Manila Standard - 2016 September 8 - Thursday

DU30, OBAMA FINALLY MET—DFA OFFICIAL

By John Paolo Bencito

VOL. XXX • NO. 208 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

VIENTIANE—President Rodrigo Duterte met with United States President Barack Obama late Wednesday and the two have supposedly “ironed out their differences,” the Department of Foreign Affairs announced here late Wednesday night.

“President Obama and President Duterte have already talked to each other.

I think they ironed out their differences,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said, adding that there will be another opportunity for Duterte and Obama to talk during the US-Asean meeting on Thursday.

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Slur stuns Clinton, Trump DINNER BUDDIES. President Rodrigo Duterte watches a cultural performance at the gala dinner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit at Vientiane, Laos beside Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. JOHN PAOLO BENCITO

Davao blast blamed on ISIS-linked Maute Ex-intel chief: Narco-terrorists out to create Asian base Asean hits China for ‘escalating tensions’ VIENTIANE―The leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations on Wednesday expressed concern over China’s continuing reclamation in the disputed areas in the South China Sea. But the 10-member regional bloc avoided mentioning the landmark ruling favoring the Philippines in its row with Beijing, an advance draft of the chairman’s statement showed.

Still, Beijing’s island-building in theSouthChinaSea,labeled“illegal” Next page

US used jets to boost PH sea patrols THE United States is giving the Philippines two used military aircraft, the Coast Guard said Wednesday, to help Manila expand sea patrols in the face of its territorial disputes with China.

The two Sherpa 30-seater aircraft will be delivered in December, Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP. “It will help us in the movements of the Philippine Coast Guard like patrol missions,” Balilo said.

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By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan US PRESIDENTIAL bets Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump weighed in on President Rodrigo Duterte’s son of a whore remark, expressing disappointment with the newly elected leader of the Philippines.

Clinton, the Democratic Party candidate, told reporters during her campaign sortie that Obama’s decision to cancel the meeting was the prudent thing to do.

“When the president of the Philippines insulted our president, it was appropriate and a Next page

By Francisco Tuyay and Funny Pearl A. Gajunera

T

HE bomb attack in Davao City that killed 15 people and wounded 70 others was pulled off by a local terrorist group with links to the Islamic State, a former top cop said Wednesday.

Former police intelligence director Rodolfo Mendoza said the Daulat-ul Islamiya or the Islamic State of Lanao belonging to the Maute Group engineered the Davao blast to gain international prominence and to establish itself as an Asian terror cell.

VENGEANCE MINE. President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to personally deal with a group of Islamist militants by publicly—his term—eating them “It was the handiwork of alive. Duterte described in detail how he would carry out his revenge against the group, based on remote jungles in the country’s far south. the IS purposely to fulfill and maintain their status as a proDrug user’s Profile vincial state in Asia,” Mendoza said, referring to the Davao DRUG users in the Philippines Drugs Board says in a report.

House committee on dangerous City bombing. start as early as age 10, and they And as of Aug. 23, 2016, there drugs, on Wednesday expressed Shortly after the bombing, are included in the 1.8-million us- were 1,194 HIV-positive illegal- alarm over the Philippine Drug Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muaers and 4.8-million lifetime users drug users in the country, the re- Enforcement Agency’s report that mar Askhali said that the bandit 53% of illegal drugs, with shabu be- port says. six-year-old children are now begroup was responsible for the Unemployed ing the most popular drug being Surigao del Sur Rep. Robert ing used by drug syndicates to sell Davao City attack, but Mendoza abused globally, the Dangerous Ace Barbers, chairman of the Next page dismissed the claim, saying the Abu Sayyaf was never affiliated with the Islamic State.

“Askhali mistakenly admitted to a media entity that it was the 28% Daulat-ul that is responsible for College graduates the bomb attack,” he said.

“Based on our information, the Maute group led by Abdullah was the primary perpetrators

By Sandy Araneta of the Davao City bombing,” SCHOOLS around the counNext page Mendoza said.

44% try have been receiving bomb In Metro Manila threats, disrupting classes and causing panic and stress in 4.8M Lifetime users the aftermath of the Davao Carlos Zarate, one of the bill’s 1,194 HIV-positive City bombing, the Palace said principal authors, said he is hopeWednesday.

FACIAL COMPOSITE. The Philippine National Police has released the drug user ful the Senate would be able to “While the said bomb threats artist’s sketch of the suspect in the deadly explosion in Davao City on Sept. give the same level of enthusiasm 2, which killed 15 and wounded 70 others near midnight at the night mar- turned out to be a hoax, we reitin passing the measure en route to ket of the southeastern coastal city. Police say those responsible belong to erate our call for police visibility its becoming a law. an extremist group.

Next page The approved measure was a LIGHT to moderate rain and consolidated version of 15 bills thunderstorms are expected filed at the House of Representaover Mindanao, Eastern Vitives in the 17th Congress. sayas, Batanes and the Ba“We hope the Senate version buyan group of islands, while late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Theodore Te announced that the

By Rey E. Requejo would also be expedited so that isolated rain showers or thunat the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 15-member bench decided to exPresident Duterte can sign this derstorms will prevail over THE Supreme Court has ex- Taguig City. tend the status quo order, which long awaited measure before Metro Manila and the rest of tended until Oct. 18 its status quo After the conclusion of the oral was set to expire on Monday, to the year ends,” Zarate said. the country, the weather buante order temporarily stopping arguments on petitions against the give magistrates time to resolve reau said Wednesday.

Next page the government from burying the Marcos burial, Court spokesman the case on its merits. Next page

Drug abuse leads to HIV, board warns

Bomb hoax spreads in MM schools

House raises SSS pension

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House committee on government enterprises and privatization on Wednesday passed a consolidated measure granting a P2,000 Social Security System pension hike for its pensioners.

The panel, chaired by Rep. Jesus Nonato Sacdalan of North Cotabato, passed the revived measure which had failed to get enacted into law after it was vetoed by then President Benigno Aquino III. Bayan Muna party-list Rep.

WEATHER

High court keeps status quo on Marcos

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Davao...

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The Maute group operates mainly in Lanao, and was responsible in a weeklong standoff with security forces in Butig town that left hundreds of its member killed.

Aside from being an IS unit, the Maute group also has links to a drug syndicate with tie-ups to Alkhobar terror group responsible for bomb attacks in Mindanao.

“The Davao blast is also connected to narco-terrorism,” Mendoza said.

Earlier, PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa believed that the Davao attack was connected to narco-terrorism but did not offer any details.

“The Daulat-ul has links to the narcotics group in Ozamis City which is composed of elements of the Alkhobar terror group.,” Mendoza said.

Some of the members of the Alkhobar group connected to the Daulat-ul are former lieutenants of then Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) chieftain Hashim Salamat. However, they bolted from the organization following the leadership of Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim and joined the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF), which has links to the Maute group.

In Vientiane, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations condemned the deadly explosion that rocked Davao City last week.

“We expressed our deepest concerns over the recent terrorist attacks in the region and beyond. In this regard, we extended our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of the attacks,” the chairman’s statement read.

“We strongly condemned extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen coordination and cooperation in countering terrorism through, among others, the implementation of the Asean Convention on Counter Terrorism and the Asean Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter Terrorism, and addressing the root causes of and conditions conducive for terrorism including violent extremism, including through the promotion of the Global Movement of Moderates.”

In Davao City, the special investigation task group released a composite sketch of the prime suspect of the Sept.

2 bombing.

In a case conference Wednesday afternoon, Police Regional Office 11 director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan said that the composite and computerized sketch of the suspect was based on the description of eight witnesses.

He said the suspect had a 30-minute massage before he left the bag containing the bomb.

Gaerlan described the suspect as fair to dark complexion, small built, about less 30 years old and 5’7 to 5’8 tall.

“Our witnesses can positively iden-

Slur...

From A1 very low key way to say: sorry, no meeting. And since then there’s been an apology and an expression of regret, which is appropriate,” Clinton said.

Clinton, wife of former US President Bill Clinton, said that it was the “right decision” after Duterte’s remarks about Obama.

“When you meet with anyone, ally or adversary, you come in with a list of issues that are important to be raised. You determine what they are,” Clinton said.

Clinton noted that there are ties between the US and the Philippines and that both leaders must maintain diplomatic respect.

“We have a lot of ties between the United States and the Philippines.

And I think it’s very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides,” she said.

Trump, the Republican candidate, took to Twitter to express his disappointment over Duterte’s expletiveladen attack.

“Philippines President calls Obama ‘the son of a whore’. Terrible!” Trump wrote.

The White House on Tuesday called off a scheduled meeting between Obama and Duterte after his attack on the United States.

In a press briefing at the airport,

tify the suspect even if he is wearing a mask. As blog now we are publishing the sketch to gather more informants, maybe he eat first before he went for a massage,” he said.

Deputy Chief for Operation Chief Supt. Benjamine Magalong said that they also have the composite sketch of the three other persons of interest. These, however, were not shown to the public.

Authorities said they found two kinds of mortar in the blast site at the night market.

SITG spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna said that a 60mm and 81mm mortar were jointed to a cellphone.

The Philippine National Police said Wednesday it will use thousands of private security guards scattered nationwide as front-liners in the campaign against urban terrorism.

This is in line with the PNP’s implementation of target-hardening measures in malls and other high-traffic civilian areas, with the help of private security agencies.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said Wednesday the government campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf needs the full support of the local communities where the terrorists hide.

“Local folks are gradually helping in protecting their own communities against the ASG scourge and showing defiance against the bandits,” Dela Vega said.

“We are confident that more people in Sulu including LGU officials, community and religious leaders will cooperate in giving timely and accurate information to stop the un-Islamic and barbaric acts of ASG,” he added.

Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said two more terrorists were killed in Tuesday’s encounter with government forces in the mountains of Patikul town.

He said the firefight erupted at around 2:35 p.m. after combined troops of the 35th and 21st Infantry Battalions bumped the group of two known ASG sub-leaders identified as Jamiri Jaong Jawhari and Basaron Arok.

“Our troops encountered more or less 30 terrorists and two of them slain. This brings to 32 the total number of terrorists killed in series of firefights after the intensified rescue and focused military operation was ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte,” Gregorio said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday his department is ready to extend the necessary livelihood assistance to victims of the explosion in Davao City last Sept. 2.

During the budget hearing of the Department of Labor and Employment conducted by the House committee on appropriations, Bello said the Labor Department will determine the employment opportunities to be given them based on their capabilities.

With John Paolo Bencito, Florante S. Solmerin and Maricel V. Cruz Duterte threatened to curse at Obama if the American leader raised his concern over the extrajudicial killings of alleged drug pushers and users.

Clinton said she herself would want to also raise the concern..

