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Out of the loop

By Tony Samson

THE system that allows for working outside the office is able to keep everyone in the loop, even when they’re out of town. The chat groups are not turned off for vacations. They continue in their different clusters and work groups, which sometimes include clients.

So, is the one on vacation still in the loop? Not really.

Even with the “always on” digital environment which can be accessed while you’re out of the country, you are no longer in the decision-making loop or wield any influence over what is going on. (Informal coffee, meetings in the corridor, and canteen lunches are not accessible in real time.)

Urgent moves are made in your absence without your self-serving inputs, no matter how exalted your title is. (We didn’t think it was important enough for us to disturb your Alaska cruise when deciding on your successor.) Rounds of congratulations on pitches won and principals thanked are spectacles on stage with you in the audience, in the nose-bleed section. (They can’t hear you.) Refrain from joining the ticker-tape parade — where’s the victory party? Lurkers are not invited.

What do you do when you’re out of the loop?

Stay out. So, there is a takeover of your company? You cannot really avert disaster by abruptly rebooking your ticket to come home a week earlier, which is anyway costly and difficult to pull off. It only signals despair. It’s best to come back as scheduled.

Corporate reversals of fortune are like medical diagnoses. By the time they’re painful, they are already in stage four and impervious to cures. Anyway, they may have sorted themselves out by the time of your arrival as scheduled. Sticking to your schedule shows that you are not a panicky person. If indeed you have reason to panic, why rush? An anxiety attack is definitely a postponable luxury.

Distance provides perspective. There’s a new management? The previous head is out on an official trip in Paris and declares he is stepping down, and wants more family time… starting 15 minutes ago. Power shifts in the new team are still developing. Not being there while live bullets are zinging away offers you a glimpse of the action with the sound on mute. This allows some context and the proper perspective — it’s not always about you. Although sometimes it is.

Your name may not even figure in the word wars. You are presumed to be unavailable and like a teleserye that can go on with one character out for a few episodes (he is down with dengue) the plot moves on with the remaining actors. The absent role is put on hold, eventually popping back into the story, free from blame for the feud that exploded a few segments back.

Stay with the big picture. Messaging different people in the office for details reminds them that you are not where you are supposed to be, bothering them when they are trying to save their own jobs. Just wait for chats and posts, even if these carry the bias of the reporters and often offer stale news. This is preferable to playing detective by interviewing witnesses digitally, and getting a fragmented picture of what’s happening, turning into a long-distance pest.

Political and corporate changes happen when a leader is out of the country. Plotters like to do their nasty things when the target of regime change (or succession planning) is out and cannot defend himself or call on his loyal troops. It’s even convenient to justify any residue of betrayal — well, he was not here in the time of crisis. By the time he returns, everyone has become a turncoat anyway.

Still, a leader who shuns the head office for its suffocating accessibility can opt to occasionally move operations to distant parts outside the capital. There, he can be more himself and get away with unscripted silences or pronouncements, with a smaller coterie. He is then truly never out of the loop. He brings it along wherever he happens to be, requiring favor-seekers to follow where he is at the moment, with photo ops for the news.

It’s not clear in these cases when work and vacation overlap. So, the unavailable one is never really absent… or present.

 

Tony Samson is Chairman and CEO, TOUCH xda.

ar.samson@yahoo.com

Federal but not in name

By Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco

ONE of the very first matters discussed by the 1986 Constitutional Commission was the form of government well-suited for Filipinos after two decades of authoritarian rule. A query by the sublime constitutionalist, Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ, is particularly relevant to us now, to wit:

“Should we continue a system where practically all governmental power must come from the central government, from Manila? Must we continue the overdominance of Manila over the rest of the country?” [Record of the Constitutional Commission, Volume 1, June 3, 1986, p. 25]

President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s answer to this question was to shepherd the transition of the country to a federal system of government. But the President seemed to have lost the resolve to push this agenda during his term, conceding that presently, there really is no palpable public support for federalism.

