Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 9046

Second quarter start for construction of road linking CavitEx, Sangley Airport

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will start constructing the “coastal” spur road to Cavite province’s Sangley Airport by the second quarter of the year.

“The project will start by the second quarter. Actually nakabudget ito sa 2020 (it is part of the 2020 national budget),” Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar told reporters recently.

He said the spur road project, which will cost about P200 to P250 million, will be built “along the coast leading to connect to Sangley.”

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) announced in November that it submitted its own technical proposal to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to build a five-kilometer spur road from Cavite Expressway (CavitEx) to Sangley, Cavite.

In August, Roberto V. Bontia, president of Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), said a joint proposal on the construction of the Sangley spur road with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) was in the works for submission to the TRB.

The government inaugurated its P486-million Sangley Airport development project last month.

The airport will be expanded by Lucio C. Tan’s MacroAsia Corp. and its Chinese partner China Communications Construction Co. Ltd.

The consortium will have to buy Sangley Airport from the Transportation department before it can start working on the first phase of the project.

The first phase of the project, which costs $4 billion, includes the construction of the Sangley connector road and bridge to connect the Kawit segment of the Manila-Cavite CAVITEx to the international airport.

Phase 1 also involves the construction of the airport’s first runway, bringing capacity to 25 million passengers yearly, helping to decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

The Cavite provincial government has set a target for full operations by 2023, with partial operations a year earlier. A fourth runway will be opened after six years.

The same consortium will work on the other two phases of the project, with the possibility of contract renegotiations.

The second phase, which will cost about $6 billion, involves the construction of two more runways bringing annual capacity to 75 million passengers.

The last phase is the expansion to four runways, which will boost capacity to 130 million passengers.

The Cavite government said the completion of the Sangley Point International Airport will pave the way for the phasing out of NAIA, which can be redeveloped. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Bill granting special powers for flagship projects hurdles committee

THE HOUSE special committee on flagship programs and projects approved Monday a bill granting special powers to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to speed up the implementation of his “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

“Tulad po ng nag-declare tayo ng special powers para po harapin ang Taal, isang disaster, bakit hindi natin gamitin ang powers para sa isang opportunity? (We granted special powers to deal with the Taal eruption; why shouldn’t we grant powers to take advantage of an opportunity?)” Representative Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda of Albay, the bill’s author, said on the sidelines of a House hearing.

House Bill 5456 or the proposed Flagship Emergency Act was approved subject to style revisions and amendments.

The amendments approved by the committee are as follows: changing “emergency powers” to “special powers” and allowing the next President to have the same power to fast-track infrastructure projects, among others.

The bill also authorizes “special modes of procurement” and boosts the government’s eminent domain powers to address right-of-way bottlenecks in infrastructure projects.

According to Mr. Salceda, the Philippines needs to fast-track its infrastructure projects to “fill the gap” in external demand with the Covid-19 outbreak threatening to stifle economic activity.

“Lalong-lalo sa panahon na may (Covid-19) kung saan ang buong mundo po ay dumadaan po sa isang posibleng problema sa pagbagal ng ekonomiya, eh mas kinakailangan po na bilisan natin ang mga proyekto dito sa loob ng ating bansa para po mas matapatan o mapunuan po natin yung kakulangan po sa external demand (We need to compensate for weaker external demand by facilitating these projects at a time when the epidemic threatens to slow down economies all over the world),” he said.

He said the economy has the potential to grow by 10-12% if the infrastructure bottlenecks are addressed, Mr. Salceda said.

“Kung ang ating imprastraktura na sa ngayon ay nasa 5.2% of GDP, ang ganung klase pong infrastructure ay pwede po magpabilis ng ekonomiya between 10 to 12% (With infrastructure spending accounting for 5.2% of GDP, removing the constraints on infrastructure could bring growth to 10-12%),” he said. — Genshen L. Espedido

PHL at or near top of gender balance metrics in GDBA study

A STUDY of workplace gender diversity in Asia puts the Philippines at or near first place on measures like, the narrowness of the gender pay gap, female representation in senior leadership, and overall gender balance.

The fourth Gender Diversity Benchmark in Asia (GDBA) study conducted by non-profit Community Business, which advocates for inclusiveness, and co-funded by Thomson Reuters, studied 4.8 million employees across 3,600 companies in the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.

