THE MANILA TIMES | MAY 27, 2019

Page 1

DBM eyes submitting 2020 budget proposal at SONA ÂťStory on B1 ++

Php20.00

•• 4 SECTIONS PAGES • VOL. 120 NO. 226 24

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Trusted since 1898

R w w w.manilatimes.net

DUTERTE TO PMA GRADUATES:

‘You know what to do’ if PH isn’t run properly TOP CADET

President Rodrigo Duterte hands the Presidential Saber to Cadet 1st Class Dionnie Mae Apollog Umalla, the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy Mabalasik Class of 2019.

BY RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

B

BIG DAY

Members of Class Mabalasik throw their chaku after graduation rites at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. PHOTOS BY THOM PICAĂ‘A

I

Why do some Filipinos delight in lying to the world about their country?

$ CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND IT IF !MERICAN JOURNALISTS MANY WITH A SECRET RACISM AGAINST NON WHITES DO SO 4HE WEBSITE 2APPLER S -ARIA 2ESSA FOR INSTANCE IS AN !MERICAN WHO TOOK ON &ILIPINO CITIZENSHIP FOR

RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO

CONVENIENCE LATER IN LIFE "UT IT BAFlES ME WHY A FEW &ILIPINO JOURNALISTS PATENTLY LIE TO THE WORLD TO BASH THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND TO PORTRAY THEIR COUNTRYMEN AS SO STUPID AS TO

ÂłTiglaoA5

What’s inside RACE FOR HOUSE SPEAKER ON NewsA2 TRUMP, ABE CONFIDENT OF IRONING OUT TOP ISSUES

WHO WAS THE VICTIM IN BOHOL’S GUBERNATORIAL RACE?

Marit Stinus-CabugonA4

WorldB6

Duterte, Robredo meet, exchange pleasantries BAGUIO CITY: President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leniâ€? Robredo shared light moments on Sunday at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation ceremony amid allegations that she was part of an alleged plot to unseat his government. It was the first time that the country’s top two leaders met after MalacaĂąang and Peter Joemel “Bikoyâ€? Advincula claimed that the opposition was behind a series of videos discrediting Duterte’s family

ÂłPleasantriesA2

No SOCE, no assumption of office for winning pols ALL newly elected local government OFkCIALS MUST kLE THEIR 3TATEMENTS OF #ONTRIBUTIONS AND %XPENSES 3/#%S BEFORE THEY COULD ASSUME THEIR POSTS THE $EPARTMENT OF THE )NTERIOR AND ,OCAL 'OVERNMENT $),' SAID ON 3UNDAY g&ILING YOUR 3/#% IS YOUR kRST LEGAL OBLIGATION TO THE NATION AND TO THE PUBLIC )T IS ALWAYS GOOD

TO START WITH A CLEAN SLATE AND TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF THE VOTES OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS u $),' SPOKESMAN *ONATHAN -ALAYA SAID IN A STATEMENT 4HE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OMELEC REQUIRES EVERYBODY WHO RUNS FOR PUBLIC OFkCE ‡ BOTH WINNERS AND LOSERS ‡ TO DETAIL HOW

ÂłSOCEA2

AG U I O C I T Y: President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday told graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to do what is NECESSARY EVEN SACRIkCE their lives, if internal or external forces threaten to destroy the country. g3ERVE YOUR COUNTRY WELL $IE FOR YOUR COUNTRY IF IT NEED BE u $UTERTE TOLD THE GRADUATING 0-! -ABALASIK CLASS OF -ABALASIK STANDS FOR g-ANDIRIGMA NG "AYAN ,AKAS AT 3ARILI )AALAY PARA SA +APAYAPAAN u g2EMEMBER THE YOUNG &ILIPINOS YET TO COME THE CHILDREN AND THOSE WHO ARE NOW STUDYING $O NOT FORGET THAT u HE ADDED g!ND IF YOU THINK THAT THE COUNTRY IS NOT RUN THE WAY IT IS AND IF IT WILL DESTROY YOUR COUNTRY YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO $O YOU UNDERSTAND ME u %NTERING THE MILITARY $UTERTE SAID WAS THE gSTART OF AN EVEN BIGGER CHALLENGE AS YOU ENTER YOUR CHOSEN BRANCH OF SERVICE AND ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES IN OUR ARMED FORCES u (E URGED THE GRADUATES TO BE HUMBLE TEACHABLE GRATEFUL AND TO ALSO MAINTAIN TIES FORGED IN THE ACADEMY g/UR SECURITY IS NOT ANYMORE JUST ABOUT ARMS AND EQUIPMENT !T THIS TIME COMPLEX AND IRRATIONAL STATE AND NONSTATE ACTORS MAY EVEN POSE DANGER TO OUR COUNTRY u $UTERTE SAID IN HIS SPEECH g'IVEN THIS REALITY ) ASK YOU TO ALWAYS REMAIN FAITHFUL TO YOUR MISSION "E A GOOD SOLDIER WHO WILL SERVE THE #ONSTITUTION

ÂłProperlyA2

Canada travel ban part of ‘diminished relations’ REACH US AT:

RAPTORS REACH FIRST NBA FINAL

SportsC1

HUMBLE SEO KANG JOON CHARMS MANILA

EntertainmentD1

E-mail: newsdesk@ manilatimes.net Tel. Nos.: 524-5664 to 67 Address: 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002

-!,!#!ÂŤ!.' ON 3UNDAY CONkRMED HAVING BANNED GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS FROM TRAVELING TO #ANADA IN RESPONSE TO CONTINUED DELAYS IN THE RETURN OF GARBAGE SHIPPED TO THE 0HILIPPINES SOME SIX YEARS AGO 0ALACE SPOKESMAN 3ALVADOR 0ANELO IN A STATEMENT SAID %XECUTIVE 3ECRETARY

3ALVADOR -EDIALDEA ISSUED A MEMORANDUM ON -ONDAY DIRECTING ALL DEPARTMENT SECRETARIES AGENCY HEADS STATE kRMS AND GOVERNMENT OWNED kNANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO REFRAIN FROM ISSUING TRAVEL AUTHORITIES FOR OFkCIAL TRIPS TO #ANADA

ÂłRelationsA8


A2

News

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Race for House speaker on T

BY REINA C. TOLENTINO

HE race for the speakership of the House of Representatives has started to heat up less than a month before the 18th Congress opens.

-ARTIN 2OMUALDEZ WHO WAS ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE &IRST $ISTRICT OF ,EYTE SAID HE INFORMED 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE ABOUT HIS PLAN TO RUN FOR SPEAKER AND PLEDGED TO COMPLETE THE LATTER S UNkNISHED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 4HE 0ARTIDO $EMOKRATIKO 0ILIPINO ,AKAS NG "AYAN 0$0 ,ABAN THE RULING PARTY HAS YET TO DECIDE

WHO AMONG -ARINDUQUE 2EP ,ORD !LLAN *AY 6ELASCO FORMER 3PEAKER 2EP 0ANTALEON !LVAREZ AND 0AMPANGA 4HIRD $ISTRICT 2EP !URELIO 'ONZALES *R WILL BE ITS NOMINEE FOR THE SPEAKERSHIP 4AGUIG #ITY 0ATEROS 2EP !LAN 0ETER #AYETANO HAD EARLIER SAID HE WOULD SEEK THE SPEAKERSHIP 2OMUALDEZ IN A FORUM IN -ANILA

LAST WEEK SAID THE (OUSE SPEAKER MUST SHARE THE VISION OF THE 0RESIDENT IN ORDER TO PROPERLY LEAD THE ADMINISTRATION COALITION IN THE (OUSE g7HEN YOU ASPIRE FOR SPEAKER YOU REPRESENT THE MAJORITY COALITION OF THE ADMINISTRATION )F YOU THINK YOU SHARE A COMMON VOICE ;WITH THE 0RESIDENT= YOU MUST CONFRONT THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA OF THE ADMINISTRATION u HE SAID 3AYING THAT A GOOD SPEAKER gIS ONE WHO LISTENS MORE THAN HE SPEAKS u 2OMUALDEZ VOWED TO CONSULT AND LISTEN TO (OUSE MEMBERS g)MBES NA MAGDIKTA DAPAT AY MAKINIG AT MAGING RESPONSIVE at DAPAT MAS CONSULTATIVE )NSTEAD

OF DICTATING THE SPEAKER SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIVE AND CONSULTATIVE AND SENSITIVE TO PAROCHIAL CONCERNS 9OU HAVE TO BE GENEROUS OF YOUR TIME AND BE THE CONGRESSMEN S CONGRESSMAN u HE SAID (E ADDED THAT PARTY LIST GROUPS WOULD ALSO PLAY A BIG ROLE IN PUSHING THE 0RESIENT S AGENDA g4HE PARTY LIST BLOC IS OUR PARTNER FOR CHANGE AND REFORMS TO CARRY THE SPEEDY PASSAGE OF 0RESIDENT $UTERTE S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 9OU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THE PARTY LIST GROUP REPRESENTS MANY SECTORS AND MARGINALIZED SECTORS AND THEY REPRESENT THE SECTORS THAT ARE NOT LEFT BEHIND 4HAT IS WHY THIS GROUP IS IMPORTANT u HE SAID

Gonzales pushed -EANWHILE A SENIOR 0$0 ,ABAN LAWMAKER SAID (OUSE MEMBERS WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE 'ONZALES BECOME SPEAKER g(E IS VERY DOWN TO EARTH AND A VERY GOOD FRIEND TO ALL u THE LAWMAKER SAID (E ADDED THAT 'ONZALES gWILL BE A UNITING SPEAKER u 4HE LAWMAKER WHO ASKED NOT TO BE NAMED SAID 'ONZALES WOULD BE THE BETTER CHOICE IN THE EVENT OF A FREE FOR ALL IN THE FIGHT FOR THE SPEAKERSHIP (E SAID 'ONZALES BELONGS TO THE PARTY LED BY THE 0RESIDENT AND

HAS A STRONG CONNECTION WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE 4HIS STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH FELLOW LAWMAKERS MAKES 'ONZALES THE PERFECT CHOICE BECAUSE HE WOULD BE ABLE TO EASILY NAVIGATE THROUGH THE VARIOUS PARTISAN GROUPS AND INTERESTS TO SECURE SUPPORT FOR IMPORTANT LEGISLATION THE LAWMAKER SAID (E ADDED THAT THE 0AMPANGA LAWMAKER HAD NO ILLUSIONS FOR ANY NATIONAL ELECTIVE POSITION AND IS NOT BACKED BY ANY BUSINESS INTEREST THUS HE WOULD BE THE gBEST CHOICEu TO PUSH 0RESIDENT $UTERTE S QUEST FOR FEDERALISM AND STEER THE PASSAGE OF HIGHLY DIVISIVE LEGISLATIONS

JBC-reject Cayosa joins US study tour -),!'2/3 &ERNAN #AYOSA WHOSE APPLICATION FOR #OURT OF 4AX !PPEALS #4! JUSTICE HAD BEEN TURNED DOWN BY THE *UDICIAL AND "AR #OUNCIL *"# WAS ALLOWED BY THE 3UPREME #OURT 3# TO JOIN A GROUP OF LAWYERS IN A STUDY AND OBSERVATION TOUR IN THE 5NITED 3TATES NEXT MONTH An EN BANC RESOLUTION DATED -AY A COPY OF WHICH WAS OBTAINED BY 4HE -ANILA 4IMES

APPROVED THE TRAVEL OF FORMER AND CURRENT JUDICIAL OFkCIALS FOR THE TOUR THAT STARTS ON *UNE *OINING THE LAWYERS GROUP ASIDE FROM #AYOSA ARE RETIRED *"# MEMBERS AND RETIRED 3UPREME #OURT *USTICE .OEL 4IJAM AND RETIRED *UDGE 4ORIBIO )LAO *R !LSO INCLUDED IN THE GROUP ARE #HARISMA .OLASCO +AREN #HRISTINE 2ED ,OCK *AMARA ,EIGH &ERNANDEZ -ARIA 'WENDOLYN -ARQUEZ $IZON (ELEN #ONSTANTINO "ALBUENA )RENE !LAGOC AND 3HERWIN 0ETER 0ULAYAN #AYOSA WILL STEP DOWN AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE )NTEGRATED "AR OF THE 0HILIPPINES )"0 IN THE *"# ON *ULY

4HE TRAVEL EXPENSES OF THE DELEGATION SHALL BE CHARGED AGAINST 3UPREME #OURT FUNDS !CCORDING TO SOURCES OF 4HE -ANILA 4IMES IN THE HIGH TRIBUNAL AND THE *"# #AYOSA SHOULD NOT HAVE APPLIED FOR THE STUDY TOUR BECAUSE SHE WOULD ONLY gWASTE GOVERNMENT FUNDS u 4HEY SAID SHE WOULD NOT BE REAPPOINTED TO THE *"# BECAUSE SHE BELONGS TO THE gYELLOWu BLOC OF FORMER PRESIDENT "ENIGNO !QUINO RD g)N THE 3UPREME #OURT JUSTICES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE ;THEIR= SABBATICAL LEAVE WITHIN ONE YEAR BEFORE RETIREMENT BUT HERE YOU HAVE ;#AYOSA= WHO HAS THE FACE TO WASTE GOVERNMENT FUNDS DAYS BEFORE HER TERM ENDS u ONE OF THE SOURCES SAID #AYOSA IS THE DAUGHTER OF THE LATE #HIEF *USTICE -ARCELO &ERNAN AND WIFE OF INCOMING )"0 PRESIDENT $OMINGO %GON #AYOSA 4HE *"# EN BANC REJECTED HER APPLICATION AS #4! JUSTICE FOR FAILURE TO DISCLOSE PENDING ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES AGAINST HER WHEN SHE APPLIED FOR THE JOB JOMAR CANLAS

EXCLUSIVE

FUN IN THE RAIN

A flooded street in Manila becomes a wading pool and playground for children. Some areas in Metro Manila were drenched by the sudden downpour on Saturday, but floods were quick to subside. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

Q PROPERLY FROM A1

Q SOCE FROM A1

‘You know what to do’ if PH isn’t run properly

No SOCE, no assumption of office for winning pols

PROTECT THE PEOPLE SECURE OUR SOVEREIGNTY AND PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF OUR NATIONAL TERRITORY u HE ADDED g7ITH YOU BEHIND ME ) AM CONkDENT THAT WE CAN BUILD THE FOUNDATIONS OF A BETTER SAFER AND MORE PEACEFUL LIFE FOR ALL &ILIPINOS u $UTERTE SAID (E DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS DELEGATING THE TASK TO $EFENSE 3ECRETARY $ELkN ,ORENZANA #ADET ST #LASS # # $IONE -AE 5MALLA OF !LLILEM $AYA VILLAGE IN !LILLEM TOWN LED THE GRADUATING 0-! CLASS 3HE WAS THE kFTH FEMALE TO GRADUATE

AS 0-! CLASS VALEDICTORIAN FOLLOWING !RLENE DE LA #RUZ 4ARA 6ELASCO !NDRELEE -OJICA AND 2OVI -ARIEL -ARTINES 4WO CADETS FAILED TO GRADUATE FOR HAVING BROKEN RULES AND MISSING REQUIREMENTS 0-! OFkCIALS SAID )N HER VALEDICTORY SPEECH 5MALLA SAID SHE WANTED TO BECOME A DOCTOR g) WAS ;STUCK= IN A DILEMMA BETWEEN MY DREAM AND REALITY 4HE REALITY THAT MY MOTHER A RETIRED TEACHER WHO SINGLE HANDEDLY RAISED US MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN MY NEEDS IF ) PURSUE MY DREAMS OF BEING A DOCTOR !ND SO WITH

A HEAVY HEART ) LET GO OF MY DREAM u SHE NARRATED 3HE TOOK A SECONDARY EDUCATION COURSE (OWEVER TWO YEARS LATER AN UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY KNOCKED WHEN HER MOTHER AND BROTHER HANDED HER A gTICKETu TO THE 0-! AFTER HER FAMILY MEMBERS CHANCED UPON THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION g) INITIALLY HESITATED BECAUSE OF THE NEW FOUND LOVE ) HAVE FOR TEACHING BUT ) LOVE MY MOTHER MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE ;AND= IT WAS DIFkCULT FOR ME TO SAY NO ) PASSED AND MY MOTHER PURSUED ON MY CADETSHIP u 5MALLA SAID

!T THE ACADEMY SHE SAID SHE SOMEHOW BECAME A DOCTOR BY EASING THE PAIN AND HARDSHIP OF HER FELLOW CADETS AND ALSO A TEACHER BY HELPING OTHERS EXCEL IN THEIR ACADEMICS g7E ;MAY= NOT BECOME WHAT WE WANTED BUT WHAT WE NEEDED TO BE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY AND THE &ILIPINO PEOPLE u 5MALLA SAID 5MALLA WILL BE JOINING THE 0HILIPPINE .AVY 4HE 0RESIDENT HANDED A CALIBER PISTOL TO THE CLASS GOAT # # $ANMARK 3OLOMON WITH ALFRED DALIZON

Q PLEASANTRIES FROM A1

Duterte, Robredo meet, exchange pleasantries and his war on drugs. “Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo, ma’am… Why were you not smiling at me right now, unlike before? You, ha?” Duterte said before starting his speech, drawing laughter from the audience and Robredo herself. After his speech, Duterte shook the hand of Robredo and the two exchanged pleasantries. They chatted briefly, smiling at each other for the entire time. Robredo, as chairman of the opposition Liberal Party (LP), has been critical of the President’s policies, including his deadly war on illegal drugs. Duterte has even been more vocal, calling the vice president “incompetent” and last year declaring he would not step down because Robredo would succeed him in office. The latest rift in their relationship came courtesy of Advincula, the self-confessed Bikoy in a series of videos claiming that Duterte’s family received drug money. Advincula recanted last week and said that the LP and outgoing Nationalista Party Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th had masterminded the scheme.

THEY MEET AGAIN

Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo stands beside President Rodrigo Duterte who appears to be winding his watch during the graduation ceremony at the Philippine Military Academy on Sunday.

Advincula said the plan was to discredit Duterte and oust him, with Robredo becoming president and Trillanes assuming the vice presidency.

Robredo, Trillanes and others accused of involvement in the alleged oust plot have denied the charge. RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

MUCH THEY RAISED AND SPENT FOR THEIR CAMPAIGNS 4HE 3/#%S SHOULD INCLUDE AMONG OTHERS CASH AND IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM A POLITICAL PARTY AND OTHER SOURCES AND EXPENDITURES PAID OUT OF PERSONAL FUNDS 3ECTION OF 2EPUBLIC !CT 2! STATES THAT 3/#%S SHOULD BE kLED WITHIN DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF ELECTION &OR THE -AY MIDTERM POLLS THE #OMELEC HAS SET THE DEADLINE ONE DAY LATER OR *UNE AS *UNE IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY g.O PERSON ELECTED TO ANY PUBLIC OFkCE SHALL ENTER UPON THE DUTIES OF HIS OFkCE UNTIL HE HAS kLED THE STATEMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES HEREIN REQUIRED u THE LAW STATES ADDING g4HE SAME PROHIBITION SHALL APPLY IF THE POLITICAL PARTY WHICH NOMINATED THE WINNING CANDIDATE FAILS TO kLE THE STATEMENT REQUIRED HEREIN WITHIN THE PERIOD PRESCRIBED BY THIS !CT u &AILURE TO kLE 3/#%S USED TO BE AN ELECTION OFFENSE THAT CARRIED A JAIL TERM BUT 2! PASSED IN DECRIMINALIZED THIS &AILURE OR LATE SUBMISSION OF THE 3/#% MEANS A 0 PENALTY FOR SENATORS PARTY LIST ORGANIZATIONS AND NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES 0 FOR PROVINCIAL POLITICAL PARTIES 0 FOR PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS AND VICE GOVERNORS 0 FOR 0ROVINCIAL "OARD MEMBERS CONGRESSMEN LOCAL POLITICAL PARTIES MAYORS AND VICE MAYORS AND 0 FOR COUNCILORS &OR REPEAT OFFENDERS THE LAW ALSO CALLS FOR PERPETUAL DISQUALIkCATION FROM HOLDING PUBLIC OFkCE -ALAYA SAID THE DEPARTMENT AND THE #OMELEC HAD SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT STATING THAT THE FORMER ALONG WITH ITS ATTACHED AGENCIES WOULD REQUIRE ALL WINNING CANDIDATES TO PRESENT #OMELEC CERTIkCATIONS THAT 3/#%S HAD BEEN kLED g)N THE ABSENCE OF THE #OMELEC CERTIkCATION A NEWLY ELECTED OFkCIAL SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM HIS HER FUNCTIONS AS PUBLIC OFkCIALS u HE SAID g(IS FAILURE TO kLE THE 3/#% ON TIME WOULD ENTAIL A DELAY IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND WOULD CAUSE A LEADERSHIP VACUUM IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ,'5S LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS u -ALAYA ADDED )F THE CANDIDATE FAILS TO ASSUME OFFICE AFTER THE 3/#% FILING DEADLINE A PERMANENT VACANCY WILL BE DECLARED AND THE OFFICE FILLED UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEMPSEY REYES THE #ONSTITUTION



A4

Opinion

MONDAY May 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

E d i to r i a l

I

PH should not protest HK’s barring of Morales and her family

4 IS SENSIBLE THAT OUR $EPARTMENT OF &OREIGN !FFAIRS HAS NOT FILED A DIPLOMATIC PROTEST WITH (ONG +ONG OR #HINA OVER THE ALLEGED DETENTION OR PREVENTION OF FORMER /MBUDSMAN #ONCHITA #ARPIO -ORALES AND HER FAMILY FROM ENTERING THE #ROWN COLONY -ORALES AND HER FAMILY WERE HELD FOR FOUR HOURS AT THE #HEK ,AP +OK )NTERNATIONAL !IRPORT 4HE 0HILIPPINE CONSUL IN (ONG +ONG TALKED TO HER ABOUT THEIR SITUATION !FTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE (ONG +ONG AUTHORITIES -ORALES AND HER FAMILY BOARDED A 0HILIPPINE !IRLINES RETURN lIGHT TO -ANILA 4HE MATTER COULD HAVE ENDED THERE BUT SOME MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION LIKE 3EN 2ISA (ONTIVEROS ARE MAKING A BIG ISSUE OUT OF THE INCIDENT 4HEY WANT OUR GOVERNMENT TO PROTEST THE ALLEGED DETENTION AND DENIAL OF ENTRY )N TRUTH -ORALES GROUP WAS NOT DETAINED 4HEY WERE SIMPLY BARRED FROM ENTERING (ONG +ONG 5PON INQUIRY BY PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN 3AVADOR 0ANELO -ORALES HERSELF DECLARED THAT SHE WAS NOT HARASSED OR MISTREATED BY THE (ONG +ONG AUTHORITIES 3HE WAS JUST IRRITATED THAT HER PLANS FOR HERSELF AND HER GRANDCHILDREN WERE ABORTED /N THE BASIS OF THESE FACTS THERE IS NOTHING FOR OUR GOVERNMENT TO DO OTHER THAN CHALK UP THE MATTER TO EXPERIENCE (ONG +ONG IS PERFECTLY WITHIN ITS RIGHTS TO STOP THE ENTRY OF FOREIGNERS INTO ITS TERRITORY IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE 0HILIPPINES WOULD BE WITHIN ITS RIGHTS TO BAR FOREIGNERS FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY 4HIS IS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE )T IS SUGGESTED BY THOSE WHO WANT TO INJECT POLITICAL COLOR INTO THE INCIDENT THAT (ONG +ONG S ACTION WAS IN RETALIATION FOR -ORALES ROLE IN THE kLING OF A COMPLAINT AGAINST #HINESE 0RESIDENT 8I *INPING BEFORE THE )NTERNATIONAL #RIMINAL #OURT )## ,AST -ARCH -ORALES AND FORMER &OREIGN !FFAIRS SECRETARY !LBERT DEL 2OSARIO JOINED TOGETHER IN FILING A COMMUNICATION AGAINST 8I BEFORE THE )## FOR ALLEGEDLY gIMPLEMENTING A SYSTEMATIC PLAN TO CONTROL THE 3OUTH #HINA 3EA ;A PORTION OF WHICH WE CALL THE 7EST 0HILIPPINE 3EA= AND VIOLATING THE RIGHTS OF &ILIPINO FISHERFOLK u 4HE 0HILIPPINE GOVERNMENT CANNOT SUMMARILY ACCEPT THIS VIEW OF THE INCIDENT WITHOUT INQUIRING INTO THE WHYS AND WHEREFORES &ROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE THE ACTION OF -ORALES AND DEL 2OSARIO APPEARS TO BE WHAT IS CUSTOMARILY CALLED gANTICSu IN THE MEDIA MEANING THAT IT IS IN THE CLASS OF GROTESQUE ACTS DESIGNED TO DRAW PUBLIC ATTENTION 4HE DUO FOR ALL THEIR GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE DID NOT LAY THE BASIS FOR THEIR COURT ACTION AGAINST 8I 4HEY DID NOT EXPLAIN TO MEDIA WHAT THEY WERE REALLY UP TO OR WHAT THEY HOPED TO ACHIEVE IN THE PROCESS )N ANY EVENT NEITHER -ORALES NOR DEL 2OSARIO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR GOVERNMENT TODAY 4HEY ARE FORMER MEMBERS OF THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION OF 0RESIDENT "ENIGNO !QUINO RD +EY OFFICIALS SURELY BUT NOT NOW 4HERE S NO QUESTION THAT -ORALES AND HER FAMILY WERE MUCH INCONVENIENCED BY THE ACTION OF THE (ONG +ONG AUTHORITIES )T IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE THAT THE #HINESE GOVERNMENT WAS ANNOYED BY THE COURT ACTION BEFORE THE )## OF -ORALES AND del Rosario. )F THE INFORMATION CAME UP WHEN (ONG +ONG IMMIGRATION EXAMINED -ORALES PAPERS IT SHOULD ALSO NOT BE SURPRISING 7HEN -ORALES AND DEL 2OSARIO DECIDED TO BRING 8I BEFORE THE )## THEY WERE PLAINLY SEEKING NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY ON THE ISSUE OF #HINA S ACTIONS IN THE 3OUTH #HINA 3EA 4HEY MEANT TO TAKE PART IN DISCUSSIONS OF THE ISSUE 4HEIR ACTION HAS NOW GENERATED MORE THAN THEY PROBABLY EXPECTED OR BARGAINED FOR 4HEY TOOK ACTION WITHOUT INFORMING THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THEIR PLANS 4HEY SHOULD NOT WHINE NOW THAT ONE OF THEM HAS BEEN INCONVENIENCED

~

MONDAY May 27, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 226

DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL S. MALLARI, Sports Editor DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD, Motoring Editor CONRAD M. CARIÑO, Special Sections Editor LEA MANTO-BELTRAN, Supplements Editor ALVIN I. DACANAY, Assistant Business Editor MARIO F. FETALINO, Assistant Business Editor REMIA B. EUGENIO, Deskman (Regions) MARISHELLE R. MEDINA, Deskman JOMAR CANLAS, Chief of Reporters RENE H. DILAN, Chief Photographer DANTE F. M. ANG 2ND, President and CEO BLANCA C. MERCADO, #HIEF /PERATING /FkCER RODA A. ZABAT, Advertising Director VICENTE P. CRUZ, JR., Circulation Director DENISE O. CALNEA, Marketing Communications and Services Director Telephone All Departments: 524-5665 to 66; Subscription: 524-5664 Local 222 Advertising: 524-5664 Local 121 Telefax: 310-5895 or e-mail advertising@manilatimes.net www.manilatimes.net • e-mail newsdesk@manilatimes.net Letters to the Editor THE MANILA TIMES is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 The owners, managers, publishers and editors do not necessarily share the opinions expressed and the statements made by individual authors of columns, commentaries and other articles published in The Manila Times.

Trump’s folly about a renminbi Plaza Accord 2ECENT 53 MEDIA REPORTS CLAIM #HINA MAY DEPRECIATE ITS RENMINBI TO COPE WITH SHRINKING EXPORTS 9ET ECONOMIC REALITIES ARE PRECISELY THE REVERSE !S TRADE WARS ARE ABOUT TO HIT !MERICAN CONSUMERS NEITHER !SIA NOR THE 0HILIPPINES ARE ANY LONGER IMMUNE

S

INCE the Federal Reserve began tightening in late 2015, THE 53 DOLLAR HAS SIGNIkCANTLY strengthened against the PhilipPINE CURRENCY FROM 0 TO ABOUT 0 ALTHOUGH RECENTLY THE PESO has proved resilient). -EANWHILE THE #HINESE YUAN HAS STRENGTHENED MILDLY AGAINST THE PESO FROM 0 TO 0 IN -AY (OWEVER AS THE TRADE WAR HAS INTENSIkED THE RATIO HAS DECLINED TO 0 9ET IT WOULD BE NAÂVE TO THINK that this trend will prevail. With THE TRADE WAR MANY COUNTRIES IN !SIA HAVE BEEN COMPELLED TO TAKE A DEFENSIVE STANCE AGAINST THE 53 DOLLAR )F THE 4RUMP TARIFF WARS CONTINUE TO ESCALATE THEY WILL BROADEN TO !SEAN ECONOMIES IN WHICH CASE THE CURRENT COLLATERAL DAMAGE COULD SIGNIkCANTLY WORSEN (ERE S WHERE WE ARE TODAY AND WHAT WILL FOLLOW NEXT

Trump tariffs’ impact on Chinese, Asian currencies 2ECENTLY THE 7HITE (OUSE RAISED TARIFFS TO PERCENT FROM PERCENT ON BILLION WORTH OF #HINESE GOODS WHILE TARGETING ANOTHER BILLION WORTH OF #HINESE IMPORTS FOR POTENTIAL PUNITIVE TARIFFS %XPECTEDLY THE RENMINBI DEPRECIATED FROM

HOW TRUMP TARIFFS REVERBERATE IN RENMINBI MOVEMENTS

DAN STEINBOCK 2-" TO MORE THAN 2-" AGAINST THE 53 DOLLAR MAINLY ON renewed trade tensions. #HINA RETALIATED BY IMPOSING DUTIES ON BILLION WORTH OF 53 GOODS STARTING *UNE #HINA COULD HAVE RETALIATED HARD BUT OPTED FOR A MILD RESPONSE THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF TALKS g) LOVE THE POSITION WE RE IN u 0RESIDENT 4RUMP SAID 9ET THE MOVEMENT OF THE RENMINBI MAY NOT BE TO THE LIKING OF THE 7HITE (OUSE SINCE IT IS LIKELY TO OFFSET THE TARIFF IMPACT 5NTIL 4RUMP S TARIFF ESCALATION #HINESE RENMINBI WAS AROUND 2-" AGAINST THE 53 DOLLAR 4HAT HOWEVER WAS PREDICATED ON THE EXPECTATION THAT COOLER HEADS WOULD PREVAIL IN THE 7HITE (OUSE AND A BROAD SCALE TRADE WAR WAS AVOIDABLE 7HEN 0RESIDENT 4RUMP OPTED FOR TARIFF ESCALATION MARKETS REACTED EXPECTEDLY &OR NOW THE #HINESE CURRENCY HAS REVERSED ITS APPRECIATION YEAR TO DATE BUT THINGS COULD GET TOUGHER !S 4RUMP PREPARES TO RAISE AND BROADEN 53 TARIFFS EVEN MORE

#HINESE RENMINBI COULD DEPRECIATE MORE AS WELL "UT THAT IS THE 7HITE (OUSE S CHOICE NOT "EIJING S PREFERENCE )NDEED 4RUMP S TARIFFS HAVE PACED THE RENMINBI lUCTUATIONS EVER SINCE THE START OF his trade wars (SEE kGURE). )N LIGHT OF THESE FACTS THE CLAIM THAT #HINA IS DEPRECIATING THE RENMINBI IS SIMPLY lAWED $EPRECIATION IS PRECISELY WHAT #HINA SEEKS TO AVOID 7HEN EXPORTS SHRINK A LIGHT DEPRECIATION OF THE CURRENCY IS OF NO HELP !ND IF THE RENMINBI WOULD DEPRECIATE SIGNIFICANTLY IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IT WOULD FOSTER WORRIES ABOUT CAPITAL lIGHT 4HAT S WHY THE #HINESE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE PRECISELY THE REVERSE 4O AVOID STEEPER DEPRECIATION AND CAPITAL OUTFLOWS

THE 0EOPLE S "ANK OF #HINA 0"/# RECENTLY SET A STRONGER THAN EXPECTED DAILY kXING OF THE EXCHANGE RATE 4HE CENTRAL BANK IS LIKELY TO TRY TO KEEP THE RENMINBI BELOW 2-" PER DOLLAR )N EFFECT THE DEPRECIATION OF THE RENMINBI IS IN LINE WITH THAT OF OTHER EMERGING !SIA CURRENCIES THAT HAVE TAKEN HITS INCLUDING THE )NDONESIAN RUPIAH 3INGAPORE DOLLAR -ALAYSIAN RINGGIT THE )NDIAN RUPEE AND THE EXHAUSTED 3OUTH +OREAN WON "Y THE SAME TOKEN 4RUMP S TARIFF ESCALATION IS LIKELY TO CAUSE A NEGATIVE SPILLOVER EFFECT AMONG THE SAME CURRENCIES )RONICALLY THOSE COUNTRIES THAT MAY SUFFER MOST OF THE PAIN 4AIWAN 3OUTH +OREA AND 6IETNAM ARE THE 53 CLOSEST ALLIES