“On the other side, they determine what they want to raise. And clearly the president was going to raise concerns that are global about what is going on in the Philippines with extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers, that is now somewhere up near 2,000 killings,” she said.

The US has been allocating $32 million in human rights and security assistance to the Philippines.

Those funds will now be under “vigorous vetting,” given the spike in extrajudicial killings.

US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, in a press conference in Washington, said that “words matter” to see if both leaders will have a productive meeting.

“Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation,” Toner said.

He added that the cancellation of the scheduled meeting was the consequence of Duterte’s foul-mouthed remarks.

“The consequence is that the decision was clearly made that they couldn’t have a productive and constructive conversation, so there was no meeting between the President and President Duterte,” Toner said.

US...

Drug...

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From A1 drugs, and that they were among the 982 children arrested during the Philippine National Police’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.

Citing the PDEA report, Barbers said the use of minors in drug-related activities rose from one in 2006 to 982 in 2016.

The report also says the Philippines is being used as a transshipment point by the drug cartels in Africa, China, Mexico and The Netherlands.

“The worldwide money-laundering amounts to $1.6 trillion a year of which $580 billion is laundered from the drug proceeds, which represent one percent of the global GDP or gross domestic product,” the PDEA report says.

“Shabu dominates the global market and continues to expand in East and Southeast Asia,” said retired PDEA chief Isidro Lapena.

“Globally, there are 33.9-million meth users while there are 9.1- million meth users in East and South-

The announcement came days after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday sparked a major diplomatic row with Manila’s longtime treaty ally the United States by branding President Barack Obama a “son of a whore.”

Duterte said Tuesday he regretted the tirade, sparked by the US leader’s plan to raise the issue of extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s war on crime.

Manila, which has one of Asia’s weakest militaries, has been trying to improve defense ties with its former colonial ruler Washington and other allies.

Balilo said the Sherpas would help the Coast Guard augment its meager air patrol capability, which is composed of two old BrittenNorman Islanders.

The Philippines has expressed concern about Beijing’s massive island-building over reefs, some of them claimed by Manila, in the South China Sea. AFP

Watch your mouths, Leni reminds officials V

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ICE President Leni Robredo on Wednesday reminded government officials to consider possible consequences when making public pronouncements because they speak for the Filipino people.

For his part, Senator Richard Gordon defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s political incorrectness by saying the pressures of solving the country’s problems sometimes weighed too heavily on Duterte’s shoulders.

Robredo issued the “unsolicited advice” when she attended the Senate deliberation on the proposed budget of her office.

When the media prodded her to comment on President Duterte’s obscenity-laden rant against US President Barack Obama whom he called “son of

a whore,” Robredo replied: “All of us, not only the President, even me, all government officials.”

“What government officials say is not personal. So all of us have to be careful,” she said.

Robredo said Obama’s decision to call off his bilateral meeting with Duterte at the sidelines of the Asean summit was unfortunate, but added that she remained hopeful that any damage caused by the Philippine leader’s remark could still be repaired.

But Gordon said a golden op-

portunity for better understanding and communicating may have been missed. Still, Gordon said, the relations between the Philippines and the US will remain strong.

“Countries work on national interest, not on personalities alone. Even Obama’s statement reflected that. Remember Obama came from Chicago.

People in New York, Chicago, are all tough even in their words,” he said.

Gordon also opined that although Duterte may not be as cosmopolitan as the other presidents and his diplomatic skills may need further improvement, he was right in saying that there was no need for a “primus inter pares” treatment by America or for it to take a holier-than-thou attitude on the Philippine war against drugs.

The senator pointed out that Duterte had so much in his plate solving the drug problem and other issues, that he is prone to making

statements he later regrets.

He claimed that “91 percent of this country have not really complained about what is happening.”

Gordon asserted that “nobody knows who are behind the vigilante killings. Again nobody knows about the killings perpetrated by persons riding in tandem on motorcycles. That has been going on in this country for a long time and nobody was complaining, even in the international community.”

“Even if their people are being beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf and now, finally after so many bombing of ships, plazas—you know 116 people were killed in the ferryboat here a few years ago, 39 people were killed in Parang and in 2003 there were two killings by bombings, etc. Nobody really wanted to have a solution to it.

Now that it is being addressed. We have a problem. He wants to solve the problem,” he added.

Bomb...

NO THREAT UNHEEDED.

Combined security forces tightened security at a provincial bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City amid increased bomb threats against several local government units in Metro Manila. Manny Palmero

High...

From A1 The order, which was directed at Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya, would have lapsed days before the scheduled burial on Sept. 18.

The government on Wednesday defended its position to allow the Marcos burial.

Solicitor General Jose Calida told the magistrates that President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of the late strongman at the heroes cemetery could not be reviewed by courts, being a ‘presidential prerogative’ allowed by law and the Constitution.

Calida, acting as counsel for respondents Defense Secretary and AFP chief, said the burial of Marcos there would not necessarily rewrite the nation’s history and make the late dictator a hero.

In seeking the dismissal of the petitions, Calida said Marcos, being a former president and duly recognized soldier and war veteran, should be entitled to interment at the Libingan.

He said the Libingan is not exclusively for heroes, as the national pantheon under Republic Act No. 289 was never really built.

The chief state lawyer pointed out

Du30, Obama...

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“I don’t know the details but that was what was discussed,” Jose said.

The two leaders met at a holding room inside the National Convention Center here before the gala dinner of the Association of South East Asian Nations summit, he said.

Jose announced the meeting hours after a Palace advisory claimed Duterte, whom they described as the summit “rock star,” would be seated between Obama and United Nations Secretary General Ban Kimoon at the gala dinner but east Asia. The new route observed is methamphetamine from Africa and Mexico to the Philippines.”

A joint investigation of PDEA and the Anti-Money Laundering Council since 2009, involving 24 personalities, three bank accounts and four foreign exchange institutions, showed that the proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs deposited in one account totaled P70 billion in three years.

“The PDEA report shows that drug pushers are now tapping minor children in the sale, distribution or procurement of shabu and other illegal drugs. It is very alarming,” Barbers said.

During a briefing conducted by Lapena before Barbers’ panel, Lapena said a total of 982 minors had been arrested for involvement in illegal drugs from January 2006 to August 2016.

PDEA indicated that in 2006, there was only one recorded apprehension of a minor in connection with illegal drugs, one also in 2007, none in 2008 and one in 2009. Christine F. Herrera

that the decision of President Duterte is not really to honor Marcos as a hero but rather “to accord him a simple mortuary rites befitting a former president, commander-in-chief and soldier.”

He said that it was a campaign promise of the President, who won with over 16 million votes.

Calida clarified that the government does not plan to accord state honors for the Marcos burial but “only a simple graveyard military honor.”

The solicitor general invoked the President’s authority under the Constitution and Revised Administrative Code to decide on a political question that does not involve any justiciable issue for the high court to resolve.

He said the controversy was “beyond ambit of judicial review” and warned that granting the petitions would be tantamount to an “intrusion upon executive power.”

“President Duterte decides to begin the long overdue healing of our nation and to exorcise the ghost of enmity and bitterness that prevent us from moving forward. Unfortunately, the wisdom and propriety of President Duterte’s wellmeaning desire to put a closure in this divisive issue has pinched the nerves of some who cannot forget their travails during the martial law era,” Calida said.

He noted that the late President Cora-

zon Aquino and former President Fidel Ramos used such residual power on this controversy during their respective terms, recalling that the latter overturned the decision of the former and allowed Marcos’ remains to return to the country from Hawaii where he died in 1989.

Calida also disputed the position made by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio in the first session of oral arguments last week that Marcos lost his privilege to be buried at the Libingan when he was “dishonorably discharged” and ousted by the historic Edsa people power revolution in 1986.

“Marcos was never dishonorably discharged from military service nor convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Dishonorable discharge [of a military officer] can only happen through court martial,” he said.

He also said the government has recognized Marcos both as a soldier and a war veteran, citing the benefits accorded to his widow.

The chief state lawyer told the magistrates that former first lady Imelda Marcos has been receiving P5,000 in monthly pension from the Philippine Veteran’s Office since April 1994 for being a surviving wife of a war veteran. She is also receiving a P20,000 pension from the Armed Forces as widow of a Medal of Valor awardee.

Duterte, however, skipped the UN-Asean meeting that included Ban and was represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

Ireneo Fidel Cornista, Philippine Liason Officer to Brunei and a member of the presidential protocol team, told journalists that Duterte’s absence at the UN-Asean summit was “not intentional” and was only caused by delays in the Asean-China meeting.

The delay in the Asean-China meeting, Cornista said, forced Duterte to skip the meeting because he was also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Lao President

Bounnhang Vorachith around 7 p.m.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose later confirmed that Duterte and Obama had already met patched things out between the two world leaders who affirmed to continue the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

Earlier, Palace spin doctors caused confusion after they claimed that Duterte would be seated between Obama and Ban, but Duterte found himself seated between Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Asean...

From A1 by an international tribunal, moved to center stage here after the Philippines produced photos of at least 10 Chinese dredgers on Scarborough Shoal, which officials say poses a threat to the Philippines’ territorial integrity.

“We remain seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments and note the concerns expressed by some leaders on the land reclamation and escalation of activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine the peace, security and stability in the region,” said Lao PDR Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who heads the regional meet this year.

He made the statement even as China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said Wednesday there had been no change in the situation around the contested Scarborough or Panatag Shoal after the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest following an increase in the number of Chinese

patrol ships in the area.

“I can tell you that there has not been any change to the Huangyan Island situation. China has also not taken new actions,” Hua said.

But the presence of several Chinese vessels on Scarborough Shoal, which lies 123 miles off Subic in Zambales is a precursor to the possible building of structures in the area, according to Defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong.

“We believe that this is a precursor to the possible building of structures on the shoal, which is why we are gravely concerned about this development,” Andolong said.

The Defense Department earlier released pictures of the Chinese vessels lying off Scarborough Shoal.

The pictures were taken by a Filipino military aircraft that was on an overflight mission to the area on Sept. 3.

A security official slammed the presence of Chinese ships swarming Scarborough Shoal. John Paolo Bencito, Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, Florante S. Solmerin and PNA

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near the schools. We also remind our school officials to intensify security and be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of our teachers, students, and personnel,” Malacañang said in a statement.

“We urge the public to report information on terror threats to the police and to avoid spreading unverified information specially through social media,” Malacañang said.

National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday appealed to the public to stay calm as bomb threats spread.

“All bomb threats whether a hoax or not, should not be taken for granted and should be immediately reported to the police and let the EOD [explosives and ordnance division] experts conduct the clearing,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde also advised people to not touch anything if they see any suspicious object in the area, and let the explosives experts check the item.