In the first study to take in data from Philippine firms, the gender pay gap in the Philippines was estimated at 10.2% of total compensation, followed by Indonesia (17.9%), Singapore (24.8%), and Japan (26.8%).

The percentage of females in senior management in the Philippines was 33%, followed by Malaysia and Hong Kong with 26.7% and 24.7%, respectively.

Although the Philippines ranked highly across the three metrics, gender imbalances were observed in some sectors.

Women were heavily represented in human resources at 71% and finance at 69%. The share of women in information technology was 28%.

Women in the Philippine work force accounted for more than half of the total in the 20 to 39 age group. The proportion, however, “steadily” declines from age 40 and above, which the report attributed to the need for family members to care for the elderly.

University of the Philippines Journalism Professor Ma. Diosa Labiste told reporters on the sidelines of the event that the history of the women’s movement in the Philippines has positioned the country ahead of others in Asia.

“The growth of the women’s movements since the 1960s to 1980s paved the way for the country to have more laws that would promote equality, and also women support for universal access to education on many levels. [This includes] years of having feminist and women’s groups raising issues and consciousness among different sectors in society. These are the gains we are seeing now,” she said.

“Having women in the workplace assert themselves through associations and labor unions helps close the gender income gap. We have to credit the part of history where women also demanded the right to have equal pay and have fair and better and representation in all aspect of society,” she added.

Marla Garin-Alvarez, Asia Pacific diversity and inclusion lead at the Thomson Reuters, said the Philippines’ gains in workplace gender balance can be sustained.

“First, by looking at the new arenas where we need to make our presence felt. For example… women need to be more adept at technology to be able to lead in that space,” she said.

“Second, by supporting each other. The previous generation paved the way for the younger generation of women professionals, so that they could get the proper training, exposure and visibility, leadership opportunities in particular. Women at the senior levels should make use of their leadership position to make things happen for the women in the younger generation,” she added.

“In the Philippines, particularly among multinational companies, that is happening now. The challenge is for local companies to follow suit…in changing the way they hire, promote and retain women,” Ms. Garin-Alvarez said. — Carmina Angelica V. Olano

National gov’t outstanding debt rises to P7.76 trillion at end-January

THE national government’s (NG) outstanding debt increased to P7.763 trillion at the end of January, with borrowing rising from both domestic and foreign sources, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said Monday.

BTr said outstanding debt rose 3.6% from a year earlier, and was up 0.4% from the 2019 year-end total.

“The level of NG debt reflects a P32.06 billion or 0.4% increment from the end-December 2019 level predominantly due to net availment of foreign financing,” BTr said.

Outstanding debt from domestic lenders accounted for nearly 66% of the total at P5.123 trillion. Domestic debt rose 4.4% higher year-on-year but was 0.1% lower compared to the end of 2019.

“For January, the (month on month) reduction in domestic debt was mainly due to the net redemption of government securities amounting to P3.86 billion, which more than offset the P0.03 billion effect of peso depreciation on onshore dollar bonds,” it said.

About 99.98% of domestic debt consisted of government securities while the remainder was in the form of loans.

Foreign sources provided the remainder, or P2.639 trillion, up 2.1% from the year prior and up 1.4% from the end of the previous year.

The treasury said the month-on-month increase in external debt was due to net availments of foreign loans worth P33.51 billion, as well as the “P2.72 billion effect of local currency depreciation on dollar-denominated debt.”

Loans accounted for 39.86% of the external borrowing total or P1.052 trillion while the remainder of 60.09% came from debt securities issues worth P1.586 trillion.

NG guaranteed debt stood at P488.294 billion, up 0.2% year-on-year and down 0.1% from the record level posted in December.

“The lower (month-on-month) level of guarantees was due to the net redemption of both local and foreign guarantees amounting to P0.46 billion and P0.39 billion, respectively,” the BTr said.

“This was tempered by local and third-currency exchange rate fluctuations that increased the value of external guarantees by P0.24 billion and P0.16 billion, respectively,” it added. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Tourist spending growth exceeds 20% in 2019 to $9.31B amid record arrivals

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said growth in visitor receipts, a measure of spending by international tourists, topped 20% in 2019 to $9.31 billion, after visitor numbers grew to record levels.

In a statement Monday, DoT said the rise in spending totals reflects above-target visitor numbers of 8.2 million in 2019, breaching the DoT’s target of 8 million.