³SteinbockA5

Who was the victim in Bohol’s gubernatorial race? RESURGENCE F /2-%2 #ABINET 3ECRETARY ,EONCIO %VASCO HAS ASKED THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS TO DECLARE A FAILURE OF ELECTIONS IN "OHOL %VASCO WAS NARROWLY DEFEATED IN THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE BY !RTHUR 9AP THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR "OHOL S THIRD DISTRICT AND A FORMER AGRICULTURE SECRETARY %VASCO HAS ALLEGED MASSIVE PROVINCE WIDE VOTE BUYING BY HIS OPPONENT 4EN DAYS BEFORE %LECTION $AY HE WROTE 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE TO REPORT AND TO COMPLAIN ABOUT POLICEMEN WHO ALLEGEDLY SERVED AS GOONS OF SOME CANDIDATES AND WHO ENGAGED IN PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY 0RESIDENT $UTERTE PERSONALLY ATTENDED %VASCO S MITING DE AVANCE ON -AY "UT PRIOR TO THAT IN *ULY $AVAO #ITY -AYOR 3ARA $UTERTE #ARPIO LAUNCHED (UGPONG NG 0AGBABAGO S "OHOL CHAPTERm!LYANSA "OL ANON !LANG SA +AUSABAN !BAKA 4HIS ORGANIZATION WORKED FOR %VASCO S ELECTION )T IS CHAIRED BY LOCAL BUSINESSMAN .ORRIS /CULAM WHO IN *ANUARY HAD ANNOUNCED THAT HE WOULD BE %VASCO S CAMPAIGN FINANCE OFkCER MANAGING THE gkNANCIAL SUPPORT FOR %VASCO ;THAT= WILL BE COMING FROM A $AVAO GROUP WHO WILL lOOD "OHOL WITH MONEY FOR THE ELECTIONu "OHOL #HRONICLE, *AN %VASCO ACCORDING TO THE SAME ARTICLE HAD IN A RADIO INTERVIEW DISCLOSED THAT -R /CULAM AND A BUSINESSMAN FROM

MARIT STINUSCABUGON

$AVAO #ITY WERE THE SOURCES OF A 0 gGIFTu GIVEN TO CANDIDATES FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR %VASCO SERVED THE $AVAO #ITY GOVERNMENT UNDER THEN -AYOR 2ODRIGO $UTERTE IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES FROM UNTIL WHEN HE WAS ELECTED MAYOR OF -ARIBOJOC HIS HOMETOWN IN "OHOL .O DOUBT THE FORMER PRIEST AND MEMBER OF THE .EW 0EOPLE S !RMY MADE NUMEROUS FRIENDS IN $AVAO #ITY DURING HIS MANY YEARS WORKING WITH THEN -AYOR $UTERTE (E IS ALSO CREDITED with an indispensable role in seCURING THE VICTORY OF HIS FORMER boss in the 2016 presidential ELECTIONS .O WONDER THAT SOME OF $AVAO #ITY S BIG BUSINESSMEN WOULD ACT AS GENEROUS BENEFACTORS OF %VASCO AND HIS GROUP 'OVERNOR ELECT 9AP IN A -AY STATEMENT REACTING TO %VASCO S ACCUSATIONS ASKS g7AS THERE NOT A PARTY LIST GROUP THAT CLIPPED MONEY WITH MY OPPONENT S NAME u ) DO NOT KNOW TO WHAT PARTY LIST PARTY OR PARTIES 9AP IS REFERRING TO BUT IN "OHOL THE WINNING PARTY LIST PARTIES WERE $)7! AND -ARINO $)7! S kRST NOMINEE IS THE PRESIDENT OF AT LEAST SIX CORPORATIONS 4HE FATHER OF -ARINO S FIRST NOMINEE OWNS THE $AVAO

#ITY BASED 5LTICON "UILDERS )NC 0ARTY LIST PARTIES TODAY APPEAR TO BE LITERALLY OWNED BY BIG BUSINESSMEN AND POLITICAL CLANS 4HERE ARE REPORTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT SOME OF THESE PARTIES DOLED OUT VERY GENEROUS AMOUNTS TO LOCAL CANDIDATES DOWN TO THE PUROK leaders and voters. -Y SOURCES IN "OHOL TELL ME THAT WHILE %VASCO WAS NOT PERSONALLY INVOLVED IN HANDING OUT MONEY INTENDED TO SWAY VOTERS TO VOTE IN HIS FAVOR HE BENEkTED IN NO SMALL EXTENT FROM THE ÝlOOD OF MONEYÝ FROM HIS kNANCIAL SUPPORTERS MONEY THAT WAS INTENDED TO CONVINCE VOTERS TO VOTE FOR HIS ENTIRE SLATE FROM GOVERNOR DOWN TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR 4HUS IT WOULD SEEM MISLEADING WHEN THE FORMER CABINET SECRETARY PRESENTS HIMSELF AS A gVICTIMu WHO gPLAYED BY THE RULES AND ADHERED TO THE LAWu AND WHO WAS gBURIED IN THE AVALANCHE OF DENOMINATIONS PRIOR TO AND MORE SO DURING ELECTION DAYu OFkCIAL STATEMENT -AY 7E HAVE IT FROM NO LESS THAN HIS OWN TRUSTED MAN -R /CULAM THAT A g$AVAO GROUPu WOULD lOOD "OHOL WITH MONEY FOR THE ELECTION )N ADDITION %VASCO HAD THE UNDIVIDED SUPPORT OF 0RESIDENT $UTERTE AND &IRST ,ADY 3ARA $UTERTE #ARPIO AND THEIR (UGPONG ng Pagbabago. While Yap was the CANDIDATE OF INCUMBENT "OHOL Gov. Edgar Chatto, belongs to 0$0 ,ABAN AND IS AN ALLY OF OUTGO-

ING (OUSE 3PEAKER 'LORIA !RROYO HE RATHER THAN %VASCO SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN THE UNDERDOG IN THESE ELECTIONS 4HIS ALSO MEANS THAT THE POLICE ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE BEEN VIOLATING THE RULES TO HELP 9AP 0RESIDENT $UTERTE IRONICALLY MAY UNWITTINGLY HAVE SWAYED SOME UNDECIDED VOTERS TO GO FOR 9AP WHEN HE SAID AT %VASCO S MITING DE AVANCE THAT THE FORMER CABINET SECRETARY gWHO USED TO BE WITH THE .0! BEFOREu WOULD gJUST CALL THE .0! AND SAY @0SST COME HERE +ILL EVERY IDIOT THERE u &ROM THE OFkCIAL TRANSCRIPT AND TRANSLATION BY 0RESIDENTIAL #OMMUNICATIONS /PERATIONS /FkCE "Y gEVERY IDIOT u THE 0RESIDENT MEANT DRUG ADDICTS "UT THE LAST THING THE "OHOLANOS WANT IS FOR THE .0! TO RETURN TO THEIR PROVINCE 4HE .0! HAS BEEN TRYING TO REESTABLISH ITSELF IN "OHOL SINCE THE PROVINCE WAS DECLARED INSURGENCY FREE IN ! YEAR AGO ARMY SOLDIERS ENGAGED A GROUP OF REBELS IN A FIREFIGHT IN "ILAR 4HERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL SIGHTINGS OF ARMED MEN THIS YEAR BUT THE MILITARY COULD NOT CONkRM IF THESE WERE REBELS "OHOL BECAME INSURGENCY FREE UNDER THE LATE GOVERNOR %RICO !UMENTADO (E WAS SUCCEEDED BY HIS POLITICAL ALLY %DGAR #HATTO 7ITH 9AP S ELECTION AND THAT OF HIS RUNNING MATE FORMER GOVERNOR AND INCUMBENT &IRST $ISTRICT 2EP 2ENE 2ELAMPAGOS "OHOL IS ASSURED OF CONTINUITY WITH CHANGE


˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net Q TIGLAO FROM A1

Why do some Filipinos delight in lying to the world about their country? support President Duterte, or accuse media people here of being cowards for not defending the press which they claim is under siege by this government. They are either bird-brained, or too egoistic to accept the reality that doesn’t conform to their political stances. Take the “opinion piece� which editor Vergel Santos, chairman of the US-government funded Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, managed to get published in the New York Times last week about the recently concluded elections. He describes Filipinos who gave President Duterte’s senatorial candidates an overwhelming victory as “unchastened by a past too ignoble, too repetitive and too recent to be forgotten: They endorsed the repressive presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.�

not “extrajudicial killings,� or summary executions by the police that totally disregard the rule of law. Unless proven otherwise – as in the case of the 2016 murder of a teen-ager by three Caloocan cops — these 5,000 were killed by policemen defending themselves. If Santos believes otherwise, such extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

ran for president in 2016, and Ninoy Aquino’s nephew.

Inexplicable

To explain what he cannot accept, Santos again lies to the world: “The voting on May 13 was heavily clouded by election-day violence and anomalies at polling stations and, later, by inexplicable delays by the election commission.� His source for that claim? A biased article again in the Drug-related anti-Duterte news website Rappler. The article didn’t even report The 5,050 is practically the that it was “heavily clouded.� same figure (5,021) that even It merely said that the Yellowthe anti-Duterte Ateneo Policy controlled election watchdog Center, funded by a Colum- Namfrel was “concerned over bia University unit, reported election violence, irregularities.� was the total of “drug-related Filipinos exercised their demodeaths� it compiled from news cratic right and everyone — even reports between May 10, 2016 the Yellow candidates — has conand Sept. 29, 2017. cluded that while there had been I would respect Santos’ politi- a few glitches in the registration cal beliefs, but he is telling lies and processing of over 47 million about my country. votes, all made in one day, the Marcos Santos wrote: “Duterte’s camp elections faithfully reported the By “past,� he was referring to holds 20 of the 24 seats in country’s decision whom to put in the dictatorial regime of Presi- the Senate.� He therefore is a power. Filipinos should be proud dent Marcos, whom he how- strongman just like Marcos was, that they undertook the seventh biggest elections in the world. ever served as the strongman he tries to tell the world. Yet Santos tells the world that the brother-in-law’s point man in His source for that claim? An setting up the Times Journal , opinion article in the stridently recent elections were as dirty and and especially its near-monop- anti-Duterte news internet site, rigged as in some backward African oly in the sex-and-crime tabloid Rappler, which Santos again dis- nations that Duterte’s candidates won. business, the People’s Journal . TORTS AS THAT MAN kGURE REFERS Santos seems to be so dis(He quickly changed to Yellow to the probable coalition of sena- traught that the elections didn’t feathers after Marcos fell, and tors to constitute what is called comply with his wishes on who got into the good graces of the the “parliamentary majority.� should be senator that his NYT anti-Marcos journalism icon, Out of the 24 sitting senators piece sets a record for an antiChino Roces — I guess through starting July, only four would be Duterte piece with the most lies. some personal connection.) the real “Duterte senators,� or What makes my blood boil those who wouldn’t have won Strongman over Santos’ piece in the NYT if not for Duterte’s campaigning — which has a huge print and for them — his former police To lie to the world that Duterte is a digital circulation of 2 million, chief Ronald dela Rosa, his for- corrupt strongman, Santos wrote: 250,000 of that international — mer aide Bong Go, reelectionist “The president’s inner circle has is that he outrightly lies to paint Koko Pimentel and Francis To- been accused of maintaining links the Philippines as a place where lentino. Their anti-thesis are the to major drug traffickers.� His thousands of innocents are being four remaining Yellow Cultists source for that statement? killed, yet which is being ignored in the Senate until 2022: FranAgain, the anti-Duterte webby its citizens and cowardly press. cis Pangilinan, Franklin Drilon, site Rappler, in its report that Santos wrote: “Duterte has Risa Hontiveros, and the jailed struggled to give credibility to waged a war on drugs estimated Leila de Lima. the claims made in YouTubeto have produced more than Santos is making the prepos- posted videos, produced by 5,000 extrajudicial killings as terous claim that independent- Antonio Trillanes 4th, and of late December.� minded senators like Grace narrated by the hitherto anonyBut the URL link embedded in Poe, Panfilo Lacson, Richard mous Bikoy, which even the THAT kGURE THE SOURCE OF Gordon, Cynthia Villar and Yellows now say is a total fraud. his information, leads to the UK- Imee Marcos are Duterte’s minI guess Santos hadn’t predicted, based Guardian newspaper article ions. Many of the non-Yellow when he submitted that piece days which reported that according to senators of course would likely before it was published on May 25, the Philippine Drug Enforcement support Duterte’s legislative that Bikoy would come out on May Agency (PDEA), between July agenda, because they think 23 to confess that what he alleged 2016 and the end of November these new laws would benefit about Duterte and his family were this year, 5,050 lives were lost in the country, but Santos insults all lies, and that the propaganda kREkGHTS between the police and them by labeling them as the operation was Trillanes’ handiwork. What really infuriates me is “strongman’s puppets.� suspected drug dealers. Filipinos overwhelmingly that Santos portrays Filipinos Either Santos doesn’t understand the term “extrajudicial supported “Duterte’s candi- as so stupid and immoral that killing,� or he distorts the dates� as much as they over- they would support Duterte, as PDEA figures for his political whelmingly rejected the Yellow demonstrated in his statements: “Filipinos have [an] enduring bias. Those 5,050 killed were candidates, even Mar Roxas who

attraction to strongmen leaders despite the abuses they have endured.� “Voters are more than ready to look past his authoritarianism — apparently for the sake of quick justice and a semblance of security, however slight.� And the supreme insult: “Filipinos certainly continue to endorse Mr. Duterte. It seems that more and more, the people of the Philippines may well have the president they deserve.� If this piece sounds angry, it is because its author is.

CNN interview Santos in a CNN interview ponTIkCATED THAT JOURNALISTS WHICH obviously includes me) who don’t believe in his and the Yellows’ yarn that Rappler is being persecuted by government, but think instead that it is merely called to account for its violations of the law, which includes tax evasion, should quit their job. Why, he even accused us of being cowards, because we “aren’t defending press freedom.â€? This from a mercenary who advised Kokoy Romualdez to set up tabloids in the 1980s as this was the best way to get the masses to Marcos’ side, and stayed in five-star hotels in Britain ostensibly so he could get insights into how the British, who to this day are the masters of yellow journalism, do it. While I, among others who don’t see the Philippine press as being under attack today, spent time in Marcos’ political prisons, and in my case, was threatened by “disenteâ€? government bankers that I would never get another job in journalism if I didn’t stop my exposĂŠs on how they were fooling the world. Santos even lied about himself to the NYT , as he described himself as “a journalist in the Philippines.â€? Maybe he was, many years ago. No longer now. Other than his anti-Duterte rants which only Rappler publishes, Santos’ sole work is being chairman of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, funded almost entirely in the last 10 years by the US State Department, coursed through the National Endowment for Democracy. NYT for accuracy should have described him as a contractual, indirect US government employee.

Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ gmail.com Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao Book orders: www.rigobertotiglao.com/debunked

Q STEINBOCK FROM A4

Trump’s folly about a renminbi Plaza Accord in Asia, but are also the targets for next tariff wars. In the future, Trump seems intent to target Europe, Japan, South Korea and emerging Southeast Asia.

force the price to the previous low of $145 or worse — which, in turn, could unleash a broader US market sell-off. Since President Trump sees the US stock market’s performance Tariff wars’ collateral as a gauge of his approval rating, damage in US such reversal would not please the White House and would Paradoxically, the more the strengthen Trump’s emboldened Trump administration escalates opposition. Worse, the collateral the trade wars, the more likely it damage will no longer be just fiis that the US dollar will push the nancial. US consumers are about renminbi closer to RMB7 per US to take real hits. dollar. While that could impair A year ago, Larry Kudlow, market sentiment in China in the Trump’s director of the National short term, it could also cause Economic Council, was still gung collateral damage in the US stock ho about US supremacy in the market, as evidenced by recent tariff war. Recently, he admitted market volatility. that American consumers will As perceived scenarios turn pay for the Trump trade wars. In darker and market sentiment fol- the US, his reversal is seen as a lows in the footprints, a US equity betrayal of the American public, SELL OFF WOULD CAUSE SIGNIkCANT and rightly so. As the Washington political damage to White House Post put it, “Trump’s own top trade and national security hawks. economic adviser gives lie to his And things would get even worse, trade war rhetoric.� if Washington’s bullying of the Here are the inconvenient technology giant Huawei would truths: A broad-scale trade war result in Chinese targeting of Ap- could penalize 0.5 percent to 0.8 ple. Before the trade war, Apple’s percent off real US GDP growth, share price peaked at more than while earnings growth could be $232; now it is less than $180. shaved off by 3 percent or more, ! SIGNIkCANT ADVERSE TURN WOULD EFFECTIVELY HALVING THE kGURE !UTO

sales are a barometer of what’s to come. In 2019, Chinese auto sales could decline by 3 percent, but in the US by almost 4 percent. In 2020, US sales could remain in the red, but Chinese sales could increase — according to US data. Unsurprisingly, several US LAWMAKERS ARE kNALLY SLAMMING Trump’s tariff increase on China. In just a year or two, the Trump administration has committed some of the worst trade-policy mistakes in the postwar US history. The resulting economic pain will spread in America as products shipped from China arrive in June.

The fantasy about renminbi Plaza Accord For a decade or two, Washington has periodically used the Chinese renminbi as a scapegoat to draw the public spotlight away from rising economic challenges in the US. Yet, the renminbi has been largely in line with fundamentals since the mid-2010s, as the International Monetary Fund has affirmed. However, Trump has a more intimate interest in currency

manipulation. He believes the Chinese yuan is the Japanese yen DÂźJš VU "EFORE HIS kRM BOUGHT the Plaza Hotel in New York City, he monitored closely the talks that led to the 1985 Plaza Accord. The controversial pact led the US, France, West Germany, the UK and Japan to depreciate the US dollar relative to the Japanese yen and Deutsche mark by intervening in the currency markets. It was that exchange-rate manipulation that played a key role in Japan’s subsequent containment, asset bubbles, DElATION AND SECULAR STAGNATION And it is the same dream that seems to fuel the Trump trade hawks’ fantasies about China’s containment and stagnation. Yet, China is not Japan, dreams are just dreams, and the White House is in for an awakening.

Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group. He has served at India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see https:// www.differencegroup.net/

Opinion

A5

Genuine visas, fake marriage MIGRANT “L MATTERS OVE and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage‌â€? goes the Frank Sinatra song. Add the following phrase to a modern relationship between a foreign spouse and a Filipino partner: “This I tell you brother, petition and visa can’t have one without the other.â€? Whether the foreign spouse is American, Australian, British or #ANADIAN THE PETITION MAY BE kLED but issuance of the immigrant or permanent resident visa is not assured. Without one, the other will amount to nothing. If the marriage is not genuine, e.g., arranged relationship for petition and visa purposes only, the foreign spouse may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law in the country where the petitioner lives. And if the alien or foreign spouse is in the country (not applying for visa in the Philippines, for example), the foreign spouse could be subject to deportation or removal. Last week in the US, a total of 50 people were taken into custody after a federal grand jury returned a 206-count indictment alleging that those arrested and detained were part of a large marriage fraud scheme in Houston, Texas. The indictment was announced on April 30, 2019; 96 individuals were charged; 60 were taken into custody; and nine appeared for a detention hearing before US Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson at 10 a.m. on May 14, according to USCIS announcement. Apparently, the money was real, but the love was fake. Southeast Asians seem to be easy prey or willing participants in the marriage for visas scheme. In Houston, the persons charged involved Vietnamese nationals while across the globe, the Australian Border Force uncovered marriage for residency scams in November 2018 involving 164 intending immigrants from India and at least four Australian citizens. In both cases, the arrangement between foreign applicants and citizen sponsors involved huge amounts of money — up to $70,000 The historical and continuing incidences of marriage-for-visa schemes have resulted in the enactment of laws requiring alien spouses or partners to prove that the relationship is genuine for a probationary period — normally two years.

CRISPIN R. ARANDA AFkDAVIT OF SUPPORT TOGETHER WITH financial documents showing the ability to support the alien spouse until they are married. 4HE (OME /FkCE 5+ SETS A minimum combined income of ÂŁ18,600 a year for the sponsor and partner for the latter to be issued an “indefinite leave to remainâ€? STATUS FOR kVE YEARS THE EQUIVALENT of permanent residency in the US. The prospective marriage visa AND kANCÂźE PETITION ALLOWS THE APplicant spouse to enter the US on A SPECIkC VISA ‡ SUBCLASS PROspective marriage visa in Australia and a K-1 visa in the United States. A Filipino (or any other foreign kANCÂźE MUST GET MARRIED TO THE US citizen sponsor within 90 days of admission into the US on a K-1 visa. The minor children of the future spouse may be issued a K-2 visa within the validity of the petition or UNTIL THE PRINCIPAL APPLICANT THE kancĂŠe) parent remains in K-1 status. 4HE kNANCIAL ABILITY OF A 53 CITIZEN SPOUSE OR kANCÂź SPONSOR HAS BEEN UNder intense scrutiny under the Trump administration to prevent alien nationals from “gaming the systemâ€? or AVAILING OF PUBLIC BENEkTS THAT ONLY genuine permanent residents and citizens are entitled to. In sum, the road towards permanent residency or immigrant visa requires extensive documentation and expensive procedures. And, because the sponsoring spouse may face prosecution (should the arranged marriage is uncovered) the fees involved also has increased. In the 1970s to 1980s immigration practitioners in the US say that the “priceâ€? of agreeing to sponsor a kANCÂźE OR SPOUSE WAS SOMEWHERE IN the $10,000 to $20,000 range. The 1986 Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendment Act in the US effectively tied a US sponsor for at least two years; the price of marriage also went up.

No changing partners

In Australia the fiancÊe first enters under a subclass 300 prospective marriage visa, then undergoes two more stages before permanent residency is obtained. The Australian, US, or UK spouse FiancÊe and finances or partner must be the same sponsor Another way for a foreign national when the application to remove the to be admitted as an intending conditional status or issuance of the immigrant to Australia and the INDEkNITE LEAVE TO REMAIN IS GRANTED 7HILE THE CHILDREN OF A kANCŸE United States is through the proSPECTIVE MARRIAGE VISA AND kANCŸE visa holder or conditional resident visa in the US must be below 21, OR kANCŸ PETITION RESPECTIVELY The US requires a sponsor to Australia allows children beyond be a US citizen to be an eligible that age to qualify as a dependent petitioner. In Australia, the spon- and be issued the same visa as the sor may be a permanent resident. principal applicant. For Australian visa purposes, The relationship and the subsequent marriage must be known the main applicant’s child, or their not just to the sponsoring citizen/ partner’s child, may be between the resident spouse and the foreign age of 18 to 23 but still dependent national partner but also to adults on the main applicant or main ap(18 years old or older) with valid plicant’s partner due to a partial or and legal immigration status total physical or mental disability Randy’s mother was issued a and can personally attest to the genuine relationship prior to the K-1 visa. However, Randy was not able to get his K-2 visa before and partner or spouse sponsorship. Unless the marriage or union after his mom Alice was admitted is based on accepted religious into the US in 2010. Now, Alice is practices of either or both the a US citizen who wants her son to sponsor and foreign spouse, the pursue his dependent visa case. Randy is now 31 years old and still couple must have met in person, a face-to-face encounter before has a copy of the approved I-129F kLING OF THE PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGE petition. The US consul informed SPONSORSHIP OR kANCŸE PETITION Randy that not only has he aged out Online relationships — no matter (turned 21) but also the main aphow intensive or extensive the Mes- plicant is no longer in K-1 status. In senger or Facebook documentation fact, Alice is now a US citizen. !LICE MAY STILL kLE A PETITION FOR is — do not count towards the period that the sponsor and applicant Randy but as the unmarried over-21 spouse must have met in person son of a US citizen, he stands to wait for 10 to 15 years. The long period BEFORE kLING THE VISA PETITION Australia’s Department of Home of waiting for immigrant visas or Affairs requires the couple to have permanent resident status in the US been in a common-law relation- and other countries with similar pership for at least 12 months to manent residency programs is what enable the Australian spouse to is fueling the marriage for visa scams. When petitions or sponsorsponsor the foreign partner. The USCIS on the other hand requires ships are approved and the the couple to have met in person applicant passes the interview within a two-year period prior to stage, a genuine visa is issued. The legal residency remains unTHE kLING OF THE kANCŸE PETITION The sponsoring partner or til the relationship is discovered spouse must provide evidence to be fraudulent. The red warnings of deportation of financial ability to support the spouse applicant. In the US thus remain outweighed by the the petitioner must submit an color of money — and green card.


A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Microinsurance protects the poor and MSMEs

I

NSURANCE is commonly viewed AS A kNANCIAL TOOL THAT SAFEGUARDS ONLY THE RICH AS THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED SECTORS OF SOCIETY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ONE !S A RESULT IN TIMES OF CALAMITIES AND DISTRESS WHICH COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN DEATH AND DEVASTATION OF PROPERTY THE POOR MAY BECOME EVEN POORER AND LEFT WITH ALMOST NOTHING TO RECOVER FROM THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT OR TO RESTART THEIR LIVES )N A 4HIRD 7ORLD COUNTRY LIKE THE 0HILIPPINES DEVELOPMENT ISSUES LIKE POVERTY AND INEQUALITY ARE ADDRESSED THROUGH MORE INCLUSIVE POLICY REFORMS WHICH BASICALLY MEANS THAT THE REFORMS OR CHANGES SHOULD BENEFIT THE POOR MORE /NE OF THE INCLUSIVE REFORMS BEING DONE IN THE 0HILIPPINES IS THE INTRODUCTION OF MICROINSURANCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE POOR AS WELL AS THE MICRO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES -3-%S ESPECIALLY AGAINST THE RISK OF kNANCIAL LOSSES IN TIMES OF NATURAL CALAMITIES )NTRODUCED IN THE 0HILIPPINES

INSURANCE INSIGHTS

RANDY B. ESCOLANGO IN MICROINSURANCE HAS TARGETED THE LOW INCOME SECTORS 4O PROTECT POLICYHOLDERS AGAINST INFORMAL INSURANCE ACTIVITIES THE )NSURANCE #OMMISSION )# HAS BEEN INSTITUTING RULES AND REGULATIONS AMONG MICROINSURANCE PROVIDERS SINCE AND IS CONTINUALLY DEVELOPING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE INDUSTRY )N THE )# ALREADY ESTABLISHED THE GUIDELINES FOR MICROINSURANCE IN THE AGRICULTURE HEALTH AND PRE NEED SECTORS /N .OV 3UPERTYPHOON 9OLANDA STRUCK THE 0HILIPPINES AND BROUGHT UNTOLD DESTRUCTION TO PROPERTIES AND LOSS OF LIVES MOSTLY AMONG THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED SECTORS OF HARDEST HIT %ASTERN 6ISAYAS 4HE DEVASTATION ALSO HIGH-

LIGHTED THE ROLE OF MICROINSURANCE IN HELPING RESTART LIVELIHOODS AND REPAIR WRECKED HOMES kLLING IN THE GAPS WHEN ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OR .'/S WAS LACKING #LAIMS PAID RELATING TO 3UPERTYPHOON 9OLANDA HAVE AMOUNTED TO 0 MILLION THE AVERAGE CLAIMS PAYOUT WAS 0 "ECAUSE OF THIS MANY HAVE COME TO REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF MICROINSURANCE AND ARE NOW ASKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IT -ICROINSURANCE IS A TYPE OF INSURANCE PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT MEETS THE RISK PROTECTION NEEDS OF THE POOR )N ORDER TO ALLOW AFFORDABILITY FOR THE TARGETED SECTOR THE LAW DECREES THAT THE AMOUNT OF DAILY CONTRIBUTIONS PREMIUMS FEES OR CHARGES SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN PERCENT OF THE CURRENT MINIMUM WAGE RATE FOR NONAGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN -ETRO -ANILA 4O ILLUSTRATE THE MICROINSURANCE PREMIUM COULD BE ANY AMOUNT LESS THAN 0 TO 0 OR PERCENT OF 0 TO 0 WHICH IS THE RANGE OF

THE DAILY MINIMUM WAGE RATE IN -ETRO -ANILA IN EFFECT SINCE .OVEMBER ACCORDING TO THE .ATIONAL 7AGES AND 0RODUCTIVITY #OMMISSION -EANWHILE THE LAW ALLOWS FOR A MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF GUARANTEED BENEFITS OF NOT MORE THAN TIMES OF THE PREVAILING WAGE RATE 4HUS THE MAXIMUM BENEkTS COULD BE UP TO 0 TO 0 &URTHERMORE TO ALLOW FOR MORE INCLUSIVITY AND BETTER ACCESSIBILITY AMONG ITS TARGET SECTOR THE LAW ALSO MADE MANDATORY THE SIMPLICITY AND CLARITY OF A MICROINSURANCE POLICY CONTRACT )N CONTRAST WITH THE USUALLY LENGTHY AND COMPLEX CONTENTS OF A REGULAR INSURANCE POLICY THE LAW REQUIRES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF A MICROINSURANCE CONTRACT SHOULD BE EASILY UNDERSTOOD BY THE INSURED THE POOR MARGINALIZED OR -3-% OWNERS AND MAY BE PRINTED IN EITHER %NGLISH AND OR &ILIPINO 4HE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOULD ALSO BE SIMPLE #OLLECTION OF PREMIUMS CONTRIBUTIONS FEES AND CHARGES SHOULD

The UN has failed civilians

Q A Syrian mother and child near Ma’arat Al-Numan, in a photo dated 2013. A collapse in waste management services, often disrupted due to fighting, can also lead to contamination and health risks, posing a challenge not only for civilians still living in Syria but also for those who wish to return. IPS BY THARANGA YAKUPITIYAGE UNITED NATIONS: $ESPITE THE 5NITED .ATIONS 3ECURITY #OUNCIL S TASK OF PROTECTING CIVILIANS DURING ARMED CONFLICTS MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD ARE STILL BEING DISPLACED AND KILLED WITH LITTLE TO NO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PERPETRATORS -ARKING YEARS SINCE THE 5. 3ECURITY #OUNCIL INCLUDED THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ITS AGENDA THE GROUP RECENTLY CONVENED FOR AN OPEN DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT 7HILE THERE HAS BEEN SOME PROGRESS THE GLOBAL PICTURE REMAINS DIRE AS CIVILIANS CONTINUE TO BEAR THE BRUNT OF THE COST OF WAR g'RAVE HUMAN SUFFERING IS STILL BEING CAUSED BY ARMED CONFLICTS AND LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAWwWE HAVE THE RULES AND LAWS OF WAR 7E ALL NOW NEED TO WORK TO ENHANCE COMPLIANCE u SAID 5. 3ECRETARY 'ENERAL !NTONIO 'UTERRES TO THE COUNCIL !HEAD OF THE MEETING !MNESTY )NTERNATIONAL S #RISIS 2ESPONSE $IRECTOR 4IRANA (ASSAN URGED THE 3ECURITY #OUNCIL TO END ITS gCATASTROPHIC FAILURE u STATING g7ORLD LEADERS HAVE ALL BUT ABANDONED CIVILIANS TO THE RAVAGES OF WAR 4HIS WEEK S OPEN DEBATE IN THE 3ECURITY #OUNCIL MUST YIELD MORE THAN JUST POSTURING AND EMPTY PROMISES #ONCRETE ACTION IS NEEDED TO REVERSE COURSE EFFECTIVELY PROTECT CIVILIANS STOP WAR CRIMES AND END IMPUNITY u !CCORDING TO THE 5. MORE THAN CIVILIANS WERE KILLED OR INJURED IN ALONE ACROSS JUST SIX COUNTRIES !FGHANISTAN )RAQ -ALI 3OMALIA 3OUTH 3UDAN AND 9EMEN !LL FIVE PERMANENT 3ECURITY #OUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PARTIES TO MANY OF THESE CONFLICTS AND ARE THUS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE TO PROTECT CIVILIANS &OR INSTANCE THE 5NITED 3TATES LED COALITION KILLED MORE THAN CIVIL-

IANS IN THE 3YRIAN CITY OF 2AQQA OVER FOUR MONTHS IN 4HE 3AUDI LED COALITION SUPPORTED BY 7ESTERN ARMS FROM THE 53 5+ AND &RANCE HAVE ALSO INJURED AND KILLED THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS AND DELIBERATELY BLOCKED FOOD ASSISTANCE IN 9EMEN CONTRIBUTING TO ONE OF THE WORLD S WORST HUMANITARIAN CRISES 'UTERRES PARTICULARLY POINTED TO THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF EXPLOSIVE WEAPONS IN POPULATED AREAS AND ITS DEVASTATING IMPACT AS PERCENT OF THOSE KILLED AND INJURED ARE CIVILIANS -ANY OF THOSE CIVILIANS ARE TOO OFTEN CHILDREN g4HE GREAT MILITARY POWERS CYNICALLY BOAST ABOUT @PRECISION WARFARE AND @SURGICAL STRIKES THAT DISTINGUISH BETWEEN FIGHTERS AND CIVILIANS "UT THE REALITY ON THE GROUND IS THAT CIVILIANS ARE ROUTINELY TARGETED WHERE THEY LIVE WORK STUDY WORSHIP AND SEEK MEDICAL CARE 0ARTIES TO ARMED CONFLICT UNLAWFULLY KILL MAIM AND FORCIBLY DISPLACE MILLIONS OF CIVILIANS WHILE WORLD LEADERS SHIRK THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND TURN THEIR BACKS ON WAR CRIMES AND IMMENSE SUFFERING u (ASSAN SAID "EYOND THE DEATHS AND INJURIES OF CIVILIANS 0ETER -AURER THE PRESIDENT OF THE )NTERNATIONAL #OMMITTEE OF THE 2ED #ROSS NOTED THE LONG TERM IMPACTS OF SUCH CONFLICT ON COMMUNITIES STATING g7E SEE DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE LEADING TO THE COLLAPSE OF ESSENTIAL HEALTH WATER SYSTEMS AND MORE )T IS NOT ONLY CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE THAT IS HARMED ‡ THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF CONFLICT ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED 4HIS INCLUDES VITAL NATURAL RESOURCES WHICH IF DAMAGED CAN HAVE IMPLICATIONS NOT ONLY FOR THE SURVIVAL OF CIVILIAN POPULATIONS BUT ALSO FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS u 3INCE 3EPTEMBER A COALITION LED BY THE 53 HAS CONDUCTED AIR STRIKES TARGETING MANY OIL INSTALLATIONS IN 3YRIA $UTCH NONPROFIT 0!8 FOUND THAT SUCH