“We also appeal to the public not to make bomb threats a joke not only because it is against the law but also because it creates unnecessary fear among our people,” Albayalde said.

Persons making bomb jokes can be charged with violating Presidential Decree 1727, which carries a maximum jail term of six years.

At least two bomb threats were received by police Tuesday, first at a high school in Quezon City and second, at the Makati City Hall.

Both threats turned out negative.

Chief Insp. Noel Sublay, EOD head of Quezon City Police District, said the first bomb threat at Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science and Technology High School was received at 8:58 p.m. Monday, through Facebook Messenger while the second threat was received 5:50 a.m. Tuesday.

The threat at the Makati City Hall was made through a phone call.

Earlier, bomb threats were received by schools near Malacañang.

Five schools had to suspend classes due to these bomb hoaxes.

Airport officials on Wednesday warned the public against making bomb jokes, saying these are punishable by law.

On Tuesday, a 34-year-old air cargo employee at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was arrested for joking about carrying a bomb inside his car.

Charged with violation of the Presidential Decree 1727 (False Bomb Threat) before the Department of Justice was Marlon Soriano, an employee of Air Serve Cargo Express. With Rio N. Araja, Joel E.

Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

House...

From A1 Zarate said the country’s senior citizens “have long been waiting for their pension to increase; if not for the unwarranted veto of former President Aquino they could have already been enjoying higher pensions now.”

Reps. Raneo Abu of Batangas and Gus Tambunting of Parañaque, co-authors to the proposed P2,000 SSS pensiom hike, welcomed the bill’s passage.

“I support the passage of the P2k SSS pension hike for senior citizens.

It is feasible, necessary and urgent,” Abu, a deputy speaker, said.

Abu said the current pension benefit which was last revised in 1997 is not adjusted enough to meet the current cost of living standards.

“This is a very timely and worthy proposal that would show Congress’ sincere desire to serve people’s interests,” he said.

Abu said the enactment of the measure under the Duterte administration would be “a major step towards sharing inclusive growth [with] the elderly.”

News IN BRIEF UP makes QS ranking THE University of the Philippines has ranked 374th as one of the world’s best 400 universities.

The state university improved in three metrics of the London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)—academic reputation, faculty-student ratio and international faculty ratio.

The university ranked 367th in 2014, 380th in 2013 and 348th in 2012. But in 2015, UP fell within the 401-410 barcket.

It was 70th in the Asian university rankings. UP was the only Philippine university that landed in the top 400.

Ateneo de Manila University ranked in the 501-510 bracket, followed by De la Salle University and University of Sto. Tomas with the 701+ bracket. Rio Araja

Erap wants druggie list MANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday ordered the chairmen of the 896 barangays in the city to submit a list of known and suspected drug dependents in their respective jurisdictions.

In a memorandum to Arsenio Lacson Jr., head of the Manila Barangay Bureau, Estrada said that the city government needs the verified lists to facilitate the counseling and rehabilitation program for drug users who want to change their ways.

“You are hereby directed to prepare a status report of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council [Badac] indicating the lists of suspected drug users and the names of drug users referred to counselling and rehabilitation program,” Estrada said in ordering Lacson.

Estrada also directed the barangay chairmen, through the MBB, to update the Office of the Mayor about their ongoing information campaign on drug demand reduction strategies in the communities.

Principally considered as the implementing agency of the Office of the Mayor, the MBB is tasked to synchronize the programs and projects of the city government with the barangays and disseminate information to barangay officials on matters relative to public policies, projects and programs of the city.

Concepcion leads Asean biz council VIENTIANE—Presidential Consultant on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion will chair the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) next year, when the Philippines leads in hosting the 10-member regional bloc’ business forum by 2017.

“My father was Asean Business Advisory Council chair for many years. And it is an honor to be appointed as the incoming Asean-BAC chair for next year. We did well in the Apec Summit last year and as I assume the chairmanship of Asean, we hope to have the same active participation of the entrepreneurship community and the whole country,” Concepcion said, as he received the chairmanship.

John Paolo Bencito

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Rody wants crime war in other Asean nations

By John Paolo Bencito

V

IENTIANE—President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged other Southeast Asian nations to be more firm in fighting transnational crime, amid the pressing problem of illegal drugs and terrorism.

“The Asean needs stronger resolve and action to combat transnational crime, one of the most difficult and complex problems that we face in the region and a pressing concern for the Philippines,” Duterte said in

his speech before members of the Asean Business and Advisory Council at the Muong Thanh Hotel here.

“The trade in illicit and illegal drugs in particular has emerged as a pressing problem

for our country’s undermined social cohesion and the rule of law in the socioeconomic program of the country,” he added.

Duterte, who won with a landslide win during the May elections, is under the spotlight of fierce international scrutiny for allegedly condoning statesanctioned rights abuses, in his “war on drugs” that has claimed almost 3,000 lives already.

The President had earlier revealed a list of politicians and members of the uniformed force which are allegedly part of the illegal drug menace in the country.

Just recently, an explosion

was heard at the Roxas night market in Davao City, where Duterte served as its mayor for more than two decades, with links to be perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf.

Duterte said that terrorism and violent extremism “rearing its ugly heads” is threatening to pull the country “back from our onwards advance to progress.”

“We shall not be cowed. We will press on. We must redouble our efforts to concentrate on intelligence gathering, prevention, interdiction, arrest and prosecution,” he said.

“We should act together in

concert to ensure that economic gains we made so far will advance at full speed so that Asean can confidently play its rightful role as a global player, contributing to the economic growth and prosperity.”

Duterte also pushed for subregional cooperation among Southeast Asian nations to help spur local economies.

“Hailing from Mindanao, I commit to promote BIMP-EAGA. We intend to open up our other major islands like Mindanao and the Visayas with highquality backbone infrastructures,” Duterte said.

Labor hotline. Employees of Department of Labor and Employment take calls regarding employment queries or complaints on their newly established hotline 1349 at the agency’s Intramuros office in Manila on Wednesday. Danny Pata

Tugade’s ‘state of mind’ irks solons Senate

By Macon Ramos-Araneta “OUR state of mind is such, because traffic is a deplorable reality,” said Senator Grace Poe, replying to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s reported remark that the Filipinos’ “state of mind” worsens the country’s traffic problem.

“We should not be naive to the problem but we need to focus on solutions as well.

As ordinary citizens, complying with traffic rules is a start,” Poe said in a statement.

As ordinary citizens, Poe noted that complying with traffic rules is a start.

“As a legislator, I will do what I can to pass measures that will help government implement projects asap [as soon as possible] to solve the problem,” she added.

She said the Department of Transportation should make sure that they implement a well studied traffic plan and solution and follow through with it.

The DOTr has submitted to the Senate committee on public services, chaired by Poe, a list of projects the government plans to implement under the emergency powers for traffic being sought for President Rodrigo Duterte.

Poe’s committee will continue on Sept.

22 the hearing on the grant of emergency powers to the President to address the traffic crisis.

Tugade was reported to have said that traffic has become a convenient excuse for tardiness, stressing that even when there was no traffic, people say there was and that a state of mind adds to the problem of traffic.

Reacting to Tugade’s statements, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito maintained that traffic in the country is already a “crisis,” pointing out it’s not going to get better until we have laid down the railways.

Chiz eyes changes to central bank law TO KEEP pace with the innovations of a modern globalized economy, Senator Francis Escudero wants to strengthen the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas by amending the country’s two-decades-old central bank law.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, said his committee is

studying several proposals to change the BSP charter to modernize the monetary authority’s mandate.

Senate Bill Nos. 16 (authored by Senator Franklin Drilon), 859 (authored by Senator Ralph Recto) and 1027 (authored by Escudero) all seek to amend the BSP charter by giving the central bank greater operation

Talking drug war. Violence

Against Crime and Corruption chairman Martin Diño talks about the anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration during the Ciudad Fernandina News Forum at Club Filipino in Greenhills San Juan on Wednesday.

Manny Palmero

flexibility and more financial resources.

SBN 1027 aims to strengthen BSP’s monetary stability function and supplement the mechanisms in protecting savings of depositors and in ensuring the smooth flow of transactions in the financial system.

The bill also seeks to increase its capitalization by P150 billion.

PH to return trash export from Canada

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Philippine Justice department on Wednesday said it will file a motion for the execution of the June 30 ruling of Manila Regional Trial Court to ship back adult diapers and other garbage to Canada.

As of press time, Canadian Embassy could not make reaction as it is still finalizing the statement to be disseminate to the public.

DoJ’s interagency committee said that it will implement Manila RTC Branch 1 Judge Tita Bughao Alisuag’s order to ship back to Canada the 50 container vans of used adult diapers and household waste from a certain Canadian company.

These toxic wastes were illegally dumped in the Philippine soil in 2013.

The DoJ said it will file a motion for execution immediately after the September 30 hearing on the case.

Alisuag ordered the shipping back at the expense of the Canadian exporter.

The garbage-filled containers are currently lying at Manila and Subic ports for three years now despite the calls made by environmental health and justice groups, labor organizations and even by concerned lawmakers to return the illegal garbage shipment to Canada.

approves deferred election

By Macon Araneta THE Senate approved on second reading Tuesday night the bill seeking a one-year postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Senate Bill 1112 aims to move the twin elections, originally scheduled on Oct 31, to the fourth Monday of October or October 23 next year, in consonance with the proposal of the House of Representatives which has also passed its version.

The salient amendments to the bill include a provision that states subsequent synchronized barangay and SK elections will be held on the second Monday of 2020 and every three years thereafter, since voter turnout is higher when elections are held during summer.

In his sponsorship speech, Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the local government committee, said the postponement will allow more time for the full implementation of the recently enacted SK Reform Act (RA 10742), and for the Commission on Elections to assure higher voter turnout.

The bill provides that due to the postponement, the term of incumbent barangay officials will be extended for a year unless they are removed or suspended from office.

“There must be safeguards that while incumbent barangay officials will remain in office, the postponement will not hinder the removal or suspension of officials facing charges especially those involved in drug cases,” Angara said.

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

This time around

T

he House of Representatives, through its committee on government enterprises and privatization, has passed a consolidated measure granting an additional P2,000 hike in the monthly pension of its Social Security System retirees.

It was only in January this year that former President Benigno Aquino III vetoed what would have been a law granting the same increase in the pension of former private-sector employees.

Defending the veto, Mr. Aquino said such an increase would cause the bankruptcy of the fund.

Mr. Aquino also conveniently failed to mention that the viability of the SSS fund lies in the prudence of its investment managers who buy shares in different corporations.

Mr. Aquino’s refusal to give in to a populist demand would have been laudable if we did not hear about the outrageous salaries, perks and bonuses of SSS officials.