And of course, there is that deep distrust with a Congress dominated by political dynasties. Resolution of Both Houses No. 15 hastily passed under the leadership of Speaker Gloria Arroyo is clear evidence that dynastic lawmakers will exploit charter change to further entrench themselves in power.

So, if changing the 1987 Constitution cannot be the answer to Fr. Bernas’ question, is there still hope to break the “overdominance of Manila over the rest of the country”? Is there an alternative path to further decentralizing government? The answer is legislative reform.

Local autonomy is a mandatory prescription of the 1987 Constitution. As per the framers, local autonomy under the charter means “a kind of maximum decentralization, short of federalization.”

This description of how local autonomy is to be understood in the 1987 Constitution denotes that our decentralization framework can approximate a federal set-up. In fact, Article X has provisions that actually exhibit features of a federal system, giving support to the observation by federalism scholars that we already have a quasi-federal set-up under the current charter.

Furthermore, the constitutional parameters mandating for a local government code (Article X, Section 3) allow for the creation of a decentralization framework that could actually function like a federal system, to wit:

“The Congress shall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and operation of the local units.”

However, amending the Local Government Code of 1991, the Administrative Code and possibly other special laws would clearly be tedious work for our lawmakers. A more viable, albeit audacious, option is to just enact a new Local Autonomy Law to supplant the current decentralization apparatus.

This new law can approximate a federal set-up by incorporating these three features in the new decentralization system:

1. Regional governance framework.

2. Clear power sharing between the local government and the national government as well as amongst the different levels of local governments.

3. Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) mechanisms.

Notably, this new omnibus local autonomy legislation does not have to be created from scratch. Indeed, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) can be a good starting point. For reference, these specific provisions of the BOL can be used as benchmarks:

1. Article VII on the Bangsamoro Government for the regional governance framework. For example, the new law can create a Regional Development Authority comprised of all provincial governors in the region. This body shall be exclusively and primarily responsible for development planning for the region with national government agencies having only support roles.

2. Article V on the Powers of Government for the clear allocation of powers between the different levels of government. The point to remember here is that the division of functions must be formulated in such a way that the assignment of accountability is unequivocal.

3. Article VI on Intergovernmental Relations, specifically the creation of an Intergovernmental Fiscal Board to govern an enhanced fiscal decentralization arrangement.

However, precisely because of this substantial devolution of public functions and funds, it is imperative that the new law must have measures to ensure the sustained and significant involvement of the people in local governance. Therefore, it is critical that civil society organizations must have mandatory participation in the regional governance body and in all IGR platforms. Keeping in mind, of course, that the genuine engagement of the community in subnational-level governance is crucial to the success of the new local autonomy regime itself.

Many Filipinos today are utterly exasperated at the fact that despite the mandatory prescription of local autonomy in the 1987 Constitution, the national government still has an omnipresent role in the management of state affairs. This anomaly must be addressed by Congress now even if the administration decides to postpone charter change.

But enacting a brand-new local autonomy law that would approximate a federal structure is but one proposal to address Fr. Bernas’ plea made in 1986. Correspondingly, our lawmakers must make overhauling the current decentralization framework a top priority this year so that other suggestions can be properly heard.

For the 18th Congress to doggedly pursue this particular legislative reform will not only appease the 16 million Duterte voters, but also an entire nation growing ever more impatient with its over centralized government.

And if in the next two and half years our lawmakers do nothing to change the status quo, then we have no choice but to elect more dynasty slayers in Congress 2022. We need lawmakers who will not be afraid to dismantle Imperial Manila.

 

Michael Henry LI. Yusingco, LL.M is a non-resident research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center of the Ateneo School of Government.

Tax haul from more inshore fishing seen at P24B

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said fishermen should make more use of inshore, municipal waters to boost the government’s ability to tax and modernize the industry.