The DoT’s Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management (OTDPRIM) estimated that on average, daily tourist expenditure was $128.35 and $1,218.04 over the entire trip.

The DoT said South Korea remained the top source of visitors with an estimated total spend of $2.6 billion. Visitors from China spent $2.3 billion while visitors from the US spent $1.2 billion. It identified the other top sources of visitors as Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, the UK, Germany and Malaysia.

Despite the current travel ban in China and the partial travel ban in South Korea amid the rising global cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“The Philippine tourism industry’s continued impressive performance dramatizes the dedication, hard work and resilience of its stakeholders through a most challenging year. We count on the same enduring qualities to get us through the challenges this year,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. — Gillian M. Cortez

Employers urged to support working mothers’ start-up aspirations — LinkedIn

WORKING mothers expressed high levels of interest in starting a business, and employers should be ready to support them in achieving these goals, LinkedIn reported, citing the results of a study.

According to the LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2020, the career networking company said 25% of working mothers in the Philippines expressed interest in starting their own businesses, while 16% valued job security.

LinkedIn said the main constraint for such workers is lack of time and money.

“Lack of time is a more difficult barrier for them compared to other respondents. They also experience related concerns such as lack of support in family commitments and weak networks as bigger hurdles compared to other respondents,” LinkedIn said in a statement Monday.

LinkedIn added that female workers in the Philippines are likely to leave employment after or in preparation for childbirth.

The Philippines’ female labor participation rate is 46%, lowest in Southeast Asia.

LinkedIn said 22% of working mothers in the Philippines are single, the second-highest level in the world. This poses a challenge for mothers who need to find a balance between family time and pursuing employment or business goals.

LinkedIn Vice-President of Talent and Learning Solutions for the Asia-Pacific Feon Ang said that addressing the gaps in providing women, especially mothers, with work opportunities should be a focus for employers, considering that this population can help fill the need for more talent globally.

“As industries face the global shortage of talent and skills gaps, it becomes more important for businesses to do more to encourage women to be a part of the workforce and help them reach their full potential. A diverse and inclusive workforce can be a huge advantage for businesses as employees can share and learn from one another’s perspectives, experiences and ways of solving problems.” — Gillian M. Cortez

DTI confident of prevailing in WTO dispute vs. Thailand

TRADE Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo is confident the World Trade Organization (WTO) will allow the Philippines to make its case for retaliation in a 12-year trade dispute with Thailand.

“We are confident that the WTO and its members will uphold the exercise of substantive rights by a decent and responsible member (Philippines) which has been abiding by WTO rules,” he said in a statement Monday.

Thailand declined to discuss at the WTO its ongoing dispute with the Philippines over cigarette imports in a dispute settlement meeting Friday.

The Philippines first complained in 2008 of Thailand’s customs valuation of cigarette imports, which the WTO decided in favor of the Philippines in 2010.

The trade department said in November that it is considering retaliatory measures for Thailand’s non-compliance with the WTO ruling, saying that it may impose quantitative restrictions or tariffs on Thai automotive exports to the Philippines.

Mr. Rodolfo, who chairs the technical committee on WTO matters, said he does not want to preempt any WTO action. The WTO is currently studying Thailand’s objections to the meeting.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters Monday that the Philippines wants official authorization from the WTO to impose countermeasures against Thailand.

“We just have to hear that go-signal from the WTO,” he said. Asked if he would consider unilateral countermeasures outside of the WTO, he said the WTO process must be observed to prevent back-and-forth retaliations.

“Kung may authority na binigay, walang (If authority is given, there won’t be) retaliation (from the other side) because you are authorized to do that.”

Mr. Rodolfo said the Philippines has been abiding by the rules of the organization.

“The Philippines is confident that the WTO and its Members will see through the tactics being used by the other Party in order to impair the country’s exercise of its substantive rights.”

He said the blocking of the meeting agenda halted discussions on the Philippines’ substantive rights.

“We are confident the WTO and its Members will see through this underhanded attempt to prevent our exercise of our right, by blocking even the very WTO Meeting where this would have been discussed,” he said.

“In a rules-based environment, those who break the rules and who go unpunished, derive the most benefits-at the expense of those who diligently abide by the rules.” — Jenina P. Ibañez

CITIRA: Are we there yet?