The perks, specifically, were in stark contrast—ignominious, in fact, compared—to the dire con-

ditions faced by the bulk of SSS pensioners who have to make ends meet with higher costs of living and medication. Many of them, even if they earned considerably well during their productive years, now depend on their dwindling savings or on their children to tide them through.

Some even find themselves still helping their grown children with their finances or acting as surrogate parents to grandchildren left behind by parents who decided to work abroad.

That this administration has exTO THE POINT inpressed an option to achieve clusive growth gives usEMIL hopeP.that JURADO

Mr. Duterte would not do as his immediate predecessor did.

There is no dearth of actuaries and other professionals who can do the math. They can guide the SSS in ensuring thelife span of its fund without depriving pensioners of a decent quality of life and burdening contributors with additional premiums.

The SSS pension hike is not just any populist matter. It’s a gut issue.

The Senate should follow suit with its own version of the proposed increase, and soon. And then the President should at the very least not stand in the way.

Challenges the President must face

PRESIDENT Duterte, responding to a reporter’s question on how he’d react to US President Barack Obama’s lecture on human rights in the context of the war on illegal drugs, called Obama a “son of a whore” in the dialect and used other expletives.

When I heard this, I said to myself—“there goes the scheduled one-on-one with the US President.”

True enough, the White House canceled the Duterte-Obama meeting.

Soon, Duterte expressed regret of his obscene rant.The people around him did damage control, saying their boss was just misinterpreted by media and that he was just using hyperbole.

We should now be used to the President’s use of vulgar language.

He did promise that he would metamorphose when he assumed office. But I had my doubts. A zebra cannot shed its stripes. Thus, since Duterte is now our president, we should just live with him and accept him for what he is.

But will the cancellation of the one-on-one with Obama have any impact on Philippine relations with Washington? I don’t believe so.

Washington and Manila have deep relations as allies which go beyond personalities. Still, I agree that the canceled Duterte-Obama meeting was a missed opportunity.

Expletives are second nature to our president. This is why people around him, like Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo and spokesman Ernesto Abella should stop saying that he was misinterpreted or that his words were taken out of conManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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The Ph DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia signed a peace deal in Havana on 26 I HAVE been trying to as- those carrying passengers’ August 2016 that will end sess what President Duterte luggage and screening them what is perhaps the longest intends to say to the people at airports are all casuals. insurgency in the world. The who elected him to office, afIn facing all these challengTHE past twostarted weeksinhave conflict which 1964, ter his first 100 days in office. es, the President must realize been fast and furious has killed 220,000 peoplefor and I have come to the conclu- he is no Superman.

President Duterte. has displaced about six When million sion that he is fighting differTo my mind, it’s enough that government forces 50suffered of the country’s million 15 soldiers killed in the fight ent wars on so many fronts to he is trying his best to achieve population. against the ways, Abu Sayyaf, the bring about the change he has the change we have been clamIn many that conflict government responded by promised us. oring, things that the previous was a lot more brutal than our pouring more troops to Sulu Mr. Duterte has waged a administration failed to deliver conflict with the Communist for a fight to the finish. Then, war against criminality, il- on because of incompetence Party of the Philippines/New on the night of September legal drugs and corruption. and insensitivity.

People’s Army. Because of our 2, an improvised explosive This war may take more than At least, now we have a ongoing peace negotiation with device was detonated at the the six months he had initial- president we can all believe in. the National Democratic Front night market in Davao City, ly pledged, because of vari*** in Oslo, it isinjuring perhaps killing 14Norway, people and ous reasons.

I wrote that the Philippine instructive to compare thehas two about 67. The Abu Sayyaf Regarding drugs, for in- Amusement and Gaming revolutionary movements. claimed responsibility for the stance, I said yesterday that Corp., upon consultation with The FARC of Colombia, like bombing. the more difficult phase is the President, should allow the CPP/NPA of Jose Maria Two days after the blast, theSirehabilitating the users, not PhilWeb to resume operations son, did notdeclared simply sprout government a statein killing the drug lords and if only to save thousands of 1964.

The FARC is the product of lawless violence throughdrug dealers. President Du- employees and investments, out the long-standing country with interneProcof the terte must know that the drug as well. lamation 55 that datedhasSept. cine warfare been 4, gomenace is as present among So could PhilWeb really 2016.

If those events were ing on in Colombia sincenot the the affluent as it is among the resume? We saw a glimmer enough, the President created end of the World War II and poor. There of hope when aeven diplomatic tempest during earlier. When first organare numerPresident Duan interview with the meized, it was a Marxist-Leninist ous users in terte changed dia just before departing forof movement and at the height gated subdihis mind on his first foreign trip to Laos its power, had approximately Mr. Duterte which immediately regretvisions, and online gam26,000hearmed combatants and ted the following day. in the en- must realize he is bling. controlled a sizable chunk of In the case of the Abu Sayyter tainment But Pagthe vast Colombian territory. af, there is no question that industry, not no Superman. cor has not FARC freely operated in an the whole nation is squarely only in the replied to area of about 196,000 squares behind the President in his slums. the two letmiles which is one and a half desire to completely destroy At the ters of former times the area of the Philipthe one single terrorist group same time, President Duterte PhilWeb chairman Roberto pines. that has caused the country is also taking on the Abu Ongpin offering to donate his Like the CPP/NPA, emthe so much international Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu shares and to build drug rehaFARC promoted agrarian barrassment. There are somereat the cost of the lives of so bilitation centers. form and whether anti-imperialism. questions the proc-In many of our soldiers. The Dennis Valdes, PhilWeb the populated areas that they lamation was necessary at all President said he would want president, also wrote Pagcor controlled, their but supportthe hasFARC comeranfrom must have knownText that text by media. They just make the University High School student this war to end soon, but it Veloso suggesting a “Pagcor some in the business commucould cost her President sound silly, like he does Jessecould Paredes textedsaid methan the folbe easier done smuggling Bonanza”drugs using PhilWeb’s nity and the political allies of life. not realize what he is saying. lowing: because Muslim communi- her technology. the President.

As for Mr. Duterte’s obscenities, “After more adties in the than areaspushers, where Abus I see no reason why The usual critics of the *** now resume dicts, and what have you killed operate are mostly their rela- PhilWeb cannot President are not impressed.

It has been almost a month in the momentum of his relenttives and supporters. operations at the soonest posBut what really is the actual

By Adam Minter less way on known illegal drugs, Du30of now It is that much siblewhen time. President Duterte peace and order situation?

I would much Roberto nowthe begsransom Indonesian President money paid to called businessman *** In the recent Senate comIT’S been a tough summer oligarch in Widodo to spare the lifegoofto Ongpin the ASG by hostages For anyears I embedded have been mittee hearings, no less than rather focus on for China’s movie business.

Filipina drugthemule MarycommuJane government. support Muslim writing about the tragedy the Chief of the Philippine In what’sPolice usually the message.

This is farthest fromsome the truth.

Veloso.

I amAnd confused.”

National in blockbuster his briefnities. that’s the reason at Customs where 900 season, box-office deing said that crime sales volume That bolt ofpersonnel lightning also hit I why calledtheJesse sincefinds I didn’t military it dif- Customs have clined for the first time in five for the year has gone done and e-Games employknow how to to identify text. I toldmembers him I amof Philweb ficult been denied their overtime years. alone, theater by aboutIn30July percent which is are now jobless confused.

I take them as mere expressions. alsothe ASG. They melt with the ees. payThousands and transportation and visits fell 15 percent.

Things very significant.

Now, we are investments of P1.8 I would focus on the message he Here we are in the Philip- and populace. meal allowance.

Thisbillion for arethelooking in state ofespecially some kindgrim of been wiped out. to incomwants to impart to the people. pines, The withPresident 2,400 already is alsodead talk- have rendering service for Chinese films: They’ve emergency which could last Ongpin has resigned Western media report that due ing to the campaign against ilpeace with the Commuing and departing at thefrom Nibeen underperforming forindefinitely.

There seems to of which he was chairDuterte insulted Obama. I do legalnist drugs.

And President Philweb Party of now the Philippines noy International Internaeign competition so badly that be a disconnect.

771 million shares not quite see it that way. This Duterte for Democratic the life of man. and is thebegging National tionalHis Airport. the government According to thesuspended PNP, there a have been2011, worth P20 is just how he wants to stress a drug mule Front, the caught politicalsmuggling arm of the would In September the Suis also a chance that drugon longstanding moratorium a point. drugs into Indonesia. insurgents.

The negotiations billion. preme Court handed down syndicates may have paid summer Hollywood f lickstheinfirst, Ongpin triedofto the doI do believe that the President Shouldn’t just letafter the Inappear Du30 successful the aAtruling on “Office Abu Sayyaf to do the tended to give a boost bombto local his shares PagcorBoard in an should temper his language. But donesian government dobent what’s Duterte government over nate President et altoversus ing in Davao. We do not know studios. to save Philweb. But we elected him, and so we must bestbackwards in accordance their attempt to givewith the homeof Airline Representatives,” whether is at That’sthis an information abrupt turnabout Domingo, CEO, and embrace him—warts and all. lawsgrown on drug smuggling? insurgency movement Andrea upholding the validity of Cusall credible.

What this means for an industry that grew by It’s not they that want, I don’tlike care for *** what freeing toms Administrative Order Turn to A5 to A5 50 percent last year.Turn Although of a fellow Filipino.

But I (CAO) no. 1-2005 and orderMy former Ateneo de Manila the life political prisoners.

For this, it may prove temporary, it must congratulate the Presi- ing its immediate implemenRolando G. Estabillo Publisher nonetheless illuminates some Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Chairman dent and his peace advisers. tation. looming for ChiAdelle Chuachallenges Opinion Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor They really went the extra This in effect would make Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Honor B. Cabie Night Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors na’s moviemakers—and mile. local and foreign airlines pay Romel J. Mendez Art Director for its Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Francis Lagniton News Editor culture business more broadly.

Just as Duterte is talking Customs Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares personnel City Editor working Baldwin R. Felipe OIC-Ad Solutions One immediate cause for peace with the communist in- beyond their mandated eight Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager the bustBoard is that film authorities Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial surgents, he is also bringing hours. are attempting to crack down the Moro Islamic Liberation Most of those 900 Customs on falsified box-office data.

Front and the Moro National personnel have since retired, The practice is longstanding: Liberation Front to the nego- but up to this day, they have Distributors buy up millions tiating table, something the not been paid by the airlines,

Rants and expletives TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Opini

The President’s tirade

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Opinion When growth isn’t good

By Mihir Sharma INDIA’S just-released GDP figures show it’s still the world’s fastest-growing large economy. Over the past decade or so, those numbers have swooped and stuttered— from the boom years of the mid-2000s, when easy money and roaring demand pushed growth up to nearly double digits, to the hard stop at the time of the 2008 financial crisis, to the dramatic, stimulus-driven recovery immediately after and finally the inexorable decline, every quarter, once the stimulus ran out of steam.