BFAR National Director Eduardo B. Gongona said taxing boats in undisputed Philippine waters could raise as much as P24 billion for the government, which can be used to fund upgrades to the fishing sector.

“Ngayon ang battle cry namin (Our battle cry is) take care of municipal waters to take care of the whole fishing industry,” he said during the first “Kapihan at Talakayan Tungo sa Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan,” a briefing on the state of fisheries.

In the first quarter of 2019, fisheries output rose 0.97% year-on-year after contracting 4.58% a year earlier.

“Fishing now becomes not a right but a privilege,” he said.

“We are losing hundreds of billions of pesos, and (the cure) is to protect and manage our municipal waters. Doon na lang muna tayo sa strategy na yun (Let’s focus on that strategy) kasi (because) municipal waters are where the fish habitats are… where the food chain of all the fishes (are),” he said.

Fishermen classified as eligible to ply municipal waters are those using fishing vessels of three gross tons or less, or those who do not require boats.

Municipal waters include streams, lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within a municipality which are not classified as protected areas.

Based on data from BFAR, municipal fishing production in 2017 was 1.13 metric tons (MT), with Region IV-B accounting for 125,265.66 MT, followed by Region V at 125,132.98 MT, and Region VI at 123,888 MT.

He also said fishermen have the potential to earn more in municipal waters.

“Based on our records, there is more money in galunggong (round scad) than in tuna. Of the P139 billion that fisheries have contributed, P39 billion lang ang galing sa (was generated by) tuna, while for pelagic fish like galunggong, with a small percentage of several high value fish, it’s almost P100 billion,” he said.

“We should be discussing how to fill the gaps so that we can catch all the catchable fish in municipal waters. Galunggong only live two years… and if they are not be captured, they will migrate to other places outside municipal waters,” he said. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Indonesia deficit to be plugged with produce, auto parts exports

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking into narrowing the trade deficit with Indonesia by exporting more agricultural commodities and car parts.

“President Rodrigo (R.) Duterte is pushing for the Philippines to narrow its trade imbalance with Indonesia. Thus we hope that openness from both countries will result in a mutually beneficial trade relationship between the two countries,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in a statement.

Mr. Lopez discussed trade opportunities with his counterpart, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. They agreed to follow-up meetings in Indonesia by August or September.

In 2018, Indonesia was the Philippines’ ninth largest trading partner, with exports to the Philippines worth $6.4 billion. The Philippines’ exports to Indonesia totaled $866.2 million.

Indonesia expressed a willingness to import more shallots, bananas, and alcoholic beverages from the Philippines. Indonesian company PT Mayora Indah Tbk, a food company that makes the Kopiko brand of instant coffee, started importing desiccated coconut from the Philippines in April.

Mr. Lopez also proposed to Indonesia exports of auto parts from the Philippines for the Toyota Fortuner SUV, which is manufactured in Indonesia and is one of its top vehicle imports, as well.

The Philippines is also hoping to export the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and Toyota Vios small cars to Indonesia when the country becomes the regional production center for these vehicles.

The two also discussed special safeguards (SSG) on coffee imports to the Philippines, as ordered by the Department of Agriculture via Department Order No. 6. It cited increased imports of Kopiko instant coffee, affecting domestic coffee manufacturers. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

DTI launches capacity-building program for Iloilo MSMEs

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) logo

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Iloilo said it launched a capacity-building program for small entrepreneurs at the barangay level.

The Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, which primarily aims to spread awareness of various DTI programs and activities, hopes to benefit 87 barangays from the 17 fourth- and fifth-class municipalities in Iloilo province, according to DTI Provincial Director for Iloilo Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

She added that the DTI plans to cover all 87 barangays by November.

DTI’s Industry Development Division Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist and Negosyo Center Account Officer Mutya D. Eusores said the DTI is targeting about 100 participants per gathering.

“It’s a half-day event gathering at least 100 residents in a particular barangay. It will be an information education campaign on the services of Negosyo Centers and development partners,” Ms. Eusores said.