DAMAGE CAN GENERATE SIGNIFICANT AIR POLLUTION AND SOIL AND WATER CONTAMINATION PRODUCING FURTHER LONG TERM NEGATIVE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES INCLUDING RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AND CANCER ! COLLAPSE IN WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES OFTEN DISRUPTED DUE TO FIGHTING CAN ALSO LEAD TO CONTAMINATION AND HEALTH RISKS POSING A CHALLENGE NOT ONLY FOR CIVILIANS STILL LIVING IN 3YRIA BUT ALSO FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO RETURN -AURER HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR THE 3ECURITY #OUNCIL TO PROTECT DISPLACED COMMUNITIES OR AT THE VERY LEAST TO LET THEM PROTECT THEMSELVES g4OO OFTEN DO WE SEE THAT IN ADDITION TO BEING EXPOSED TO WAR AND VIOLENCE POPULATIONS ARE STOPPED FROM REACHING SAFER SPACES ARE CONSTRAINED BY BUREAUCRATIC OBSTACLES AND ARE LIMITED IN THEIR FREE MOVEMENT u HE SAID 'UTERRES POINTED TO THE NEED TO ENHANCE COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW AS WELL AS GREATER AND MORE EVEN PROGRESS ON ACCOUNTABILITY g&OR THE 3ECURITY #OUNCIL THIS MEANS BEING MORE CONSISTENT IN HOW IT ADDRESSES PROTECTION CONCERNS WITHIN AND ACROSS DIFFERENT CONlICTS AND BEING MORE COMPREHENSIVE IN TERMS OF FOR EXAMPLE GRAPPLING WITH THE PROTECTION CHALLENGES OF URBAN WARFARE !ND IT MEANS KEEPING TODAY S CONVERSATION GOING u HE TOLD THE COUNCIL 3UCH DECISIONS ARE CRUCIAL FOR THE PEACE SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS WORLDWIDE g4HESE DECISIONS CAN SAVE LIVES OR END THEM THEY CAN CREATE HOPE OR MISERY AND THEY CAN BOLSTER OR BREAK THE NORMS THAT PROTECT UNIVERSAL HUMANITARIAN LAWS AND PRINCIPLESwNOT ONLY ARE THE DECISIONS OF ALL 5. MEMBER STATES AND ESPECIALLY THE 3ECURITY #OUNCIL IMPORTANT THE ABSENCE OF DECISIONS BY THE COUNCIL ALSO TAKES ITS TOLL ON CIVILIANS u -AURER SAID IPS

NOT BE DIFkCULT AND ITS FREQUENCY SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO MATCH THE TIMING OF THE INSURED S CASH lOWS WHICH COULD BE DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY QUARTERLY SEMI ANNUALLY AND ANNUALLY WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE 4HE CONTRACT SHOULD ALSO CLEARLY STATE IN SIMPLE TERMS THE FACE AMOUNT BENEFITS AND TERMS OF INSURANCE /NCE THE kRST PREMIUM CONTRIBUTION FEES OR CHARGES HAVE BEEN FULLY PAID THE MICROINSURANCE POLICY BECOMES IMMEDIATELY EFFECTIVE )N CASE THERE ARE CLAIMS AGAINST THE MICROINSURANCE THEY SHOULD BE SETTLED WITHIN WORKING DAYS FROM THE DAY THE INSURANCE PROVIDER HAS RECEIVED THE COMPLETE SET OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 4HIS IS MUCH SHORTER COMPARED TO THE SETTLEMENT PERIOD FOR REGULAR INSURANCE POLICIES WHICH IS GENERALLY TO DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION OF COMPLETE DOCUMENTS !S OPPOSED TO THE REGULAR INSURANCE POLICY WHOSE GRACE PERIOD IS DAYS OR A MONTH FROM THE PREMIUM DUE DATE MICROINSUR-

ANCE PROVIDES MORE ALLOWANCE FOR ITS CLIENTS &OR LIFE MICROINSURANCE POLICIES THE MAXIMUM GRACE PERIOD IN PAYING THE PREMIUM IS CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE DUE DATE AND THE INSURED MAY CONTEST OR QUESTION THE MICROINSURANCE CONTRACT WITHIN ONE YEAR !S FOR NON LIFE MICROINSURANCE POLICIES THE INSURANCE PROVIDER SHOULD SEND NOTICES TO THE POLICYHOLDERS AT LEAST CALENDAR DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF THE CONTRACT 4HE NOTICE SHOULD INDICATE CLEARLY WHETHER THE CONTRACT MAY BE RENEWED OR NOT AS WELL AS ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE IN CASE IT WILL BE RENEWED "EFORE AVAILING OF MICROINSURANCE ONE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE PROVIDER IS A DULY LICENSED INSURANCE COMPANY 4HE )# AUTHORIZED INSURANCE PROVIDER SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE MICROINSURANCE LOGO IN ALL MICROINSURANCE POLICIES

4HE AUTHOR IS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LEGAL SERVICES OF THE )NSURANCE #OMMISSION (E MAY BE CONTACTED AT RB ESCOLANGO YAHOO COM

FOCUS

‘Populist school’ in Italy at risk as EU votes TRISULTI, Italy: 4HE MAN BEHIND A WOULD BE gGLADIATOR SCHOOLu FOR POPULISTS HAS BIG PLANS FOR A TH CENTURY )TALIAN MONASTERY WHERE STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE WILL LEARN HOW TO gDEFEND THE 7EST u "UT TROUBLE IS BREWING IN THE MOUNTAINSIDE RETREAT !S PROJECT MASTERMIND "ENJAMIN (ARNWELL TOURS THE AUSTERE MONK CELLS HIS WALKIE TALKIE CRACKLES INTO LIFE INSPECTORS FROM THE CULTURE MINISTRY ARE HERE !TTEMPTS TO TRANSFORM THE SPRAWLING #ERTOSA DI 4RISULTI INTO A FAR RIGHT POLITICAL BOOT CAMP RISK FALLING FOUL OF A BITTER kGHT BETWEEN )TALY S POPULIST PARTIES WHICH ARE HOPING TO MAKE GAINS IN 3UNDAY S %UROPEAN ELECTIONS (ARNWELL A CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF FORMER 4RUMP 7HITE (OUSE ADVISER 3TEVE "ANNON FOUNDED THE $IGNITATIS (UMANAE )NSTITUTE THAT WILL RUN THE SCHOOL AND AIMS TO CREATE NEW LEADERS THROUGH gHARDCOREu PERSONALITY FORMATION g)T LL BE A CASE OF STICKING YOUR HAND YOUR kST INTO THE SOUL OF THE MAN AND DRAGGING IT OUT u HE TOLD !&0 g%VERYTHING THAT S OF THIS WORLD WE LL LEAVE TO THE SIDE AND EVERYTHING THAT S GOOD CAN BE REWORKED u 4HE gTHREATSu THE SCHOOL AIMS TO COUNTER FROM AMONG ITS SCULPTED HEDGEROWS AND COBBLED PATHS ARE MILITANT SECULARISM WITHIN THE 7EST JIHADIST )SLAMISM EXPLOITATION OF THE ORDINARY MAN BY POWERFUL ELITES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Populist ‘dream’ "ANNON WHO SINCE BEING OUSTED FROM THE 7HITE (OUSE SPENDS HIS DAYS FOMENTING RIGHT WING POPULISM IN %UROPE HAS PLEDGED MILLION TO THE PROJECT ‡ BUT APPEARS TO BE THE ONLY BENEFACTOR TO HAVE STUMPED UP FUNDS SO FAR (E AND (ARNWELL HAVE FOUND FERTILE GROUND IN )TALY WHICH BOASTS THE kRST MODERN DAY POPULIST GOVERNMENT IN 7ESTERN %UROPE BASED ON A COALITION OF THE FAR RIGHT ,EAGUE AND ANTI ESTABLISHMENT &IVE 3TAR -OVEMENT - 3 PARTIES "ANNON HAS DESCRIBED THE ,EAGUE - 3 ALLIANCE AS AN gEXPERIMENT THAT IF IT WORKS WILL CHANGE GLOBAL POLITICS u g3TEVE S DREAM WAS TO BRING TOGETHER A SORT OF LEFTISH TYPE OF POPULISM WITH A SORT OF RIGHTISH TYPE OF NATIONALISM AND MAKE A COHESIVE ENTITY !ND THAT S NOT EXEMPLIkED ANYWHERE BETTER IN THE WORLD THAN BY THE ,EAGUE AND - 3 u (ARNWELL SAID %LECTION RESULTS HERE COULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE WEIGHT OF THE VARIOUS POLITICAL GROUPS IN THE %5 PARLIAMENT 4HE ,EAGUE WHICH HAS SHOT TO PROMINENCE ON AN ANTI IMMIGRANT TICKET UNDER LEADER -ATTEO 3ALVINI IS FORECAST TO INCREASE ITS SEATS IN THE %UROPEAN PARLIAMENT FROM TO WHILE - 3 IS EXPECTED TO CLIMB FROM TO ‡ A COMBINED OUT OF )TALY S TOTAL - 3 WANTS TO FORM A NEW GROUPING TO WREST POWER FROM THE TRADITIONAL LEFT AND RIGHT BUT HAS FAILED SO FAR TO GET THE NUMBERS NEEDED THROUGH ITS

OVERTURES TO SMALL PARTIES IN #ROATIA &INLAND 'REECE AND 0OLAND 3ALVINI AN ALLY OF -ARINE ,E 0EN FROM &RANCE S .ATIONAL 2ALLY PARTY HAS CALLED ON NATIONALIST PARTIES TO JOIN FORCES AND HAS BEEN BUSY WOOING (UNGARY S ANTI IMMIGRATION 0RIME -INISTER 6IKTOR /RBAN AND $UTCH &REEDOM 0ARTY LEADER 'EERT 7ILDERS )N !UGUST 3ALVINI SIGNED UP TO "ANNON S GROUP g4HE -OVEMENT u FOUNDED TO SPARK A POPULIST REVOLT IN THE %5 VOTE 4HE ,EAGUE LEADER HAS SAID HE EXPECTS A NEW POPULIST BLOC TO BE THE LARGEST IN THE PARLIAMENT ‡ THOUGH HE AND HIS WOULD BE BEDFELLOWS DISAGREE ON SEVERAL KEY POINTS SUCH AS WHO ACROSS %UROPE TAKES HOW MANY OF THE REFUGEES LANDING IN )TALY

Frescoes and fraud "UT 3ALVINI S CAMPAIGN AT HOME HAS BEEN HIT BY SCANDAL WITH HIS ECONOMIC ADVISER ACCUSED OF ACCEPTING A BRIBE FROM A WIND FARM ENTREPRENEUR LINKED TO THE 3ICILIAN -AkA 4HE - 3 WHICH MADE gHONESTYu A KEYWORD OF ITS POLITICAL CAMPAIGN HAS DEMANDED THE ADVISER RESIGN !ND IT HAS ALSO SET ITS SIGHTS ON "ANNON S lAGSHIP PROJECT HERE THE SCHOOL (ARNWELL S INSTITUTE WON A TENDER IN TO MANAGE THE FORMER MONASTERY WITH ITS FRESCOED CEILINGS "AROQUE CHAPEL LIBRARY AND TH CENTURY PHARMACY WHERE THE MONKS BREWED MEDICINES FROM HERBS GATHERED IN THE SURROUNDING WOODS (E HOPES TO OFFER A SMALL NUMBER OF STUDENTS THE kRST THREE WEEK COURSE LATER THIS YEAR CHARGING UP TO EUROS A HEAD BEFORE OPENING ALL YEAR ROUND TO OR SO DISCIPLES AT A TIME /VER PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED AN INTEREST HE SAYS 3OME PERCENT ARE FROM THE ANGLOPHONE WORLD ‡ !USTRALIA "RITAIN #ANADA AND THE 53 ‡ WHILE THE REST HAIL FROM &RANCE 'ERMANY )TALY AND 3PAIN

‘Caught in the crossfire’ g&IRST WE NEED TO DO THE ROOFS WE NEED TO DO THE SEWERS PUT THE BATHROOMS IN u AND BRING INTERNET ACCESS TO THE SPRAWLING HERMITAGE WHICH IS CURRENTLY HOME TO FERAL CATS "UT (ARNWELL WHO KNEELS AND CROSSES HIMSELF BEFORE THE ALTAR EVERY TIME HE PASSES THROUGH THE CHAPEL TO A CORRIDOR HIDDEN BEHIND A SECRET DOOR MAY NOT GET THE CHANCE 4HE CULTURE MINISTRY CURRENTLY RUN BY THE - 3 TOLD !&0 IT HAS LAUNCHED A PROBE INTO THE TENDER FOLLOWING AN )TALIAN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT WHICH SUGGESTED THE )NSTITUTE MAY NOT HAVE WON IT FAIR AND SQUARE (ARNWELL BRUSHES OFF THE ALLEGATIONS SAYING THE SCHOOL IS gCAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE BETWEEN THE ,EAGUE AND - 3u AS THEIR ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS FOR THE %5 VOTE ENTER THE FEVERISH FINAL STRETCH g4HE LEFT IS TRYING TO SUGGEST WE RE PART OF SOME MONEY LAUNDERING EFFORT WITH THE 2USSIANS OR THE -AkA u HE SAYS DISMISSING SUCH SUGGESTIONS AS TOTAL RUBBISH AFP


Regions BI tightens watch in Mindanao ports ˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

T

(% "UREAU OF )MMIGRATION ") HAS INTENSIkED ITS DRIVE AGAINST UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS AND SUSPECTED FOREIGN TERRORISTS ENTERING THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE SOUTHERN BACKDOOR AFTER ITS OPERATIVES ARRESTED SIX ILLEGAL ALIENS IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS IN -INDANAO RECENTLY Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed over the weekend that the illegal aliens were separately arrested by the bureau’s Mindanao Intelligence 4ASK 'ROUP -)4' BASED IN Davao City. 4HE -)4' REPORT IDENTIkED THE arrested aliens as Indonesians

*IMBIRS $A ,EMA AND 3UPIAN Undingan, who were arrested in 'ENERAL 3ANTOS #ITY 7ARNAKULA Weerasuirya Jayathilaka, alias AnTON 2OWEL A 3RI ,ANKAN ARRESTED IN 4AGUM CITY $AVAO DEL 3UR AND +OREAN +IM 9OONSIG WHO WAS ON the BI blacklist and was arrested in a separate operation also in Tagum

#ITY $AVAO DEL 3UR Arrested in Davao City was Branden Fitzgeral Dandridge, an American; and Chinese Tony Co, alias Alex Ubalde, in Cagayan de Oro City. Both were undocumented and overstaying aliens. “The apprehension of these illegal aliens stemmed from complaints we received regarding the activities of these undesirable foreigners in various places in the south. Hence, we encourage the public to report to us the presence of any illegal alien in their areas and these will be acted upon,� Morente said. All six are detained at the BI’s detention facility in Davao pending deportation proceedings.

-ORENTE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT immigration border crossing ofkCERS HAD BEEN DEPLOYED TO THE BI’s six border crossing stations in Mindanao and Palawan. He said each port was being manned by six additional border crossing officers, who were tasked to monitor, board and inspect travelers aboard sea crafts that regularly cross the country’s borders with Malaysia and Indonesia. These stations are in the ports of Brooke’s Point and Balabac in Palawan; Tibanban in Davao Oriental; Batuganding in Davao DEL 3UR AND THE ISLANDS OF 4AGANAK and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi. g#ONSEQUENTLY ASIDE FROM

thwarting the entry of suspected foreign terrorists and illegal aliens, these officers are also tasked to monitor and report on the activities of and apprehend human traffickers and illegal recruiters who smuggle their victims in or out of the country via the backdoor. The so-called southern backDOOR ROUTE IS FROM 3ANDAKAN 3ABAH IN -ALAYSIA TO EITHER Zamboanga City or other nearby ISLANDS LIKE 3ULU AND 4AWI 4AWI using private sea craft and viceVERSA &ROM 3ABAH ILLEGAL ALIENS MAY TAKE A lIGHT TO +UALA ,UMPUR and back. Foreigners who enter and exit the country via these ports are

A7

mostly Malaysians and Indonesians engaged in barter, fishing and other commercial trading activities. Immigration authorities in the 3OUTH HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ON A HIGH STATE OF ALERT SINCE THE 3EPT TERROR ATTACK IN THE 5NITED 3TATES 4HE ") HAS A COMPLETE PROkLE and pictures of suspected international terrorists and it would be hard for them to enter the country through standard routes. Intelligence report indicated that the foreign jihadists that fought side-by-side with the Maute group against government security forces in Marawi City entered the country through the backdoor.

Disobedience as Negros Occ transition to new leadership starts basis for termination Dear PAO, -Y FRIEND HAS A SMALL BAKERY IN OUR PROVINCE 3HE HAS UNDER HER EMPLOY A BAKER AND TWO BAKERY ATTENDANTS (ER BAKER AND ONE MALE ATTENDANT RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM AS THE FORMER ACCUSED THE LATTER OF STEALING HIS MOBILE PHONE -Y FRIEND TRIED TO HAVE THEM RECONCILED TO NO AVAIL 4HE BAKER INSTITUTED A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FOR THEFT IN THE /FkCE OF THE 0ROSECUTOR .OW THE BAKER TOLD MY FRIEND THAT HE WANTS A PUBLIC APOLOGY FROM THE MALE ATTENDANT AND THAT IF THE LATTER WOULD NOT CONFORM HE SHOULD BE TERMINATED BECAUSE OF DISOBEDIENCE 3O MY FRIEND STILL IN THE HOPE OF SETTLING THE PROBLEM BETWEEN THE TWO ASKED THE MALE ATTENDANT TO MAKE A PUBLIC APOLOGY BUT THE LATTER REFUSED AS HE BELIEVED THAT IT MIGHT JEOPARDIZE HIS POSITION IN THE COMPLAINT AGAINST HIM .OW MY FRIEND WANTS TO KNOW IF HE CAN TERMINATE HIS MALE ATTENDANT ON ACCOUNT OF DISOBEDIENCE 0LEASE ADVISE ME Tateng Dear Tateng, Disobedience alone is not a ground for lawfully terminating a private employee. Under Article FORMERLY !RTICLE OF OUR Labor Code, an employer may terminate an employee if the latter’s disobedience is willful and is related to the lawful orders of his employer or representative in connection with his work. To be sure, the law provides: g!24)#,% ; = 4%2-)NATION BY EMPLOYER. — An employer may terminate an employment for any of the following causes: g A 3ERIOUS MISCONDUCT or willful disobedience by the employee of the lawful orders of his employer or representative in connection with his work; x x x� %MPHASIS SUPPLIED It has also been elaborated by OUR 3UPREME #OURT IN THE CASE OF Montallana vs La Consolacion College Manila '2 $EC 3#2! Ponente: Associate Justice Estela 0ERLAS "ERNABE “x x x In order for this ground to be properly invoked as a just cause for dismissal, the conduct must be willful or intentional, willfulness being characterized by a wrongful and perverse mental attitude. In Dongon vs Rapid Movers and Forwarders Co. Inc., ‘willfulness’ was described as

DEAR PAO PERSIDA ACOSTA ‘attended by a wrongful and perverse mental attitude rendering the employee’s act inconsistent with proper subordination.’� In the situation that you presented, it appears that the disobedience of the male bakery attendant, if there be any, cannot be characterized as “willful or intentional� as it does not seem to come within the purview of how the law and JURISPRUDENCE DEkNES gWILLFUL DISobedience� as a just cause for terminating an employee. It appears that he has satisfactorily explained his reason for not being able to comply with the public apology being demanded of him because to do so might jeopardize his position on the complaint against him. Likewise, his refusal to make such apology does not appear to simply disregard or disrespect your friend, but to protect himself from any legal risks given that there is a pendING COMPLAINT kLED AGAINST HIM Lastly, the penalty of termination or dismissal seems to be too harsh considering the circumstances surrounding the problem. We take into account the ruling of THE 3UPREME #OURT “x x x It bears to stress that not every case of insubordination or willful disobedience by an employee reasonably deserves the penalty of dismissal. The penalty to be imposed on an erring employee must be commensurate with the gravity of his offense. To the Court’s mind, the case of an employee who is compelled to apologize for a previous infraction but fails to do so is not one which would properly warrant his termination, absent any proof that the refusal was made in brazen disrespect of his employer. x x Xu Montallana vs La Consolacion College Manila )D We hope that we were able to ANSWER YOUR QUERIES 4HIS ADVICE is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public AttorNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF Acosta may be sent to dearpao@ manilatimes.net

BACOLOD CITY: To ensure a smooth transition at the provincial government of Negros Occidental, outgoing Gov. Alfredo MaraĂąon Jr. formed a team that began preparing for the change of leadership on June 30. Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson recently met with MaraĂąon and his transition team at the Capitol in Bacolod City, and had a briefing on the projects and programs of the provincial government. The transition team will submit to Lacson reports on the current

status of provincial government projects and programs on June 7. Lacson will assume the goverNOR S OFkCE ON *UNE BUT WILL TAKE HIS OATH ON *UNE Lacson said he was appointing Rayfrando Diaz as provincial LEGAL OFkCER AND WOULD ANNOUNCE the provincial administrator at a later date. Outgoing Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez would also be his pro bono consultant on economic development, who would work on bringing in more investors to Negros Occidental, he added.

Lacson said there would also be changes in the staff at the goverNOR S OFkCE BUT WOULD KEEP THE APpointment of executive assistants to a minimum number. He will also pursue the completion of the controversial animal hub at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City, the relocation of the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center to Talisay City, and the further development of Mambukal Resort in Murcia to boost tourism. The Department of the Interior and Local Government Memoran-

SC urged to lift order on CamNorte

Q Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go shares a light moment with leaders of Cordillera natives during the Kanyaw held by his Igorot supporters in Baguio City on Saturday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Bong Go bats for devt in CAR 3%.!4/2 %,%#4 #HRISTOPHER Lawrence “Bongâ€? Go expressed his gratitude to Cordillerans for their continuous support for President Rodrigo Duterte and for his candidacy during the midterm elections. “Thank you to our brothers here in Baguio for the support and trust you vested in me in the last elections, and your continued showing of support for our President,â€? he told the crowd. Go was warmly welcomed by Baguio City residents as he headed to a +ANYAW, a gathering of supporters who made a ritual offering and performed cultural dances ON 3ATURDAY NIGHT (E SHARED home-cooked local food, traded stories and expressed solidarity with them, and joined a boodle kGHT WITH LOCAL LEADERS AND COMmunity members. In his message, Go promised to support more development programs for the Cordillera region and to push for measures that WOULD IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

He mentioned some of the ongoing projects that the Duterte administration had in store for them, including the Baguio-La TriniDAD )TOGON 3ABLAN 4UBA 4UBLAY ",)344 /UTER 2ING #IRCUMFERENTIAL 2OAD AN KILOMETER road that aims to improve access to economic centers and farmlands of high value crops within Baguio City and other municipalities of Benguet province. He also vowed to address the concerns of the Cordillerans and continue to be their bridge to Duterte. He said he would look into the proposal of giving autonomy for the Cordillera AdministraTIVE 2EGION #!2 SIMILAR TO THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “As a legislator, I will support measures that would be good for CAR. Whatever will be good for the region, I will help push,� Go said in an ambush interview. He added that the President’s kGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS CORRUP-

tion and criminality would remain a priority for him. He reiterated his legislative agenda that include the creation of the Department for overseas Filipino workers, as well as crafting a law that would institutionalize the Malasakit Center, so the program could continue beyond the term of Duterte. Other priority concerns under Go’s legislative agenda include the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience to scale-up the country’s resiliency and preparedness in times of calamities and man-made disasters. “It is time that we have a permanent department that would focus on and coordinate with all sectors to integrate government services in times of disasters and calamities,� he said. “The elections are over. It is time or us to be united and start the more important task of pushing for the development of our country,� Go added.

4 Chinese nabbed with P124-M shabu DAGUPAN CITY: Four Chinese believed to be distributors of illegal drugs in Pangasinan were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation .") AND THE 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL 0OLICE 0.0 AT THEIR RENTED HOUSE in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Police Col. Wilson Joseph Lopez, 0.0 PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR IDENTIkED THE SUSPECTS AS ,UI "IN :UO 3HENG Li, Li Yu and Ye Ling who were rentING A HOUSE AT $OĂ„A 4RINING 3UBDIVI-

sion in Barangay Camantiles. 3EIZED FROM THE HOUSE OF THE SUSPECTS WERE kVE ASSORTED PLASTICS small and big weighing scales, and plastic bag containing 300 grams of shabu, estimated by the DangerOUS $RUGS "OARD AT 0 MILLION Bin was first arrested by NBI OPERATIVES AFTER SELLING SACHETS of shabu to a poseur buyer. Elemer Gancena, Camantiles barangay VILLAGE CHAIRMAN SAID

DUM #IRCULAR REQUIRES the creation of local governance transition teams to be headed by the local chief executive with the vice chairman to be elected from among the members by simple majority vote. Its tasks include the conduct of an inventory of local government unit properties, securing of all ofkCIAL DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS OF THE local government transactions, and a BRIEkNG ON THE KEY CHALLENGES FOR THE INCOMING SET OF OFkCIALS FOR A SEAMless leadership and management transition. EUGENE Y. ADIONG

the suspects have been renting the house for more than seven months. Gancena said he would issue an order to all houseowners renting out their units to submit the names of their renters and occupants, adding, he believed the rented house of the suspects was being used as drop off point of illegal drugs. The barangay tanod VILLAGE WATCHMEN ALSO CONkRMED THAT VEHICLES

were seen going into the subdivision and park infront the house of the suspects at any given time. 3INCE -ARCH THE RESIDENTS ALSO noted the arrival of a white color closed van without a license plate, with its driver and two companions wearing bonnets were seen unloading small boxes into the rented house. Records of PNP in Urdaneta City showed more than 30 drug

pushers were arrested in separate OPERATIONS DURING THE kRST QUARTER of this year and nine others in the last two months. It was also in Camantiles where a private land was used by some Muslim residents as hideout in the repacking and selling illegal drugs, but their houses were ordered demolished by Mayor !MADEO 0EREZ TH JAIME G. AQUINO

TWO Camarines Norte residents filed a motion to lift the status QUO ANTE ORDER THE 3UPREME #OURT 3# ALLOWING 'OV Edgardo Tallado to run for another term in the recent midterm elections. 4HE HIGH COURT ON -AY ordered the Commission on %LECTIONS #OMELEC TO INCLUDE Tallado’s name in the list of gubernatorial candidates. The order overruled the previous decisions of the Comelec First Division canceling TalLADO S CERTIkCATE OF CANDIDACY #O# SAYING THE ELECtions would be his run for a fourth term. Petitioners Norberto VillaMIN AND 3ENANDRO *ALGALADO were praying the high court to GRANT THEIR MOTION AND AFkRM the Comelec and OmbudsMAN S PREVIOUS ORDERS DISQUALIfying Tallado. 4HE TWO kLED A PETITION BEFORE the Comelec to deny due course and/or cancel Tallado’s CoC on the ground that the midterm elections would be a run for the governor’s fourth term. The Ombudsman suspendED 4ALLADO IN DISMISSED him from office in March AND METED THE PENALTY OF PERPETUAL DISQUALIFICATION from public office, which stemmed from the complaint for grave abuse of authority by a former provincial veterinarian. Tallado was reinstated as governor of Camarines Norte a few weeks after his dismissal from OFkCE 4HE PENALTY WAS DOWNgraded to a suspension and his position was not actually vacated. He was proclaimed last week after defeating former Daet Rep. Catherine Barcelona Reyes by VOTES "UT HIS RUNNING mate, Vice Governor-elect Jonah Pimentel’s proclamation was stopped because the Comelec also canceled his CoC on election day. Pimentel was also runnin for his fourth term, said Comelec. BELLY M. OTORDOZ


A8

News

MONDAY May 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Gatchalian to sponsor ROTC bill in Senate S BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

EN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday said he is ready to sponsor on Monday, May 27, the passage of the proposed law that seeks TO MAKE THE 2ESERVED /FkCERS 4RAINING #ORPS 2/4# MANDATORY IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The senator said he would sponsor the committee report mandating senior high school students or those in Grades 11 and 12 to undergo ROTC. Gatchalian was designated by the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture as chairman of the Senate subcommittee on ROTC, which is tasked to study the possible re-institutionalization of the program. “Dapat gawin sa senior high school dahil 100 percent ang dumaraan sa senior high school (It must be implemented in senior

high school because 100 percent of [16- and 17-year-olds] go through senior high school). That’s the recommendation of the DND (Department of National Defense), which we approve of,� he said. “At less than 20 percent lang ang nagka-college at diretso na sa trabaho (Less than 20 percent CONTINUE TO COLLEGE AND OPT TO kND jobs),� Gatchalian said in a radio interview. The House of Representatives recently passed its version of the ROTC bill that aims to instill patriotism and discipline in the

Filipino youth. “Pangako ko sa DND itutulak natin (I promised the DND to push for its passage),� Gatchalian said. “Best effort din na tatapusin natin dahil itong ROTC naging controversial kaya ginawang opTIONAL ) LL DO MY BEST TO kNISH this because this ROTC has become controversial; that’s why it was made optional [in college],� he said. “At ngayon ibabalik natin mandatory kaya marami rin ako ineexpect na tanong (And now it is being revived and will become mandatory; that’s why I’m expecting that there will be lots of questions [regarding this from fellow senators]),� the senator added. Gatchalian earlier cited a Pulse Asia survey that showed a majority of Filipinos support the return of the ROTC.

“By instilling in our students a sense of patriotism and discipline, we are also unlocking their potential to become future leaders and training them to become productive members of society,� he said. “According to the Pulse Asia’s latest Ulat ng Bayan Survey conducted on December 14 to 21 last year, 1,440 of 1,800 respondents or 80 percent agree with the implementation of the ROTC either in senior high, in college or in both. Meanwhile, 270 respondents or 15 percent do not want the program implemented, while the rest have no opinion on the issue,� he said. The same survey showed that 34 percent want ROTC implemented in both senior high school and college, 28 percent want the program to be implemented only in college, while 18 percent want ROTC only in senior high school, according to the lawmaker.

DoLE to seafarers: Be entrepreneurs THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) is encouraging Filipino seafarers to plan for their retirement by competing for start-up capital from the government and becoming entrepreneurs. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said over the weekend that the National Reintegration Center for OFWS-Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (NRCO-ISP) has launched a business competition for seafarers, which is already open for interested applicants. g.OW ON ITS kFTH YEAR THE COMpetition aims to encourage returning sea-based OFW (overseas Filipino workers) to pursue their dream businesses and provide sustainable livelihood for their families and employees,� he said. NRCO is an attached agency of the Labor department. Submission of entries is from May 22 to Sept. 6, 2019. .2#/ OFkCER IN CHARGE $IRECTOR Roel Martin said that a total of P1 million in start-up capital, as well as training and mentoring, await seafarers with successful business plan proposals. This year’s grand winner will RECEIVE 0 WHILE THE kRST RUNNER UP AND EIGHT OTHER kNALISTS would each receive P100,000 and P50,000, respectively. The competition’s previous winners were William Gaspay, who owns a seaweed farm in Masinloc, Zambales; Ryan Mark Antiquera, who operates a soft broom business in the Bicol Region; captain Oswald Rollorazo and Jason Javier, who own a ruminant feeds production and distribution business in Tarlac; and Nelson Mejia, who is set to operate Metro Cebu Express, an alternative mode of transporta-

tion for Cebuanos. The competition is open to active and inactive Filipino seafarers 25 years old or above. Interested seafarers may submit proposals as solo, a duo or a group consisting OF THREE TO kVE MEMBERS Those who wish to join the competition but are on duty can APPOINT ONE OFkCIAL REPRESENTATIVE From the entries, 10 would be shortlisted. Those chosen would proceed to the mentoring round in October where they would undergo a series of coaching sessions to enhance their business plans. $URING THE kNAL ROUND IN .Ovember, the participants would present their business plans to a panel of judges. Their entries would be judged based on content, impact to the community, kNANCIAL VIABILITY CLARITY OF PREsentation, and drive and determination of the business plan owner. ISP President Gaudencio Morales earlier said that more than 50 percent of Filipino seafarers do not live comfortable life after retirement for lack of career planning. “We are suggesting that at 55 or 60 years old, it is time to retire. But their reason is as long as they are still hired by shipowners, they would continue working. The truth is, majority of them have not prepared for retirement. They don’t have money or savings,� Morales told The Manila Times. Ship captains, he said, earn $8,000 or more a month, which is equivalent to more than P5 million a year. But some ship captains don’t even have a house of their own. There are about 365,000 Filipino seamen on board international vessels at any given time. WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has established a protocol on how to respond to bomb threats as part of security measures it prepares for the opening of classes on June 3. Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO chief, said the protocol includes the designation of a contact person or marshal in different schools and placing explosive ordnance disposal units on alert. Should there be a bomb threat, Eleazar said the public should remain calm. He added that most of the previous bomb threats in Metro Manila turned out to be hoaxes.

He said 7,153 police officers and personnel would be deployed in the National Capital Region to ensure that no untoward incidents would happen during the during school opening. “We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals, such as pickpockets and snatchers,� Eleazar said. Eleazar said police marshals would also be deployed to secure passengers. “We will be everywhere, especially our police detectives, who would secure students and other commuters inside buses and passenger jeepneys,� he added. PNA

CLOSED FOR NOW Workers demolish a portion of the Marcos Highway Bridge, which was closed on May 25. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the bridge would be closed for four months. PHOTO BY ROGER RANADA

‘Real poor’ should benefit from 4Ps – Recto SENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Sunday urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that the “real poor� will BENEkT FROM THE NEWLY SIGNED Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Law. President Rodrigo Duterte signed on April 17 Republic Act 11310 that institutionalizes the 4Ps. Recto called on officials of the DSWD to “craft a responsive and relevant� implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that would address the challenges in implementing the 4Ps. g4HE )22 SHOULD RElECT THE REAL

intention of the law, which is to institutionalize 4Ps to help the real poor, to ensure the sustainability of the program and avoid wasteful spending,� he said. “From 2007, when it was launched with a P50-million budget, the 4Ps annual spending has surged 176,213 percent with this year’s proposed allocation at P88 billion. With this amount, we should make sure that the real poor are helped and the targets of the program met,� the senator added. Integrated in the new law are amendments introduced by Recto in the Senate, such as the automatic inclusion of families

Bong Go backs calls to hike teachers’ pay RECOGNIZING the role of teachers in the educational formation of the youth, senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go vowed to support calls to increase the salaries of teachers. “Nagawa na natin ito sa ating mga uniformed personnel, isusunod naman sana natin ang ating mga guro (We have increased the pay of uniformed personnel, perhaps we should do the same for teachers),� said Go, citing how the Duterte administration delivered on its promise to increase the salaries of members of the military and police. Aside from low salaries, teachers are also confronted with other challenges that include lack of classrooms, heavy workload and overcrowded classes. Go vowed to address these concerns and ensure that public school students receive quality education. “Uunahin po natin ang kapakanan ng

NCRPO prepares for school opening

Q Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go

ating mga guro. Mahalaga po ang role nila sa ating bansa, kailangan pong iprioritize natin sila at bigyan pansin (We will give priority to teachers. They play a crucial role in nation building, we have to give them

attention),� Go said. The Department of Budget and Management is commissioning an independent study to benchmark the salaries of teachers this year. Go said he would look into the results of the study as a basis to determine the appropriate level of compensation and necessary salary adjustment for teachers. Go said he would also push for free school supplies for public school students. “Ang target natin ay hindi lang mas maraming estudyanteng pumapasok sa mga paaralan kundi mas maraming dekalidad na estudyanteng nagsisipagtapos ng pag-aaral (Our target is not only to have more children in schools. Our TARGET IS TO HAVE MORE STUDENTS kNISH school),� he said.