India now looks to be on an even keel. Its macroeconomic numbers are strong and growth appears solid, if slightly slower than hoped. India’s government—led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself—has reiterated this message over and over again. What officials won’t say is that the quality of India’s growth is very poor indeed.

Look a little more closely, and the economy doesn’t seem anything like the good-news story the government has been telling the world.

In fact, today’s growth levels appear completely unsustainable. They’re driven by the government’s mistaken belief that it can ramp up its own spending to make up for a private sector that isn’t yet optimistic enough to invest.

Indeed, over the past two years, India’s growth has come to depend dangerously on an overstretched state.

GDP grew in the first quarter of this financial year (India’s financial year begins on April 1) by 7.1 percent over the equivalent quarter last year. That was slower than the previous quarter’s growth rate —7.8 percent—but still impressive enough given sluggishness elsewhere in the world. Value added by private sector manufacturing grew almost 12 percent between April and June and the flagship information technology sector grew at 9.6 percent.

So far, so good.

But robust demand isn’t what’s fueling this growth.

Another indicator the government puts out —the index of industrial production, a series that measures actual physical output—is in fact shrinking: Between April and June 2016, the IIP was 0.7 percent lower than it was the previous year.

Other indicators of real economic activity also look weak. Steel consumption grew only 0.3 percent, for example. Perhaps most worrying is data about how much freight Indian Railways is moving around: Rail freight was down almost 9 percent from last year, when measured in kilometer-tons. In other words, while the balance sheets of Indian companies still look good, they simply don’t seem to be producing or trading as much.

The government seems to assume that public spending can pick up the slack, with the share of government expenditure in GDP rising. That’s a dangerous trend, however, conflicting with the government’s promise to reduce its fiscal deficit to 3 percent of GDP in a couple of years. Growth that depends on public spending is in any case of the poorest quality, unsustainable in the long run. It looks less like the high growth of the 2000s and more like the brief, government-fueled boom after the financial crisis.

Even the Modi government admits that sustainable growth won’t return unless the private sector begins to invest. Its argument is that public investment is rising in tandem with overall government expenditure and this “good spending” will lead to more private investment. Yet investment in India is shrinking ever faster, by 1.9 percent in the months between January to March, and then by 3.1 percent in the three months after that.

So, when the government—or indeed multilateral institutions that should know better, such as the IMF—tout India as the one bright spot for global growth, investors should be asking a few hard questions. First and foremost, if things are so rosy, why aren’t India’s own businesses investing?

Why should foreign capital imagine that it will be able to get sustained returns out of India when domestic capital is sitting on its hands? If Indian companies can’t identify good projects with sustainable returns, how precisely will foreign companies be able to do so?

There are some signs that growth might pick up in the coming months. For one, the monsoon has been better this year than last, and India’s rain-dependent agricultural sector might expand a bit, which in turn might help rural demand recover slightly. And urban demand will receive a boost from the government’s decision to give its employees a hefty pay hike.

But that, again, puts government expenditure at the center of India’s growth story. A growth miracle dependent on the weather and state spending isn’t much of a miracle at all.

Yes, India’s growth numbers may look bright. But they also reveal an economy that’s storing up serious trouble, with low demand and crashing investment propped up by government largesse. Seen this way, India doesn’t appear to be an exception to the gloomy emerging-markets story after all. Bloomberg

Rants...

From A4 the board of directors turned down this offer. I could not understand their refusal. It would have been a win-win situation for Pagcor.

And then, Ongpin also offered to use his shares to construct rehabilitation centers for drug dependents in Atimonan, Quezon. Again, Pagcor ignored this.

Dennis O. Valdes, Philweb president, also proposed to Pagcor to revive an old plan for a Pagcor Text Bonanza. And now Ongpin, desperate, wants to sell his shares.

It’s rather strange that while President Duterte has apparently charged his mind on online gambling, Pagcor has chosen to ignore the proposal to donate Ongpin’s shares.

It’s unfortunate. Ongpin only meant to save the 6,000 jobs of Philweb and e-Games employees and the investments of 131 entities operating e-Games cafes.

Pagcor should consider Ongpin’s offer.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A return to print? Not exactly

By Justin Fox E-BOOKS are not taking over the world! That seems pretty clear from a Pew Research Center survey released last week, which showed that the percentage of Americans who read digital books hasn’t risen since 2014.

The survey didn’t show any real sign of a print resurgence either, though. Overall, the percentage of Americans consuming books in any form appears to be trending modestly downward.

By holding steady, e-books are thus gaining a bit of ground over print.

This is not exactly the “return to print” story that the nation’s book publishers have been telling lately. Yes, the Association of American Publishers reported in June that physical book sales were up in 2015, and that sales in brick-and-mortar bookstores rose, too. The percentage of people who read books is down a little, but the people who do read books are buying more of them.

That’s what one should expect of a mature industry in an improving economy—which is certainly better than being in a rapidly declining industry like newspaper publishing.

The AAP also reported, though, that e-book revenue was down 11.3 percent in 2015 and unit sales down 9.7 percent.

That’s where things get misleading. Yes, the established publishing companies that belong to the AAP are selling fewer e-books.

But that does not mean fewer ebooks are being sold. Of the top 10 books on Amazon’s Kindle bestseller list when I checked last week, only two (“The Light Between Oceans” and “The Girl on the Train,” both mass-market reissues of novels that have just been made into movies) were the products of major publishers. All the rest were genre novels (six romances, two thrillers) published either by the author or by an in-house Amazon imprint.

Their prices ranged from 99 cents to $4.99.

The website Author Earn-

ings, a collaboration of sciencefiction author Hugh Howey and the pseudonymous “Data Guy,” keeps track of these things more systematically. It reported that “Big Five” publishers’ share of Kindle unit sales fell from more than 40 percent at the beginning of 2014 to 23 percent in May. Because they tend to sell their ebooks for a lot more than $4.99, the Big Five’s share of gross revenue is still around 40 percent, but it’s falling fast, too. And self-published “indie” authors— in part because they get a much bigger cut of the revenue than authors working with conventional publishers do—are now making much more money from e-book sales, in aggregate, than authors at Big Five publishers.

Book publishers are what business-school professors call two-sided platforms, or twosided markets. They’re selling books to readers, but also selling publishing services to authors. When it comes to ebooks, the established publishers are choosing not to offer a very good deal to either. After Amazon’s early experiment with limiting Kindle prices to $9.99, publishers now set the prices, and for prominent new books they’re often in the $12.99 to $14.99 range—not much less than the discounted hardcover price on Amazon.

And even though publishers spend a lot less to produce and distribute e-books than paper ones, they generally don’t offer authors a bigger cut of the proceeds.

The publishers have instead chosen to prioritize physical books, and you can’t entirely blame them. Most book buyers still seem to prefer reading books on paper (I do, unless I’m traveling), and keeping physical bookstores alive seems like a much better deal for publishers than relying on an all-powerful Amazon to distribute all of their products. Amazon’s attempts to break into physical book publishing haven’t amounted to much (in part because bookstores have

been so resistant), so maybe what we have is a durable detente. The publishers cede cheap genre fiction to Amazon and the digitalself-publishers—occasionally signing the most successful selfpublished authors to give their work wider distribution—and keep most of the rest of the business for themselves.

There are a few problems with this steady-as-she-goes scenario.

The most obvious is that Amazon doesn’t really do detente.

It’s now opening its own physical bookstores, and surely has other plans up its sleeve. Another is that cheap genre fiction is a lucrative business that publishers didn’t really want to give up.

(News Corp, owner of Big-Five publisher HarperCollins, bought romance-novel publisher Harlequin, which has been hammered by the rise of digital self-publishing, in 2014.) Finally, the rise of e-books fits Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen’s classic model of disruptive innovation so perfectly that it seems unwise to assume that it is already all played out. This is from the introduction to Christensen’s book “The Innovator’s Dilemma:” Generally, disruptive technologies underperform established products in mainstream markets.

But they have other features that a few fringe (and generally new) customers value. Products based on disruptive technologies are typically cheaper, simpler, smaller, and, frequently, more convenient to use.

Established companies naturally focus on serving their existing customers, who aren’t all that interested in the new product. They also look at the lower profit margins on the cheaper, simpler new product and think, “No, thanks.” This leaves the field to new entrants, who keep improving their product and luring new customers until it becomes dominant. The former industry leaders are left on the sidelines wondering what went wrong.

At least, that’s Christensen’s

story. It’s not an immutable law, and these days its applicability is probably affected somewhat by the fact that executives at established companies are all quite familiar with it. In book publishing, everybody knew that ebooks were a potentially disruptive technology, and none of the big publishers ignored them. But apart from some experiments with short, cheap digital-only releases (my Bloomberg View colleague Tyler Cowen’s “The Great Stagnation,” which was later made into a physical book, was one of the most prominent), they mostly resisted that notion —pushed hard by Amazon— that digital books should be seen as a new kind of product with a much different pricing approach.

To the publishers, they’re just another book format.

This approach seems to have succeeded in keeping the print business reasonably healthy.

It’s also probably responsible for some of the slowing of ebooks’ rise. But it also means the book publishers are largely absent from the low end of the e-book market, which is where most of the growth and innovation are.

Today that market is the territory of aspiring to moderately successful writers of romance, mystery, science-fiction and fantasy novels and a fan base of dedicated readers who consume such work in mass quantities.

It probably won’t stay hemmed in like that, though. It’s getting easier and easier for successful digital-first authors to move into print and even bookstores without the help of a publisher, and the spread of e-book reading from dedicated devices such as the Kindle to tablets and smartphones (22 percent of Americans age 18 to 29 read books on their phones, according to the Pew survey) seems to offer new opportunities for those who get the format and pricing right. In short, the e-book story probably isn’t over yet—and book publishers aren’t helping themselves by acting as it if were. Bloomberg

Why China isn’t a financial center

By Christopher Balding AMID all the buzz about China’s hosting the G-20 summit in Hangzhou—all the accords, arguments and alleged snubs— another symbolically significant event was largely obscured. Last week, the World Bank issued bonds denominated in Special Drawing Rights, or SDRs, in China’s interbank market. Beginning in October, the yuan will be included in the basket of currencies used to set the SDRs’ value.

To China, this symbolizes its status as a rising power. I’d argue that it instead symbolizes why China is struggling to become a global financial center.

Beijing conceived of SDRs as something of a compromise. It would like the global monetary system to be less reliant on the US dollar and more favorable toward its own currency. Yet it continues to impose capital con-

The President’s...