Ms. Eusores said the activity will help existing as well as potential micro and small enterprises develop their ventures.

“We will be inviting representatives from other agencies and institutions like microfinance institutions who provide services for SMEs. They can expect consultancy services for those who want to start their businesses and awareness on how they can level up their products and services,” she said.

Ms. Pollentes said it is important to bring DTI’s programs at the community level to encourage more entrepreneurs.

“We go to the barangays because we want them to become entrepreneurs. We want to create an entrepreneurial revolution because that’s the only way we can compete with our neighboring countries. Our (DTI) secretary wanted us to reach more people in the grassroots,” she said. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

New Clark City golf, hotel project to undergo Swiss challenge

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it will initiate a Swiss challenge this week for a golf and mountain resort project in New Clark City, BCDA President and CEO Vivencio B. Dizon said.

“There are other new developments in the leisure and tourism area; in fact you will probably be seeing an advertisement for a Swiss challenge in the coming days for a luxury mountain resort,” Mr. Dizon said during the Makati Business Club Annual Meeting on Monday.

Mr. Dizon told BusinessWorld that the 400-hectare project in New Clark City will be a “P12 billion plus investment.”

A Swiss challenge kicks in on unsolicited projects put forward by an original proponent. The proponent’s bid is subject to challenge by third parties, which the proponent has the right to match.

According to Mr. Dizon, the project’s original proponents are the French hospitality company AccorHotels, South Korea’s Widus International Leisure, Inc., and Singapore hotel chain The Banyan Tree among others.

“We will be publishing the Swiss Challenge documents in the next couple of days for anyone interested to challenge that proposal,” Mr. Dizon said during the annual meeting.

The development of New Clark City in Central Luzon is positioned as a smart city with the potential to host alternative government offices and decongest Metro Manila.

Ongoing projects at Phase 1 of the 9,500-hectare New Clark City include the 200-hectare National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) being built by AlloyMTD Philippines, and two private-sector led projects: the 288-hectare mixed-used industrial park by Filinvest Land, Inc. and a 500-hectare industrial park by China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd.

The completion of the first 60 hectares of the NGAC is targeted for the end of August while the facilities will be tested in September.

Phase 1 of the project involves the construction of a sports complex which will be the venue for the Southeast Asian Games between Nov. 30 and Dec. 11. — Katrina T. Mina

NPO found to have outsourced printing jobs without valid contracts

THE Commission on Audit (CoA) said the National Printing Office (NPO) conducted unauthorized transactions last year amounting to P121 million, and improperly recorded outsourced printing agreements as equipment leases.

According to CoA’s audit report for 2018, NPO continued to engage private printers to augment its printing capacity limitations without valid contracts.

“The Production Report disclosed that in 2018, NPO accepted from procuring entities and accomplished 249 work orders for the printing of accountable forms under “Leasing” amounting to P121,691,215.37.

However, based on records, NPO did not have any valid Lease or Rental Agreement for 2018 nor did it conduct public bidding for the lease of printing equipment; thus, the work orders under “Leasing” amounting to P121,691,215.37 were illegal,” CoA said in the report.

The state auditors noted that the equipment lease agreements of NPO with private printers had expired by September 30, 2017.

Further, CoA said NPO continued to subcontract printing services while entering them into the books as leases.

“NPO paid 12 private printers in 2018 for the alleged rental fee of leased printing equipment in the total amount of P120,927,408.00, although documents show that the amount paid was (equivalent) to the production cost; therefore, it was a subcontract,” CoA said in the report.

CoA recommended that NPO “enter into a valid Equipment Lease Agreement through competitive bidding in accordance with the IRR of RA No. 9184, and strictly implement its provisions.”

CoA also recommended that NPO issue waivers in case it cannot accommodate any printing requirements.