OF FARMERS kSHERFOLKS AND THOSE who live in areas without electricity; lifting of limit on the number of children to qualify for the cash grants; continuous impact assessment of the 4Ps program to be conducted by Philippine Institute for Development Studies, including verification of THE LIST OF BENEkCIARIES AND ITS recommendation every six years on whether to adjust the amount OF CASH GRANTS BASED ON INlATION DSWD and other government agencies to prioritize 4Ps families in their livelihood programs; safeguard against “local epal politics� by limiting the advisory councils at the regional and

national level; and streamlining membership to advisory councils to include only the government agencies with different programs related to training, employment facilitation, microenterprise development and technology for those seeking jobs. In pushing for his amendment PRIORITIZING THE FARMERS AND kSHers in 4Ps enrolment, Recto said, “Most of the 23.7 million poor are in this sector. The poverty incidence among farmers is 34.3 percent, while it is 34 percent for kSHERMEN 4HESE ARE HIGHER THAN THE LATEST POVERTY INCIDENCE kGURE of 21.6 percent.� BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

Q RELATIONS FROM A1

Canada travel ban part of ‘diminished relations’ The memorandum directed heads of agenCIES TO gREDUCE OFkCIAL INTERACTION WITH REPresentatives of the Canadian government,â€? Panelo said, in line with the government’s stance regarding the trash issue. “We maintain that these directives are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada, starting with the recall of our Ambassador and Consul-General in that country in light of Canada’s failure to retrieve its containers of garbage unlawfully shipped to the Philippines,â€? he said. After Canada missed a May 15 deadline to ship back the 103 container vans of trash, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced that it was recalling Ambassador Petronila Garcia, who returned to Manila on May 17. Following the recall, MalacaĂąang announced that Duterte had ordered the garbage shipped

back at the Philippines’ expense, also threatening to dump the shipment in Canadian waters if authorities refused its entry. Last Friday, Canada said it had finally TAPPED A kRM TO HANDLE THE RETURN SHIPMENT Catherine Mckenna, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that a contract had been awarded to BollorĂŠ Logistics Canada “to safely bring the waste back to Canada, as soon as possible.â€? #ANADA SAID THE kRM WOULD BEGIN PREPArations for the shipments and removal is expected to be completed by the end of June. MalacaĂąang has downplayed possible retaliation against Filipinos in Canada who numbered 901,218 as of April 2018, comprising a mix of naturalized Canadians, permanent residents and temporary foreign workers. RALPH U. VILLANUEVA


What’s inside NEGROS OCC IDENTAL BANK CLOSED

»BusinessB2

D&L BOLSTERING EXPORTS BUSINESS AMID TRADE WAR Stock WatchB3

www.manilatimes.net

»Corporate NewsB3

CHINA DIGS IN FOR TRADE FIGHT WITH WASHINGTON

»Foreign BusinessB4

SHARES OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEK

Bargainhunting at bourse expected LOCAL shares are likely to trade higher this week as investors are expected to hunt for issues on oversold conditions, according to analysts. In a market note over the weekend, Eagle Equities Inc. Research head Christopher Mangun said that, after the

³Bourse B2

B2

DBM eyes submitting 2020 budget proposal at SONA

»

MAYNILAD SETS 2019 CAPEX AT P16.8B

DELOITTE ON THE DOT

W

MONDAY MAY 27, 2019

Business Times

B1

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

T

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is aiming to submit the proposal for next year’s national budget during President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth State of the National Address (SONA) in July.

Asked on late Friday if her department would submit the proposal for the 2020 General Appropriations bill on July 22 — the same DAY AS THE 3/.! "UDGET /FkCER IN #HARGE Janet Abuel said “that’s our target.” According to her, the DBM was done with the technical budget hearings and would hold other high-level hearings before presenting the proposal to the 18th Congress. 3HE ALSO CONkRMED THAT THE DEPARTMENT

public convenience and necessity) and the frequencies [would] be granted to it by the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission).” “Foremost of [these requirements] is the posting of its performance bond of P25.7 [billion],” he added, noting that the group had committed to submit the necessary documents by “late June or early July this year.” “The ball is actually in the hands of Mislatel, not the government.” Rio’s remarks came days after the House of Representatives approved the transfer of the franchise of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. Inc. to the consortium, after the Senate did so in February. The transfer gave the group a

majority and controlling stake in that company, whose 25-year franchise Congress granted in April 1998. On the sidelines of PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc.’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Pampanga province last week, Uy expressed hope that the consortium would now proceed with preparing for the telco’s operations. “We hope that they can get organized already,” Uy said. “Hopefully, [we’ll] get [the] CPCN and [start] working toward our launch and commercial operations.” Despite the fact it is yet to secure THAT CERTIkCATE AND THE FREQUENCIES Mislatel has begun focusing on its network.

³Fulfill B4

³SONAB4

Dennis Uy owns Dennison Holdings

‘Mislatel yet to fulfill requirements’ THE Filipino-Chinese consortium chosen by the government as the country’s third major telecommunications player is yet to complete all requirements for it to secure the papers and frequencies needed to begin operations, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Sunday. In a message to The Manila Times, acting Information chief Eliseo Rio Jr. said the Mislatel consortium — composed of Udenna Corp. and Chelsea Logistics Holdings Inc. of Davao City-based businessman Dennis Uy and state-run China Telecommunications Corp. (China Telecom) — still needed to “accomplish some requirements before the CPCN (certificate of

would propose a cash budget of P4.1 trillion for next year — a 9.1-percent or P343-billion increase from this year’s P3.757 trillion. Of this amount, 44.9 percent or P1.842 trillion will be allocated for “Tier 1” programs, activities and projects of government agencies, including the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National ID system, as well as various infrastructure

I

SM Communications Corp. reported on April 17, 2019 that it had issued 2.8 billion common shares. Minus 841,945,107 treasury shares, it had and still has 1,958,054,893 common shares outstanding, according to the company’s public ownership report (POR) posted on the website of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Of ISM’s outstanding common shares, the company’s 9-person board held 1,206,135,437 common shares, or 61.599 percent. In addition to their directly held ISM common shares, four of them also indirectly owned 1,123,917,468 ISM common shares, or 57.4 percent. Eric O. Recto, board chairman

and chief executive officer, had 243,559,610 ISM common shares, or 12.439 percent. Of his total holdings, he directly owned 10,734,215 ISM common shares, in addition to indirectly owned 232,825,395 ISM common shares. Dennis A. Uy, vice chairman, owned 618,621,461 ISM common shares, or 31.594 percent, of which he directly and indirectly held

³Perez B4


Business Times

B2

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY May 27, 2019

Negros rural lender closed BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

M

ONETARY authorities have ordered a Negros Oriental-based rural bank shuttered and placed under receivership.

“The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prohibited Rural Bank of Guihulngan (Negros Oriental) Inc.from doing business in the Philippines through MB Resolution No. 754.A dated May 23, 2019 which also directed the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) as receiver to proceed with the takeover and liquidation of Rural Bank of

Guihulngan,� the PDIC said in a statement late on Friday. It was the sixth bank to be placed under PDIC receivership this year. The bank’s assets and affairs were placed under control of the PDIC on May 24, 2019. The single-unit rural lender is headquartered at Sikatuna St., Poblacion, City of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Depositors of closed banks un-

der PDIC receivership are entitled to be paid up to the maximum insurance coverage of P500,000. Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2019, the rural bank had 933 deposit accounts with total deposit liabilities of P5.95 million. Total insured deposits amounted to P5.94 million equivalent to 99.85 percent of total deposits. According to the PDIC, depositors with valid accounts of P100,000 and below do not need TO kLE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CLAIMS except when they have outstanding obligations with the closed bank or acted as co-makers of obligations.

“These individual depositors must ensure that they have complete and updated addresses with the bank. PDIC representatives will be distributing Mailing Address Update Forms at the bank premises and depositors may submit the forms until May 29, 2019,� PDIC said. The Monetary Board closed 12 banks in 2018 and 7 banks in 2017, placing them all under PDIC receivership. PDIC also reminded borrowers to continue paying their loan obligations with the closed Rural Bank of Guihulngan and to transact only with designated PDIC representatives at the bank premises.

General wholesale price index up in March THE general wholesale price index (GWPI) went up by 4.8 percent in March from 3.2 percent in February, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. In a report, PSA said higher annual increments were seen in the indices of food (8.6 percent), beverages and tobacco (10.8 percent), mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (5.6 percent), manufactured goods classified CHIElY BY MATERIALS PERCENT and miscellaneous manufactured

articles (2.0 percent). Slower increase however was recorded for the machinery and transport equipment index at 2.2 percent. “The indices of crude materials inedible except fuels and chemicals including animal and vegetable oils and fats continued to register annual decreases of 12.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively,� said PSA. However, the PSA said the GWPI in March was lower compared to the 5.4 percent recorded in the

same month last year. Month-on-month, the GWPI also went up by 1.2 percent in March 2019 from 0.4 percent in February. Higher increases were seen in the indices of manufactured goods CLASSIkED CHIElY BY MATERIALS AT percent, and miscellaneous manufactured articles at 0.9 percent. PSA said the index of food also slightly increased by 0.8 percent from a decline of 2.8 percent in the previous month. “Slower increments were, how-

ever, noticed in the indices of beverages and tobacco at 0.2 percent, and mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at 4.2 percent,� said PSA. Declines were also observed in the indices of crude materials, inedible except fuels at 0.4 percent, and chemicals including animal and vegetable oils and fats at 1.6 percent while machinery and transport equipment index retained its previous month’s rate of 0.1 percent. ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

PCIC pays P3.97-B indemnities in 2018 THE Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) on Sunday said it has paid P3.97 billion in indemnities last year under its agricultural insurance for farmers and fisherfolks across the country. In a report submitted to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol, PCIC President and CEO Atty. Jovy Bernabe said the figure was 75.37 percent up from the P1.937 billion in 2017. â€œMost insured farmers and fisherfolk numbering 442,035 received the payments in 20 days or less according to PCIC’s improved and ISO-certified systems,â€? PCIC said in a statement over

the weekend. The PCIC has provided insurance cover to some 2.27 million farmers and fisherfolk, the highest in its corporate history so far. This was 33.52 percent higher from 1.7 million in 2017, and more than twice the 1.09 million in 2016. Record shows a growth rate in farmer access by 108 percent in the last years, the PCIC said. Total assets covered included, for the most part, rice, corn and high-value crop farms which totaled 1.845 million hectares, up 39.04 percent from 1.327 million a year earlier.Â

“The PCIC’s delivery of this gargantuan task, spread as its service is nationwide, was helped in part by the collective commitment of its management and staff to abide by strict operational policies and governance rules,â€? Bernabe said.  As a result, the PCIC has gained the top honors in corporate governance scorecard as determined by the government’s corporate watchdog, the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), Bernabe added. In recent assessment, PCIC scored 100.5 in the corporate governance

scorecard.   The scorecard is used by the GCG to evaluate a government firm’s adherence to best practices and international standards of corporate governance. The PCIC is the government’s sole arm for providing agricultural insurance.  From providing rice and corn insurance, the firm has dynamically evolved and developed an expanded range of insurance products that now includes high-value crops, livestock, fisheries, non-crop agricultural assets, credit and life-term insurance.  EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

Claim what is yours: Duty and tax refund

C

LAIMS for refund applied with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are a dime a dozen since all earning individuals and entities are taxpayers required to register with the BIR. But not all taxpayers are importers, thus, only some taxpayers are required to register with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Have you ever wondered what it’s like to apply for a refund of duties and taxes on importation from the BOC? What are the requirements for an importer to claim a duty and tax refund from the BOC? Duty and tax refund on importation with the BOC can only be allowed under certain conditions. Section 3 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), or Republic Act No. 10863, as implemented by the recently issued Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 04-2019, provides that a duty and tax refund is only allowed when: it is due to an error in the assessment or goods declaration; there are excess duties and taxes paid as a result of a change in customs procedure; there are manifest clerical errors made on the invoice or entry; or there are errors in the distribution of charges on invoices not involving question of law. Said refund application is initiATED BY kLING A WRITTEN APPLICATION with the BOC and paying a processing fee that ranges from P700 to P5,000 per application based on the amount being claimed. Compared to the two-year prescriptive period for tax refunds with the BIR, the BOC only allows a 12-month tax refund period from the time the duties and taxes on importation are paid. In submitting an application for duty and tax refund, the same must be accompanied by import documents such as import entry (single administrative document), bill of lading/airway bill, commercial invoice, packing list, and such other documentary evidence to prove such claim for refund. Once the application for refund

DELOITTE ON THE DOT

EZEQUIEL WHENZ BEREDO has been submitted, the same shall BE ASSIGNED TO A CUSTOMS OFkCER who will check the completeness of the supporting documents and the veracity of the claim. The ofkCER IS ALSO MANDATED BY LAW TO submit an examination report with regard to any fact discovered that indicates any discrepancy, and then make the corresponding adjustment on goods declaration. Further, based on statement of accounts submitted by the BOC Collection Districts, the BOC will verify whether the claimant has outstanding obligations with the bureau; these should be settled by the importer before the claim for refund can be acted upon. The BOC has a total of 60 days upon receipt of the eligible and properly accomplished claims within which to process, grant, or deny the claim. Approved claims for tax credit or refund may be paid through the issuance of a Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) or in cash (subject to budgetary requirements, laws, rules and regulations). It is noteworthy that if the BOC grants the claim for refund, the issuance of the TCC or payment of cash must also be made within the mentioned 60 days. However, before making such payment, the BOC must make sure that all the duties and taxes subject of the claim have been actually paid and remitted to the Bureau of Treasury. In case the claim for refund has been granted and a TCC has been issued, said TCC will be valid for a PERIOD OF kVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF issuance and may be further revaliDATED TO ANOTHER kVE YEARS UNDER certain conditions. Upon approval of the BOC of the revalidation, it will issue a new TCC, which will be

ÂłDeloitte B4

Penalty scheme for privacy offenses out this year – NPC THE National Privacy Commission (NPC) is aiming to finalize a scheme before yearend to regulate penalty fees for entities violating data privacy rights and policies. “We would like to come up [with a fine scheme] before yearend,� Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro said in a press briefing in Pasay recently. Liboro said the commission’s legal department is in-charge with crafting the schedule of fines, which will undergo consultations. “We also have our legal office working on it but we’re also tying up with some research centers,� he added. He said the privacy authority was open in looking into other established penalty schemes, especially those from Hong Kong and Singapore, as they enforce privacy policies strictly. The NPC could also pattern its schedule of penalties after these countries’ practices, he explained. “There are already fine schemes. We will

also look at the principles behind it,� he added. Nevertheless, Liboro said the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Republic Act 10173 would still be the main guide in finalizing the penalty schedule. “Our basis will be the provisions of the law but it will be a middle ground for companies,� Liboro said. Some of the cited infractions are unauthorized processing of personal data, unauthorized purpose of data collection and direct violation of commission policies and circulars. The NPC made the announcement amid the ongoing hearings for 235 alleged harassment and shaming complaints lodged against 48 online lending applications. “Definitely, it is a scheme that should be able to make things work, to teach a lesson, to compel to change their (erring entities) ways,� Liboro added. TYRONE C. PIAD

Q BOURSE FROM B1

Bargain-hunting at bourse massive foreign selling over the past two weeks, he expected local investors to take this as an opportunity to bargain-hunt. According to him, investor optimism will also be helped by positive economic fundamentals, coupled with stronger government spending during the quarter after the 2019 national budget was passed. “We will see investors gain more confidence, which will continue to bring them back into the market, which will fuel the rally,� Mangun said, adding that he was optimistic the index would climb back to the 8,000 level in the coming weeks. Online brokerage firm 2tradeasia. com cautioned, however, that volatile trading should not be discounted, given the escalating trade war between the United States and China, which continues to rattle global markets. “For now, global markets are heeding for potential relaxation of stance from the US

in line with its blacklisting [of] Huawei and other technology-related entities,� it said, in reference to US President Donald Trump’s order more than a week ago to bar American companies from using foreign telecommunications equipment that were considered a security risk — a move seen by many as targeting the Chinese telecommunications giant. For its part, the US Commerce Department also announced a ban on US companies selling or transferring technology to Huawei, though it later issued a 90-day reprieve. Last Friday, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped by 0.73 percent or 56.94 points to close at 7,747.09, while the wider All Shares decreased by 0.57 percent or 27.41 points to end at 4,781.85. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS WITH A REPORT FROM AFP


Stock Watch D&L ramping up exports business amid trade war

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

L

ISTED D&L Industries Inc. may be expected to benefit from the worsening trade war between the world’s two largest economies, according to analysts, but it was still not spared from selloffs from last week’s trading.

Shares of the chemical manufacturer slipped by 1.39 percent week-on-week to P9.96 each on Friday, compared with P10.10 on May 17, in line with general market sentiment. Its current price represented a 15-percent drop in the past 30 trading days, and a 9.12-percent decrease since the start of the year. Timson Securities Inc. trader Jervin de Celis said the company’s stock performance was dampened BY ITS kRST QUARTER EARNINGS WHICH increased by only 1 percent to P748 million from P744 million in the same period last year. D&L blamed the tempered growth on the delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget, which slowed spending, coupled with lingering negative sentiment among consumers over last year’s HIGH INlATION RATE 2EVENUES ALSO slid by 8 percent to P5.88 billion from P6.4 billion. Despite this, Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Piper

Q D&L Industries’ manufacturing facility. PHOTO FROM THE D&L WEBSITE Chaucer Tan said prospects for D&L were positive, even as trade tensions between the United States and China are escalating. D&L has started ramping up its exports business to raise its contribution to 50 percent of total sales come 2020. “If the US and China go to a full-blown trade war, not just [in] technologies but [also in] other goods‌ [they] may increase their economic activities with other [countries] to escape from tariffs,â€? Tan explained. “[Note] that China is one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners.â€? /N THE lIP SIDE DE #ELIS SAID the trade war, which may dampen global economies, may also negatively affect global exports moving forward. “D&L also changes [the] prices of its [exports], depending on the price of commodities, so a weaker

economy for bigger and developed countries may further slash demand for commodities, which may mean lower product pricing for the company,� he explained. Locally, de Celis said the lower INlATION RATE ‡ WHICH STOOD AT percent in April, easing from 3.3 percent in March and 4.5 percent a year ago — along with the central bank’s efforts to keep Philippine economic growth in check should provide a cushion and keep the business atmosphere thriving, despite overseas threats. (E ALSO EXPECTS THE kRM S SHARE

price to hold the support level at P9.80. If it breaks above, he said the company would likely go up to the P10.7 territory. D&L saw net foreign selling in the last 11 days end at P90.48 million as of Friday. Incorporated on July 27, 1971 and listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Dec. 12, 2012, D&L’s principal business activities include manufacturing customized food ingredients, specialty raw materials for plastics, and oleochemicals for personal and home care use.

MONDAY May 27, 2019

B3


Corporate News Maynilad sets 2019 capex at P16.8B B4

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

M

AYNILAD Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) has alloted P16.8 billion in capital expenditures (capex) this year to enhance and expand its services. “Maynilad is dedicating a bigger share of this year’s capital investment toward wastewater projects, as we seek to facilitate sewerage coverage expansion in the West Zone,� Maynilad President and #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER 2AMONCITO

Fernandez said a statement over the weekend. “Accelerating our wastewater projects will require a lot of resources, but we are committed to do our part in protecting the health of our customers and the

environment,� he added. Of the total amount, Maynilad said P11.4 billion would be spent on the construction of a new sewage treatment plant (STP) in Central Manila; installation of about 30 kilometers of sewer lines in Las Piùas City; upgrading existing STPs to include nutrient-removal processes; lot acquisitions for new STPs and pump stations; installation of new sewer service connections; and maintenance of the existing sewer network. The West Zone concessionaire

also said another P1.9 billion would be used for the construction of additional pumping stations and reservoirs for better supply management; service-expansion programs; and water-source projects. It will also spend P3 billion for its water loss recovery or non-revenue water (NRW) management program, which covers leak detection and repair, meter management, pipe replacements and network diagnostics, among others. The rest of the budget will go to

the company’s customer service and information program, which involves modernizing its data management and information systems to improve service delivery. “Funding for Maynilad’s infrastructure investments will come from local and international bank loans, as well as from internally generated funds,� Maynilad said. “The water company expects to generate over 49,200 jobs from its P16.8-billion capex program this year,� it added. Maynilad is the agent and con-

tractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area. Certain portions of Manila and Quezon City; Makati City (west of South Super Highway); and the cities of Caloocan, Las PiĂąas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Navotas, ParaĂąaque, Pasay and Valenzuela make up this zone. Maynilad also services the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, as well as the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite province.

Semirara pays P3.6B in royalties in 2018 GrabFood contributing LISTED Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) paid to the Department of Energy (DoE) last March P3.57 billion in royalties for 2018, a 17-percent decrease from the P4.3 billion it paid a year earlier. In a statement over the weekend, the Consunji-led company attributed the decline in its remittance to lower sales of coal, which fell by 11 percent to 11.6 million metric tons (MMT) from 13.1 MMT previously. Of the amount remitted, about

P1.43 billion will be distributed to Semirara Mining’s host communities, while almost P500 million will go to Barangay Semirara in Antique province’s Caluya town. The municipality and province will receive P642 million and P285 million, respectively. “Our partnership with DoE allows us contribute meaningfully to the economy of our host communities. Aside from royalties, we also generate employment [on] Semirara Island and nearby areas,� Semirara Mining President

AND #HIEF /PERATING #FkCER -ARIA Cristina Gotianun said. Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, says local government units are entitled to a 40-percent share of royalties from petroleum, coal, geothermal, hydrothermal and wind resources. Semirara says its mine site directly employs more than 3,300 people, making it the single biggest employer on Semirara Island and Caluya. For 2018 alone, its minesite payroll reached P1.48 billion.

Since its acquisition by DMCI Holdings Inc. in 1997, the integrated energy company has remitted over P21 billion to the national government as part of its coal operating contract with the Energy department. Semirara Mining owns and mines its own fuel source, enabling it to generate affordable baseload power for the Luzon and Visayas grids. Semirara Mining shares ended lAT AT 0 APIECE ON &RIDAY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Q FULFILL FROM B1

Q SONA FROM B1

Of this amount, some P343.4 billion will be set aside to pay the prior year’s obligations. These are composed largely of 2019 obligations that will only be paid in 2020, following the transitional two-year implementation of infrastructure outlays this year, according to Abuel. In terms of expenditure directions, the government “will prioritize the acceleration of infrastructure, anti-poverty and proemployment spending through strategic infrastructure projects, and by supporting the implementation of recent game-changing laws, such as rice liberalization, universal healthcare and Bangsamoro autonomy,� she said. In particular, the medium-term Infrastructure Investment Program for next year was pegged at 4.9 percent of GDP or P1.044 trillion. Last, Abuel also said the cash budgeting system wold continue to be implemented in 2020. “We’re pushing the cash budgeting, but we’re studying the transi-

tion. Let’s see what will happen for 2019, then let’s see if there’s still a need for a slower pace in trying to adopt it fully,� she added. Last August, the House of Representatives rejected the proposed P3.7-trillion national budget for 2019 over concerns the new cash-based system would deprive congressional districts of funds. The budget has always been obligation-based, meaning agencies can retain their obligated budget for projects at the end of the year, EVEN IF THESE ARE YET TO BE kNISHED Moreover, an obligation-based budget allows agencies to obligate funds for projects and pay them the following year. In a cash-based system, agencies must spend all their obligated budgets within the year, or lose them. The House’s rejection of the new system and the alleged anomalous allocations by the DBM resulted in a budget impasse that forced the government to operate on last year’s P3.767trillion budget until mid-April.

cent, respectively. The public stockholders of ISM Communications were credited with 751,919,456 common shares, or 38.401 percent. In an amended general information sheet (GIS), ISM Communications listed PCD Nominee Corp. as No. 1 stockholder with 920,288,196 ISM common shares, or 50.06 percent, followed by Dennison Holdings with 887,730,659 ISM common shares, or 45.13 percent. Monfortino owned 50 million ISM common shares, or 2.55 percent. PCD Nominee also held as record stockholder of 32,161,435 ISM common shares, or 1.64 percent, for non-Filipinos. The company’s GIS also listed 4,114 stockholders under “others� who held 7547,737 ISM com-

mon shares, or 0.385 percent of 1,958,054,893 outstanding ISM common shares. ISM Communications’ GIS showed having 4,134 stockholders. (Google described Dennis Holdings as the “holding company of businessman Dennis Uy, who was reported to be eyeing “to buy 45% of ISM�).

Mislatel DBM “We are doing the needed studies, technical evaluation, and entering into memoranda of agreements with various partners to ensure a timely rollout,� Mislatel spokesman Adel Tamano earlier told The Times. Chosen by the government last November to challenge the socalled duopoly of PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc., the Mislatel consortium has committed to spend P257 billion for a commitMENT PERIOD OF kVE YEARS DURING which it vowed to deliver speeds of up to 55 megabits per second (Mbps) and cover 84.01 percent of the country’s population. Late last month, Udenna and China Telecom signed a $5.4-billion investment deal to meet these targets during the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing, China. FROM A REPORT BY LISBET K. ESMAEL

projects. Another P1.345 trillion — 32.8 percent — will go to automatic appropriations, including internalrevenue allotment and net lending; and special purpose funds, including special shares to local governments and a contingent fund. This leaves a fiscal space of P911.7 billion to cover expanded and new programs, activities and projects, accounting for 22.2 percent of the total cash-based budget ceiling, Abuel said in a recent memorandum. Approved by the interagency Development Budget and Coordination Committee, the government’s disbursement program was pegged at P4.210 trillion — equivalent to 19.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) — 11.6 percent more than this year’s P3.774 trillion.

Q PEREZ FROM B1

were Rafael B. Ortigas, 13,800,001 ISM common shares, or 0.7 percent; and Roberto V. San Jose, 250 ISM common shares. Of the company’s three independent directors, Luis Y. Benitez directly owned 100 ISM common shares; Gregorio T. Yu, 50.001 million ISM common shares, or 2.554 percent; and Jesus S. Jalandoni, 1,000 ISM common shares.

Dennis 10,000 ISM common shares and indirectly owned 618,611,461 ISM common shares, respectively. Cherilyn C. Uy, a regular director, also directly owned 10,000 ISM common shares. She also indirectly owned 265,119,198 for total ownership of 265,129,198 ISM common shares, or 13.54 percent. Albert M. Montilla, also a regular director, held 15,022,817 ISM common shares, or 0.767 percent. His total holdings consisted of directly owned 7,661,403 ISM common shares and indirectly held 7,361,414 ISM common shares. The rest of ISM’s nine directors were ISM direct stockholders. These

Dennis Uy The same POR listed Dennison Holdings Corp. and Monfortino Holdings Inc. as direct holders of 1,116,556,054 ISM common shares, or 57.02 percent. Of their total holdings as principal stockholders, Dennison and Monfortino owned 883,730,659 ISM common shares, or 45.133 percent, and 232,825,395 ISM common shares, or 11.891 per-

Public as majority ISM holders In a PSE posting on the PSE website, ISM Communications listed only Monfortino Holdings as direct holder of 282,825,396 ISM common shares, or 26.326 percent of 1,074,324,234 outstanding ISM common shares as of June 30, 2017. The public stockholders, on the other hand, were then ISM Com-

10% of Grab revenues GRAB Philippines said recently its food-delivery service had been gaining ground since its local launch last November, noting that it had been contributing at least 10 percent in the ride-hailing company’s revenue pie. Grab Philippines President Brian Cu said late last week GrabFood was “going in a way that is sustainable for the company,� and although he acknowledged that it had yet to generate profits, it was already contributing 10 to 12 percent of the firm’s earnings. The official is optimistic GrabFood would continue to flourish, saying “there is still a lot of room to grow.� “How many eaters are there in Metro Manila? How many meals [are there] in

Metro Manila? That’s millions. So [the] opportunity is big,â€? he told reporters during the company’s seventh anniversary of its presence in the country last Thursday. â€œWe’re [posting] very decent growth, 3 to 6 percent week-on-week,â€? Cu said, adding that the company would add more partner and make the app easier to navigate.â€? GrabFood has more than 4,000 partner-restaurants and is present in 15 locations: Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City; the cities of Makati, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Quezon, Manila, ParaĂąaque, Las PiĂąas, Pasay, Marikina and Valenzuela; and Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue cities in Cebu province. LISBET K. ESMAEL

Q DELOITTE FROM B2

especially for importers that want to claim what is rightfully theirs. Interestingly though, in the latter provisions of CAO 04-2019, there is a mandate that the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) be given a list of applications for refunds and of those claims that have been approved. Is it possible that these importers may be made a priority to be subjected to customs audit? We hope this is not the case, as this could discourage importers to submit claims for refund.

Claim what valid for the revalidated period. To utilize the TCC, a Tax Debit Memo (TDM) must be issued by the BOC, to be used by the importer for the actual payment of duties and taxes on importation. If within the 60-day period for evaluation the BOC District Collector decides to deny the claim, the importer may file an appeal within 30 days with the BOC commissioner. A denial by the commissioner also allows the importer to elevate the case to the Court of Tax Appeals within 30 days from the receipt of the decision. It is a welcome development that THE "/# HAS kNALLY ISSUED SPECIkC implementing rules for the processing of applications for refund, munications’ majority stockholders with 673,775,759 ISM common shares, or 62.716 percent.. On May 2, 2018, ISM Communications reported the following as “material information/transaction�: ISM Communications Corp. wishes to inform the Exchange that at a meeting held today by its Board of Directors, the Board approved the sale of 560 million treasury shares to its wholly owned subsidiary, ISM Equities Corp., at a price of P1 per sale share.� ISM Communications said “this transaction is meant to give ISM lEXIBILITY TO RESTRUCTURE ITS CAPITAL position more easily to address potential investment opportunities.� It added: “After an evaluation OF )3- S CURRENT kNANCIAL POSITION the Board also extended management’s mandate to continue to

The author is a Senior with the Tax & Corporate Services division of Navarro Amper & Co., one of 11 practices that make up Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd. Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd is a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a leading global provider of audit and assurance, CONSULTING kNANCIAL ADVISORY RISK advisory, tax and related services. pursue investment opportunities. However, the Board also directed management to consider the declaration of cash dividend considering, among other things, the retained earnings position of the company as a result of the restructuring of the company’s capital infusion.� Here is the part of ISM’s disclosure that the public investors may have missed: “ISM will proceed with the said sale and will update the Exchange and the public of any development on this matter.� Jovita D.S. Larrazabal signed this particular disclosure as corporate secretary of ISM Comunications. By the way, were ISM’s public stockholders taken for a ride by these disclosures? Just asking.

Email:esdperez@gmail.com

FOCUS

China digs in for protracted trade fight with Washington BEIJING: China is digging in for a tough period of deteriorating ties with the United States, fanning the flames of patriotism with Korean War films, a viral song on the trade war, and editorials lambasting Washington. The trade spat has turned into a war of words since President Donald Trump blacklisted Huawei last week over concerns the telecom giant’s equipment could be used by Beijing for espionage. The move, which bans US

c o m p a n i e s f r o m p r ov i d i n g technology Huawei needs, came as the two sides have yet to resume trade negotiations after they exchanged steep increases in tariffs. A commentary on state-run Xinhua news agency Friday said China now had a “deeper understanding� of US “capriciousness� and was ready to fight with its “Long March� spirit. It echoes President Xi Jinping’s tough stance when he called on cadres earlier this

week to brace themselves for a “new Long March� -- recalling the legendary strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries in the 1930s who regrouped and went on to triumph in 1949. Xi warned local officials of “complicated and long-term effects� of external influences. The world’s top two economies will “go through a long period of irrational conflict,� said Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher at the China Center for International Economic

Exchanges, at a government organised briefing Wednesday. “And then during this process, step by step... come to understand each other, resist each other, and (finally) cooperate with each other.�

‘Selfish and arrogant’ Trump has left the door open for reconciliation with plans to meet President Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan next month.

But Chinese state media have ramped up the rhetoric. A Xinhua commentary Thursday called the US government “selfish and arrogant�. “The US is defying international rules, abandoning cooperation agreements and harping on America first, American privilege and American exceptionalism,� it said. Since Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods in mid-May, the Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Dai-

ly has been running a daily column tag-lined “an alarm bell�, rejecting Trump’s arguments that China’s rise was leading to American losses. Korean War films stoking anti-US sentiments from the 1950s were broadcast for six consecutive days on state television from May 16, reminding audiences of a time when the Cold War came to China’s doorstep as it fought on North’s side against US-led UN forces defending the South. AFP


Classified Ads

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of MEJEROS MARKETING AND KONZTRUCT CORP. shortening the term of its existence up to Dec. 31, 2017 thereby dissolving the said corporation on said date have been approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders.

Notice is hereby given that the DHL CUSTOMS BROKERAGE CORP., with SEC Registration No. A200119090 issued on 27 December 2001, has permanently closed its operations effective December 31, 2016.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at Blk. 2 Lot 2 Queenstown Heights, Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo City for immediate settlement. This announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid corporation. ARMANDO S. YADAO President MT – May 23, 27 & June 3, 2019

Notice of Withdrawal of License To Do Business in the Philippines

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE WITH WAIVER

All persons having claims against DHL Customs Brokerage Corp. are hereby enjoined to present their claims to the Securities and Exchange Commission *URXQG )ORRU 6HFUHWDULDW %XLOGLQJ 3,&& 5R[DV %OYG 3DVD\ &LW\ IRU SURSHU YHULÂżFDWLRQ DQG VHWWOHPHQW RI WKHLU YDOLG FODLPV ZLWKLQ ÂżIWHHQ GD\V IURP publication of this notice.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LETICIA D. REYES has been extrajudicially settled by and among her heirs as per Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate with :DLYHU H[HFXWHG RQ $SULO 2019 and entered as per Doc. No. 317; Page No. 64; Book No. XV; Series of 2019 of the notarial registry of Atty. Florimond C. Rous an notary public for and in Quezon City.