It has been more than a year since the first version of the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA) bill was discussed in Congress. Some said the passage of the CITIRA bill will discourage investment and cause the pullout of foreign investors, displacing workers; others said the bill will eliminate unfair incentives, attract more foreign investment, and make SMEs more competitive in the region.

Since the first version, other versions of the CITIRA bill have come up — the most recent of which is Senate Bill No. 1357. Could this be the final version that is signed into law?

SENATE BILL NO. 1357’S SALIENT POINT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Reduction of corporate income tax

The CITIRA bill gradually reduces the corporate income tax by 1 percentage point every year, from the current 30% to 20% by 2029, beginning Jan. 1, 2020, making our tax rates regionally competitive. However, the President may suspend the reduction beginning 2025 upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Finance should the projected deficit target as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product exceed the programmed deficit as determined by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. This provision suggests that the government is anticipating possible economic concerns once the corporate income tax rates start decreasing.

I hope the passage of the bill will lead to tax savings for companies, with such savings possibly directed towards growth and expansion. This growth is expected to contribute to the improvement of the Philippines’ economic standing in the Asia-Pacific.

Increase in tax rates on certain income

The preferential income tax rates afforded to Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQs) is proposed for repeal. Compared to current tax rules, ROHQs paying 10% on their taxable income will be subject to regular corporate income tax two years after the effectivity of CITIRA. From the previous 10% income tax rate, ROHQs will be subject to a 27% income tax rate at that stage of the reduction in corporate income tax rates.

Final tax rates on the interest income on bank deposits under the expanded foreign currency deposit unit of resident foreign corporations are to rise to 15%. Currently, this passive income is only subject to a final tax rate of 7.5%.

Capital gains tax (CGT) on the unlisted shares of resident foreign corporations and nonresident foreign corporations is likewise increased to 15%. This is a shift from current 5 or 10% CGT rate on net capital gains realized during the taxable year from the sale, barter, exchange, or other dispositions.

The increase in the final tax rate and CGT may be considered “catch-up” provisions since, under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the 15% tax rate for both is already applicable to domestic corporations.

Introduction of new title in the Tax Code – ‘Tax Incentives’

The provisions on tax incentives include an option in favor of companies with qualified activities to avail of Income Tax Holidays (ITH) for two to four years; and thereafter, to avail of Special Corporate Income Tax (the tax rate is 10% beginning Jan. 1, 2022, based on gross income earned) for three to four years, which could be extended for another three or four years. Another option is for these companies to avail of the regular corporate income tax rate with enhanced deductions for five to eight years, which may be extended for three to four years. Availing of either tax incentive option shall not exceed 12 years.

Companies with registered projects or activities prior to the effectivity of the bill will be allowed to continue paying the preferential tax rate of 5% on gross income earned for a maximum of seven years, as provided under the sunset provision of the bill. However, it is important to note that the maximum seven-year duration will only be allowed for companies that (1) export 100% of their output; (2) employ 10,000 Filipino workers in an incentivized activity; or (3) are engaged in manufacturing that would qualify as a “footloose project or activity,” as defined in the Bill.

In the bill, the government aims to provide incentives that are targeted, time-bound, and transparent, promoting innovation, high-technology projects, and agribusiness.

Proposed effectivity date of the CITIRA Bill

A newly-signed law generally takes effect 15 days after its complete publication in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. In the CITIRA bill, however, there is a retroactive clause on the reduction of the corporate income tax rate, the increase in certain final tax rates, and the amendment in the computation of allowable interest expense, which is proposed to retroact to Jan. 1, 2020.

Could this be the final version of the CITIRA bill? We can never be certain just yet. What is rather certain is our need to prepare and keep abreast of the changes that are surely underway. One can also imagine the process of scrutiny the proposed amendments have undergone and are yet to undergo from all stakeholders before it takes final form.

Let’s Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.

 

Paul Vinces C. Leorna is a Semi-Senior of Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

UAAP volleyball on

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

AFTER being delayed for two weeks, the start of the volleyball tournament of Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is finally pushing through today.

Set at the Mall of Asia Arena, UAAP volleyball opening day will feature the Far Eastern University and University of the East in a scheduled double-header.

Men’s play starts at 2 p.m. to be followed by the women at 3:30 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws, losing semifinalists last year, are out to get their campaign to a good start.

They lost some key pieces from last season due to graduation but are still confident of fashioning out a spirited run and competing hard.