“[The Management should] issue a certification/waiver in cases where NPO cannot accommodate the printing requirements of requisitioning agencies due to time constraints and/or equipment limitations,” CoA said. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Freedom from past tax burdens — a work in progress

As we are celebrating Philippine Independence this month, I can recall several kinds of freedom. For Filipinos, June 12 is a commemoration of our freedom from being ruled by another nation. Another type of freedom is for young upon reaching the legal age, at which point they can make their own choices. Freedom can also be viewed in the context of moving on from a failed relationship. For the taxpayers’ perspective, freedom would mean liberation from tax burden; and it is fitting to mention that, early this year, a law was passed to set free the taxpayers from the past tax deficiencies.

As we know, in February, Republic Act No. 11213 (RA 11213) or the Tax Amnesty Act was signed into law. The law specifically includes provisions for amnesty covering estate tax and tax delinquencies. Subsequently, the Department of Finance, with the recommendation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 4-2019 and RR No. 6-2019 providing for the guidelines on the processing of applications for amnesty on tax delinquencies and on estate tax, respectively.

Under RR No. 4-2019, the covered “Delinquent Account” was defined as pertaining to a tax due from a taxpayer arising from the audit of the BIR, which had been issued Assessment Notices that have become final and executory due to the instances enumerated in the said RR. In defining the words “Delinquent Account”, all persons, whether natural or juridical, with internal revenue tax liabilities covering the taxable year 2017 and prior years, may avail of Amnesty on Tax Delinquencies within one year from the effectivity of RR No. 4-2019 or until April 24, 2020.

RR No. 4-2019 also provides that the tax delinquency of those who avail of the tax amnesty on delinquencies under these regulations, upon full compliance with all the conditions, shall be considered settled. In addition, the criminal case in connection therewith and its corresponding civil or administrative case, if applicable, shall be terminated. Moreover, the taxpayer shall be immune from all suits or actions relating to the internal revenue taxes for taxable years that are subject of the tax amnesty availed of. Yes, freedom indeed!

On the other hand, just recently, RR No. 6-2019 was issued to implement the estate tax amnesty. The RR covers the estate of the decedent/s who died on or before Dec. 31, 2017, with or without assessments duly issued therefor, whose estate tax/es have remain unpaid or have accrued as of Dec. 31, 2017.

Under RR No. 6-2019, taxpayers are given two years from the effectivity of the RR, or until June 15, 2021, to file the Estate Tax Amnesty Return (ETAR), or BIR Form No. 2118-EA in triplicate, at the Revenue District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over the last residence of the decedent. If the decedent has no legal residence in the Philippines, the return shall be filed with RDO 039 — South Quezon City. The amnesty rate is 6%, which is equal to the new estate tax rate.

Similar to RR No. 4-2019, RR No. 6-2019 likewise provided immunity and privileges for availing of an estate tax amnesty. Estates covered by estate tax amnesty, which have fully complied with all the conditions set forth therein, including the payment of estate tax amnesty, shall be immune from the payment of all estate taxes as well as any increments and additions thereto, arising from the failure to pay any and all estate taxes for taxable year 2017 and prior years, and from all appurtenant civil, criminal and administrative cases, and penalties under the 1997 Tax Code, as amended.

Both RR No. 4-2019 and RR No. 6-2019 provide that the availment of the corresponding tax amnesty under the said regulations do not imply any admission of criminal, civil, or administrative liability on the part of the availing taxpayer/estate.

Clearly, the above regulations would set the taxpayers free from the burdens of past tax deficiencies, to the extent covered by the regulations.

How about the freedom from the past tax liabilities other than the tax delinquencies and estate tax?

As we may recall, portions of RA 11213 dealing with the General Tax Amnesty (GTA) were vetoed due to concerns related to bank secrecy rules, among others. The GTA was supposed to cover all national internal revenue taxes such as but not limited to, income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax, other percentage taxes, excise tax, and documentary stamp tax collected by the BIR and, including value-added tax and excise taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs (BoC), for taxable year 2017 and prior years.