This acknowledgment will serve as notice to all concerned of the closure of DHL Customs Brokerage Corp. Jonary Baculo President MT – May 25, 27 & June 3, 2019

MONDAY May 27, 2019

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of HARRIS CORPORATION, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, in D 0HHWLQJ KHOG RQ 0DUFK DW :HVW 1$6$ %RXOHYDUG Melbourne, FL 32919 USA, approved a resolution authorizing the GLVVROXWLRQ DQG GHUHJLVWUDWLRQ RI LWV 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 2IÂżFH LQ WKH Philippines in the name of “HARRIS CORPORATION – PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE,â€? effective April 30, 2017. The UHJLVWHUHG RIÂżFH RI WKH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 2IÂżFH LV DW ) 3DFLÂżF 6WDU Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. corner Makati Ave., Makati City.

NOTICE OF CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given that Schweitzer-Mauduit, International Asia Regional Operating Headquarters ZLWK 6HFXULWLHV DQG ([FKDQJH &RPPLVVLRQ ³6(&´ &RPSDQ\ Registration Number FS200810599 issued on 7 July 2008, has permanently closed its operations effective 1 September 2016.

Notice is hereby given that the DHL Aviation (Philippines) Inc. with Securities DQG ([FKDQJH &RPPLVVLRQ ³6(&´ UHJLVWUDWLRQ QXPEHU $6 LVVXHG on 11 August 1994, has permanently ceased its operations effective 31 March 2014.

All persons having claims against Schweitzer-Mauduit International Asia Regional Operating Headquarters are hereby enjoined to present their claims to the SEC 6HFUHWDULDW %XLOGLQJ 3,&& &RPSOH[ 5R[DV %RXOHYDUG 3DVD\ &LW\ IRU SURSHU YHULÂżFDWLRQ DQG VHWWOHPHQW RI WKHLU YDOLG FODLPV ZLWKLQ ÂżIWHHQ GD\V IURP SXEOLFDWLRQ of this notice. This acknowledgement shall serve as notice to all concerned of the closure SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL ASIA REGIONAL OPERATING HEADQUARTERS.

TAGAYTAY MIDLANDS GOLF CLUB, INC.

This acknowledgment will serve as notice to all concerned of the closure of DHL $YLDWLRQ 3KLOLSSLQHV ,QF

The public is hereby informed of the loss of Stock &HUWL¿FDWH 1R IRU RQH VKDUH RI 7$*$<7$< MIDLANDS GOLF CLUB, ,1& WKH ³&RUSRUDWLRQ´ issued in the name of .$76806$ $,.$:$ ,I no contest is presented to the Corporation regarding the above-mentioned stock FHUWL¿FDWH ZLWKLQ RQH year from this notice, the right to contest shall be barred and the Corporation VKDOO LVVXH D QHZ FHUWL¿FDWH in lieu of the lost one subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 72 of the Revised Corporation Code.

(SGD.) JOSE MIGUEL HABANA President

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City Email: ntc@ntc.gov.ph; website: http://www.ntc.gov.ph 25 April 2019 MR. ANTHONY LOUEN R. FERNANDEZ Legal & Regulatory Group Smart Communications, Inc. 6799 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Dear Mr. Fernandez: This refers to your letter dated 25 April 2019 regarding the Exclusive Smart/TNT/Sun Prepaid Bundles Promo Extension.

YOUR ADS HERE GET RESULTS

In line with the thrust of the government to lower telecommunications service rates for the EHQHÂżW RI WKH )LOLSLQR FRQVXPHUV DQG 2YHUVHDV )LOLSLQR :RUNHUV 2): WKH &RPPLVVLRQ KHUHE\ DSSURYHV Exclusive Smart/TNT/Sun Prepaid Bundles Promo Extension nationwide from 01 May 2019 to 31 May 2019. The approval is subject to the condition that should SMART decide not to extend the promo, it shall VHHN DSSURYDO RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ ZLWKLQ WHQ GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH DQG QRWLFH WR WKH SXEOLF VKDOO EH SXEOLVKHG LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR the date of discontinuance. The notice should be posted in all business centers of SMART. The promo offers the following: Inclusions 1GB open access data Unli Texts to Smart, TNT, and Sun 150 Minute Calls to Smart, TNT, Sun 3GB open access data Unli Texts to Smart, TNT, and Sun 300 Minute Calls to Smart, TNT, Sun

SRP

Validity

P150.00

30 days

P300.00

30 days

The maximum speed is up to 42Mbps for broadband and non-broadband connections. Minimum speed for broadband connection is 256 kbps and 48 kbps for non-broadband connection. Network reliability is 80%. The actual speed experience will depend on the device used, network signal detected, current subscriber WUDI¿F SUHYDLOLQJ HQYLURQPHQWDO FRQGLWLRQV DQG WKH JHRJUDSK\ RI WKH DUHD ZKHUH WKH VXEVFULEHU LV ORFDWHG The mechanics of the promo are as follows: 1. The promo is available to all Smart/TNT Sun subscribers who purchased a handset at zero percent interest installment thru Home Credit partner stores in select malls. 2. Offers will be automatically loaded to the subscriber’s account every month on top of the handset’s monthly amortization in 6,9, or 12-months terms. Example scenario: Subscriber purchased a Huawei P20 LTE unit at zero percent interest installment for 9 months via Home Credit partner store and availed of Smart/TNT/Sun exclusive promo at P300 monthly. Handset monthly amortization - P 1,781.00 Smart/TNT/Sun Exclusive Promo - P300.00 Total Monthly Payment - P2,081. 00 3. Promo is not available to roaming and international subscribers. 4. All queries or complaints that may arise from this promo shall be attended by hotline number *888 from any Smart postpaid or prepaid line. The promo is intended for peer-to-peer and non-commercial use only Subject further, to the condition that SMART shall comply with the applicable NTC Memorandum Circulars and Orders, as follows: • Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011, Minimum Speed of Broadband Connections. • Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2015, Rules on the Measurement of Fixed Broadband/Internet Access Service • Memorandum Circular No. 10-12-2016, Rules on the Measurement of Mobile Broadband/Internet Access Service • Memorandum Order No. 03-06-2009, Service Performance Standards for the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service. Very truly yours, (SGD.) EDGARDO V. CABARIOS Deputy Commissioner

MT – May 24, 27 & June 3, 2019

Republic of the Philippines Fifth Judicial Region Regional Trial Court BRANCH 51 Sorsogon City RACHEL BELLA G. JAO, Petitioner, CIVIL CASE NO. 2018-8955 For: Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce

-versus KAZUHIRO NAKAMURA; THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY / THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL; and THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF ERMITA, MANILA, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------------x

ORDER Petitioner, RACHEL BELLA G. JAO, seeks for the recognition of the divorce, dated April 3, 2000 between her and KAZUHIRO NAKAMURA issued in Tokyo, Japan. 3HWLWLRQHU DOOHJHG LQ KHU YHUL¿HG SHWLWLRQ WKDW VKH LV RI OHJDO DJH D )LOLSLQR FLWL]HQ married and residing at 7th Road, Our Lady’s Village, Brgy. Bibincahan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Philippines. She and respondent Kazuhiro Nakamura were validly and legally married in the Philippines on November 5, 1987. After the wedding, she was brought by her husband to Japan where they lived together; Born to them were three children, namely: SHANLEY KOSUKE, born October 3, 1988; KEISUKE, born August 7, 1991; and KYOKO ERUQ RQ 2FWREHU 7KH\ KDYH IUHTXHQW ¿JKWV :KHQ VKH FRXOG QR ORQJHU EHDU WKH DWWLWXGH RI KHU KXVEDQG VKH GHFLGHG WR FRPH EDFN to the Philippines in 1999; She brought with her the three children; On Aptil 3, 2000 her husband divorced her; On December 25, 2002, her husband married another woman, a Belarusian whom he also divorced on October 16, 2012; Her husband’s and the %HODUXVLDQ ZRPDQ GLG QRW SURGXFH DQ\ FKLOG :KLOH LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV DQG XQNQRZQ to the petitioner, Kazuhiro married another Filipina from Prieto Diaz, Sorsoogn by the name of Cherry J. Deputo; She discovered Kazuhiro and Cherry’s marriage when the ODWWHU VHQW KHU WKURXJK H PDLO FRS\ RI WKHLU FHUWL¿FDWH RI PDUULDJH 7KDW EHFDXVH RI the divorce obtained by Kazuhiro, petitioner is now again, single and could re-marry, hence this petition. )LQGLQJ WKH SHWLWLRQ WR EH VXI¿FLHQW LQ IRUP DQG VXEVWDQFH WKH VDPH LV JLYHQ GXH course and the initial hearing is set on JULY 18, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court, at which date, time and place, all persons interested are ordered to appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published before the date of hearing for at least once a week IRU WKUHH FRQVHFXWLYH ZHHNV LQ WKH 2I¿FLDO *D]HWWH DQG LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO circulation in the Philippines at the expense of the petitioner. Petitioner is directed to furnish the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of Sorsogon City and all the respondents with this Order and the petition, and to show compliance of this Order. SO ORDERED. Given this 24th day of January, 2019 at Sorsogon City, Philippines. (SGD.) BERNARDO R. JIMENEZ, JR. Acting Presiding Judge

MT – May 27, 2019

MT - May 20, 27 & June 3, 2019.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City Email: ntc@ntc.gov.ph; website: http://www.ntc.gov.ph

EDITORS AND DESKMEN Competencies • Excellent command of written and spoken English • Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline (e.g. political science or economics with journalism experience) • Experience in editing news, analytical reports and columns • Strong news judgment and familiarity with local issues, as well as an understanding of relevant world affairs • $ELOLW\ WR ZULWH DQG HGLW ZLWK ÀDLU DQG VSHHG WR PHHW WLJKW GHDGOLQHV • )DPLOLDU ZLWK 0LFURVRIW 2I¿FH VRFLDO PHGLD DQG VHDUFK HQJLQHV • Ability to lead and organize a team well • Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization REPORTERS Competencies • Excellent command of written and spoken English • Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline • Ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts in government and the private sector as source of information and analysis • Ability to identify the angle of news from a raft of available information or seek out information to build a solid news story • Familiarity with local issues and an understanding of relevant world affairs • $ VHQVH RI VSHHG DQG DFFXUDF\ LQ ZULWLQJ DQG ¿OOLQJ UHDO WLPH VWRULHV to the news desk to meet tight deadlines • Knows Microsoft Office, social media and search engines • A good team player, but is able to work independently within the perimeters of a given assignment • Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization Interested applicants, please send a full resume, specifying your subject of expertise, with links to samples of online work or appropriate attachments.

Please email your resumĂŠ at: hrd@manilatimes.net, or you may apply personally at 2/F Sitio Grande Bldg., 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila )RUPHUO\ 75% %OGJ RU \RX PD\ FDOO Irish de Guzman at 524-5664 local 122.

Contract ID Contract Name

MR. ANTHONY LOUEN R. FERNANDEZ Legal & Regulatory Dept. Smart Communications, Inc. 6799 Ayala Avenue, Makati City

MR. ANTHONY LOUEN R. FERNANDEZ Legal & Regulatory Dept. Smart Communications, Inc. 6799 Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Dear Mr. Fernandez:

Dear Mr. Fernandez:

This refers to your letter dated 24 April 2019 regarding the Smart Prepaid Giga All-In Promo Extension.

This refers to your letter dated 24 April 2019 regarding the Smart Prepaid Giga Video Plus Allnet Promo.

,Q OLQH ZLWK WKH WKUXVW RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR ORZHU WHOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV VHUYLFH UDWHV IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH )LOLSLQR FRQVXPHUV DQG 2YHUVHDV )LOLSLQR :RUNHUV 2): WKH &RPPLVVLRQ KHUHE\ DSSURYHV Smart Prepaid Giga All-In Promo Extension nationwide from 01 May 2019 until 30 June 2019. The approval is subject to the condition that SMART shall publish the mechanics in a newspaper of general circulation three GD\V SULRU WR WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ 6KRXOG 60$57 GHFLGH QRW WR H[WHQG WKH SURPR LW VKDOO VHHN DSSURYDO RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ ZLWKLQ WHQ GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH DQG QRWLFH WR WKH SXEOLF VKDOO EH SXEOLVKHG LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH 7KH notice should be posted in all business centers of SMART.

,Q OLQH ZLWK WKH WKUXVW RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR ORZHU WHOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV VHUYLFH UDWHV IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH )LOLSLQR FRQVXPHUV DQG 2YHUVHDV )LOLSLQR :RUNHUV 2): WKH &RPPLVVLRQ KHUHE\ DSSURYHV Smart Prepaid Giga Video Plus Allnet Promo from 01 May 2019 to 30 June 2019. The approval is subject WR WKH FRQGLWLRQ WKDW 60$57 VKDOO SXEOLVK WKH PHFKDQLFV LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ WKUHH days prior to the implementation. Should SMART decide not to extend the promo, it shall seek approval of WKH &RPPLVVLRQ ZLWKLQ WHQ GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH DQG QRWLFH WR WKH SXEOLF VKDOO EH SXEOLVKHG LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH 7KH notice should be posted in all business centers of SMART.

The Giga All-In offers Smart Prepaid subscribers open access data, daily data allocation for Instagram plus Facebook and Video access, and unlimited calls and texts to all networks.

The promo offers the following:

SRP

GIGA ALL-IN 125

125

GIGA ALL-IN 249

249

GIGA ALL-IN 649 GIGA ALL-IN 749 GIGA ALL-IN 849

649

749

849

Validity Voice (Days) 3

SMS

Unlicall Unlitext to All 1 GB to All Networks Networks

7

Unlitext Unlicall to All 2 GB to All Networks Networks

30

Unlitext Unlicall to All to All 4 GB Networks Networks

30

Unlicall Unlitext to All to All 6 GB Networks Networks

30

Unlicall Unlitext to All to All 8 GB Networks Networks

Availment via USSD

Other Data 1GB/Day for YouTube, iFlix, L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV Cignal TV + 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for YouTube, iFlix, L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV Cignal TV + 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for YouTube, iFlix, L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV Cignal TV + 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for YouTube, iFlix, L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV Cignal TV + 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for YouTube, iFlix, L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV Cignal TV + 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook

USSD

USSD

USSD

USSD

USSD

The maximum speed is up to 42Mbps for broadband and non-broadband connections. Minimum speed for broadband connection is 256 kbps and 48 kbps for non-broadband connection. Network reliability is 80%. The actual speed experience will depend on the device used, network signal detected, current subscriber WUDI¿F SUHYDLOLQJ HQYLURQPHQWDO FRQGLWLRQV DQG WKH JHRJUDSK\ RI WKH DUHD ZKHUH WKH VXEVFULEHU LV ORFDWHG The mechanics of the promo are as follows: Availment 1. GIGA ALL-IN is open to all Smart Prepaid Subscribers nationwide. 7R DYDLO WKH VXEVFULEHU PXVW GLDO WKH 866' &RGH DQG ORRN IRU *,*$ $// ,1 3. The subscriber must have the corresponding airtime load balance in order to avail: P125 for GIGA ALL-IN 125, P249 for GIGA ALL-IN 249, P649 for GIGA ALL-IN 649, P749 for GIGA ALL-IN 749, P849 for GIGA ALL-IN 849. 8SRQ VXFFHVVIXO DYDLOPHQW WKH VXEVFULEHU VKDOO UHFHLYH D FRQ¿UPDWLRQ 606 DQG VKDOO EH FUHGLWHG WKH corresponding inclusions. Usage 5. The Open Access Data allocation may be used to access any site and app. The Instagram + Facebook DQG 9LGHR $FFHVV 'DWD DOORFDWLRQ PD\ EH XVHG WR DFFHVV <RXWXEH L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV &LJQDO TV and will refresh every 12 midnight as long as the offer availed is not expired or fully consumed. 6. Concurrent availment of GIGA ALL-IN offers is allowed, following the longest validity. Example: If GIGA ALL-IN 125 and GIGA ALL-IN 249 were registered simultaneously, promo validity will be valid for 7 days. 7. The Instagram + Facebook and Video Access Data allocation will not stack up if two GIGA ALL-IN packages were availed concurrently within their validity date. Example: If GIGA ALL-IN 125 and GIGA ALL-IN 249 were registered simultaneously, the additional data dedicated for Instagram + Facebook will still be 1GB/day and for Video Access would still be 1GB/day. 8. Once the Open Access Data allocation is fully consumed, the subscriber must re-load his/her Smart Prepaid account with any Data offer to continue using mobile data. 9. The Open Access Data may be passed to other Smart subscribers. Minimum Data MB allowed per share transaction is 15MB and there is no maximum limit. Passed data MB is valid for 1 day. To pass your data MB: a. Text PASADATA <11-digit Smart Prepaid No.> <MB Amount>MB and send to 808. Ex. PASADATA 09129876543 100MB and send to 808. b. Php 1 transaction fee will be charged for every transaction. c. Shared /passed data MB will not be allowed to be re-shared or passed unto another number. &DOOV PD\ EH XVHG WR FDOO DQ\ ORFDO PRELOH QHWZRUN 6PDUW 717 6XQ *OREH 70 606 PD\ EH VHQW WR DQ\ ORFDO PRELOH QHWZRUN 6PDUW 717 6XQ *OREH 70 Others 12. P1.00 maintaining balance is not required to avail and use the offers. $OO LQYDOLG VFHQDULRV LH LQVXIILFLHQW EDODQFH LQYDOLG QXPEHUV HWF ZLOO WULJJHU DQ 606 QRWL¿FDWLRQ WR WKH VXEVFULEHU DQG VKDOO EH FKDUJHG SUHYDLOLQJ UDWHV 14. Offer is not available to roaming and international subscribers 15. All complaints or questions that may arise from these offers shall be attended to by KRWOLQH QXPEHU RU The promo is intended for peer-to-peer and non-commercial use only. Subject further, to the condition that SMART shall comply with the NTC Memorandum Circulars and Order, as follows: • • • •

Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011, Minimum Speed of Broadband Connections. Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2015, Rules on the Measurement of Fixed Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Circular No. 10-12-2016, Rules on the Measurement of Mobile Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Order No. 03-06-2009, Service Performance Standards for the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service.

100

3

199

7

549

30

649

30

749

30

Voice

SMS

Unlicall to All Networks Unlicall to All Networks Unlicall to All Networks Unlicall to All Networks Unlicall to All Networks

Unlitext to All Networks Unlitext to All Networks Unlitext to All Networks Unlitext to All Networks Unlitext to All Networks

Open Access Data 1 GB 2 GB 4 GB 6 GB 8 GB

Availment via USSD

Other Data 1GB/Day for YouTube, L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH Pass, Cignal TV 1GB/Day for YouTube, L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH Pass, Cignal TV 1GB/Day for YouTube, L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH Pass, Cignal TV 1GB/Day for YouTube, L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH Pass, Cignal TV 1GB/Day for YouTube, L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH Pass, Cignal TV

Contract Location :

MT – May 27, 2019

The Manila Times DOES NOT ask for money to stop news articles from being published. This paper does not condone any form of blackmail.

INVITATION TO BID MAY 22, 2019 7KH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3XEOLF :RUNV DQG +LJKZD\V Âą %RKRO nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH WKURXJK LWV KHUHLQ 7KH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3XEOLF :RUNV DQG +LJKZD\V QRZ LQYLWHV ELGV IRU the project below:

Project Description Contract ID Contract Duration $SSURYHG %XGJHW IRU WKH &RQWUDFW $%& 3K3 Source of Fund

USSD

USSD

USSD

The maximum speed is up to 42Mbps for broadband and non-broadband connections. Minimum speed for broadband connection is 256 kbps and 48 kbps for non-broadband connection. Network reliability is 80%. The actual speed experience will depend on the device used, network signal detected, current VXEVFULEHU WUDIÂżF SUHYDLOLQJ HQYLURQPHQWDO FRQGLWLRQV DQG WKH JHRJUDSK\ RI WKH DUHD ZKHUH WKH subscriber is located. The mechanics of the promo are as follows: Availment 1. GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET is open to all Smart Prepaid Subscribers nationwide. 7R DYDLO WKH VXEVFULEHU PXVW GLDO WKH 866' &RGH DQG ORRN IRU *,*$ 9,'(2 ALLNET. 3. The subscriber must have the corresponding airtime load balance in order to avail: P100 for GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 100, P199 for GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 199, P549 for GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 549, P649 for GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET649, P749 for GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 749. 4. Upon successful availment, the subscriber shall receive a confirmation SMS and shall be credited the corresponding inclusions.

19HC0146 CONVERGENCE AND SPECIAL PROGRAMCONSTRUCTION/IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESS ROADS LEADING TO DECLARED TOURISM DESTINATIONS0 &$%,*8+$1 .,1$1 2:$1 Âą .$86:$*$1 ',,6 75,1,'$' &$1',,6 6$1 &$5/26 0$*7$1*7$1* DANAO LEADING TO DANAO ADVENTURE PARK, BRGY. .$86:$*$1 75,1,'$' %2+2/ TRINIDAD, BOHOL

BOHOL 2ND DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE REGIONAL OFFICE VII Ubay, Bohol

USSD

USSD

: :

19HC0146 93 Calendar Days PHP 19,600,000.00 Regular Infrastructure FY 2019

The BAC is conducting the public bidding for this Contract in accordance with Republic $FW 1R DQG LWV ,PSOHPHQWLQJ 5XOHV DQG 5HJXODWLRQV ,55 To be eligible to bid for this Contract, a contractor must meet the following major UHTXLUHPHQWV D )LOLSLQR FLWL]HQ RU )LOLSLQR RZQHG SDUWQHUVKLS FRUSRUDWLRQ ZLWK PCAB license for size Range Medium A License Category B E FRPSOHWLRQ RI VLPLODU FRQWUDFW FRVWLQJ DW OHDVW RI WKH $%& DQG F 1HW )LQDQFLDO &RQWUDFWLQJ &DSDFLW\ 1)&& DW OHDVW HTXDO WR WKH $%& 7KH '3:+ ZLOO XVH QRQ GLVFUHWLRQDU\ ³SDVV IDLO´ FULWHULD LQ WKH HOLJLELOLW\ FKHFN SUHOLPLQDU\ H[DPLQDWLRQ RI ELGV HYDOXDWLRQ RI ELGV SRVW TXDOL¿FDWLRQ DQG DZDUG ,I DW WKH WLPH RI WKH SRVW TXDOL¿FDWLRQ SURFHGXUH WKH %$& YHUL¿HV WKDW DQ\ RI WKH GH¿FLHQFLHV LV GXH WR WKH FRQWUDFWRUœV IDXOW RU QHJOLJHQFH SXUVXDQW WR E LL F of the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act. No 9184 5,55 RI 5$ WKH 3URFXULQJ (QWLW\ VKDOO GLVTXDOLI\ WKH FRQWUDFWRU IURP WKH award without any right to reimburse fees and incidental cost paid for the procurement of infrastructure contract subject of the Bid. The schedule of key procurement activities for this Contract is shown below:

Usage 5. The Open Access Data allocation may be used to access any site and app. The Video $FFHVV 'DWD DOORFDWLRQ PD\ EH XVHG WR DFFHVV <RXWXEH L)OL[ L:DQW 1%$ /HDJXH 3DVV &LJQDO 79 DQG will refresh every 12 midnight as long as the offer availed is not expired or fully consumed. 6. Concurrent availment of GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET offers is allowed, following the longest validity. Example: If GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 100 and GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 199 were registered simultaneously, promo validity will be valid for 7 days 7. The Video Access Data allocation will not stack up if two GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET packages were availed concurrently within their validity date. Example: If GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 100 and GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET 199 were registered simultaneously, the additional data dedicated for Video Access would still be 1GB/day. 8. Once the Open Access Data allocation is fully consumed, the subscriber must re-load his/her Smart Prepaid account with any Data offer to continue using mobile data. 9. The Open Access Data may be passed to other Smart /TNT subscribers. Minimum Data MB allowed per share transaction is 15MB and there is no maximum limit. Passed data MB is valid for 1 day. To pass your data MB: a. Text PASADATA <11-digit Smart Prepaid No.> <MB Amount>MB and send to 808. Ex. PASADATA 09129876543 100MB and send to 808. b. Php 1 transaction fee will be charged for every transaction. c. Shared /passed data MB will not be allowed to be re-shared or passed unto another number. &DOOV PD\ EH XVHG WR FDOO DQ\ ORFDO PRELOH QHWZRUN 6PDUW 717 6XQ *OREH 70 606 PD\ EH VHQW WR DQ\ ORFDO PRELOH QHWZRUN 6PDUW 717 6XQ *OREH 70 Others 12. P1.00 maintaining balance is not required to avail and use the offers. $OO LQYDOLG VFHQDULRV LH LQVXI¿FLHQW EDODQFH LQYDOLG QXPEHUV HWF ZLOO WULJJHU DQ 606 QRWL¿FDWLRQ WR WKH subscriber and shall be charged prevailing rates. 14. Offer is not available to roaming and international subscribers 15. Offer is for peer to peer use only and may not be used for commercial purposes or spamming. $OO FRPSODLQWV RU TXHVWLRQV WKDW PD\ DULVH IURP WKHVH RIIHUV VKDOO EH DWWHQGHG WR E\ KRWOLQH QXPEHU 888-1111 or *888. The promo is intended for peer-to-peer and non-commercial use only Subject further, to the condition that SMART shall comply with the NTC Memorandum Circulars and Order, as follows: • • • •

Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011, Minimum Speed of Broadband Connections. Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2015, Rules on the Measurement of Fixed Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Circular No. 10-12-2016, Rules on the Measurement of Mobile Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Order No. 03-06-2009, Service Performance Standards for the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service.

Very truly yours,

Activity 1. Issuance/ Downloading of Bidding Documents

Time MAY 23, 2019

2. Pre-Bid Conference 3. Receipt by the BAC of Bids

MAY 29, 2019 10:00 A.M. Deadline: JUNE 10, 2019 10:00 A.M. Deadline: JUNE 10, 2019 2:00 P.M.

4. Opening of Bids

MT – May 27, 2019

Place +DUG FRSLHV DW %$& 6HFUHWDULDW '3:+ nd Bohol 2 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 8ED\ %RKRO 'RZQORDGDEOH IURP '3:+ :HEVLWH www.dpwh.gov.ph and PhilGEPS website www.philgeps.gov.ph %$& 6HFUHWDULDW '3:+ %RKRO nd District (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 8ED\ %RKRO %$& 6HFUHWDULDW '3:+ %RKRO nd District (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 8ED\ %RKRO &RQIHUHQFH 5RRP '3:+ %RKRO nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 8ED\ %RKRO

Bidders shall pay the BAC a non-refundable fee of PhP 25,000.00 for the Bidding Documents, upon securing hard copies of the Documents. Bidders that download the 'RFXPHQWV IURP WKH '3:+ 3KLO*(36 ZHEVLWH VKDOO SD\ WKH IHH XSRQ VXEPLVVLRQ RI their bids. 7KH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3XEOLF :RUNV DQG +LJKZD\V Âą %RKRO nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process any time before the Contract Award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders, in accordance with the provisions of Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR. Any request for additional information concerning this bidding shall be directed to the following. 1.

For further information, please refer to: PRIMITIVA E. ABAN Procurement Engineer 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3XEOLF :RUNV DQG +LJKZD\V 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFH 9,, Bohol 2nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH Ubay, Bohol Email address: dpwhbohol2@yahoo.com

(SGD.) EDGARDO V. CABARIOS Deputy Commissioner

Very truly yours, (SGD.) EDGARDO V. CABARIOS Deputy Commissioner

GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET 100 GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET 199 GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET 549 GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET 649 GIGA VIDEO + ALLNET 749

SRP Validity

The Manila Times is w a r n i n g the public that certain individuals posing as our employees have been threatening to publish articles against some companies. Anyone who receives a call from these extortionists should report the matter to the police.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

24 April 2019

Promo

By: (SGD) PERRY L. PE

WARNING TO THE PUBLIC

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City Email: ntc@ntc.gov.ph; website: http://www.ntc.gov.ph

Promo

ROMULO MABANTA BUENAVENTURA SAYOC & DELOS ANGELES Resident Agent

MT – May 25, 27 & June 3, 2019

24 April 2019

Open Access Data

17 May 2019, Makati City.

NOTICE OF LOSS OF STOCK CERTIFICATE

MT – May 25, 27 & June 3, 2019

MT – May 23, 27 & June 3, 2019

Notice is hereby given that QATAR PETROCHEMICAL CO. LTD. 3KLOLSSLQH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 2IÂżFH KDV FHDVHG RSHUDWLRQV HIIHFWLYH $XJXVW DQG D 3HWLWLRQ IRU :LWKGUDZDO RI /LFHQVH ZLOO EH ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH 6HFXULWLHV DQG ([FKDQJH &RPPLVVLRQ LPPHGLDWHO\ after a tax clearance is obtained with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This serves as a notice to interested parties of the OHJDO UHWLUHPHQW RI WKH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 2IÂżFH LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV

May 21, 27 & June 3, 2019

$OO SHUVRQV KDYLQJ FODLPV DJDLQVW '+/ $YLDWLRQ 3KLOLSSLQHV ,QF DUH KHUHE\ enjoined to present their claims to the Securities and Exchange Commission *URXQG )ORRU 6HFUHWDULDW %XLOGLQJ 3,&& 5R[DV %OYG 0DQLOD IRU SURSHU YHULÂżFDWLRQ DQG VHWWOHPHQW RI WKHLU YDOLG FODLPV ZLWKLQ ÂżIWHHQ GD\V IURP publication of this notice.

Curtis W. Davison Authorized Representative

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF LICENSE OF QATAR PETROCHEMICAL CO. LTD. (PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE)

All persons having a just claim against HARRIS CORPORATION – PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE are hereby requested to present their claim to Ms. Wendy Chien DW ) 3DFL¿F 6WDU %XLOGLQJ Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. corner Makati Ave., Makati City.