From A4 is that the police is trying to connect the drug war to the terrorist activities of the Abu Sayyaf. As far as it is known, there has been no record in the past that would show some kind of alliance between the Abu Sayyaf and the drug cartels. So this information is something new and need to be validated because of its impact and consequences in the law enforcement community if found to be true.

In the past, it has been a practice of our security services to distinguish acts of terrorism connected to the ongoing conflict in Mindanao and traditional criminal activities. This is the reason why in Mindanao, it is the Armed Forces that plays the major role with the PNP supporting the effort in the fight against all militant groups. It has been a good arrangement that ought to

trols, which limit the yuan’s usage overseas, and it doesn’t want to let the yuan’s value float freely, which would be a prerequisite to its becoming a true reserve currency.

China saw SDRs as a way to split the difference, to create a competitor to the dollar and maintain a fixed exchange rate at the same time.

The problem is that there’s almost no conceivable reason to use them. SDRs were created as a synthetic reserve asset by the International Monetary Fund decades ago, under the Bretton Woods system. No country uses them for normal business, and no government is likely to issue bonds denominated in them except for political reasons, as the World Bank is doing.

Companies won’t use them either. If a firm wants to borrow to build a plant in Japan, it will issue a bond in yen so it can repay in yen. If its customers are

global, surely an ambitious investment bank would be willing to build a customized currency portfolio index that would match its needs. Rather than using the SDR’s weighting of currencies, the company could sell a bond in a synthetic index of anything: a 25 percent split between dollars, euros, yen and reals, say.

No customer pays in SDRs; why bind yourself to repaying debts in them?

The reason China is pushing SDRs is that it hopes to gain the prestige of a global currency without facing the financial pressure to let the yuan float freely or to loosen capital controls. It wants the benefits of global leadership, in other words, but would prefer to avoid the drawbacks.

This is precisely the attitude that’s hindering China’s rise as a global financial center. It has all the right ingredients to compete with London and New York: a

Bloomberg

be maintained. Over the years, the country has learned to adjust to this kind of situation. It might not be a good idea if there is an attempt to change this and lump all lawless activities into one category. If this is the case, then there is a case for declaring a state of lawlessness and violence throughout the country.

There must, however, be a time line and should not be indefinite.

In a prolonged emergency situation, it cannot be helped that eventually, the situation will take its toll on the economy.

The financial market could also be adversely affected together with foreign investments. This is something the country cannot afford at this time.

Laos. His tirade appears to have been provoked by a question from a reporter. What followed was the first of its kind that I have ever seen on live TV. Predictably, US President Barack Obama cancelled their scheduled meeting. President Duterte, for his part, also expressed regret for what happened. It is hard to say whether what he said was a spontaneous reaction to the question or a long-simmering belief bottled up inside him that exploded when the question was asked.

Clearly, there will be some postmortem analysis on both sides on how to repair the situation. We are not only an important treaty ally of the United States but also its oldest ally in Asia.

One thing about being a member of the community of nations, is that there are just certain things that leaders do not say in public. In the world of diplomacy, no man is an island. A country cannot do things without the international communi-

ty raising a lot of questions. We see this happening all the time. We just have to learn to explain the issues to the best way we can. As the President said, there was no intention to insult President Obama but as they say, what one says could be a lot more painful than what one does.

Hopefully, there will be no longterm damage to our relationship.

Let us not lose track on the issue of the Scarborough shoal which the Chinese have occupied and in the words of President Duterte himself, are apparently preparing for more construction while at the same time promising the Philippines significant infrastructure investments. In the end, what do we really want? Maintaining the integrity of our sovereign rights as a nation, or would we be willing to look the other way in exchange for investments which seems to be what the Chinese are betting on. Hopefully, our leaders have the wisdom to do what is in the best interest of our country.

*** We all know that President Duterte is not into diplomatic niceties. He does not pull his punches. He says what is in his mind. This was demonstrated in his interview before he left for

vast economy, an international business focus and top-flight bankers who create innovative products. Global demand for Chinese capital and financial services is on the rise.

Yet China’s international debt and equity issuance is almost non-existent. Of the nearly 2,000 bond issues in China so far this year, only one has been international. Companies don’t want to sell debt or shares in a country with tightly controlled capital flows and a currency that doesn’t reflect the market. As with SDRs, the government can’t have it both ways.

If Beijing wants to become a center of global finance, it needs a market in which capital flows freely, prices fluctuate with demand and the rules are transparent. Rather than pursuing symbolic victories like SDR bonds, China should be letting its bankers and capital go forth.

A6

News

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH nil in global citizenship education, int’l report says T HE Philippines scored nil in educating its citizens about global citizenship, according to the first Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The report said the Philippines failed to promote key issues in its national curricula framework, like gender equality, human rights, sustainable development and global citizenship, although the country scored comparably with neighboring countries in other aspects of its educational system.

But the situation in the Philippines was overshadowed by the main finding of the study that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 193 countries pledged in September last year will not be achieved until very much later.

The report said “universal primary education will only be achieved in 2042; universal lower secondary completion in 2059; and universal upper secondary completion in 2084.”

These dates are far later than the 2030 deadline for global commitments outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, Unesco said in its first report in a new 15-year series and the first official monitoring report for SDG4.

Other key findings include : • Even at the fastest rate of progress ever seen in the region,

1 in 10 countries in Europe and Northern America would still not achieve universal upper secondary completion by 2030 • The world’s poorest countries are projected to achieve universal primary education more than 100 years later than the richest countries, • In low income countries, universalizing upper secondary completion by 2030 would increase per capita income by 75 percent by 2050 and lift 60 million out of poverty, • Universal upper secondary education completion by 2030 would prevent 200,000 disaster-related deaths in the 20 years that follow, “One of the reasons that children aren’t learning is not just because they are poor but because they are systematically discriminated against,” said Helle Thorning-Schmidt, chief executive of

Save the Children.

“Because they are girls. Because they are from certain ethnic groups.

Because they are refugees. Because they live in rural areas. We have to address the systematic discrimination,” she added.

Unesco said the report shows that chronic under-financing for education is holding back progress and to cover the US39-billion annual financing gap would require a sixfold increase in aid.

We need a radical break, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to mobilize domestic resources, to build on education across the board, to tackle challenges urgently and holistically.

It also shows the need for education systems to step up attention to environmental concerns. Half of countries’ curricula worldwide do not explicitly mention climate

change or environmental sustainability in their content.

“The power of education is our message today. Education saves lives, education is the path of sustainability,” said Unesco DirectorGeneral Irina Bokova.

“This is why we need to act in new ways, to put education first.

People do not live their lives in silos—their education is not separate from their health, environment, jobs, sense of security.

We need education to be at every table, in peace-building, in urban planning, in healthcare,” she said.

“We did research in 18 countries where school systems had addressed sustainability as a core way to deliver the curriculum. This led to a tremendous increase in quality,” said Dr. Charles Hopkins of York University in Toronto, Canada.

DepEd explains delay of chalk

Labor mulls over P125 wage hike

THE Department of Labor and Employment will conduct a study on the proposed P125 across the board general wage increase in the private sector.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III directed all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) to conduct nationwide consultations on the legislative measures proposing for a P125 general wage increase.

“I have instructed all Regional Wage Boards to convene and review the anticipated legislative measures on the P125 wage increase. All workers, regardless of whether they are agricultural or non-agricultural, deserve equal treatment under the law,” said Bello.

He said the nationwide consultations are aimed at studying legislative measures on the P125 general wage increase for workers in the private sector which will be filed in the 17th Congress. The consolidated findings from the consultations conducted by the 17 Regional Wage Boards will be submitted to the Office of the Secretary not later than September 14. Vito Barcelo

BI deploys more teams to backdoor

By Sandy Araneta RED tape is delaying the release of the teachers’ cash allowance, also referred to as chalk allowance, for the school year 2016 to 2017, the Department of Education said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DepEd said that in 2016, the increase in new teaching items due to the implementation of Grade 11 may have extended the period for hiring teachers and the submission of the actual list of beneficiaries by the divisions.

However, the funds for the allowance have been released to the beneficiaries, starting with the regular teachers, the statement said.

“As provided for in the annual appropriations of the Department of Education, an allowance of P1,500 is provided per classroom teacher for every school year for the purchase of chalks, erasers, forms and other classroom supplies and materials,” the DepEd explained.

This budget is released directly to regional offices based on the policy of “GAA s a Release Document” by the Department of Budget and Management.

For the cash allowance to be released to individual teachers, the operating units (division offices and schools) are required to submit the actual and final list of teachers who would receive the provision.

Only then would the DepEd regional offices transfer the required allotment to divisions and schools, and only then would the notice of cash allocation be issued by the DBM, the department said.

Since the hiring process continues throughout the school year, the release of cash allowance to newly hired teachers will also continue to be made upon submission of the required reports to the Regional Offices and DBM.

IN BRIEF

HOUSEWORK BREAK. Housewives from Tondo, Manila take a break from their house chores and chat with neighbors. Danny Pata

Sept. 10 is suicide prevention day

By Cathrine Mae V. Gonzales THE Natasha Goulbourne Foundation is inviting everyone to observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 by remembering lost loved ones and supporting suicide survivors by lighting a candle near a window at 8 p.m.

More Filipinos today are prone to suicide but a larger percentage is willing to seek help, the foundation said Wednesday.

It reported that almost 3,000 people worldwide commit suicide every day, which means that one person dies of suicide

every 40 seconds. About one million people take their lives each year.

In the Philippines, this translated to around five suicides daily, committed by people in their early 20s.

However, Dr. Ronaldo Elepaño, consultant at NGF and psychiatrist at The Medical City, said the report clarified that suicide cases are underreported because of socio-cultural stigma, legal harassment and the need for insurance benefits.

Some cases are also misclassified as accidents.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization found

that only three percent of total government spending worldwide is allotted for mental health. Less than one percent is spent in low-income countries and five percent in high-income countries.

To make up for this, the World Health Assembly recently taught its 194 member-states to reduce suicide rates by 10 percent in 2020 through a Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health underlined the importance of a support network to persons at risk of taking their lives and advised sensitivity in dealing with depressed persons.

The NGF also runs a school caravan in different parts of Metro Manila to raise awareness on this issue. Those who suffer from stress may also seek help through NGF’s 24-7 hotline at 804-HOPE (4673).

Elepaño urged everyone to be open-minded about suicide. “If you look at it as an illness, it will be easier to accept it as treatable.

The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis,” he said.

“Depressed people need professional help,” the doctor added. “It is very similar to any other ailments. It is an emergency. Contact their families or take them to hospitals.”

As with ‘colorum’ vehicles, illegal flights clog traffic, too

By Joel E. Zurbano AIRPORT authorities have uncovered “colorum” flights which contribute to air traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal revealed this on Wednesday as he outlined plans and programs to address congestion and other concerns at the country’s premier airport.