As the GTA was excluded, a call to Congress was made to pass another version of the GTA that, the taxpayers hope, is approved soon. According to news reports, a new bill for GTA is already on its way.

Certainly, having the benefits and privileges of a tax amnesty would free the taxpayers from past tax burdens. Further, it would also help the State raise additional tax revenue while clearing out the BIR’s dockets.

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.

 

Ma. Jessica A. Guevarra is an associate of Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

San Miguel seeks to shape up as it forges ahead of campaign

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

DOWN to their last six games in the elimination round of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, the San Miguel Beermen look to make the most of it and put themselves a situation to advance to the next round.

Sporting a 2-3 record, currently outside of the playoff picture, the Philippine Cup champions Beermen seek to turn things around and play at a level they are accustomed to.

They did their cause a favor when they won over the Alaska Aces, 119-107, on June 21, avoiding falling deeper in the race.

Alex Cabagnot took charge for San Miguel in the win, scoring 31 points to lead five Beermen in double figures. He also dished out six assists.

Import Charles Rhodes had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Marcio Lassiter also had 23 markers to go along with seven dimes.

Arwind Santos came up big as well for the Beermen with 15 points while reigning league most valuable player June Mar Fajardo had 14 points and nine boards.

For San Miguel coach Leo Austria, the win over Alaska was something they badly needed considering the kind of start they have had in the midseason PBA tournament.

“This was a very important game for us because we don’t want to be left behind at the bottom. [It was a] scary game at the start because we didn’t have a good start. As much as possible we want to have a good start but Alaska left us early,” said Mr. Austria post-match.

“I’m so happy the players played with a sense of urgency and we were able to recover and at the first half, we were able to get a lead of 24 points. The good thing with this game is I was able to use a lot of players and this could give us some confidence for the bench players,” he added.

Incidentally, the Beermen did not finish the game with starting guard Chris Ross who came down with a calf injury.

Mr. Austria said he expects the players to pick up from the Alaska victory and further shape up as the eliminations wind up.

“I think offensively, it’s not a problem for us. Our problem is our defense, we just allow our opponents to score a lot since our first game in the tournament. Some more than 100 and today, against Alaska, we allowed more than a hundred again. While a win is win, we still have to do a good job limiting our opponents,” he said.

Mr. Austria said he is confident of them making it to the playoffs although at 2-3 they are taking it a step at a time.

“Everything is possible. It’s too early for us because even though we are down 2-3, we still have six games left and what we are after is to win our last six games so that we can end up at number 3 or 4, or maybe 2,” he said.

“But right now, we just want to get into the top 6. One game at a time. What we’re thinking right now is our next game which is Magnolia — whom we think is really a contender in this conference,” added Mr. Austria, referring to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, whom the Beermen will face in their game on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ceres out to do better in 2nd leg of AFC Cup ASEAN zone semis

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

HELD to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the two-legged AFC Cup ASEAN Zone semifinals last week, Ceres-Negros FC is out to do better and get the job done against Hanoi FC in the return match today in Vietnam.

The “Busmen” said they were satisfied with their performance on June 18 in the first leg at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium but admitted they could have done better than being held to a draw.

Both teams had their chances early in the match but the count would stand at nil-nil by the halftime break.

The tie was broken in the 57th minute when tournament scoring leader Bienvenido Maranon gave Ceres the go-ahead goal, 1-0, heading the ball off a cross from teammate Stephan Schrock.

But Hanoi would not stay down for long, scrambling to get back the point it gave.

The levelling goal came 10 minutes later with midfielder Pape Omar Faye finding the bottom of the net after being set up by Pham Thanh Luong.

The two squads battled it out the rest of the way, looking to get another point to hand them the win but none would come as time expired, leaving the teams settling for the draw.

For Ceres veteran OJ Porteria, a go-getting mindset is very important for them heading into the second leg, especially since they are playing away at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi.