MT - May 23, 27 & June 3, 2019 NOTICE OF CLOSURE

B5

MT - May 25 & 27, 2019

(SGD.) RAIMUNDA M. LUMANTAS BAC Chairman


B6

World Trump, Abe confident of ironing out top issues ˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

GOLF BUDDIES

US President Donald Trump (left) and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) pose for a photograph while riding a golf cart at the Mobara Country Club in Chiba, Japan. AFP PHOTO

T

OKYO: US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo !BE ARE CONkDENT THEY WOULD MAKE SIGNIkCANT HEADWAY ON TRADE ISSUES WHEN THEY HOLD MORE FORMAL TALKS ON -ONDAY Trump has been seeking a bilateral trade agreement with Tokyo since he pulled the US out of THE MULTINATIONAL 4RANS 0ACIFIC 0ARTNERSHIP TRADE AGREEMENT TWO YEARS AGO THOUGH ANALYSTS EXPECT

no breakthroughs during Trump’s VISIT 4HE MOST CRUCIAL PART OF THE Trump-Abe meeting is the tariff threat issued by the US president against imported auto parts. Japan EXPORTS BIG VOLUME OF ASSORTED

auto parts to US. “Great progress being made in our trade negotiations with Japan. !GRICULTURE AND BEEF HEAVILY IN play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticiPATE BIG NUMBERSĂœu 4RUMP WROTE referring to Japan’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The serious diplomacy starts on -ONDAY WHEN 4RUMP WILL BE THE kRST LEADER TO MEET *APAN S NEW EMPEROR .ARUHITO WHO HAS BEEN

on the Chrysanthemum Throne for less than a month following his father’s historic abdication. But Sunday was more about cementing diplomatic bonds beTWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES OVER THE leaders’ shared passion for golf ‡ THE kFTH TIME THEY HAVE FOUND time in their schedules for a round. Under a cloudless sky with SIZZLING TEMPERATURES ABOVE DEGREES #ELSIUS &AHRENHEIT the two world leaders played at the Mobara Country Club course IN #HIBA JUST OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL Aerial footage on Japanese teleVISION SHOWED THE PAIR PRACTISING AND TEEING OFF AS WELL AS PUTTING ON THE MANICURED GREENS ACCOMpanied by former professional golfer Isao Aoki. !S 4RUMP S -ARINE /NE HELICOPTER THUNDERED IN SHATTERING THE SERENITY OF THE COURSE A CASUal-looking Abe was there to greet HIM SPORTING WHITE TROUSERS AND A blue top. Trump was dressed in a red sweater and black trousers with

a red USA cap. !BE LATER TWEETED A SELkE OF THE TWO GRINNING INTO THE CAMERA AS the pair relaxed before the formal element of Trump’s four-day trip begins. !FTER THE GOLF THE TWO LEADERS were set to take in the final day OF THE gSUMO BASHOu OR *APANESE HEAVYWEIGHT WRESTLING TOURNAMENT in Tokyo. Trump will present Japanese grappler Asanoyama with the g0RESIDENT S #UPu ‡ WEIGHING TO POUNDS TO KILOGRAMS AND measuring 54 inches (1.4 meters). Security around the hallowed Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo staDIUM WAS ULTRATIGHT WITH FANS screened with metal detectors and asked to sip from any bottle they PLANNED TO TAKE IN TO PROVE THE liquid was not dangerous. 7ITH FANS BEING SCREENED THERE were long queues to get into the arena with spectators waiting in AN UNSEASONABLE HEATWAVE “I thought we would see some LEVEL OF TIGHT SECURITY "UT ) DIDN T

realized that it was going to be this MUCH u YEAR OLD (ISATO +OIZUmi from Tokyo told the Agence &RANCE 0RESSE AS HE WAITED IN A long line for metal detectors and safety inspections. “We got today’s tickets by CHANCE ) DON T LIKE THIS u ADDED Koizumi. -IYO (IRASE ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE HEAVY SECURITY g 4 H I S I S T R U L Y O V E R K I L L 4HE 4RUMP VISIT IS NOT ENJOYABLE It’s a pain. There aren’t so many BAD PEOPLE IN *APAN u SHE SAID Excitable fans were also warned against throwing their seat cushions — as tradition dictates whenEVER A gYOKOZUNAu OR GRAND CHAMpion is felled — lest the president be hit. “Acts such as throwing of cushions inside the arena may result in EJECTIONS AND PUNISHMENTS 0LEASE ABSOLUTELY REFRAIN FROM DOING SO u A lYER SAID ACCORDING TO FOOTAGE FROM NATIONAL BROADCASTER .(+ AFP

British PM Ex-PM, 80, named Thailand speaker Worldinbriefs MAGNITUDE-8 QUAKE RATTLES PERU, ECUADOR hopefuls vow better Brexit deal LONDON: The race to become Britain’s next premier has opened in earnest with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed AND kNALLY PULL THE DIVIDED COUNTRY out of the European Union (EU). But European leaders insisted they had made their final offer after months of acrimonious talks that produced an unpopular compromise for which May ended up paying with her job. May is bowing out with her legacy IN TATTERS AND THE COUNTRY IN AGONY OVER WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE VOTERS DECISION in 2016 to abandon the European integration project after nearly 50 years. 4HE MARKETS VIEW THE RISK OF Britain crashing out of the EU bloc when the twice-delayed departure DATE ARRIVES ON /CTOBER AS UNcomfortably high. Their main concern is that some of the current frontrunners to head -AY S #ONSERVATIVE 0ARTY SAY THEY will get Brexit done at any cost. g7E WILL LEAVE THE %5 ON /CTOBER DEAL OR NO DEAL u FORMER FOREIGN minister Boris Johnson said Friday in Switzerland. Johnson’s main challenges will come from former Brexit secretary $OMINIC 2AAB ‡ VIEWED AS AN EVEN more committed eurosceptic — and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Both declared their candidacies in the Sunday papers. Raab wrote in The Mail on Sunday that “I would prefer that we LEAVE WITH A DEAL u "UT gWE WILL NOT BE TAKEN SERIously in Brussels unless we are clear that we will walk away on World 4RADE /RGANIZATION TERMS IF THE %5 DOESN T BUDGE u 2AAB STRESSED Hunt had campaigned against "REXIT IN BUT HAS SINCE REVERSED his stance. AFP

BANGKOK: A military-aligned candidate won majority support to become Thailand’s House speaker ON 3ATURDAY SIGNALING FURTHER dominance of the army in the NEXT GOVERNMENT kVE YEARS AFTER it staged a coup. Former prime minister Chuan ,EEKPAI WAS NAMED SPEAKER AFTER THE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES VOTED IN HIS FAVOR IN THE kRST WORKING SESSION OF THE LOWER

chamber. Chuan came up against another candidate who was backed by more liberal parties. 4HE PRO MILITARY 0ALANG 0RACHARATH 0ARTY WHICH NOMINATED #HUAN IS TIPPED TO LEAD THE NEW GOVERNMENT EXPECTED TO BE FORMED in the next few weeks and headed by THE JUNTA LEADER 0RAYUTH #HAN OCHA WHO STAGED THE COUP AND HAS SERVED as prime minister since then. 4HE VOTE FOR PRIME MINISTER IS

jointly taken by the 500-member House and the 250-member SenATE WHERE 0RAYUTH ALREADY HAS THE solid support because he helped appoint the lawmakers for the upper chamber. Thanathorn JuangroongruangkIT LEADER OF THE ANTI MILITARY &UTURE &ORWARD 0ARTY WAS EARLIER ORDERED out of the Saturday session after a court suspended him for allegedly breaking election rules. AP

MUSIC TRIP

Musicians Oguzhan Erdem (center) plays ney, Eren Koc (left) plays keyboard and Zafer Saka (right) plays guitar during a ferry trip on the Bosphorus from Kadikoy to Eminonu in Istanbul, Turkey. AFP PHOTO

LIMA, Peru: The United States Geological Survey said a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8 has struck in north-central Peru. The quake was also felt in Ecuador, where nine people were reportedly hurt. The quake, at a moderate depth of 114 kilometers (71 miles) struck at 2:41 a.m. (3:41 p.m. in Manila), 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the village of Lagunas and 98 kilometer (158 kilometers) east-northeast of the larger town of Yurimaguas. Earthquakes that are closer to the surface generally cause more destruction. AP

6 KILLED IN MEXICAN NAVY CHOPPER CRASH MEXICO City: Six people, including five members of the Mexican Navy, died when their helicopter crashed during operations to put out forest fires, President AndrĂŠs Manuel LĂłpez Obrador said Saturday. The crash occurred in a remote, hilly area of the north-central state of Queretaro on Friday. The MI-17 helicopter, which took off from Valle Verde in the neighboring state of San Luis Potosi, was carrying a helibucket with 2,500 liters (660 gallons) of water to fight a fire, the navy said earlier. AFP

PAPUA NEW GUINEA PM QUITS PORT Moresby: Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill resigned on Sunday, media reports said, following a string of high-profile political defections that threatened his leadership. O’Neill — who had been in power since 2011 — handed over the reins to Julius Chan, who had twice been prime minister, PNG broadcaster EMTV reported. “It is important that we maintain a certain amount of stability. We have heard the calls and we have agreed for a change of government,� O’Neill told reporters, according to EMTV. AFP

2-WEEK-MISSING YOGA GURU FOUND ALIVE WAILUKU, Hawaii: A Hawaii woman has been found alive in a forest on Maui island after going missing more than two weeks ago. Amanda Eller, who teaches yoga for a living, was found injured in the Makawao Forest Reserve, the Maui News reported Friday. Family spokesman Sarah Haynes confirmed she spoke with Eller’s father, John. Eller was airlifted to safety. “I was crying tears of joy,â€? Eller’s mother, Julia, said. “I never gave up hope for a minute. I knew that we would find her.â€? AP

10 DIE, 19 INJURED IN CHINA GAS LEAK

24-time Everest trekker returns a hero KATHMANDU, Nepal: Family, friends and supporters welcomed a veteran Sherpa guide upon his return to Nepal’s capital on Saturday, days after his 24th climb of Mount Everest extended his record. After flying back from Everest to Kathmandu, Kami Rita was greeted by the waiting crowd at the airport. His wife hugged him and the crowd covered him with a cream-colored scarf and offered him yogurt. The brief celebration at the airport parking area with traditional drums

was followed by Rita riding on a truck, waving to supporters as they drove out of the airport. He told reporters he was very happy, but exhausted. Rita reached Everest’s 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) peak on Tuesday, May 21, the second time he had climbed to the summit in a week. He also reached the top of the world’s highest peak on May 15, then returned to base camp before climbing again this past week. The climbs bring Rita, 49, closer to his

target of 25 ascents of Everest before he retires from high mountain climbing. His two closest peers have climbed Everest 21 times each, but both of them have retired from mountain climbing. There are 41 teams with a total of 378 climbers permitted to scale Everest during the spring climbing season. An equal number of Nepalese guides are helping them get to the summit. About half a dozen climbers died this past week, most of them while descending from the summit during only a few windows of good weather each May. AP

BEIJING: At least ten people died and 19 were injured after carbon dioxide leaked from a cargo ship’s fire prevention system in eastern China, local officials said Sunday. The gas leak occurred at 4:00 p.m. (0800 GMT) Saturday at Longyan Port in Weihai, eastern Shandong province, the local government said through its official Twitter-like Weibo account. The injured were receiving medical treatment and their condition is stable, the statement said. AFP

TALIBAN PRISONERS SUBJECTED TO TORTURE – UN KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan captives held by the Taliban have been subjected to abuse, ill-treatment and actions that may amount to torture, the United Nations (UN) said Sunday — a statement that comes as the US is trying to find a negotiated solution to the country’s protracted war. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it interviewed 13 detainees from a group of 53 recently rescued from the Taliban, mainly members of Afghan forces but also civilians and government officials captured by the insurgents. The group was freed on April 25 when Afghan troops raided a Taliban-run detention facility in the Khas Uruzgan district in southern Uruzgan province. AP

Israel eases fishing Nationalists, pro-EU at odds in Europe polls restrictions in Gaza Strip JERUSALEM: Israel said it eased on 3UNDAY kSHING RESTRICTIONS OFF THE BLOCKADED 'AZA 3TRIP WITH THE AIM OF PREVENTING DETERIORATION IN humanitarian conditions in the 0ALESTINIAN ENCLAVE 4HE MOVE CAME JUST THREE DAYS after Israel had reduced the offshore kSHING LIMITS IN RESPONSE TO 0ALESTINIANS lOATING BALLOONS kTTED WITH INCENDIARIES OVER THE BORDER 4HE #OORDINATOR OF 'OVERNMENT !CTIVITIES IN THE 4ERRITORIES #OGAT the defense ministry unit that OVERSEES SUCH REGULATIONS SAID THE kSHING ZONE WAS BEING gEXPANDED TO NAUTICAL MILES u BACK UP from 10.

)T RESTORES THE kSHING ZONE TO THE limits set in April ahead of Israel’s GENERAL ELECTION AND IS THE LARGEST allowed in years. g4HIS MEASURE IS PART OF THE CIVILIAN POLICY FOR PREVENTION OF DETERIoration in humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and is consistent with the policy of distinguishing between terrorists and the unimpliCATED POPULATION u #OGAT SAID IN A statement. 0ALESTINIANS IN 'AZA HAVE FREquently floated balloons fitted WITH kREBOMBS OVER THE BORDER TO DAMAGE )SRAELI PROPERTY AND HAVE succeeded in setting fire to large areas of farmland. AFP

BRUSSELS: Tens of millions of Europeans will vote on Sunday as 21 countries choose their representatives in a battle between the nationalist right and pro-European Union (EU) forces to chart a course for the bloc. Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania and Cyprus were the first to open their polling stations, while France, Germany, Italy and the rest followed over the next two or three hours. Seven EU mem-

ber-states had already voted, but no official results can be published until rest of the union has taken part. Eurosceptic parties opposed to the project of the ever-closer union hope to capture as many as a third of the seats in the 751-member Strasbourg assembly, disrupting the prointegration consensus. The far-right parties of Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and France’s Marine Le Pen will lead this charge,

and anti-EU ranks will be swelled by the Brexit Party of British populist Nigel Farage. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has taken it upon himself to act as figurehead for the centrist and liberal parties hoping to shut the nationalists out of key EU jobs and decision-making. “Once again Macron is daring us to challenge him. Well let’s take him at his word: On May 26, we’ll challenge him in the voting booth,â€? Le Pen told

a rally in France. Meanwhile, the mainstream parties are vying between themselves for influence over the choice of a new generation of top European officials, including the powerful president of the European Commission. And Brussels insiders are closely following the turnout figures, fearing that another drop in participation will undermine the credibility of the EU parliament as it seeks to establish its authority. AFP


˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

DoLE gives financial assistance to family of OFW Claro Arellano

ACTING ,ABOR 3ECRETARY 2ENATO Ebarle, together with Undersecretary Claro Arellano, hands over the financial assistance to ,OVELY *ANE DAUGHTER OF /&7 Constancia Dayag who died in

Kuwait reportedly of natural causes. Witnessing the turnover of assistance are officials from Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) and private recruitment agencies.

KonsultaMD bags major prizes at Kidlat Awards 2019 +/.35,4!-$, the country’s only telehealth hotline and a Globe Telecom subsidiary, continues its winning streak with recent accolades FROM +IDLAT !WARDS KonsultaMD emerged as one of Kidlat Awards’ biggest winners, bagGING kVE MAJOR AWARDS FOR CREATIVE storytelling and effectiveness for its “Consult a Real Doctor� campaign which was co-created with advertising agency, Gigil. These include Gold #RAFT &ILM #OPYWRITING 'OLD #REATIVE 3TORYTELLING &ILM AND "RONZE #REATIVE %FFECTIVENESS &ILM FOR g$OK )NTERNET u 3ILVER #REATIVE 3TORYTELLING /UTDOOR for “Dok Everywhere� and Bronze #REATIVE 3TORYTELLING &ILM #AMPAIGN for “Consult a Real Doctor.� g)T IS A GREAT WAY TO START WITH THIS NEW HONOR ANOTHER kTTING recognition for our efforts and ad-

VOCACY OF EDUCATING &ILIPINOS ABOUT the value and importance of seeking professional medical assistance for their healthcare needs. We would like to thank our partner agency, ')'), AND THE !S FOR THIS AWARD and for appreciating what we do,� says Maridol Ylanan, chief executive officer of Global Telehealth, Inc. which operates KonsultaMD. KonsultaMD is a dedicated platform WHERE &ILIPINOS WITH MEDICAL NEEDS GET easy access to primary medical care by TALKING TO A LICENSED &ILIPINO DOCTOR anytime, anywhere over the phone. The service is made up of a team of licensed, highly trained and experienced medical professionals ready to provide &ILIPINOS WITH HIGH QUALITY MEDICAL INFORMATION ON A BASIS Globe customers may subscribe online at www.konsulta.md.

STI Mobile School bags Best PR Program in Southeast Asia

Q Jenny Dy, STI ESG media and production manager; Erick Listana, STI PR & advertising manager; Elbert de Guzman, STI ESG VP for eCommunications; Connie Andrada-Sablay, executive director of STI Foundation; Alyssah Lucman, STI ESG copywirter; and Aera Estrella, STI ESG communication officer. 34) %DUCATION 3ERVICES 'ROUP )NC 34) %3' AND 34) &OUNDATION were recognized in the Asean PR Excellence Awards for its mobile SCHOOL PROGRAM #OMPUTER ,AB on Wheels: Driving Education Where it Matters – program that HAS ALREADY REACHED OVER sites and has trained more than ELEMENTARY AND HIGH school students, teachers, and other individuals nationwide. The Asean PR Excellence Awards, held April 29 this year at Hilton Kuching Hotel, Malaysia, recogniz-

es the most outstanding, inspired, and the very best in the Asean region’s PR and Communication industry, whose works delivered exceptional impact and results. It is hosted by the Asean Public Relations Network (APRN) in collaboration with Institute PR Malaysia, SUPPORTED BY 3ARAWAK 3TATE AND Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management — the confederation of the world’s MAJOR 02 AND COMMUNICATION management associations and institutions around the world.

Kiwanis Club of Makati supports Buting Senior High SchoolÂ

MEMORANDUM of Agreement signed between TAG Media Group, Kiwanis Club of Makati represented by engineer Grace Bondad Nicolas AND "UTING 3ENIOR (IGH 3CHOOL REPRESENTED BY 0RINCIPAL -ONET 6EGA Tag Media Group and Kiwanis Club of Makati adopted the school for its INCOMING PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES TO support the indigent kids. In photo includes Kiwanis Club

of Makati Public Relations Andria Terese Nicolas and Teachers; &LORIDA ,ACEDA -ARIBEL 'OCALIN 2IZZA -AGNO AND !DRIAN 3UMIDO Ongoing activities includes medical mission- eye check up, DENTAL ()6 HAIRCUT FEEDING PROgram, coaching and leadership TRAINING 4HE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT JUST for the indigent children but for the whole community.

MONDAY May 27, 2019

Public Square

B7

Quezon City opens Bernardo Health Center

Q Mayor Herbert Bautista leads the opening of Bernardo Health Center building. AYOR Herbert Bautista led the The new three-story health center a separate room for treatment of inauguration of the Bernardo offers services for medical consulta- tuberculosis and implementation of Health Center in Barangay Pinagkaisa- tions, family planning, laboratory, the national TB program. han on May 20, as part of the Quezon rabies control, maternal and child “We thank Mayor Herbert Bautista City’s commitment in providing qual- care. It also has facilities for the na- for giving us this kind of facility. It’s ity healthcare to its residents. tional immunization program and really an opportunity that during the

M

time of Mayor Herbert a health center was inaugurated,� medical health OFkCER -ARIA #ELESTIAL ,AZATIN SAID Bernardo Health Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and can accommodate up to 50 patients a day.

Muntinlupa government builds more schools CITY Government of Muntinlupa officials led the groundbreaking ceremony of a new school building IN ,AKEVIEW )NTEGRATED 3CHOOL ,)3 in Brgy. Putatan on May 22. MuntinLUPA #ITY #OUNCILOR ,OUIE !RCIAGA REPRESENTING -AYOR *AIME &RESNEDI 3CHOOLS $IVISION /FkCE OF -UNTINLUPA 3UPERINTENDENT $R -AURO DE 'ULAN ,)3 0RINCIPAL $R !DOR 1UERUbin, and other local executives attended the groundbreaking program of the P98.9M four-storey building FOR THE kFTH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN the city. Querubin thanked the local government for the construction of the school building and provision of other programs that support the education of Muntinlupa residents.

De Los Santos Medical Center launches Open Heart Surgery DE ,OS 3ANTOS -EDICAL #ENTER $,3-# A MEMBER OF -ANUEL 6 0ANGILINAN S -60 'ROUP OF #OMpanies under the Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (MPHHI) banner, launched their latest mediCAL OFFERING m /PEN (EART 3URGERY – in a special ceremony attended BY THE BOARDS OF $,3-# AND MPHHI, doctors, hospital staff, special guests, and the media. #ARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE #6$ is a serious health problem in the Philippines and one of the leading causes of death. The Open (EART 3URGERY LAUNCH STRENGTHENS the hospital’s existing cardiovasCULAR CAPABILITIES AND GIVES #6$ patients more treatment options. g$E ,OS 3ANTOS -EDICAL #ENTER continues its ongoing mission of upgrading our services, and expanding our offerings to give patients more choices, and giving our doctors all the latest tools and TECHNOLOGY THEY NEED FOR EFkCIENT

Q During the launching are (from left) DLSMC President and CEO Raul Pagdanganan; members of the DLSMC Cardiovascular Surgery Team Dr. John Andrew Yam, Dr. Roberto Cristobal, Dr. Winston Centeno, Cardiovascular Surgery Unit head Dr. Avenilo Aventura, Jr., Dr. Benedicto Cabellero; and DLSMC VP for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nilo de los Santos. and effective diagnosis and treatMENT u SHARED $,3-# 0RESIDENT and CEO Raul Pagdanganan. $,3-# LAUNCHED THEIR FULLY equipped Cardiac Catheterization ,ABORATORY 5NIT IN WITH COM-

plete packages for coronary angiogram, coronary angioplasty, and PACEMAKER INSERTION 4HE #ATH ,AB offers minimally invasive procedures FOR QUALIkED HEART PATIENTS (OWEVER not all cardiovascular patients are

ELIGIBLE FOR #ATH ,AB PROCEDURES &OR SOME #6$ PATIENTS m BASED ON THE complexity of their cardiovascular disease, co-morbidities, and overall diagnosis – open heart surgery may still be recommended.

PBSP supports tuberculosis control in BARMM THE 0HILIPPINE "USINESS FOR 3OCIAL 0ROGRESS 0"30 AND THE -INISTRY OF Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao -O( "!2-- REAFkRMED ITS PARTnership to strengthen the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP). 0"30 AND -O( "!2-- RECENTLY signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that enables them to continue to work together to support the Department of Health (DoH- NTP) in the execution of the Philippine 3TRATEGIC 4" %LIMINATION 0LAN 0"30 HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE MoH-BARMM through the provision of laboratory supplies and equipment, the hiring and deployment of competent medical and non-medical staff; and the conduct of regular monitoring and random on-site VERIkCATION AND VALIDATION OF BOTH PROGRAMMATIC AND kNANCIAL REPORTS

Q Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Ministry of Health recently reaffirmed its partnership to strengthen the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) at the MOH-BARMM office in Cotabato City. In photo (seated, from left) are Elidda Agnes, PBSP PMDT leader for Mindanao; Elvin Ivan Uy, PBSP director for Operations; Reynaldo Antonio Laguda, PBSP executive director; Dr. Alexander Ampatuan, BARMM Regional NTP medical coordinator; Gian Carlo Avanica, PBSP PMDT program officer for BARMM; and Suraida Amilil, BARMM NTP Nurse coordinator. Witnessing the MOA signing are: (second row, from left) Garibalde Alvin Enriquez, PBSP MRC Regional Manager; Nudin Amil, BARMM HIV Coordinator; Ron Aray, Rabies, Leprosy, FNBD, and Dengue Coordinator; Saida Diocolano-Ali, Regional Public Information Officer; Euwan Hannah Abo, BARMM Technical Staff; Rohaida Balas, BARMM Finance Assistant; Sittie Sara Dumo, BARMM NTP medical technologist coordinator; Sittie Rezhmeen Mustapha, Rabies, Schistomasis and Filariasis Assistant Coordinator; Mary Jay Infiesto, PBSP MRC senior program officer, and Ymann Alleo Aron, BARMM NTP ITIS staff. Â

Pag-IBIG Fund grants 5,789 socialized housing loans worth P2.2B to low-wage earners in Q1 2019 PAG )")' &UND EXTENDED SOCIALized housing loans to 5,789 members from the minimumwage and low-income sectors TOTALING 0 BILLION IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS OF 4HE kGURE REPRESENTS NEARLY percent of the total number of HOUSING LOANS kNANCED BY THE AGENCY FROM *ANUARY TO -ARCH

The amount, meanwhile, repRESENTS PERCENT OF THE TOTAL amount of housing loans reLEASED BY THE &UND FOR THE SAID PERIOD 0AG )")' &UND kNANCED RECORD HIGHS OF HOUSING LOANS AMOUNTING TO 0 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER OF THIS year to assist members acquire or improve their homes.

g3OCIALIZED HOUSING IS DESIGNED especially for minimum and lowwage workers. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed that there be government programs catering to this marginalized sector, hence, we have this housing program THAT CATERS TO THEIR kNANCIAL CApacity. This is the essence of the "ALAI "UILDING !DEQUATE ,IVABLE

!FFORDABLE AND )NCLUSIVE &ILIPINO Communities Program of the government’s housing sector towards providing decent shelter for every &ILIPINO FAMILY u SAID 3ECRETARY Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (5$## AND 0AG )")' &UND Board of Trustees.


MONDAY M O NDAY MAY 27,, 2019

Public Square publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Damosaland, Connovate sign MoA to build renewable Danish Bldg D

AMOSA Land Inc. (DLI) and Connovate Philippines Inc. (CPI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the supply of eco-friendly Danish precast technology using ultra high performance concrete with 100 years material lifespan, superior earthquake and kRE RESISTANT AND RESILIENT HOMES IN THEIR 0ROJECT IN !MERIA THE kRST premier subdivision in Davao Del Norte, which will highlight wide open spaces and generous lot estate offering in Agriya. !GRIYA IS THE kRST MASTER PLANNED agri-tourism development in the Davao Region located in Panabo City. It will feature residential, institutional, commercial and recreation components in the development. DLI is the real estate developer and property development arm of !NlOCOR 'ROUP $,) HAS BEEN AT THE forefront of development in Mind-

Q Present in the signing are DLI’s First Vice President Ricardo Lagdameo and DLI AVP Dani Manlangit.; CEO & President of Imperial Homes Corporation and Chair  of CPI Emma Imperial; and CPI’s President, Engr. Ramir Padilla. The event happened on May 6 in  Davao. anao. Such projects like residential, technology company that intro- 4HE kRST FACTORY IS IN 3ILANG #AVITE OFkCES MIXED USE INDUSTRIAL AND duces the eco-friendly ultra high and its on-going construction for leisure projects are being developed performance concrete building its second factory in Iriga City. Under the agreement, CPI will set as DLI continue to evolve in achiev- panels from Denmark. It has provided world class homes in UP ITS FACTORY IN !NlO )NDUSTRIAL %STATE ing valuable innovations. CPI, established in the Phil- the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, in Panabo City and supply DLI with ippines in 2018, is a building Cabanatuan and Bicol Region. Connovate building panels.

CCPI president pays courtesy call to Israel ambassador 4(% #HAMBER OF #OMMERCE OF the Philippine Islands led by its President Jose Luis Yulo, Jr. (fourth from left) paid a courtesy call to Israel Ambassador to Manila Hon. Ambassador Rafael Harpaz (center) AT THE )SRAEL %MBASSY "ONIFACIO 'LOBAL #ITY 4AGUIG #ITY During the visit are (from left) Deputy Chief of Mission Youlia Rachinski-Spivakov, James Asuelo, chairman of Bridging Leadership For Sustainable Development, Inc; CCPI Board of Directors Paulino Dionisio, Jr., Amb. Ana Ines de Seguera-Ugarte, !TTY #EFERINO "ENEDICTO *R %XECUtive Director Jose Fernando Alcantara and Sonia Atabug.

Q Nurture Farmacy owners Mike and Cathy Turvill with the Sheraton Manila Executives General Manager Anna Vergara, Executive Chef Kiko Santiago, Director of Sales Ferdie de Leon III during the groundbreaking ceremony. carrots, eggplant. Selections will be through services or products of Sheraton Manila. Apart from more high quality and supports local opportunities for farmers, this is updated according the hotel’s needs. g7E ARE BOTH EXCITED AND PROUD COMMUNITIES !S WE GAIN CONk- also an eco-project of the hotel. of this initiative. It is bringing to dence from our guests, we are also Only handmade natural fertilizers life our commitment of provid- promoting local resources,� said and pesticides will be used, ensuring authentic Filipino hospitality Anna Vergara, general manager of ing all produce are chemical free.

KMV Asia Development Corp. inaugurates Makati branch 6)6% PROJECT A MIXED USE COMmercial residential condominium, located in the thriving COMMUNITY WITHIN PROXIMITY TO the newest commercial developments in Makati, caters to juNIOR EXECUTIVES AND SMALL FAMIlies working and living within striking distance to the Makati Central Business District. KMVAsia’s pocket developments are worth looking forward to as they are designed according to principles of sustainability and

Public Square appears on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Royal Air boosts its operations from Cebu hub ROYAL Air, Philippines’ fastgrowing airline, sees more opportunities as it launches its hub in Cebu on May 20. With the OPENING OF ITS kVE NEW ROUTES THE airline now allows passengers to lY DIRECT FROM #EBU TO -ANILA Davao, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, and Cagayan De Oro. Cebu, the newest addition to Royal Air’s strategically placed hubs, carries an important role in Royal Air’s growth. As Department of Tourism (DoT) reported a

whopping 8,099,346 million tourist arrivals in 2018, Central Visayas IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THE LEAD IN the nation’s tourism rise. “With more aircrafts coming in later in the year, we are ready to open additional routes which we will launch from our Cebu hub. 2OYAL !IR IS SERIOUS IN EXPANDING OUR market reach across the southern region; it is one of the many ways we can make the journey pleasant FOR OUR CUSTOMERS u SAID %D .OVILLAS #%/ OF 2OYAL !IR 0HILIPPINES

Japan confers Order of the Rising Sun on Amb. Delia Domingo Albert 4(% GOVERNMENT OF *APAN ANnounced on May 21 the conferment OF 4HE /RDER OF THE 2ISING 3UN 'OLD and Silver Star on Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert, former foreign secretary, in recognition of her contribution to strengthening the economic relations between Japan and the Philippines. When she was foreign secretary in 2003 to 2004, she took an initiative of the negotiation OF *APAN 0HILIPPINES %CONOMIC 0ARTNERSHIP !GREEMENT *0%0! which later greatly contributed to the enhancement of the economic relationship between the Philippines and Japan, especially in the AREA OF PEOPLE EXCHANGE She also contributed to the promotion of inviting Japanese

private sectors in the Philippines in mining industry when she served as presidential advisor for Multilateral Cooperation and Development in 2004 to 2005. Furthermore, as a senior adVISOR OF 3YCIP 'ORRES 6ELAYO Co., she has being supporting the Japanese companies in the Philippines in a various ways.

Celebrate true meaning of freedom at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Sheraton Manila partners with local farmers in its own farm !54(%.4)# farm-to-table dining EXPERIENCE COMES IN FULL CIRCLE IN Sheraton Manila Hotel with their own 300-sqm land, where they will soon harvest most of their herbs and vegetable requirements. The hotel partnered with Nurture &ARMACY A CERTIkED ORGANIC FARM and accredited by Department of Tourism, located in Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay City. They recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick start the development of the land that will be ready in three months’ time. Produce in the Sheraton Farm are creatively shaped and planted in their brand’s logo. A highlight in the farm is kale, one of the most nutritious leafy greens, and raw organic cacao. It would have wide-variety of herbs like basil, rosemary, peppermint, steva, dill, and vegetables like cucumber, lettuce,

B8

functionality. They are intended TO CREATE SOLUTIONS MAXIMIZING EFkCIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SPACE to make lives easier for students, YOUNG EXECUTIVES PROFESSIONALS and small families. One of the advanced facilities is the key card access per floor, complemented by possible development perks and discounts within the buildings’ commercial and common areas such as restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, lounges, and libraries.

Q During the inauguration of the KMV Asia Makati office are (from left) Rey John Lorca, Lorcatecture Corporation architect; John de Castro, managing director, DC Group of Companies; Kaydee Velasco, architect and KMV Asia CEO; Lani Peru, KMV Asia sales director; and Elvira Del Rosario, international sales, KMV Asia.

).$%0%.$%.#% Day is not just a commemoration of Philippines’ freedom from the Spanish empire but doubles as a quick break from the daily grind of most Filipinos. In line with the 121st anniversary of the Proclamlation of Philippine Independence, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar stages “Pilipinas Kong Mahal: Independence Day Celebration,� a SUNSET PARTY kLLED WITH LIVE MUSIC FEAturing Philippine rock icon Bamboo IN PHOTO $* %DUARDO ,ARA BEAUTY QUEEN $* #HRISTI -C'ARRY AND THRILLING kRE SHOW BY 0ILIPINAS 'OT 4ALENT kNALIST !MAZING 0YRA %XCLUSIVE ON *UNE ,AS #ASAS TREATS GUESTS TO g&2%%DOM !CCESS ! 2+1 package� inclusive of Heritage Walking Tour and show access. Let music unite us as we scream for freedom whilst enjoying a

drink or two as Las Casas launches its very own Dapitan Bar, a nighttime entertainment venue inside the sprawling property. For more information, visit www.

LASCASASkLIPINAS COM

Caribbean Coast and Toasts at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge IN Metro Manila, the party starts when the sun goes down. Jive in the chill breeze of the tropics this coming May 31, as Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge takes you on a cruise with its Caribbean Coast and Toasts Party. As the city’s bustle beats up, ocean vibes come alive. Come with a group amidst the city skyline for a Caribbean party. Listen to the cool coast music by Silk, and toast through some Cuba Libre and Ulta-Light Mojitos. Door opens at 8p.m.. Don’t forget Marco Polo Ortigas Manila! to dazzle in Caribbean wear and get For more information, visit A CHANCE TO WIN EXCITING PRICES FROM www.marcopolohotels.com.

Emirates Group announces 31st consecutive year of profit

SM Foundation supports Brigada Eskwela 4(% 3- &OUNDATION 3CHOOL "UILDing program team headed by Juris Umali Soliman was in Olongapo City to participate in the annual "RIGADA %SKWELA OF THE $EPARTMENT OF %DUCATION 6OLUNTEER PARENTS students and SM personnel from the nearby SM malls joined hands to clean, repair and beautify the +ALALAKE %LEMENTARY 3CHOOL Among those present were ChairMAN OF "RIGADA +ALALAKE %LMER #AMASA +ALALAKE %LEMENTARY 3CHOOL /)# #ECILIA DE LA &UENTE $EP%D %NGR

*USTIN %SPIRITU AND OUTGOING -AYOR Rolen Paulino who thanked SM for the school building that will rise in the +ALALAKE %LEMENTARY 3CHOOL CAMPUS The school is also a Center of %XCELLENCE FOR 'IFTED #HILDREN AND Sinag for Special Children. The SM Foundation team’s visit to the school also jumpstarted the mobilization for the construction of a school building donated by SM Prime through SM Foundation. The team also participated in Brigada %SKWELA ACTIVITIES IN 4UBA "ENGUET

Q Kalalake Elementary School Brigada Eskwela

2%,%!3%$ in its 2018-19 AnNUAL 2EPORT THE %MIRATES 'ROUP POSTED A PROkT OF !%$ BILLION 53 MILLION FOR THE kNANcial year ended March 31, down 44 percent from last year. The 'ROUP S REVENUE REACHED !%$ 109.3 billion ($ 29.8 billion), an increase of 7 percent over last YEAR S RESULTS 4HE 'ROUP S CASH BALANCE WAS !%$ BILLION

(US$ 6.0 billion), down 13% from last year mainly due to large investments into the business, INCLUDING SIGNIkCANT ACQUISITIONS AND PAYMENT OF LAST YEAR S !%$ billion ($ 545 million) dividend. )N LINE WITH THE OVERALL PROkT THE 'ROUP DECLARED A DIVIDEND OF !%$ MILLION 53 MILlion) to the Investment Corporation of Dubai for 2018-19.


Sports

C1 MONDAY MAY 27, 2019

www.manilatimes.net

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

W

ORLD Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight regular champion Manny Pacquiao said he would make WBA welterweight super champion Keith Thurman eat his words when they collide on July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Thurman, 30, said in two news conferences last week that he would retire Pacquiao for good. But Pacquiao believes that he’s still in PEAK kGHTING FORM AT 4HE kGHTING senator has started his training for the 4HURMAN kGHT OVER THE WEEKEND AT THE Elorde gym in Pasay City. “Maganda ‘yung condition ko at hindi ako nagpabaya sa katawan natin so it’s good, maganda resulta nito. Tingnan na lang natin at ipakain natin lahat ng mga sinabi niya kaya motivated ako sa training camp. Walang prediction basta gawin lang natin lahat ng kaya natin (I’m still in good condition and I’m taking care of my body that’s why I’m expecting good results. Let’s just wait FOR THE kGHT AND ) WILL LET HIM EAT HIS words. I am motivated to train and I have no predictions. We will just do our very best),� Pacquiao told The Manila Times on Saturday at the Elorde gym in Pasay City. Pacquiao holds a 61-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 KOs against Thurman’s

Q Manny Pacquiao works the mitts with Nonoy Neri at the Elorde gym in in Pasay City. PHOTO BY WENDELL ALINEA

I will let Thurman eat his words – Pacquiao 29-0 with 22 KOs. Pacquiao worked the punching bag, the speed ball, and performed conditioning routines under the supervision of assistant trainers Nonoy Neri and Jon Peùalosa.

(EAD TRAINER "UBOY &ERNANDEZ NOW THE vice mayor-elect of Polangui, Albay, and conditioning coach Justin Fortune are expected to join Pacquiao’s Manila training camp this week.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s legal adviser lawyer Tom Falgui confirmed to The Manila Times on Sunday that Pacman would earn $10 million in his fight against Thurman.

“As far as I know, it’s $10 million. Pumayag si Senator at siya ang may kNAL say (The senator agreed and he has the kNAL SAY u SAID &ALGUI WITHOUT ELABORATING more details.