“We have noticed these colorum airplanes.

Those are flights scheduled at night but their airport destinations were not night-rated.

What happened was they will take off by midday. So, they were not included in the allocation. They cut in the line of planes taking off and cause more congestion,” said Monreal.

In a resolution, he said, the MIAA, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Civil Aeronautics Board came up with a system to stop the offending airlines, which he refused to identify.

“We have a resolution and we are now monitoring the movements. Once the [airline] has no approved slot, we will not give them counter, parking bay and they will not

allow takeoff,” Monreal said.

Late last year, former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez called on the country’s transport officials to swiftly ease the congestion at the Naia. Romualdez said the air traffic congestion in the premiere airport is a tragedy waiting to happen.

But Monreal said “We’ve been working to address air traffic congestion since I assumed. There were many measures already, and we’ve made plans and measures being implemented.”

“We implemented the rationalization of flight schedules starting September 1. Before, the scheduling spiked, so with the help of airlines and concessionaires we conducted a study,” the MIAA chief said.

“The ideal distribution is about 40 movements per hour. Before there were 50, then 47.

So, now we spread the schedule,” he added.

Lawmakers have urged the Department of Transportation, the CAAP, the CAB and the Clark International Airport Corp.

(CIAC) to draw up a master action plan to make Clark an alternative airport.

Former MIAA general manager Angel Jose Honrado admitted that addressing air

traffic congestion at the Naia would be a Herculean task because at least 200 flights have been added in four years.

Reports show that during the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Summit last

year, Philippine Airlines lost $18.7 million (more than P880 million) after canceling more than 700 flights, while Cebu Pacific Air incurred a P400-million revenue loss for canceling 847 flights.

AIR TRAFFIC CONGESTION. MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal and Aviation Security Group Director Senior Supt. Mao Aplasca discuss congestion and security problems at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Eric Apolonio

THE Bureau of Immigration deployed additional personnel in Mindanao to prevent backdoor departures by human trafficking and illegal recruitment victims.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the move is part of the bureau’s program to strengthen border security, better public service and catching foreigners involved in illegal drugs and crimes.

Only recently, the BI intercepted several undocumented Filipino workers who returned and admitted that they left the country via the southern backdoor.

Several personnel were placed under investigation as the victims recounted how they left with the help of syndicates and the immigration officers who stamped their passports.

“The recent apprehension of 177 Indonesians with Philippine passports while attempting to leave for the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia was also cited as a major breakthrough in the BI’s efforts to tighten border security,” Morente said.

Port operator denies charge PORT operation Asian Terminals Inc. denied the claim of the Bureau of Customs that one of its employees was caught on camera receiving money from importers transacting business at the agency.

“We were made aware that the Bureau of Customs [BOC] held a press conference and issued a press statement today, September 7, 2016, alleging that their CCTV at the BOC Port of Manila Building caught a corrupt act on camera,” the port operator said in a statement.

The statement said a CCTV footage on Sept. 5 showed an alleged employee of Asian Terminals Inc. assigned at Window 1 of Room 104 receiving money from importers or exporters transacting and processing papers to avail gate passes.

“We state for the record that Window 1 of Room 104 at the Port of Manila Building is not an ATI office and that the individual allegedly captured in the CCTV footage is not an ATI employee.

Furthermore, fees and charges collected at the aforementioned office, if any, do not go under the remit of ATI,” the firm said.

“ATI has zero tolerance on corruption and stringently implements institutionalized policies and procedures that safeguard transparency and promote professionalism in delivering port services to our customers and stakeholders,” ATI added.

Sports

A7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Lady Bulldogs gain volley finals J AJA Santiago came in from a losing stand in an Asian club tournament to fire 25 hits and power National U past University of the Philippines, 21-25, 25-10, 27-25, 25-21, yesterday as the Lady Bulldogs clinched the first finals berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Wednesday.

The 6-5 Santiago proved in top shape, hardly slowed down by the rigors of playing back-toback games in one day, pumping

in 19 kills, the last ending the 1:29-hour encounter that capped the Lady Bulldogs’ sweep of the Lady Maroons in their best-of-

three Final Four series.

“I just wanted to help the team make it bake to the finals,” said Santiago while stressing the need to improve on their teamwork to complete a back-to-back championship in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

NU swept Ateneo in sudden death to rule this conference last year.

She made it in time, changed suits but didn’t start then spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’

fightback with a sweep of the next three. Santiago also came through with four blocks.

Veteran Jorelle Singh backed Santiago with 16 points, including 12 kills and three aces, while Aiko Urdas chipped in 14 points and Joy Doromal and Risa Sato combined for 15 hits.

The Lady Bulldogs, who held off the Lady Maroons, 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24, in the opener of their playoff in the league backed by Mikasa as official ball and Accel as official outfit-

ter, also pounced on their rivals’ poor service reception as they punched in 15 aces.

Diana Carlos and Nicole Tiamzon shot 14 points apiece for UP, which also drew 11 markers from Isa Molde. But the Lady Maroons failed to sustain their own fightback in the third and fourth sets.

Playmaker Jasmine Nabor also dished out a solid game, producing 49 of NU’s excellent sets, including a series of quick hits for Santiago, while adding three hits.

Edwards: Casimero style is made for me

By Ronnie Nathanielsz UNBEATEN British flyweight Charlie Edwards believes IBF flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero is made for him and is confident he will be crowned the new world champion following their showdown at the O2 Arena in London at 1 a.m.

Sunday (Manila time) in a fight that will be televised live on SkyCable pay-per-view in the Philippines.

When Edwards was offered the fight, he said: “Get me him now! I looked at what he’s done.

Obviously, he’s a great fighter, but there’s something about his style that I know—I just know he’s made for me. I just knew it as soon as I saw him, just little clips, and this is when he knocked out that (Thai champ) Amnat (Ruenrong). I thought no, I want him. He’s well beatable.”

Asked by Sky Sports John Dennen: “What do you think beating him would mean, given you’ve had so few professional fights?, Edwards replied, “ It would be massive. He’s a two-

weight world champion, a legit champion. He’s no paper champion, do you know what I mean? He’s just knocked out Amnat. In my opinion, Amnat beat him in the fight before and I think he beat him quite widely on the scorecards. Amnat going into that last fight, I don’t think he would have been training as hard.”

Edwards added: “Not only that, he’s just qualified for the Olympics at 60 kilos, so that sums up to me there was some issue with weight there. That’s 10 kilos near enough difference. So there must have been some issues where he got knocked out and it was a bit of a phantom punch out of nowhere. So this opportunity, so early in my career, I jumped at it. I’m in a no-lose situation. If I go out there and I’m out of my depth, it’s just too early for me and I’ll hold my hands up. But I really fancy my chances. I’m really going to give it my everything. I can’t see anything else but me taking that title from him that night.”

Edwards said he’s going to be in unreal condition.

FOOBALL CLINICS. Former Azkals’ skipper Chieffy Caligdong and Fil-Briton UFL player Graham Caygill conducted recently a free football clinic in Dipolog City under the PRU-Life UK-sponsored Football For A Better Life series, a nationwide grassroots football program that also features a pocket football tournament for local teams in different age groups. The event is organized by Spears Activation, in partnership with the Azkals Foundation and regional football associations in the country. Photo shows Caligdong and Caygill with the kids, who joined the football clinic.

PH Azkals stun Kyrgyzstan, 2-1 THE Philippine Azkals national men’s football team, ranked no. 134th in their world, came away with a 2-1 upset over Kyrgyzstan in their friendly encounter at the Spartak Stadium on Tuesday night in Bishkek.

Playing without striker Javier Patino and midfielder Stephan Schrock, the Filipinos struggled in the opening minutes, but they still managed to hold their ground on Kyrgyzstan, which is

ranked higher at no. 105 in the FIFA rankings.

The team was also missing two likely starters in Patrick Reichelt and Simone Rota because of injury.

Goal keeper Neil Etheridge fended off repeated attacks and made three saves before the Azkals finally struck in the 44th minute.

Kevin Ingreso broke past the defensive line to hand the Azkals a 1-0 edge at the end of the first half.

Ingreso scored when he struck the ball, a left footed kick which sent the sphere sailing into the far top corner.

The Azkals struck again in the 53rd, when Misagh Bahadoran headed in an assist from Junior Muñoz, who played for the first time and came in at the half for Ingreso.

Then, Kyrgyzstani-German Vitalij Lux fired a shot that went past Etheridge in the 60th. Peter Atencio

San Beda, La Salle stay unbeaten

ONE WIN AWAY. Ateneo’s Rex Intal takes on National University’s single blocker Reuben Baysac to hammer in a kill during Game 1 of their Spikers’ Turf title duel at the Philsports Arena. The Eagles overcame the Bulldogs’ solid blocking and rallied from a fourth set defeat to pull off a 16-25, 25-23, 25-18, 22-25, 15-11 thriller and move within a win from retaining the Collegiate Conference crown.

UNBEATEAN teams San Beda College-Rizal and De la Salle Greenhills-A thrashed their respective foes in Group A of the SBP Division of the Best Center’s twin basketball (SBP and Passerelle) tournaments sponsored by Milo at the Xavier School gym.

San Beda demolished Claret School (0-4), 48-15, to join LSGH, which beat Xavier (2-2), 56-35, on top with four straight wins in as many days.

De la Salle-Zobel (2-2) dealt Claret another painful loss, 44-

40, in a Sunday game.

Xavier-A, meanwhile, stayed on top of Group B with a fourth straight win at the expense of LSGH-B (1-4), 61-27, also unbeaten Ateneo booked a third win over Lourdes School-QC (2-2), 59-47.

In the Passerelle Division of this tournament also supported

by Chris Sports, Ateneo moved a win away from sweeping Group A with a fifth straight win, a 64-47, beating of Claret (1-3), to tie rival LSGH, which routed Quezon City Academy

(0-4), 102-23 on top.

St. Augustine International School (2-2) defeated University of Santo Tomas (1-3), 72-60, in the other game.

Group B leader SBC-Rizal is now 4-0 following a 73-60 victory over Notre Dame of Greater Manila (1-4). It was Notre Dame’s second loss for the week after it bowed 58-104 to 3-1 Nazareth School of National University (3-1).

LSGH-B (1-3) quashed DLSZ (1-4), 54-49, in the other game.

2016 World Bridge Games

THE 2016 World Bridge Games is being staged in Wroclaw, Poland from 3rd- 17 September at the magnificent Hall Slulerie or Centennial.

The Philippines has sent to represent our country to participate in the Open Team competition. The Philippines Open Team is composed of the following members.

Mr. Philip Manalang (Playing Captain) Ceferino Carreon, Jr. Albert Quiogue Joseph Maliwat Suena Manalang Results Open A after 13 Rounds.