He said they must capitalize on every opportunity they have if they are to advance to the next round of the competition.

“We know that we can create chances, so when the time comes we have to make them count. As always we must stay compact and not give them any time to play their game. If we can defend well and put the chances away, I think we can beat them,” Mr. Porteria was quoted as saying by the official AFC Cup Website.

Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic, for his part, admitted the draw in the first leg made all the more difficult their task is. But he nonetheless believes in his team’s abilities to make things happen in the second leg.

“Everything is still open. They (Hanoi) are a strong team and are playing at a high level. We have to match them,” the Ceres coach said.

The winner between the Ceres-Hanoi semifinal pairing will take on the victor of the zonal semifinals between Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam and PSM Makassar of Indonesia.

The second leg of Ceres versus Hanoi is set for 8 p.m. and will be shown live over ESPB 5PLUS AND ESPN 5 YouTube channel.

Government, public sector kick off support for athletes, para athletes in first-ever unity walk

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) joined forces Saturday, June 22 at the College of Science Oval in UP Diliman to stage a unity event among various sports sectors to prepare for the coming Southeast Asian Games later this year and the ASEAN Para Games in 2020.

Billed as Olympic Day and Lakad Para Atleta 2019, the event witnessed for the first time ever, a unity walk of abled body athletes walking side by side with para athletes to give life to the event theme, “Unity and Transformation Through Sports.” The event was highlighted by a torch relay that featured five pairs of Olympians and Paralympians traversing the 500-meter oval, symbolizing inclusiveness and equality for all.

The torch relay culminated in a cauldron lighting ceremony followed by the Lakad Para Atleta Legacy Walk participated in by athletes and non-athletes, including a huge group from Citi Philippines as key supporter of PPC and the Paralympic movement. After the walk, the Philippine Olympians Association turned over seedlings to the University of the Philippines to express their advocacy that sports can be used for the betterment of the environment.

Exhibitions and participative activities followed in arnis, skateboarding, athletics, karate, underwater hockey, petanque and parasports like Braille Chess, Wheelchair Racing, Wheelchair Basketball and Para Athletics entertained attendees. A Body Combat session conducted by Fitness First turned the event into a sports fair.

“We are overwhelmed by the show of support from our partners in the government and private sectors, especially Citi Philippines. This is a big push for our national athletes who will be competing for the country in the upcoming SEA Games this November and the ASEAN Para Games in January 2020!,” said PPC President Michael Barredo.

For his part, Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed said that by supporting the event, Citi Philippines is expressing its corporate commitment. “Para Athletes are truly an inspiration as they overcome the odds to achieve and excel with courage and determination. Today is an opportunity for us to become advocates of their cause, so that we can break down the perceptions around disability and push for inclusion and equality for all.”

Olympic Day is an annual global event of the Olympic Movement that promotes the sharing of the Olympic Ideals, its Olympic Day pillars of Move, Learn, and Discover and the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. The event was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games in June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Around 3,000 people from all walks of life registered for the event.

Jomary Torres confident of ending skid in KL event

JOMARY “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres is highly-determined to get back to the winner’s circle at ONE: Masters of Destiny on July 12 against Malaysian hometown hero Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan.

Victory has evaded Torres as of recent, with the Filipina having dropped three straight to Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol, Mei Yamaguchi, and Lin Heqin. But instead of sulking in defeat, “The Zamboanginian Fighter” has chosen to take each experience as a lesson. As such, Torres feels well-prepared to face Radzuan, even in front of her fans at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

“It will be a good fight. Jihin is a good fighter,” Torres said.

Torres’ resolve will be out to the test against “Shadow Cat.” Radzuan began her mixed martial arts stint on fire, finding success through her first four professional bouts until she ran into Team Lakay’s Gina Iniong.

Despite Radzuan’s immense talent however, Torres believes that her hard work and trust in her team will result in an upset in Radzuan’s hometown.

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