Highly motivated Raptors rally past Bucks to reach first NBA final Pacquiao opens training camp WHEN future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao climbs the ring against undefeated American Keith Thurman on July 20 for the 71st time IN HIS YEAR PRIZEkGHTING CAREER he will be extra motivated with the golden memory of his triumphant encounter with similarly legendary Oscar De La Hoya 11 years ago. He was only 29 years old then and although already the leading pound-for-pound king, the soon-to-be Filipino eight-division champion was the 2-1 underdog against the more illustrious Mexican Olympian De La Hoya, a former WBO Junior lightweight, WBO/ IBF super-lightweight and twotime super-welterweight and WBO middleweight titlist. It was his first ever fight as a welterweight and had already been CROWNED kVE DIVISION BELT WINNER having captured the flyweight, super-featherweight, featherweight, and lightweight plums earlier in his career. 4HE NOW YEAR OLD 0HILIPPINE senator expressed that sentiment DURING THE kRST STOP OF THE TWO CITY press tour on Monday last week to promote the showdown in New York, when he declared: �For this kGHT ) WILL WORK HARD ) HAVEN T FELT this motivated and excited since the /SCAR $E ,A (OYA kGHT ) FEEL LIKE ) M BACK AGAINST THE BEST kGHTERS IN the world.� In his first appearance in the gym to start preparations for the *ULY kGHT SET AT THE -'- 'RAND Arena in Las Vegas, on Saturday, Pacquiao looked to carry with him the memory of that 8th round stoppage of the Barcelona Olympics gold medallist De La Hoya as he regaled a less than 100 spectators at THE %LORDE "OXING 'YM INSIDE THE Mall of Asia compound of what the fans expect. Despite the long four-month respite since beating ambitious, but outclassed Adrien Broner last January, the former Fighter of the Decade honoree showed speed and footwork he hopes to apply in avoiding ThurMAN S OFFENSE COMES kGHT NIGHT “Alam mo na naman ang focus NATIN IN EVERY kGHT ‡ HAND SPEED and footwork na magiging advantage natin sa laban, “Paccquiao told this writer after a short three-hour session. “We’re going to work on

those against what I expect will be an aggressive Thurman’s offense.� “I like being the underdog for this kGHT BECAUSE THAT GIVES ME MORE focus in training. I’ve been careless AND OVER CONkDENT IN SOME kGHTS but this time around it’s different. +EITH 4HURMAN IS A GOOD kGHTER AND we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20,� he stressed. #HIEF TRAINER "UBOY &ERNANDEZ wasn’t around yet to supervise the opening day of the camp as he was still in Bicol to attend Monday’s proclamation of provincial winners in the last midterm elections where he was voted vice mayor of his hometown Polangui. Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune was scheduled to arrive last Sunday from Los Angeles, while training consultant Freddie Roach will just be waiting for the team’s arrival in LA tentatively on June 15. In their absence, assistant trainers Nonoy Neri and Roger “Haplas� &ERNANDEZ STEPPED IN TO PRESIDE over the session. The reigning WBA REGULAR POUND KINGPIN DID SIX rounds hitting the mitts with Neri and three rounds shadow boxing. He, too, spent a round each with the heavy bag, speed ball and skipping rope under the watchful eyes of Haplas before winding up the DAY WITH THE ROUTINE lOOR EXERCISES g7E LL lY STRAIGHT TO , ! ON *UNE 15. Marami pang trabaho sa senado na dapat tapusin before we leave for the US,� Pacquiao said by way of explaining the dispensing with pitching camp in his hometown 'ENERAL 3ANTOS #ITY Preparations goes full blast starting Monday. Pacquiao said. “Old? Oh come on. Marami na nagsabi n’yan but until today, AT ) M STILL STANDING AND kGHTING g HE SAID DISMISSING Thurman’s prediction of ending his career for good. “I’m the kind OF kGHTER THAT ) DON T TALK TOO MUCH I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring.� “As I have been saying, I feel I’m 29 years old like when I fought Oscar. Sana, he (Thurman) can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me, “ Pacquiao vowed. EDDIE G. ALINEA

LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard finished with 27 points and a career high 17 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors advanced to their first NBA final with a 100-94 win over the topseeded Milwaukee Bucks. The Raptors won the series 4-2 as Saturday’s contest at Scotiabank Arena was a mirror image of game five, featuring a strong start by Milwaukee before Toronto came back in the fourth quarter to close it out with several clutch plays down the stretch. The Raptors reached their first finals in their 24-year history where they will face the twotime defending champion Golden State Warriors. Game one of the best-ofseven final is Thursday in Toronto. “I just took it one possession at a time,�

Leonard said. “We kept fighting all game. The calls were not going our way, but we kept striving and striving.� The victory has galvanized the Canadian city’s sports fans and touched off a wild celebration among the crowd of 19,800 in the arena and tens of thousands more in the downtown “Jurassic Park�, who watched the game on a giant screen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will be cheering on the Raptors. “History made! @Raptors, it’s time to bring that championship to Canada! #WeTheNorth,� Trudeau tweeted Saturday. Leonard won the headto-head battle against Giannis Antetokounmpo, even dunking over the mighty “Greek Freak� with six minutes left in the fourth to give Toronto a 87-79 lead. Leonard also hit another dynamic three-

pointer from his favourite corner spot on the floor with three minutes left to make it 95-90.

‘So special’ He shot nine of 22 from the field and had seven assists for the Raptors, who roared back to win four straight games after falling into an 0-2 hole to begin the series. Pascal Siakam tallied 18 points, Kyle Lowry finished with 17 and Fred VanVleet came off the bench to score 14 points in the win. “I’ve been here seven years and this means a lot,� said Lowry. “This group is so special.� Toronto was down by 15 points at one stage in the third quarter before Leonard and his supporting cast cut the deficit to five entering the fourth. “We thrive at it. We enjoy the moment,� Leonard said.

“My teammates have my back. I was on the bench to start the fourth quarter and they came back. It was a collective effort.� Antetokounmpo tallied a double double with 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Bucks, who lost in the NBA playoff semifinals after finishing with the best record in the regular season. “The game plan was to double-team me and not allow me to get into a rhythm,� Antetokounmpo said. “We weren’t able to rebound the ball and get easy points in transition and that’s why we lost the lead.� Leonard said they were looking forward to putting their winning streak on the line and hosting the Warriors for the first two games of the final. “Man, they are the champions. We got to go in there with mental focus and enjoy the moment,� he said. AFP

Q George Hill (No. 3) of the Milwaukee Bucks battles for the ball with Kawhi Leonard (No.2) of the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday in Toronto, Canada. AFP PHOTO


C2

Sports

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY May 27, 2019

Felipe emerges as PruRIDE PH 2019 overall champion A S

Ujiri’s Endgame and Klay Thompson’s price

BY JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

UBIC, Olongapo: Heavy downpour worked to Marcelo Felipe’s advantage as he captures the PruRIDE PH 2019 overall championship on Sunday at the Subic Freeport Zone here. The 29-year old Felipe registered seven hours, 57 minutes and 15 seconds to SEIZE THE GENERAL CLASSIkCATION CROWN AFTER traversing the combined 295.8 kilometers Stage 1 and 2. The International Cycling Union and the organizers decided to cancel the third and kNAL STAGE OF THE RACE BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER

that caused dangerous road conditions. Stage 2 winner Brendon Davids of /LIVERS 2EAL &OOD kNISHED SECOND WITH A 47-second gap from the leader. Michael Vink of St. George Continental Cycling 4EAM kNISHED THIRD ‡ FOUR MINUTES AND 12 seconds behind Felipe. Besides Felipe, four other Filipinos

entered the top 10 including Philippine Navy Standard Insurance riders Junrey Navarra at No. 4 (8:08:02) and Jhon Mark Camingao at No. 6 (8:03:28). Go for Gold’s Jonel Carcueva was at No. 8 (8:04:52), and Daniel Ven Carino was at No. 9 (8:05:25). Felipe was named Best Filipino Rider and overall King of the Mountain with 16 points. The Philippine Navy Standard Insurance copped the Team Championship with a time record of 24:09:48 beating Go for Gold Continental (24:17:24) and 711 Cliqq Air 21 Roadbike Philippines (24:26:53).

Go for Gold bet Daniel Ven CariĂąo bagged the Overall Under-23 plum after registering 8:05:25 followed by Korean Euro Kim (8:08:35) and Jericho Jay Lucero (8:08:37) also of Go for Gold. Davids was awarded with the most number of UCI points with 20. Vink and Felipe garnered 17 and 16 points, respectively. The 2.2 UCI sanctioned event award professional cyclists points that is essential for their entry to the Tokyo 2022 Olympics. PruRIDE PH ambassadors Zoren Legaspi, Gretchen Ho, and Kim Atienza participated in the Grand Fondo along with thousand of recreational cyclists.

PADRES ROUT JAYS 19-4, WIN 5TH IN ROW TORONTO: In an afternoon full of big hits for the San Diego Padres, it was left to ninth-place batter Austin Hedges to register the biggest. Hedges connected for a grand slam and the Padres hit a franchise-record seven home runs to romp past the Toronto Blue Jays 19-4 Saturday for their fifth straight win. After being part of last year’s 66-96 Padres team, which gave up 10 or more runs 12 times, including a 20-5 loss against Arizona on July 7, Hedges is just glad things are looking a lot better this season with San Diego four games over .500. “It’s a good feeling because we’ve been through so many of them,� said the kFTH YEAR CATCHER g)T S A LONELY FEELING over there. It’s tough to go through that together with your boys and come back in the clubhouse and show up the next day expecting to win.� The Padres’ run total was the most in the majors this season. They nearly matched the franchise record of 20 runs, done twice and most recently in Montreal in 2001. Wil Myers and Hunter Renfroe each hit two home runs and Ian Kinsler and Eric Hosmer also homered. The previous team record was six, set in Cincinnati on July 17, 1998. (EDGES DROVE IN kVE RUNS -YERS WENT for 2, drove in four and scored four times, and Renfroe had four hits, scored four and drove in three. Myers hit the team-record seventh homer in a five-run eighth that included homers by Hosmer and Renfroe off Sam Gaviglio. “I did not know that,� Myers said of

the record. “That’s pretty cool but it’s not surprising with the guys we’ve got here. We’ve got a lot of power in this lineup and a lot of guys that can really hit.� Rookie Cal Quantrill (1-2), from nearby Port Hope, Ontario, and the son of former Blue Jays and Padres pitcher, Paul Quantrill, went six innings to earn HIS kRST MAJOR LEAGUE win in his fourth career start. He became just the third Canadian-born pitcher TO CLAIM HIS kRST career win north of the border. The 24-yearold righthander struck out a career-high n i n e, while surrendering three earned runs on homers by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Justin Smoak, the only hits Quantrill allowed. Q San Diego Padres’ Hunter Renfroe celebrates with Eric Hosmer after Renfroe hit a three-run home run against “It was awesome, a the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of a baseball game on May 24, 2019, in Toronto. AP PHOTO ton of fun,� he said. “Obviously it’s a little easier when the (EDGES LAUNCHED 3AN $IEGO S kRST SLAM ter surrendering six runs over five team puts up 19 runs, but it was fantastic. of the season in the fourth. innings to Boston on Monday, the It was everything that I could have hoped Rookie Josh Naylor, from nearby Mis- right-hander lasted just four infor minus a couple pitches.� sissauga, Ont., had given the Padres a nings, giving up seven earned runs Myers and Kinsler hit back-to-back kRST INNING LEAD WITH HIS kRST BIG LEAGUE on seven hits. home runs in the second, a feat duplicated hit in his second career game, an RBI Toronto, hitting an MLB-low .197 by Hosmer and Renfroe in the eighth. double. Naylor and Hosmer entering the game, has now lost 10 of its each had three of the Padres’ last 12 home games and fell to 1-7-1 in 20 hits. home series. In his third start of the Manager Charlie Montoyo was at a loss year, Edwin Jackson (0-2) to explain his team’s home form. wa s r o u g h e d u p f o r t h e “I don’t know why that is,� he said. second straight game. Af- “Hopefully it changes.� AP

FROM MLB.COM

Ateneo, San Sebastian brace for QF action CIGNAL-ATENEO De Manila University and Valencia City Bukidnon-San Sebastian College are ready to run over their respective foes today in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage for ruling their respective groups, the Blue Eagles and the Golden Harvest take on Cha Dao-Far Eastern University (FEU) at 2 p.m. and ChĂŠlu Bar & Grill at 4 p.m., respectively. Cignal-Ateneo looms as a title contender in its first entry into D-League, winning eight games and only dropping one in the elimination round to top the Aspirants Group. “Now we’re starting to focus on the team actions and performance. But I don’t have high expectations on how we’ll play. I just want them to do things right and so far we’ve been pretty good,â€? said head coach Tab Baldwin. Baldwin will bank on Thirdy Ravena, Ivorian big man Angelo Kouame and Isaac Go to lead the Eagles as they face a familiar foe. Cha Dao-FEU is riding on a four-game

winning streak capped by a 74-69 victory over Centro Escolar University that gave them the last quarterfinal spot in the Foundation Group with a 5-4 record. Coach Olsen Racela’s Tamaraws will lean on guards Wendell Comboy, Alec Stockton and L-Jay Gonzales as they force a do-or-die game. Meanwhile, Valencia-San Sebastian closed the eliminations on a five-win streak for an 8-1 slate and the top seed in the Foundation Group. “Our opponent is too experienced. We just have to be ready,â€? said head coach Egay Macaraya, who is pinning his hope on the dynamic duo of RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi. ChĂŠlu, with a 6-3 card, needed Family Mart-Enderun Colleges to stun Ironcon-University of Sto. Tomas to steal the remaining quarterfinal berth in the Aspirants Group. “We didn’t’ have our fate in our hands but we were still able to enter the playoffs. So we have to do our best now that we’re here,â€? said coach Stevenson Tiu, who hopes to see Jeff Viernes, Rey Suerte and the rest of his Revellers go all-out. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

BASKETBALL SLEUTH

MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS

FTER the Milwaukee Bucks lost the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 6 at Toronto, it has become a valid question. Could your team be considered a championship contender if Khris Middleton is your no.2 player? Middleton will be a free agent and he has given a good account of himself in the regular season, even making it to the AllStar game. But he has been non-existent in the Eastern Finals, when they needed him most. On the other hand, the Raptors GM MaSAI 5JIRI HAS BEEN VILIkED WHEN HE TRADED the loyal DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. At the end of Game 6 at Toronto, he was applauded by an overflowing stadium. Winning does solve everything, except Kevin Durant’s sensibilities.

Ujiri’s gamble pays off Ujiri understands the tiers of NBA players. The former Executive of the Year has a mandate to take the Raptors to the next LEVEL +YLE ,OWRY AND $E2OZAN WAS A kNE backcourt combo and they even have off court chemistry. Many NBA teams could only aspire for that. However, if the Raptors wanted to take the next step, Ujiri knew they were not enough. On the rare occasion that a Stonelevel player was available, he took the chance, even with all the risks involved. Even if he will be branded as a coldhearted executive for trading a loyal player. But the mandate was to win the East—whatever it takes. DeRozan was a “Pippen� at best. He is not the best player on a championship team. Lowry, is a tier below—a Top Robin. Robin is a sidekick, often ridiculed for being one, but basketball is a team game, and Robins are needed to win. The Bucks and Raptors both have a Stone, but the Raptors have the advanTAGE OF EXPERIENCE !T kRST THEY THOUGHT the Bucks had the advantage of having Middleton, a current All-Star backing up the MVP frontrunner. But the playoffs are not the regular season and experience takes a premium when the stakes are high. Lowry, Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol and even Serge Ibaka have all the playoff experience you could ask for. Even Pascal Siakam had his breakthrough in the postseason. Now they are headed FOR THEIR kRST ."! &INALS AND 5JIRI WON the endgame. Middleton is a Robin, and he failed to prove himself as something more when the team was on the big stage. He was also absent in the All-NBA teams, which means the All-Star appearance was brought about by the regular season brilliance carried by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Which is why the Greek Freak is a compelling case for MVP—he made Middleton an All-Star, and players like George Hill, Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova relevant on the big stage. Coach Mike Budenholzer also deserves credit. It’s not a bad season for the Bucks, but now they must take that next step, and this core may not be enough.

Klay Thompsons pays a high price )F THERE IS ONE lAW IN THE ."! S SYSTEM it’s that they gave too much power to the media. The halftime and post-game inTERVIEWS ARE kNE BUT WHEN THEIR VOTES ARE used to determine players’ salaries—that’s absurd, and opens the door to a public relations game. Are there six guards better than Klay in the NBA? Media said yes, and they are Steph Curry, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook and Kemba Walker. It cost Thompson $30 million for a YEAR CONTRACT SINCE HE IS NOT QUALIkED for a supermax deal. The media should appreciate Thompson more. He is very transparent, as shown in that interview. Walker is the best player on a team that did not make the playoffs. Every game, Walker has to carry his team, turn in All-Star numbers and at the end of the day, take the “L.� Thompson can have a bad shooting night but he has three All-Stars around him (DeMarcus Cousins is not even counted). He can take nights off, take all the recovery time he needs, and here they are, well-rested and waiting for the Finals. The price for this privilege: $ 30 million.


˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY May 27, 2019

Sports

C3

Na takes two-shot lead into final round at Colonial L

/3 !.'%,%3 +EVIN .A kRED A ONE UNDER PAR ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA TO TAKE A TWO SHOT LEAD IN THE 53 0'! 4OUR #HARLES 3CHWAB #HALLENGE WHERE THREE TIME MAJOR WINNER *ORDAN 3PIETH WAS AMONG THOSE IN HOT PURSUIT

Na, in search of a fourth US PGA Tour title, started the day one off the lead of Sweden’s Jonas Blixt -- who slid down the leaderboard with a four-over 74. .A SEIZED THE LEAD AT UNDER par with back-to-back birdies at THE kRST AND SECOND HOLES AT #Olonial Country Club. An unlucky double-bogey at the PAR kVE TH COST HIM THE LEAD BUT he steadied himself with a birdie AT TO kNISH WITH A NINE UNDER PAR TOTAL OF That put him two strokes clear of Spieth, fellow Americans Jim

Furyk and Tony Finau, Taiwan’s Pan Cheng-tsung and Canadian MacKenzie Hughes, who shared SECOND ON “After the double-bogey I hit a bad tee shot at the next hole and it looked like the wheels could fall off,� Na said. “But I stayed positive, tried to put the next one in play.� The California, who carded a ON &RIDAY BELIEVES #OLONIAL IS one of a handful of courses used on the PGA Tour that gives him a good chance at a title. “Over the years I’ve had some good rounds (at Colonial) and

it’s a golf course you don’t have to overpower,� he said. “You have to keep it in play. “From fairway in I’m a pretty good player, so I think it plays right into my game.� Hughes posted a bogey-free 65, hitting his second shot at the 18th to FOUR FEET FOR HIS kFTH BIRDIE OF THE DAY Pan, a month removed from HIS kRST 0'! TITLE AT THE (ERITAGE in Hilton Head, South Carolina, HAD FOUR BIRDIES IN HIS FIRST HOLES AND BRIElY HELD THE LEAD but closed with back-to-back bogeys at 17 and 18 in a 68. Furyk and Spieth also carded two-under rounds while Finau signed for a one-over 71. Pan said that after his Heritage victory he knows what he needs to do on Sunday to come away with another trophy. “It’s only a month ago, so I’m quite familiar with that,� he said.

“You’ve just got to hit really good shots.� He wasn’t too discouraged by his bogey-bogey kNISH NOTING THAT THE NARrow fairways left little room for error. “Seventeen, you only have PROBABLY YARDS WIDE FAIRway. If you miss it you will get blocked by a tree,� he said. “Eighteen, same thing. Obviously the last two holes weren’t my best, but that’s OK.� Spieth, seeking his first vicTORY SINCE THE "RITISH /PEN opened his round with back-toback birdies — rolling in putts of AND FEET AS HIS MASTERY OF Colonial’s greens continued. He drained another long one for a birdie at seven, although that would prove to be his last birdie of the day. AFP

Q Kevin Na of the United States plays a shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. AFP PHOTO

Thai vet rallies, snares STEFFEN, DUKE BRACE FOR TPGA Open diadem CT IRONMAN 70. 3 DUEL

THAI Wisut Artjanawat scored big for Philippine Golf Tour Asia, rallying from six down and snatching a two-stroke victory with a blistering windup for a 67 as he beat local veteran Sung Mao Chang by two for the TPGA Open crown at the CCK Golf Club in Taichung, Taiwan yesterday. Artjanawat, 37, pounced on Sung’s frontside meltdown to move within three despite a 36 then scorched the backside with a brilliant 31, spiked by three straight birdies from No. 12, as he emerged the bewildered winner in the event that faced uncertainties following a rain-marred first round. But the Thai veteran campaigner delivered the biggest surprise with his sizzling finish, securing the victory with a birdie from close range on the 16th, giving him a two-shot cushion he preserved with two clutch closing pars for a second five-under card and a 14-under 274 total. “I didn’t expect to win. Six shots were too big a deficit to overcome. But I worked my way back and hit birdies at the back,� said Artjanawat, whose stirring comefrom-behind win worth $17,500 ended a five-year title spell in various regional circuits, including the Philippine-based PGTA sponsored by ICTSI. Jay Bayron, meanwhile, finished with a flourish, birdying two of the last three holes to card a 70 as he ended up tied at 27th at 286. “It was a good experience. The greens here were very unpredictable but I knew I could’ve finished better,� said Bayron, the lone Filipino entry in the event co-organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and PGT Asia official apparel Pin High. “I just hope more Filipinos would compete overseas in the future. Playing against a different of rivals on unfamiliar courses will only make us better.� Artjanawat also relished the chance to compete and be able to

Q Wisut Artjanawat

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

snap a long title drought. “It’s a big confidence boost. Now I feel I can fight on the top level against the best in the region,� added Artjanawat, who placed 22nd in last year’s PGT Asia Order of Merit ranking and groped for joint 29th in the PGTA first leg at Luisita last month. His victory also augured well for the region’s emerging circuit, which held its first tournament abroad after three years with one of its mainstays emerging as the winner. Artjanawat also became the first foreigner to win in the 85-year TPGA at the quaint military layout affiliated to Taiwan’s Air Force, frustrating a number of locals who had braced for a romp by Sung after surging to a whopping five-shot lead over compatriot Hung Chien Yao after 54 holes. But Sung failed to recover from a 39 start and failed to match Artjanawat’s blistering finish to settle for a 36 and a 75 for 276. “I made a lot of bad shots, hit a lot of trees,� rued Sung. As Sung floundered, Hugn took over the lead in one stretch but like his compatriot, he lost in the face of Artjanawat’s superb backside game he sparked with a 10-foot birdie on No. 10. But it was not until he racked up that three-birdie binge that he found himself on top of the heap then buried another threefoot birdie putt on the 16th to all but wrap up the championship. Hung also closed out with a 36 and dropped to third at 277 after a 71 while another Thai Donlapatchai Niyomchon shot a 69 for fourth at 278 followed by Wang Tsung Chieh and Thai Sae Ueng Nirun, who carded identical 69s to share fifth place at 279. Luisita leg winner Namchok Tantipokhakul fired a 68 and fellow Thai Polthai Tawit matched par 72 as they shared seventh place with Taiwanese Huang Chi, who shot a 70, at 280 as five PGT Asia bets finished in the Top 10.

SWISS Caroline Steffen and Australian Dimity Lee Duke set out for another clash of power and endurance tipped to go down-to-the-wire as they banner the elite cast in the Century Tuna )2/.-!. 3UBIC "AY PRESENTED by Big Boss Cement which gets going 3UNDAY *UNE The veteran campaigners are seeking to snap a spell in local endurance racing with Steffen out TO IMPROVE HER RUNNER UP kNISH TO Czech Radka Kahlefeldt in the recent second Alveo Davao where Duke STRUGGLED TO kNISH FOURTH But both are coming into the KM SWIM KM BIKE KM RUN EVENT BRIMMING WITH CONkDENCE SO do New Zealand’s Laura Wood, Manami Iijima of Guam and Lisa Tyack, another star from Down Under, guarANTEEING A kERCE SHOWDOWN FOR TOP HONORS AND THE TOP PURSE IN the centerpiece women’s pro division. “I’m excited to return to Subic for the fourth time,� said Steffen, who is also using the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. as part of her buildup for the World Chanmpionships. g) M STILL BUILDING UP MY kTNESS towards the World Championships in October and the CT IRONMAN WILL BE A GREAT TEST IN THE HEAT to see where I am at,� she added. Duke, on the other hand, hopes to flash her familiarity with the course where she also reigned in a EVENT WHILE PLACING SECOND TO

COMPATRIOT ,IZ "LATCHFORD IN THE kRST Philippine full triathlon last year. “IRONMAN racing is a lot different RACING OVER THE DISTANCE AND EACH year the competition is always getting better and better,� said Duke. “But I am fortunate to have raced this course over a number of years so I hope this will put me in a good position come race day. Focus will also be in the men’s side with Nick Baldwin of Seychelles eyeing another win in the country’s triathlon capital following his triumph IN THE kRST FULL )2/.-!. AGAINST A TALENT LADEN kELD HEADED BY FORMER WORLD CHAMPION 4IM 2EED AND multi-titled Sam Betten along with fellow Australians Tim Van Berkel and Conor McKay with Colombia’s

Rodrigo Acevedo and Oli Stenning of Great Britain. For details, visit www.ironman SUBICBAY COM OR THE &ACEBOOK PAGE #ENTURY 4UNA )2/.-!. 3UBIC "AY AND IM SUBICBAY ON )NSTAGRAM AND 4WITTER /FkCIAL EVENT HASHTAGS ARE Û#ENTURY4UNA)- ÛIM SUBICBAY Close to thousand triathletes will also battle it out for top honors in various divisions, including the Asian %LITE AND THE AGE GROUP CATEGORIES It also features relay competitions for male, female and mixed teams. Forty one countries are represented in what promises to be another challenging race on a practically new course with the race central now at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

Q Dimity Lee Duke

Q Caroline Steffen CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Curtain up for returning Federer PARIS: Roger Federer returns to a new look Roland Garros on Sunday (Monday in Manila) after a four-year absence, admitting he’ll be an underdog in his attempt TO CLAIM A ST 'RAND 3LAM TITLE The 37-year-old Swiss star is the HEADLINE ACT ON OPENING DAY YEARS after his one triumph in Paris and two decades since his tournament debut. Federer, who played his last French /PEN IN PREFERRING TO CONCENtrate his powers on Wimbledon, starts against Lorenzo Sonego, the world No. 73 from Italy. Third-seeded Federer insists that it would be a shock even to him should he manage to prevent either Rafael .ADAL FROM SWEEPING TO A TH TITLE or Novak Djokovic becoming just the second man to hold all four Slams at the same time twice. “I feel like I’m playing good tennis, but is it enough against the absolute top guys when it really comes to the crunch? I’m not sure if it’s in my racquet,� said Federer. Play on a rebuilt Court Philippe #HATRIER STARTS WITH WOMEN S kFTH SEED Angelique Kerber taking on precocious Russian 18-year-old Anastasia Potapova, ranked at 81 in the world. Germany’s Kerber is looking for

a Roland Garros title to complete a career Grand Slam. However, the 31-year-old has been suffering from an ankle injury and admitted she is not certain how she will survive the rigors of two weeks on clay. “Two weeks ago I was not even able to walk really good,� she said. Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is also on Chatrier, facing German left-handER -AXIMILIAN -ARTERER THE WORLD Tsitsipas made the Australian Open SEMIkNALS IN *ANUARY BEATING &EDERER on the way.

New court set for unveiling 4HE YEAR OLD ALSO DEFEATED .ADAL IN THE -ADRID SEMIkNALS BEFORE FALLING to the Spaniard at the same stage in Rome last week. Second seed Karolina Pliskova closes play on Chatrier against Madison Brengle of the United States. The centrepiece court of Roland 'ARROS HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED AND PERCENT REBUILT SINCE AS PART OF THE MILLION EURO REFURBISHMENT of the French Open’s historic home. Fans and players will have to wait to UNTIL TO SEE THE RETRACTABLE ROOF

in operation over the court. However, this year sees the tournament bow of Court Simonne Mathieu, A CAPACITY SEMI SUNKEN ARENA enclosed by greenhouses. 3PAIN S 'ARBINE -UGURUZA THE champion, will have the honour of opening proceedings on the new court against America’s Taylor Townsend. Venus Williams, the 38-year-old American, faces Ukraine ninth seed Elina Svitolina on the same court later in the day. Williams, runner-up to sister Serena in MADE HER DEBUT IN 0ARIS IN “I’ve probably got one of the toughest draws I could have got — Venus Williams,� Svitolina told the BBC. “I don’t know why I got this punishment!� !LSO IN ACTION ON THE kRST DAY AT 2Oland Garros are Italian 16th seed Marco Cecchinato who shocked Djokovic in THE QUARTERkNALS IN Japan’s Kei Nishikori, seeded seven, FACES &RANCE S 1UENTIN (ALYS ON THE TH anniversary of his coach Michael Chang winning the title in Paris. American seventh seed Sloane 3TEPHENS THE RUNNER UP TO 3Imona Halep, begins against Japan’s Misaki Doi. AFP

Hataoka, Law share LPGA lead at Kingsmill WASHINGTON, D.C.: Japan’s Nasa Hataoka eagled the par-five 15th in a six-under par 65 Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to grab a share of the 54-hole lead with Bronte Law at the LPGA Pure Silk Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia. Hataoka, who earned her third LPGA title at the Kia Classic in Carlsbad, California, in March, HAD kVE BIRDIES IN HER kRST holes at Kingsmill Resort and bounced back from her lone bogey at the par-four 14th with an eagle at 15. “I wasn’t thinking about where I was going to get a bogey or anything like that, so when it came, it came,� Hataoka said. “Then I just cleared it.� She was in the clubhouse on UNDER WHEN ,AW WHO shared the overnight lead with Americans Jennifer Song and Jacqui Concolino, birdied the 18th to join her. “I’ve led from the start and I kind of wanted to continue that so that was huge to keep that GOING u SAID ,AW WHO kNISHED with six birdies and two bogeys in her four-under 67. “That was really my goal when I teed up on 18.� The leading pair were one stroke in front of Song, who carded a 68 to drop out of the leading group for the first time all week, and Canadian Brooke Henderson, who had eight birdies in her sevenunder 64. It was a further shot back to Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who CARDED A FOR Song said unpredictable winds made for a challenging day. “The wind was just switching here and there,� she said. “It was kind of hard to make decisions with my club.� Whatever the conditions Sunday, Law said, she’ll have to stay aggressive if she is to have a shot AT A kRST ,0'! TITLE AFTER SIX TOP kNISHES “I think you have to keep pushing, you can’t sit on anything,� Law said. “At no point can you stop making birdies, and you’ve just got to limit those mistakes.� AFP


C4

Football

MONDAY May 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

S

%6),,% 3PAIN "ARCELONA WANT ED A TROPHY TO EASE THEIR #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE HEARTACHE BUT INSTEAD FELL TO ANOTHER SHOCK DEFEAT AS 6ALEN CIA PULLED OFF A THRILLING VICTORY ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA TO WIN THE #OPA DEL 2EY #HASING A RECORD kFTH CONSECUtive triumph, Barca was undone by a relentless and gutsy Valencia side, which hung on after Lionel Messi pulled a goal back to set up A DRAMATIC kNISH IN 3EVILLE By then, Valencia were already two up, Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo scoring twice in 13 frantic kRST HALF MINUTES AFTER THE LATTER spurned a golden early chance that could have spared them a nerveshredding last 17 minutes. Messi drove the comeback effort and Goncalo Guedes twice should have wrapped it up for Valencia, missing a one-on-one and then an OPEN GOAL BEFORE THE kNAL WHISTLE sparked pandemonium. Valencia’s coach Marcelino, who might have been sacked when his team was four points off relegation in January, raced around the pitch in a frenzy. Barcelona’s players sank to their knees. “We always had faith,� said Marcelino. “Beating Barcelona to win the cup is very special. We deserved to win.� Messi admitted on Friday his team had still not recovered from the “hard blow� suffered against Liverpool and certainly they seemed too easily disheartENED HERE kNDING THEIR kGHT ONLY once it was too late. Messi also threw his support

Kaya blanks Green Archers in PFL KAYA FC-Iloilo routed Green !RCHERS 5NITED &# WHILE 3TALlion Laguna FC held champion #ERES .EGROS &# TO A DRAW IN THE OPENING MATCH DAY OF THE Philippines Football League (PFL) on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila. Jordan Mintah hit a hat trick and Jason Panhay scored the last goal, powering the Lions to a triumphant season debut and an early lead in the seven-team table. “If we keep playing this way, we can go far,â€? said Kaya Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. “I’m happy with the three points to start the league.â€? “It’s a great result and a clean sheet. Moving forward, we need TO LOOK AND TRY TO kNISH GAMES THE way we started,â€? he added. Mintah gave league newcomer Green Archers United a rude welcome as he buried the season’s kRST GOAL JUST TWO MINUTES INTO the match. The Ghanian striker completed his three-goal feat with a volley off Tyler Matas’ throw-in in the 18th minute and a penalty kick conversion in the 44th. Substitute midfielder Panhay closed out the romp in the 58th, tapping in Masanari Omura’s pass. Meanwhile, Stallion Laguna elicited a stalemate with two-time PFL titlist Ceres Negros in the SECOND kXTURE Abou Sy netted the opener for the Stallions with a brilliant solo effort in the sixth minute before Martin Steuble pulled the Yellow "USMEN LEVEL IN THE TH The BiĂąan-based booters regained the lead as Carli De Murga commitTED AN OWN GOAL IN THE TH BUT -ARAĂąon headed home the Bacolod-based club’s equalizer off Stephan Shrock’s cross in the 53rd. Ceres head coach Risto Vidakovic admonished his players for their lackluster performance at the start of their title-retention campaign. “They (Stallion Laguna) deserved to win. I think we played our worst game this year,â€? said Vidakovic. “Maybe we underestimated Stallion. Some of the players didn’t give their all.â€? JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ

Q Valencia players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Copa del Rey football match final between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain. AP PHOTO

Valencia shocks deflated Barcelona to win Copa del Rey behind Barcelona’s coach Ernesto Valverde but it remains to be seen whether the backing of the board remains after two dreadful defeats have now spoiled such a brilliant La Liga success. g) M kNE u 6ALVERDE SAID g7HEN A coach loses you want to go again, to kGHT TO OVERCOME THE NEXT CHALLENGE

I know losing for this club is hard.� “I do not think it’s the coach’s fault,� said president Josep Maria Bartomeu. “I think he has done a great job,� added Gerard Pique. “But it does not depend on us.� They came here as favorites, but only just, their 1,457 consecutive days as Copa del Rey champions

under threat, from their own SENSE OF DElATION KEY PLAYERS OUT injured and Valencia’s recent surge. If Barca’s season all but ended three weeks ago, Valencia’s arguably found life a few days later, as they moved into the top four for THE kRST TIME AND THEN HELD ON TO qualify for the Champions League.