Lycha Ebon, who had an impressive rookie season early last year before going down with a year-ending knee injury, is back for the Morayta-based spikers.

She is joining holdovers like Nette Villareal, Gel Cayuna, Cza Carandang, Van Agudo and Buding Duremdes.

“This year we’re expecting an exciting season. For FEU, we’re ready for our charge and see where it will lead us,” said FEU women’s coach George Pascua in the lead-up.

FEU pushed reigning champions Ateneo Lady Eagles to the limit in the Final Four last season, nearly overhauling a twice-to-win disadvantage.

The UE Lady Warriors, meanwhile, will be led by seniors Mean Mendrez and Seth Rodriguez as well as Zilfa Olarve, Yeye Gabarda and Jasckin Babol, backstopped by young players Mia Manabat and Jel Quizon.

UE finished seventh in the competition last year with a 3-11 record, something coach Karl Dimaculangan said they are aiming to improve on, with a Final Four appearance an immediate goal as well.

On the men’s side, FEU, which lost to reigning champion National University last year, is determined to make another go at it while UE, like its women’s team, is out to perform better this time around after a seventh-place finish last season.

Both the Tamaraws and Red Warriors expressed their appreciation for the UAAP’s decision to give the men’s play more exposure this season so as to show what they can do and further elevate the sport of volleyball.

The UAAP volleyball tournament was supposed to start on Feb. 15 but was deferred over concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Oconer continues to pad Ronda Pilipinas lead

BAGUIO CITY — George Oconer of Standard Insurance-Navy stuck with the 10-man group that checked in first in Stage Eight to virtually clinch the title in the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 10th anniversary race at the Burnham Park here yesterday.

Mr. Oconer, 28, was one of the six Standard riders who were in the lead pack headed by Go for Gold’s Daniel Ven Carino, who topped the grueling 170.6-km Palayan-Baguio stage, in clocking four hours, 30 minutes and four seconds.

Marvin Tapic of Bicycology-Army ended up at second while Jonel Carcueva of Go for Gold third in the stage of this race presented by LBC and backed by the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation.

The effort kept Mr. Oconer well-entrenched at the helm with an aggregate time of 27:34:35 ahead of Standard teammates Ronald Oranza (27:35:50), Ronald Lomotos (27:35:53), John Mark Camingao (27:36:28), Junrey Navarra (27:36:52) and El Joshua Carino (27:38:26).

It reduced the final two stages — the 176.4-km Pugo, La Union-Vigan Stage Nine and the Vigan Stage 10 criterium — to his coronation ride.

Mr. Oconer thus ended his long search for the crown after finishing third in the inaugural edition in 2011 and second in 2015.

And the Navymen did everything to protect Mr. Oconer, who never really got threatened in cruising to the finish line where they were met with cheers from the appreciative crowd that included host Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“I’m thankful for my teammates for helping me, we treat each other as brothers,” said Mr. Oconer.

While the top six in the individual general classification remained unperturbed, there were some changes in the seventh to 10th place as former leader Mark Julius Bordeos of Bicycology and Rustom Lim of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines slipped out from the pack.

Mr. Carcueva moved from ninth to seventh in 27:39:59, Mr. Carino zoomed from 12th to eighth in 27:40:21, Mr. Grospe leapt from 10th to ninth in 27:40:23 and Mr. Tapic barged into No. 10 from 20th in 27:42:55.

Standard had also claimed the team crown, its sixth straight, holding on to the CCN sprint (Jan Paul Morales) and Versa King of the Mountain (Carino) categories.

The only category that didn’t go Standard’s way was the MVPSF Best Under-23 rider, which is being contested by Messrs. Carino and Grospe and another Go for Gold bet Jericho Jay Lucero.

This event, which stakes P1 million for the individual champion, is being backed by Palayan, Nueva Ecija, Versa, 8A Performance, Print2Go, Petron, Green Planet, Bike Xtreme, Standard Insurance, Spyder, CCN, Lightwater, Prolite, Guerciotti, Black Mamba, Boy Kanin, Vitamin Boost, NLEX-SCTEX, Maynilad, 3Q Sports Event Management Inc., LBC Foundation and PhilCycling.

James tows Lakers past Pelicans, 122-114

NEW ORLEANS — LeBron James had a triple-double as the visiting Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of All-Star forward Anthony Davis and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-114, on Sunday night.

