Biz Buzz: Power shift

With the new year just around the corner, speculation is rife that several members of President Marcos’ official family will be sacked to make way for new personalities.

This is, of course, still related to the recent dramatic shift in the balance of power in Malacañang that saw former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez successfully being eased out by, shall we say, more influential people around the President.

So expect more appointees who were vetted by the former “Little President” to be replaced.

However, Biz Buzz heard that two Cabinet secretaries who were only recently the subject of ouster attempts by another influential group will now almost certainly be retaining their posts.

We’re talking about Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. Both gentlemen were the subject of ouster rumors last month and earlier this month, but our sources say the threat of replacement is no longer there. For now, at least.

Why? Well, apparently, there is another below-the-radar power shift happening. One presidential adviser who has played his advantage to the hilt in recent months is now seen as having overplayed his hand.

Thus, his “sub rosa” moves to install two more Cabinet appointees have supposedly fallen flat, thwarted by real family members of the President who are worried about his influence over the Chief Executive. Watch this space, folks.

—Daxim L. Lucas

For the esports fans

True to its digital pivot, ABS-CBN Corp. is set to livestream the esports tournament M4 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia via its platforms next month through a partnership with international gaming developer and publisher Moonton Games.

The group and knockout stages of the global event will be shown live on iWantTFC. The grand finals will be streamed on ABS-CBN Entertainment, iWantTFC and ABS-CBN Sports Youtube channels.

ABS-CBN digital head Jaime Lopez said this was the media group’s way of offering new and exciting content to attract more viewers.

“With our partnership with Moonton Games, one of the leaders in esports, it is a great opportunity for us to bring premier esports content to even more audiences in the Philippines, which is already one of the biggest esports communities in Southeast Asia,” Lopez said.

“We are grateful for this partnership with ABS-CBN to level up the streaming experience of our fans,” Moonton Games senior esports marketing manager Tonyo Silva added. INQ

—Tyrone Jasper C. Piad