THE DIFkCULT MOMENTS WE STAYED CLOSE I don’t have the words to describe it.� Some saw a metaphor in Barce7INNING THEIR kRST TROPHY SINCE lona’s pre-match tifo, spelling out ‘All IN THE CLUB S CENTENARY YEAR Together’ splitting down the middle, completes a remarkable comeback while there were key absentees from campaign that, after 15 games, had their starting line-up too, Marc-Andre them languishing in 15th. ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane “We have made history,� said capDembele all injured. AFP tain Dani Parejo. Gameiro added: “In

History made

Neymar arrives at Brazil camp ahead of Copa America TERESĂ“POLIS, Brazil: Neymar arrived at Brazil’s national team headquarters near Rio de Janeiro on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) as the country begins its preparations for next month’s Copa America tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain forward touched down in a helicopter at the training complex in Teresopolis, three days ahead of schedule. “There’s a lot of pressure but when our team gets on the same page, with the help of the supporters, we’re unstoppable,â€? Neymar said in a video posted by the Brazilian FA on social media. “I’ve already played two competitions here. I’ve known the bad side but also the good side,â€? he said. .EYMAR MISSED THE HUMILIATING 7ORLD #UP SEMI kNAL DEFEAT BY 'ERMANY IN DUE TO injury after fracturing his back in the previous round. A year earlier he was named player of the tournament at the Confederations Cup as Brazil

won the competition for a record fourth time. Neymar sat out PSG’s last two games of this season due to suspension after being handed a three-match ban for lashing out at a spectator following his side’s shock defeat by Rennes in the &RENCH #UP kNAL LAST MONTH Reporters were tipped off to Neymar’s early arrival after he failed to show up to a PSG training session open to the media. His teammates Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, who are also part of the Brazilian squad, were there. When asked if Neymar had been released from training, coach Thomas Tuchel said “not by me.� The forward is expected to sit down with Brazil boss Tite in the coming days as the latter ponders whether to strip Neymar of the captaincy following his fan altercation. “He made a

mistake but I want to talk to him face to face,� Tite said last week as he named his squad. Eight-time winners Brazil face Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in the group stage, which starts on June 14, after two friendlies against Qatar and Honduras. AFP Q Neymar AFP PHOTO

Real Madrid PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN COACH TUCHEL EXTENDS DEAL TO 2021 targets Jovic PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel has extended his deal with the French Ligue 1 champions through to June 2021, the club announced on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). The 45-year-old German took over in June 2018 and despite winning Ligue 1 has come under scrutiny after the Parisian club’s defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League last 16. The news cuts short speculation that PSG’s Qatari owners would fire Tuchel and hire out-

going Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. “I’m delighted to extend my contract and commitment to Paris Saint-Germain,� Tuchel said. “I’d like to thank the chairman and the whole club for their trust in me and my staff. This only reinforces my ambition to bring this team to the very top through hard work,� he told the club website “I’m also very touched by the backing of our supporters, and I’m sure that the best is yet to come for our club.� Q Thomas Tuchel AP PHOTO

Nasser al-Khelaifi, Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO, praised Tuchel’s energy and modus operandi. “For a year now, Thomas has been bringing fantastic energy to the daily life of the club, not only for the players, but for the whole of Paris Saint-Germain,â€? the Qatari said. “We are delighted to be able to rely on his qualities on a long-term basis.â€? Tuchel was appointed last year on a two-year deal to succeed Unai Emery. He had been widely praised for his work at the Parc des Princes, but another elimination from the Champions League in the first knockout round had raised questions. PSG had been desperate to make progress in Europe after being knocked out of the Champions League last 16 in back-to-back seasons under Emery. They looked on course to reach the quarterfinals after a 2-0 win away to United in the first leg, but a 3-1 home loss at the Parc des Princes knocked them out on away goals. The nature of their defeat, especially coming two years after their capitulation against Barcelona at the same stage, has seen PSG widely labelled as bottlers, incapable of dealing with the tension on the big stage. AFP

BERLIN: Eintracht Frankfurt striker and Real Madrid transfer target Luka Jovic has said that he would like to play in a different league, fuelling speculation that he may leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season. In an interview with Die Welt newspaper to be published on Sunday, Jovic said that he was close to making a decision about his future, and that he did not think the Bundesliga suited his style of play. “Teams press high and run a lot in the Bundesliga,� SAID THE YEAR OLD 3ERBIAN INTERNATIONAL “After my experiences in the Europa League this season, I would say that other leagues in Europe suit me better.� “I have the feeling that I would be more comfortable in the Premier League or Serie A.� *OVIC SCORED GOALS IN ALL COMPETITIONS THIS SEASON HELPING &RANKFURT TO THE %UROPA ,EAGUE SEMI kNALS AND seventh place in the Bundesliga. His dazzling form has put him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs, and Spanish media have linked HIM WITH A MILLION EURO MILLION MOVE TO Real Madrid. 4HE 3ERBIAN DID NOT CONkRM OR DENY THE RUMOR saying he did not want to appear distracted. “I haven’t bothered with the speculation. Believe me, it was important for me to be there for Eintracht. I didn’t want people to say that my head was somewhere else,� he told Welt. AFP


MONDAY M O N DAY MAYY 27 27, 7, 20 2019 019

Entertainment

D1

www.manilatimes.net

Humble Seo Kang Joon charms Manila Korean star’s sci-fi drama premiers tonight at GMA BY CHRISTINA ALPAD

H

E may be one of the fastest rising stars in South Korea nowadays — with acting awards, millions of social media followers and legions of fans around the globe to boot — but Seo Kang Joon brought with him humility when he visited the Philippines. The 25-year-old actor was in the capital over the weekend for a series of engagements. On Friday, he visited GMA Network and faced Philippine media to promote “Are 9OU (UMAN u ‡ HIS SCIENCE kCTION TV show that premieres tonight. “I just landed in the Philippines a moment ago but my impressions were [that] everyone’s so beautiful in the Philippines and very friendly,� the actor first shared through his interpreter at Friday’s media conference. Seo is known for his breakout role as Baek In Ho, a handsome and talented pianist in the toprated romantic comedy series “Cheese in the Trap,� which previously aired on GMA early this year.

Filipino fans to be able to relate to the character because it has a lot of human aspect,� Seo elaborated. Because of his excellent portrayal as Nam Shin, the “android

“Are You Human?� is his latest Korean drama to air in the country via the network.

Dual role The show tells the story of a renowned scientist who was forced to part with her young son, Nam 3HIN )N ORDER TO kLL HIS VOID SHE builds various AI robots modelled after him, naming them Nam Shin 1, 2 and 3. Years later, Nam Shin will receive death threats and the people who love him do everything to protect him from danger. “I have two roles in this show. )T HAS SCI k ELEMENT HAS A LITTLE bit of rom-com, also very political. But mostly, I think, I just want the

oppa� received the Excellence Actor Award at the 11th Korea Drama Awards and the Best Couple Award with his on-screen partner, Gong Seung Yeon, at the 32nd KBS Drama Awards. “Are You Human?� might have been aired in South Korea in 2018 but Seo is just as excited to present his winning drama to Filipinos this year. “It’s been a while since this has BEEN kLMED BUT WHEN ) HEARD THAT it will be aired in the Philippines, I was very excited but also nervous because I really want to give my Filipino fans the best projects possible.� Prior to acting, Seo was a member of the Korean boy group 5urprise. He is also a brilliant pianist and enjoys playing tennis, golf, and horseback riding

Charming Filipinos Q The 25-year-old actor gained popularity as a member of a boy band before breaking into acting and winning awards for his ‘Are You Human?’ drama. INSTAGRAM PHOTO

Besides promoting the show, Seo also had the opportunity of interacting with his fans on Saturday via his fan meet dubbed as “The Last Charm.� "EFORE kLLING THE .EW &RONTIER

2 Pinoys win 'Guardians of the Galaxy' fan art contest N

O less than two Filipino artists were recognized just recently as champions of the “Brightburn/Talenthouse Fan Art Competition� by Hollywood producer James Gunn himself (“Guardians of the Galaxy,� upcoming “The Suicide Squad�). They are millennial artists Jaye Atienza who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga and Dennis Radaza of Rodriguez, Rizal. Out of 600 hundred entries, Jaye and Dennis ARE TWO OF kVE WINNERS WHO WERE joined by Adam Stephens (United States), Kumail Shareef (Pakistan) and Liza Shumskaya (Ukraine). This is a big deal for the Filipino artists community as Jaye and Dennis will be receiving $2,000 each, and their artists winning artworks will potentially be featured ACROSS THE kLM S MARKETING CAMpaign, including social accounts, print materials and merchandise.

Over 600 submissions took place but theirs stood out, “A lot of entries are complex and deeply thoughtful. I did not expect to be selected,� Atienza recalled. For Radaza, “There are a lot of awesome entries but this didn’t stop me to create what’s on my mind and focus on my artwork. I didn’t expect to win. I just want to create and share my artwork, winning is God’s work.� Both artists are not new to these types of Talenthouse contests where they submit their works for big budget Hollywood kLMS "OTH MAYBE BASED IN THE Philippines but they share their motivation for joining and love FOR kLM AND THE ARTS “I am a big fan of art and movies. I’ve been joining art contest in Talenthouse since 2017. This is NOT MY kRST TIME TO JOIN AND WIN u Atienza shared. He already started his submisSIONS OF HIS ARTWORK FOR OTHER kLMS last year, “I was blessed enough to win four creative campaign invites by Talenthouse (‘Rampage,’ ‘The Nun,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Aquaman’).� As for Radaza, “Talenthouse is a great community and a big opportunity for artists around the world. It’s my 11th time to join the contest and this is my second time to be selected. It’s a blessing and a great experience for me and I thank God for it.� For other artists who want to

IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI First of all, both were shocked to learn that James Gunn was the one who personally chose the works, “I’m on cloud nine! I was at work when I received the email from Talenthouse, and a week after James Gunn announced it on his Instagram account,� Jaye exclaimed. For Dennis, “When I saw James Gunn’s name, I was shocked because he’s the director of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’!!!� Also, Gunn’s new film “Brightburn:Son of Evil� is the kRST EVER MOVIE DUBBED TO BE PART of the horror superhero genre.

Q Dennis Radaza

Q Jaye Atienza

start submitting their entries to this type of contest, here is the technique Atienza used to win the contest, “I watched the trailer a lot of times. I wanted my entry to be different, something that is not totally shown on the trailer. That’s where I decided to use an image of the swing. The rest is history.� For Radaza, “I wanted to make it AS A MINIMALIST lAT LOOKING MASK of Brandon and I used the logo/ symbol as a shoelace on his mask.� Both artists will be using their winnings to help support their families. “Brightburn: Son of Evil� is showing this May 29 in the Philippines and stars acclaimed actress and kLMMAKER %LIZABETH "ANKS g4HE Hunger Games,� “Pitch Perfect 2�), David Denman (“The Office�), Jackson A. Dunn (“Shameless�), Matt Jones (“Mom,� “NCIS�) and Meredith Hagner (“Younger�).

Q Seo Kang Joon visits Manila to meet with Filipino fans. Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, the actor already expressed his excitement to meet the fans. “I’ve never been to the Philippines before, I’ve never really met the Filipino fans face-to- face and interacted with them in Manila so I’m very excited to be able to connect, talk and relate with them not just as an artist and a fan but also as a person, as human being so I’m very excited.� Fans also got the chance to see how charming the actor was in person. But perhaps, they’d be surprise to learn that the actor FOUND DIFkCULTY IN ANSWERING THE question what he thinks make him

Âťglobalspotlight

Stallone jokes about elocution school at sneak peek of ‘Rambo V’ CANNES, France: Sylvester Stallone said that he and Arnold Schwarzenegger should set up a Hollywood elocution school together as he gave the Cannes film festival a sneak preview of “Rambo V: Last Blood.� The “Rocky� star opened up about the facial paralysis that dogged him since birth and left him not being able to speak properly for years. He told a masterclass at the world’s biggest film festival that he thought he would never make it because of his “physical flaws.� “It was hard for me to speak. I had an accident when I was born so this side of my mouth was paralyzed. So even as a boy when I talked I had this very deep ‘How ya doing?’ voice,� Stallone said. “So (later) when I was trying to get jobs in commercials, the director would say, ‘What are you saying? What language is this?’ “I knew it was bad when Arnold Schwarzenegger said to me, ‘You have an accent.’ “Arnold and I should open up a school for speech lessons, it would be perfect. If we can make it, anyone can.� A nerve was severed in Stallone’s face when doctors used forceps during his difficult birth.

Rambo rides again at 72

Q The winning artwork of Atienza

Âťtvlandia'slatest

such a charmer. “I don’t really know but according to my fans it’s my eyes. But more than the physical aspect, I think the best side of me is honesty.� Finally, before bidding the local media goodbye, Seo confessed he does not think of himself as the superstar fans label him to. “In all honesty I don’t think of myself as an international star yet but that title really humbles me. Such title motivates me to do my best in every project possible and to give you guys different aspects and sides of me through the upcoming projects,� he ended.

The 72-year-old action hero actor showed a rarely-seen philosophical side at his Cannes talk before a screening of a restored version of his original “Rambo� film, “First Blood�. His life’s work has been about resilience, Stallone told cineastes gathered in the French Riviera resort, and he has found himself returning to

the theme again and again. “There is something about the nature of men and women, we are resilient, we have been through so many upheavals over thousands of years,� he said. “Civilizations have been destroyed but they come back. I am very into the theme of fight backing, not accepting defeat easily. And if you do get defeated, rebuild yourself and come back.� Fate was also fickle, he warned. “Life can be beautiful and you get one phone call and your life is changed.� The actor was given a prolonged standing ovation at his masterclass, with critics and cinema lovers clapping and cheering him as he filmed their reaction with his iPhone. Stallone said that despite his heroes’ never-say-die attitude, he has never been above “pain, fear and failure. If you are... you are not human. Being human is balancing your weaknesses and making them a strength.� The actor said the two roles that have defined his career are emblematic of two sides of human nature, one dark and the other hopeful. “Rambo deals with a very dark side of nature that unfortunately a lot of people live with, and they feel isolated. “Rocky is the more optimistic type. He realises he is not a special man but tries to be special.� The star will be honored at a black-tie dinner in Cannes later on Friday, which will begin the build-up to the release of “Rambo V� in September. What is being billed as the final installment of the saga has the traumatized Vietnam veteran John Rambo going up against a Mexican drugs cartel. AFP

‘Magandang Buhay’ celebrates 3rd anniversary

Q The trio spends time with locals of Boracay.

KARLA ESTRADA, Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal unite as one team in continuing to help their fellow mothers connect their families and give inspiration in the third anniversary of “Magandang Buhay.� The Kapamilya talk show brings its viewers back to Boracay, where it all started, starting May 27. The momshies reminisce the start of their friendship and build new memories together. Three deserving mothers are going to be recognized in the show’s “Momshie Awards.�

The trio also try new adventures together like underwater scooter and parasailing, which Momshie Jolina has never tried yet. They also bring their loyal viewers around to give momshies and anakshies ideas for bonding activities as well as for food they can enjoy and new offerings of of the island. Joining their third anniversary is Momshie Karla’s nephew and newest “Goin’ Bulilit� kid Jordan, DJ Jhai Ho and Kaladkaren. “Magandang Buhay� airs every day at 8 a.m. after “Umagang Kay Ganda.�

Q Sylvester Stallone at the screening of ‘Homage to Sylvester StalloneRambo: First Blood’ at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. AFP PHOTO


D2

Funtimes

MONDAY May 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE

BY NANCY BLACK

Today’s Birthday (05/27/19). Fortune smiles on your romantic partnership this year. Diligent and coordinated contribution grows your shared investments. Summer money inspires a way around a financial obstacle. By next winter, your collaboration wins valuable reward, before a personal financial challenge. You’re stronger together.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- The rules could seem to change mid-game. Don’t try to force anything. Avoid accidental breakage. Slow the action to protect your physical health and wellness.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

S C O R P I O (O C T. 23-N O V. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- An obstacle or barrier could block your romantic plans. Stay in communication to resolve concerns. Don’t share everything with everyone. Stay diplomatic.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Fantasize and speculate. Imagine your idea of a perfect utopia. What would it take? Conditions don’t favor action yet. Come up with a great back story.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Do the research before plunking down good money on something for your home. Check reviews and comparisons. Consider materials. Invest in long-lasting quality.

TA U R U S (A P R I L 20-M AY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Talk about hypotheticals, visions and possibilities with your team. People may not share the same views. Listen, and let people know they were heard.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Restraint serves you well, especially around short tempers. Don’t antagonize anyone. Breathe deeply and count to 10. Walk around outside. Keep your objective in mind.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Professional fantasies and illusions dissipate, laying plans bare. Revise them with practical details. Do the homework, and profit. It could be better than imagined.

A Q U A R I U S (J A N. 20-F E B. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on bringing home the bacon. Avoid risky business. Stick to reliable routines. Don’t dig into savings on a whim. Maintain positive cash flow.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Unexpected deviations could reveal hidden treasure; or you could just get stuck in traffic. Travel and study dreams get realized with consistent efforts.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Proceed with caution on a personal matter. Take another’s sensitivities into account. Avoid gossip or controversy. Consider the consequences of your words and actions.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Collaborate to manage shared financial obligations. Don’t try to force an issue. Try gentle finesse. Stay in communication. Keep contributing for future growth. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Let go of a preconception with your partner. Things may not be as you think. Suspend judgments or repercussions. Wait and listen.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like today’s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.)

» SUDOKU

NANCY BLACK. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Solution from yesterday’s puzzle. 5/26/19

5/27/19


Expats&Diplomats US Pacific Air Forces chief boosts partnership with PAF U

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY May 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Q SB19 boyband

D3

3 0ACIkC !IR &ORCES 0!#!& #OMMANDER 'EN #HARLES "ROWN *R TRAVELED TO THE 0HILIPPINES FROM -AY TO TO MEET WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE !RMED &ORCES OF THE 0HILIPPINES !&0 AND THE 0HILIPPINE !IR &ORCE 0!&

Q Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team

KCC to host first K-Street Festival in BGC +/2%!. Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is HOSTING ITS VERY kRST g+ 3TREET &ESTIVALu FROM -AY TO *UNE AT # 0ARK "ONIFACIO (IGH 3TREET 4AGUIG #ITY ! GRAND SHOWCASE OF +OREA S POPULAR ACTIVITIES AND trends, the K Street Festival is an event for friends AND FAMILY INTERESTED IN THE DIVERSE CULTURE OF +OREA 4HE TWO DAY FREE FESTIVAL HAS SEVEN STAGING AREAS THEMED TO TARGET THE DIFFERENT SECTORS OF +OREA S popular presence in the country such as art, beauty products, games, tourism, K-pop, dramas, and FOOD )T CARRIES OUT THE MISSION TO PROVIDE THE community with the best activities to learn the TRAITS AND CULTURE OF +OREA 4HE STAGING AREAS WILL FEATURE DIFFERENT FUN ACtivities, food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and HANBOK WEARING AND +OREAN ART EXPERIENCE ZONES informational stations about Korea tourism, K-pop and exhibitor stations that showcase Korean tradiTIONAL ART AND PRODUCTS !LSO JOINING THE FESTIVAL ARE THE +UKKIWON 4AEKWONDO $EMONSTRATION 4EAM FROM +OREA 3" AND THE 0INOY + POP 3TAR WINNERS + )$,% +AIJU X -IX IN *OHN 0AUL -ANUEL 3ANDRA DELA #RUZ AND 6ENISSE .ICOLE 3IY Guests who will visit all seven stations will have A CHANCE TO WIN RAFlE PRIZES TO BE DRAWN EACH DAY 4HIS THE 2EPUBLIC OF +OREA AND THE Philippines are celebrating the “year of mutual exchange� for the 70th anniversary of Philippines+OREA BILATERAL RELATIONS With this initiative, KCC hopes for a continuous robust relationship between Korea and the PhilIPPINES 4HE + 3TREET &ESTIVAL AIMS TO BECOME AN instrumental platform in which the Filipinos can COME TOGETHER IN FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT !DMISSION AT THE EVENT IS FREE 4HIS EVENT IS A COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE OF +## %MBASSY OF THE 2EPUBLIC OF +OREA IN THE 0HILIPPINES 5NITED +OREAN #OMMUNITY !SSOCIATION AND "ONIFACIO (IGH 3TREET and is part of the Korean Culture Day event of the +OREAN #ULTURE AND )NFORMATION 3ERVICE OF +OREA

“Our relationship with the Philippines is one of our most enduring relationships IN THE )NDO 0ACIkC REGION )T S AN HONOR TO be here to be part of the friendship and cooperation between our two nations and OUR TWO AIR FORCES u SAID "ROWN During his visit to Manila, Brown met WITH #HIEF OF 3TAFF OF THE !&0 'EN "ENJAMIN -ADRIGAL *R AT #AMP !GUINALDO TO discuss increasing multilateral training opPORTUNITIES BETWEEN 0!#!& AND !&0 “Enhanced engagement between our PEOPLE AND OUR FORCES BENEkTS THE ENTIRE region, and is grounded in personal relationships established during visits such as THESE u SHARED "ROWN !FTER HIS OFkCE CALL WITH -ADRIGAL "ROWN

met with the Commanding General of THE 0!& ,T 'EN 2OZZANO "RIGUEZ AT 6ILLAmor Air Base, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Fallen Airmen and discussed building PARTNER CAPACITY IN THE 0HILIPPINES “I commend the vision laid out by the 0!& IN THEIR &LIGHT 0LAN u SAID "ROWN “We have the same vision of peace, security and friendship not just for today, but for TOMORROW AND THE FUTURE AHEAD u "ROWN S VISIT WAS HIS kRST TO THE 0HILIPpines since taking command of PACAF, the AIR COMPONENT COMMAND OF )NDO 0ACIkC #OMMAND 4HE VISIT REINFORCES THE 53 !IR &ORCE S COMMITMENT TO ITS BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE 0HILIPPINE !IR &ORCE

Q Commander of US Pacific Air Forces Gen. Charles Brown, Jr. (center) and Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez (right) receive arrival honors at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base.

Chile, PH hold 5th political consultations 4(% Philippines and Chile manifested their commitment to advance bilateral relations as the two countries held their 5th Political Consultations at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago ‡ THE 3OUTH !MERICAN COUNTRY S CAPITAL 4HE DELEGATIONS OF THE TWO NATIONS WERE HEADED BY &OREIGN !FFAIRS 5Ndersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo and Secretary General of Foreign Policy !MBASSADOR 0ATRICIO 4ORRES RESPECTIVELY 4HEY WERE JOINED BY &OREIGN !FFAIRS Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Maria Lumen Isleta, Ambassador-desigNATE TO #HILE -A 4ERESITA $AZA AND HIGH RANKING OFkIALS FROM THE $EPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, as well as high ranking OFkCIALS THE #HILEAN -INISTRY OF &OREIGN Affairs, the Chilean General Directorate of International Economic Affairs and OTHER LOCAL OFkCIALS During the meeting that occurred early -AY 5NDERSECRETARY -ANALO EMPHASIZED that “the conduct of the consultation is a MANIFESTATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES AND #HILE S mutual commitment to advance and accelerate the pace of their engagement and COLLABORATION IN AREAS OF MUTUAL INTEREST u 4HE TH 0OLITICAL #ONSULTATIONS served as an opportunity for the PhilIPPINES AND #HILE TO SIGNIkCANTLY IM-

prove the momentum of their relations and identify opportunities for concrete ACTION AND COOPERATION In this regard, the two sides outlined 20 Action Points to advance bilateral relations in the areas of security, disaster risk reduction and management, trade and INVESTMENT kNANCE AGRICULTURE TOURISM culture, air services, cooperation between diplomatic academies, and other techniCAL COOPERATION INITIATIVES 4HE 0HILIPPINES AND #HILE AGREED TO pursue negotiations on pending agreements on establishing a joint economic commission, tourism, standards of TRAINING FOR OFkCIALS OF MERCHANT SHIPS as well as update existing agreements ON CULTURE AND AGRICULTURE

4HE TWO SIDES ALSO EXCHANGED VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN EACH OTHER S REGION AS well as regional and multilateral developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), Forum for East Asia-Latin America CooperaTION &%!,!# 0ACIkC !LLIANCE AND THE 5NITED .ATIONS 5. Prior to the main Political ConsultaTIONS 5NDERSECRETARY -ANALO ALSO HAD a pre-plenary meeting with Ambassador 4ORRES WHERE THEY DISCUSSED CLIMATE change, peace and order, human rights, non-traditional security cooperation — including a possible agreement on combating illegal drugs and narcotics — and MARITIME AND TERRITORIAL ISSUES

Q Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and Head of Philippine Delegation Enrique Manalo with Chilean Secretary General of Foreign Policy following the 5th Philippine-Chile Political Consultations. PHOTO FROM DFA-OUP

Q Members of the Philippine and Chilean delegations at Club Union.

Australia Embassy showcases culture, fashion and film

NURSE AND CARE WORKER CANDIDATES BOUND TO JAPAN

The closing ceremonies of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training for the 11th batch of nurse and care worker candidates under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) were held at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Women’s Center in Taguig and at the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) in Manila on May 21. Representing the Embassy of Japan was First Secretary Manabu Yasukawa who delivered congratulatory remarks to the candidates. The 308 candidates will go to Japan on June 12 and will take part in another Japanese Language Training for six months prior to working in their respective facilities as nurse and care worker candidates. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Tokyo honors PH-Japan Ladies Association president 4(% Government of Japan announced ON -AY THE CONFERMENT OF 4HE /RDER OF THE 2ISING 3UN 'OLD AND 3ILVER 2AYS ON -A %LENA ,AUREL ,OINAZ IN recognition of her contribution to promoting mutual understanding BETWEEN *APAN AND THE 0HILIPPINES ,AUREL ,OINAZ SERVED AS 0RESIDENT of the Philippines-Japan Ladies AsSOCIATION 0*,! FOR YEARS 5NDER her stewardship, the PJLA undertook various educational and socio-cultural programs to encourage exchanges be-

TWEEN &ILIPINOS AND THE *APANESE "Y making the activities of the Association more open, she invigorated them and expanded the participation of PJLA MEMBERS AND NON MEMBERS She has also played a vital role in the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation in her capacity as Administrator, among other administrative positions, FOR MANY YEARS 3HE HAS WORKED TO SUPPORT ITS AFkLIATE ORGANIZATIONS INcluding the Philippines-Japan Society, the Philippines-Japan Economic Co-

operation Committee, the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture, the Nihongo Center Foundation and the Philippine Federation of *APAN !LUMNI 4HE %MBASSY OF *APAN SAID IN A statement, “We extend our sincere congratulations to Elena Laurel ,OINAZ AND HER FAMILY ON THIS CONferment, and hopes that she will continue to play an active role in further strengthening close relations BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES u

Q Ma. Elena Laurel Loinaz

THE Australian Embassy in the Philippines showcased their local culture, fashion and food during the Philippines Australia Friendship Day held at the Ayala Center Cebu on May 25. Cebuanos get to enjoy a full day of fun for family and friends with an interactive exhibit, information sessions, fashion parade and a free outdoor concert and film screening. Some of Australia’s famous cities and landmarks were recreated at Ayala Center’s Activity Center. Mall visitors strolled down Melbourne’s Hosier Lane and look on the retail booths, education and travel fair. Shoppers took home Australian food, received special travel deals to Australia and met representatives from Australia’s education institutions. Embassy officers also held a free information session on how to study and travel to Australia A highlight of the Friendship Day celebration is a community fashion parade featuring young Cebuanos and champion athletes from the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc (PADS) Adaptive Dragon Boat Team. They walked the runway in Australian fashion brands Cotton On, Ever New, Quicksilver, Roxy, BYS Cosmetics and Anthill by Cebuano designer and Australia Global Alumna Anya Lim. At sundown, home-grown talent Sepia Times performed at a free concert at the Terraces Garden. The outdoor concert was followed immediately by a film screening of Australian short and feature films. The moonlight film screening featured the award-winning Australian family movie “Paper Planes,� alongside a selection of short films featured at Flickerfest, Australia’s world-renowned short film festival. Shoppers at Ayala Center Cebu also got a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney via Qantas. This year’s Philippines Australia Friendship Day is part of the larger Australia Now celebration across Asean. With a focus on engaging the youth, Australia is hosting food, film and forum events across the ten countries of the region to celebrate Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation.


MONDAY M O N D AY M MAY AY 27, 2019

Lifestyle

D4

www.manilatimes.net

Irene at 40 I

RENE Montemayor’s 40th birthday at the Bonifacio Hall of Shangri-La at The Fort was a celebration of life, family, fashion and beauty. Dubbed “Irene Ă quarante ans en noir et blanc,â€? or “Irene at 40 in Black and White,â€? it was more than an affair to remember. As the reigning Mrs. Philippines Global Universe, Mrs. Global Universe 4th Runner-up, and Mrs. Global Universe Special Queen Ambassador, the birthday girl also launched her advocacy, “Dress for your Success (DFYS),â€? through a fashion show with her designs in

Q Milo Bondoc and Sonny Tanchanco

coordination with Enrie Rayos. The mission of DFYS is to empower women and youth from all walks of life by providing a network of professional attire, personality development training, VALUES CLARIkCATION AND EDUCATION to have sustainable and economic

HI! SOCIETY BECKY GARCIA

Q Irene and Carlos Montemayor independence for them to prosper in life. An art exhibit was also mounted, where proceeds will be FOR THE BENEkT OF THE "UREAU OF Jail Management and Penology Tagaytay and special education scholars of San Juan City. Irene lives in faith with her advocacies. She believes that we need to make an utmost difference in society by being purposedriven, especially in the lives of women and youth. Friends, family and guests enjoyed the music and serenade. A beautiful cake was unveiled to the tune of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.�

Irene’s husband Carlos offered a toast to his beautiful wife in this MOST SIGNIkCANT MILESTONE IN HER LIFE BY LAUNCHING )#3- )NkNITY Pageants. At stake are six national beauty titles that will give the Filipino winners a chance to compete in the United States. The event showed a delicious array of European-Asian inspired dishes, music and harmony, fashion and allurement, elegance and sophistication. More than an evening of pulchritude and glamour in the company of special friends and family, truly, it was an affair to remember.

Q Gigi Yonzon and Martinez

Q Arvin and Niza Quiamzon

Q Joy Ejercito, Tin Reyes, Merci Padolina and Malou Martinez Q Rose Basa and George Sarakinis

Q Montemayor with Nelia Sarcol (left)

Q Michael Austria and Kathy Mas

Q Gyngyn Quiazon and Edith Wu

Q Tanchanco, Bert and Nonie Basilio, Padolina and John Gaddi

Celebrating responsible coffee choice

Q WWF Philippines National Ambassador and Sustainability Advocate Marc Nelson.

AN industry leader in coffee sourcing AND CARBON EFkCIENT OPERATIONS .Espresso’s commitment goes beyond training and supporting coffee farmers to produce high quality coffee in an economic, social, and environmentally-sustainable manner. It has also carefully considered proper management of its aluminum packaging, prompting to launch its capsule recycling program in Switzerland in 1991, just a few years after it launched. Today, the company has the capacity to recycle more than 92 percent of used capsules and, by 2020, aims to offer convenient recycling solutions to all its users. Nespresso recycled capsules have been

used to make Victorinox Swiss Army knives, Caran d’Ache pens, and even new capsules. In Singapore, it partnered WITH THE &OOD "ANK 3INGAPORE WHERE coffee grounds are reused as compost to grow vegetables that are redistributed to BENEkCIARY ORGANIZATIONS This year, Nespresso Philippines launched its local recycling program in partnership with organizations that share the same passion for sustainability. A portion of used capsules collected from Nespresso users are upcycled into decorative items by artisans at the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation. The proceeds of the sold artworks provide livelihood for the local artisans, as well

as funding for the organization’s social and livelihood programs. Shredded aluminum capsules, on the other hand, are sent to a smelter, which transforms them into recycled aluminum, ready to be used for the manufacture of new products. It has the ADDITIONAL BENEkT OF BEING INkNITELY recyclable, helping reduce its environmental footprint. As coffee grounds are great fertilizers that help improve drainage, water retention, and aeration in the soil, used coffee grounds are sent to organic farm partners like Nutriganics Farm and Saret Organic Farmville for use as natural compost.

Q Nespresso Philippines Institutional partners who readily gave their support at the onset, and share in the principle of environmental responsibility: Blah, Grand Hyatt Manila Director of Marketing and Communications Karmina De Ungria, City of Dreams Manila Quality Improvement Manager Princess Cecilio, Director of Housekeeping Judith Matubis, Hotel Rooms Development Manager Alrine Nuwa, Baker & Mckenzie Global Services Manila Director of PR Mina Gervacio and Pesengco.

Q B2B Commercial Manager of Novateur Coffee Concepts Anica Blah, Total Quality Management Officer of Novateur Coffee Concepts Jan Hendrykson Angeles, Marketing Manager of Novateur Coffee Concepts Mia Silva, Nelson, Lexi Schulze, Marketing Specialist of Novateur Coffee Concepts Patricia Flores, Marketing Head of Novateur Coffee Concepts Millet Valdez and Managing Director of Novateur Coffee Concepts Patrick Pesengco.

Q Bobby Dy, Sunshine Puey and Pesengco

“In recent years, the concern about sustainability has grown stronger among Filipino coffee lovers,� said Patrick Pesengco, Novateur Coffee Concepts, Inc. Managing Director. “We are launching this program to enable our customers to be responsible conSUMERS "UT MOST IMPORTANT WE WANT them to know that they, too, have a crucial role to play in this effort.� For it to be effective, consumer PARTICIPATION IS ESSENTIAL "Y SIMPLY bringing used capsules to available collection points in Metro Manila, consumers and patrons are already making a conscious effort to be more responsible stewards of the environment.

Q Lexi Schulze and Marilen Montenegro

Q Jinno Rufino, Krystal Xamairy, Nelson, Puey and Mia Silva


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.