Davis, who averaged 36 points as the Lakers won the first three meetings with his former team, sat out because of knee soreness one night after a 105-88 loss at Memphis in which Los Angeles had a season-low point total.

James, who had 40 points in a 118-109 home victory against the Pelicans on Tuesday, finished with 34 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds.

Kyle Kuzma added 20 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13, and Danny Green, Avery Bradley and Markieff Morris had 10 each.

Rookie Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with a career-high 35 points, marking his 11th consecutive games with 20-plus points. Lonzo Ball scored 19, Brandon Ingram had 15 on 5-of-23 shooting, Derrick Favors had 12 points and 14 rebounds, Jrue Holiday scored 11 and Nicolo Melli added 10.

The Lakers led by two at halftime, but Green scored the team’s first five points of the third quarter and the lead quickly grew to 77-68.

Williamson scored the first four points of a 9-0 run that pulled the Pelicans even.

The score was tied four more times before New Orleans took a 95-93 lead at the end of the third quarter.

James started the fourth-quarter with a jumper to tie the game before the Pelicans scored six straight points.

The Lakers answered with an 11-0 run as James had two baskets and assists on Kuzma’s 3-pointer and Quinn Cook’s jumper to make the score 106-101.

Williamson scored five points to help New Orleans pull even at 108.

Kuzma and James each made a 3-pointer to give Los Angeles a 116-111 lead with 2:27 remaining and the Pelicans scored just three points after that.

Ingram scored nine points and Josh Hart beat the quarter buzzer with a tip-in as New Orleans took a 33-29 lead at the end of the first period.

James had 11 of his 19 first-half points in the second quarter, making all five of his shots, including one 3-pointer, as the Lakers edged in front 63-61 at halftime.

NUGGETS DOWN RAPTORS
In Denver, Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists, Jamal Murray used a hot start to finish with 22 points, and the hosts Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors, 133-118, on Sunday night.

Torrey Craig had a season-high 17 points off the bench, Jerami Grant scored 16 and Gary Harris finished with 15 for the Nuggets, who had eight players score in double figures.

Jokic now has 12 triple-doubles this season and 40 for his career in the regular season. He was three assists shy of the mark at halftime and didn’t get his 10th until late in the fourth quarter.

OG Anunoby had a career-high 32 points, Norman Powell scored 24, Kyle Lowry added 17 and Pascal Siakam finished with 16 for Toronto. The Raptors have lost three straight for the first time in nearly three months. — Reuters

USGA: US Open qualifiers in Asia on schedule for now

PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA — Contingency plans are afoot in case the sectional qualifiers for the US Women’s Open and US Open scheduled for Asia and elsewhere are cancelled due to the coronavirus, US Golf Association (USGA) CEO Mike Davis has said.

Speaking after the USGA annual meeting on Saturday, Davis told reporters the association was discussing various scenarios but would not make any immediate decisions given the rapidly changing situation with the virus.

The US Women’s Open appears the championship most likely to be affected, with qualifiers scheduled for China (Shanghai), South Korea and Japan late next month.

China is the epicenter of the virus, which has spread to many corners of the globe, with South Korea and Japan reporting hundreds of infections.

“You can see how quickly things can turn,” Davis told a small group of reporters. “People are trying to be proactive — ‘What is a worst-case scenario and what do we need to do now?’ We’re doing some things but everything’s on schedule right now.”

Competitions chief John Bodenhamer, who is in charge of the men’s and women’s Open tournaments, described the potential problems as daunting, and not just the issue of whether international qualifiers will go ahead.

Among the questions the association is pondering is whether players who qualify from the most affected countries will even be able to get into the US for the men’s and women’s opens.

“We’re trying to get our head around all of that. It’s pretty daunting but we’ve started,” Bodenhamer said.

The women’s open is scheduled to be held at the Champions Club in Houston, Texas, from June 4–7, with the men’s championship at Winged Foot in New York two weeks later.

The coronavirus has already started to affect the travel plans for USGA staff.

Davis and a fellow official have cancelled a trip to St. Andrews, Scotland, this week where they were due to meet their counterparts from the R&A, with which it jointly administers the rules of the sport globally.

“We’re going to do them virtually now,” Davis said of the meetings. — Reuters

1...9,0459,0469,047...13,476Page 9,046 of 13,476
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube