batista, and Jeff Hardy.

Two Wrestlemania XXXV rematches — Roman Reigns against Drew McIntyre in a Street Fight and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston (of The New Day) versus Daniel Bryan — are part of the headlining offering of WWE Live Manila 2019, which will also see the Manila return of Charlotte Flair and Kevin Owens.

Drew McIntyre has been obsessed with ending Roman Reigns’ career. The Big Dog of the WWE has been the target of McIntyre’s assaults following his return from a four-month battle with leukemia. Despite Reign’s victory at Wrestlemania, the fiery Scot has been relentless to destroy the third-generation superstar.

Tensions, meanwhile, have been high around the WWE Championship since Kofi Kingston’s historic victory against Daniel Bryan in Wrestlemania. Kingston’s rise as WWE Champion came as an unexpected welcome to the WWE Universe, much to the annoyance of Daniel Bryan; a man who turned his back on the very people who propelled him to the top of the WWE.

The last time the WWE was in the country was in 2016 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Charlotte also saw action here three years ago, successfully defending her women’s title against Sasha Banks.

WWE Live Manila 2016 featured as well superstars John Cena, Big Show, Chris Jericho, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Goldust and The New Day.

Tickets for WWE Live Manila 2019 are now available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and on https://www.ticketnet.com.ph.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.WWE.com or follow the WWE on its social media pages: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WWE) | Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/WWESEAsia) — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

NCAA 95 second round of eliminations begins today

September 9, 2019 | 7:50 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

AFTER what seemed to be an eternity of a first round, the second phase of the eliminations of National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 men’s basketball commences today with a triple-header set at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Opening things a 12 noon are the defending champions and undefeated league-leaders San Beda Red Lions (9-0) against the tailending Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (1-8) followed by the Lyceum Pirates (6-3) versus season hosts Arellano Chiefs (2-7) at 2 p.m.. Capping off the day is the 4 p.m. clash between the Letran Knights (6-3) and the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (3-6).

Going for their fourth straight NCAA title this season, the Lions are making a strong claim for it following a solid outing in the opening round, something they hope to sustain in the second fold of the tournament.

San Beda has been making things happen with a thorough attack with contributions coming from different directions.

Calvin Oftana is leading the charge for the Lions, posting steady numbers of 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

James Canlas has been good for 12.6 points with Donald Tankoua adding 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Evan Nelle is the other San Beda player in double digits in scoring with 10.9 points apart from dishing out 5.8 assists per contest.

“We did not expect to be here in this situation (a sweep of the first round) but we’re happy to have been able to win all these games. It’s still a long ways to go and we have to continue working,” said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez after wrapping up their first-round assignment on Sept. 6.

Out to stop the Lions are the Generals, who have lost their last seven games after opening the season with a 1-1 record.

JP Maguliano (13.7 ppg and 10.6 rpg) and Marwin Taywan (13.6 ppg and 4.8 apg) are leading the way for Oliver Bunyi-coached EAC.

Lyceum, meanwhile, struggled at the tailend of the opening round, losing back-to-back games.

The last of the Pirates’ losses was at the hands of Arellano, which dropped the upset ax on the former, 87-81, on Aug. 23, making their collision today all the more significant.

Five players scored in double figures for Lyceum in said game, led by Mike Nzeusseu’s 17 and Jayvee Marcelino’s 12 points but it was not enough to get the better of Arellano, which was towed by the double-double effort of Justin Arana (24 points and 11 rebounds).

Letran, for its part, halted a two-game losing streak last time around, beating the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 88-64, on Sept. 6.

Jerrick Balanza top-scored for the Knights with 26 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting from the field.

He was supported by Bonbon Batiller’s 10 points.

The solid performance of Balanza earned for him NCAA player of the week honors, beating San Beda’s Oftana and Allyn Bulanadi of the Sebastian Stags.

Out to derail Letran is JRU, which has lost its last two games and is looking to make an ascent anew.

Philam Life 7s Football League: Ghana FC starts title defense with win over rivals Super Eagles

September 9, 2019 | 7:50 pm

TAGUIG CITY — Season 4 of the Philam Life 7s Football League kicked off at the McKinley Hill Stadium with 66 teams across the Premier Division, Women’s Division, Men’s Division, U15, U13, U11, and U9.

The rematch of the Premier Division finals for the past two seasons opened the tournament with defending champions Ghana FC going up against the Super Eagles. Scoring the first goal at the 10-minute mark was Stanley Edeme of the Eagles. Ghana FC countered with three consecutive goals from David Asare, Hosni Aosso, and Henos Dabo. With ten minutes left, Yohann Fofanna countered with a goal but Ghana FC held on to the victory.

“Coming to this game, I told them, we are not going for anything. We just have to play. For them, they are coming for revenge. That is in their mind. We just have to keep calm and work what we know best,” said Ghana FC head coach Ayi Bimbo.

Making a rousing debut, DMatsunaga FA scored their first victory over Bohemian Sporting Club. The game was tied at 2-2 at full time. The game was decided via penalty shootout with DMatsunaga FA edging Bohemian Sporting Club, 3-2.

Laro FC scored two consecutive goals with two minutes apart to kick off their opening game against debuting Monte Manila FC. David Kaman and Maroo Yhico combined for the two Laro FC goals and it was enough for the team to seal the victory, 2-1. William Gueridon scored the only goal of Monte Manila FC at the 23-minute mark.

“It is really important to start the tournament with a good win — getting the confidence of the players going. Especially in this league today, there is a lot of good competition out there. It is important we got the first win today,” said Aly Borromeo of Laro FC.

“What is important is the rotation of the players in a tournament like this. You go all out for 3–4 minutes, sub, get the rotation going. We are lucky enough to get a good coach to take care of the substitutions. We did the rotations pretty well and we came out with two crucial goals, and we caught one in the end due to six fouls. We still got the victory, that is what is important,” Borromeo adds.

Starting off at the right foot, Superbad Pride FC, who struggled last season, are looking formidable with a 4-2 victory over Tondo FC to secure early in the tournament their first win.

Real Amigos made a good impression in their first game by shutting down the Futbol Funatics, 2-0. With the team’s intense preparation, Coach Lerche Njang hopes to live up to the expectations of their fans.

Bohemian Sporting Club had a hot start with two consecutive goals from Hamed Hasimehdi and Izo El Habib to control the game. A comeback fell short for Mondo International’s Wushoma Tatzuda scored the team’s first goal but time ran out on them.