Final Ranking Rank Team VPs 1 France 47.60 2 Germany 46.72 3 Italy 46.66 4 Switzerland 40.31

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Finland India Israel Australia Russia Brazil Jordan Singapore Estonia Philippines Greece Chinese Taipei South Africa Ukraine

39.72 36.89 36.04 32.27 30.80 25.85 25.64 24.02 22.28 22.03 21.41 8.75 11.44 8.11

I feature a Tournament Report

by Mark Feldman The 2015 Trial Semifinals, IV At the halfway mark of the 2015 Trial semifinals, DIAMOND (Bathurst, J. Lall; Diamond Platnick; Greco, Hampson) led GORDON (Berkowitz, Sontag; Dwyer, Pszczola; Gordon, Rajadhyaksha) by 25 imps, and FIREMAN (Demuy, Kranyak; Fireman, G. Wolpert; Hurd, Wooldridge) had a 17-imp edge over CAYNE (Cayne, Seamon; Cheek, Grue; Kamil, Zia).

Fifth Segment On the first deal of the new day

(Board 61), notrump ranges led to different levels of contract: South dealer Neither side vulnerable North ♠J8543 ♥K6 ♦102 ♣QJ103 West East ♠Q76 ♠A92 ♥98 ♥J10543 ♦Q8643 ♦KJ9 ♣K52 ♣76 South ♠K10 ♥AQ72 ♦A75 ♣A984 DIAMOND vs. GORDON Room 1 South Diamond 1♣* 1NT 2♠

West Berkowitz Pass Pass Pass

Room 2

South Gordon 1NT 2♠

North East Platnick Sontag 1♦+ Pass 2♥ Pass 3NT (All Pass)

West North Greco Rajaadhyaksh Pass 2♥ Pass Pass

East Hampson Pass Pass

CAYNE vs. FIREMAN Room 3 South Kranyak

West Grue

1♣* Pass Pass Pass Room 4

North East Demuy Cheek

1♦+ 1♠

1♥ (All Pass)

South West North East Cayne Wooldridge Seamon Hurd

1NT Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass Pass Pass Where East-West were silent, a transfer sequence occurred.

Observe that Platnick drove to game where traditional bidders would likely have settled for an invitation with a weak long suit; in some quarters, invitations are out of fashion.

In Rooms 2 and 4 declarer faced a diamond lead and was disappointed when West ruffed the third round of hearts with the spades seven. In Room 4, Cayne overruffed in dummy and tried a club to the nine, losing; he lost a diamond, trumped the diamond continuation cashed a club, led a spade to the ten, and failed by one trick. In Room 2, when the third heart was ruffed, Gordon discarded the losing

diamond, ruffed the diamond continuation, led a spade to the ten, and ruffed the next diamond. Declarer then made the technically inferior play of another spade (rather than a club finesse). Looking at all four hands, we can see that Hampson could have defeated the contract by rising with the spade ace and continuing hearts, but he didn’t —East needed to guess which black king declarer held.

It might be argued that if South had held the king of clubs, erroneously playing a second round of spades (rather than cashing two clubs and leading a heart), would have been a less-likely misplay than the actual one.

In a curious twist, the flimsy overcall in Room 3 enabled Demuy to reach an impregnable one spade; declarer took nine tricks. The big clubbers given a free run in Room 1 reached an against the-odds game, down two. GORDON and FIREMAN each gained 5 imps.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

Altiche, Joven in q’finals FOURTH seed Ronard Joven and No. 7 John Altiche came away with a pair of straight-set victories to nail the first two berths in the quarterfinals of the men’s singles of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Tuna Festival Open Tennis Championship at the Gen. Santos City Tennis Club in Gen. Santos City yesterday.

Joven routed Wilfred Bentillo, 6-2, 6-0, in the first round then trounced Michael Mesa next, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the quarters in the upper half of the 32-player draw in the week-long tournament sponsored by the country’s leading pawnshop, remittance and claim center Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Altiche also posted a 6-2, 6-0 romp over Bruce Hurtado then survived a first-set scare against Athan Arejola to fashion out a 7-5, 6-1 triumph. He will next face the winner between second seed Patrick John Tierro and Roel Capampangan being played at presstime.

Tierro is eyeing a third straight win after sweeping the two PCA Open events the last two weeks although he expects a tougher challenge this time with a slew of aces raring to foil his bid, including top seed and defending champion Johnny Arcilla, whom he swept at PCA Open.

Arcilla, who dominated the three major Open tournaments on the PPS-PEPP calendar last year, including the Dagitab Festival Open and the Pintaflores Festival Open, was slugging it out with Bong Bagonon at presstime.

Others vying for Last 8 berths in the event, backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball, are third ranked Fritz Verdad, No. 5 Leander Lazaro, sixth seed Deo Talatayod and No. 8 Bryan Otico.

Regan, De Leon rule TRI2016 tilt STEEP hills on the bike and run, and humidity didn’t stop a triathlete agegrouper and a returning Filipina elite from finishing on top with impressive times in their respective categories in the Aboitiz TRI2016 Olympic distance last Sept. 3.

Ben Regan of the Fitness First team placed first overall with a time of two hours, eight minutes, and 58 seconds in the men’s category of the Aboitiz TRI2016, a 1.5 km swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run held at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Hamilo Coast, in Nasugbu, Batangas.

One Triathlon Team’s Neil Adrian Aynera followed seven minutes later at 2:15:56, while last year’s champion Mervin Rencel Santiago of Sante Barley Tri Team snatched third place at 2:16:21.

On the distaff side, former national triathlon champion and ActiveHealth member Ani De Leon Brown won first place, clocking in at 2:43:34. Finishing second and third respectively were Maria Danielle lnfantado (2:47:36, One Triathlon Team, 2:47:36) and CelmaHitalia (2:54:05 Century Tri Hard).

“I really did not expect to win. By looking at the field of participants, I felt I could just make the Top 10 finishers.

There were some challenges along the way, like the sea’s current going out and the first hill on the bike, but I managed to get over them and I even enjoyed running around the lagoon,” Regan said after crossing the finish line.

In response to the large turnout of 477 triathletes, 59 of them Aboitiz Group team members, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.’s Chief Human Resources Officer Txabi Aboitiz praised their grit, discipline and determination. “It is our third time to organize this event and, every year, our athletes continue to raise the level of competition with the same spirit of sportsmanship through every challenge,” Aboitiz said in his speech during the awarding ceremony.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Foton PH falls to Kazakhstan

Sports

Foton Pilipinas import Lindsay Stalzer smashes one against two Altay VC of Kazakhstan defenders in the 2016 AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship at the Alonte Sports Arena. The Kazakhs won, 25-27, 18-25, 21-25. Roman Prospero

BINAN CITY—Import Lindsay Stalzer and Jaja Santiago made surprise appearances, but their presence was not enough as Foton Pilipinas absorbed a 25-27, 1825, 21-25 setback to Altay VC of Kazakhstan at the end of pool play of the 2016 AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship Wednesday at the Alonte Sports Arena.

Despite being ruled out the day before due to various reasons, Stalzer and Santiago still competed for the Tornadoes, who melted against the taller, heftier Kazakhs in this prestigious continental battle organized by the Philippine Superliga, Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. and the city government of Binan headed by Congresswoman Len Alonte.

Also emerging victorious in this tourney bankrolled by SMM Sport, Nike, Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Foton, BMW, Rexona, PLDT and Price Waterhouse Cooper with Crimson Hotel as official residence, and TV5 and SMMTV of Thailand as official broadcast partners was NEC Red Rockets of Japan, which crushed Thongtin Lienvietpost Bank of Vietnam, 25-15, 25-19, 25-13, in the first match.

With the win, the Japanese finished the second round on top of Group E to book a quarterfinal battle with the loser between T. Grand of Chinese Taipei and Sarmayeh Bank of Iran, who are still playing as of press time.

Foton Pilipinas, meanwhile, fell to fourth spot in Group E and will tackle the winner between Bangkok Glass of Thailand and Ba’yi Shenzheng of China in the other quarterfinal pairing.

Quarterfinals erupt on Friday after the tourney takes a one-day break on Thursday.

Although Tornadoes’ head coach Fabio Menta admitted that he is more comfortable playing against the Thais after facing them in the 2016 Sealect Tuna Thailand Volleyball League three weeks ago, he knows their fate is no longer on their hands.

PH chessers climb to 23 spot rd

A

NOTHER lopsided triumph by the Philippine men’s team in the fifth round of the 42nd Chess Olympiad on Tuesday hoisted the Filipinos to 23rd place and set them on a sixth-round showdown with Norway, led by world champion Magnus Carlsen.

The Philippines crushed South Africa, 3.5-.5, to tally eight match points from four wins and a loss.

Once more, Eugene Torre carried the team and was supported

by Ino Sadorra, who manned top board after missing play for three rounds.

Sadorra, who complained of sudden headaches after Round 2, was cleared by doctors Tuesday

to play the fifth round. If Carlsen is fielded against the Philippines, Sadorra will face him.

“We will take this a match at a time,” said men’s captain James Infiesto in a Facebook message.

Torre, 64, has 4.5 points out of five rounds making him the team’s “lifesaver”, as he was described by Jayson Gonzales, captain of the women’s team.

The Philippine women team crushed Algeria, 4-0, to land to 27th place on seven match points on three wins, one draw and one loss. The Filipinas play Mexico in Thursday’s sixth round.

Wednesday is a day-off for the 140 teams taking part in the Olympiad, considered the second most prestigious event after the world championship.

“It will be tougher the last six rounds so the team should take advantage of the break,” said GM Jayson Gonzales, the National Chess Federation of the PH executive director and women team captain.

Sadorra came back with a vengeance after he dismantled GM

Kenny Solomon’s Nimzo-Indian Defense in 62 moves on top board.

Torre and Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. bested International Masters Watu Kobese and Donovan Van den Heever on Boards 3 and 4, respectively, while GM John Paul Gomez halved the point with IM Daniel Cawdery on second board to complete the impressive win.

The women’s team was more ruthless as WIMs Janelle mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Catherine Secopito and WFM Shanian Mae Mendoza swept Algeria with wins over WIMs Sabrina Latreche, Amina Mezioud, Amira Hamza and Hayat Toubal, respectively.

Frayna, the reigning women’s national champion who finished fifth in the World Juniors in India a couple of weeks ago, was the most impressive among the bunch as she has an undefeated record of 3.5 points on two wins and three draws including two against Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia and Harika Dronavalli of India, who own men’s GM titles.

The 19-year-old Far Eastern University standout is seeking to do good here to secure her third and final GM norm that will make her the first Filipina Women’s GM in the trip made possible by the Philippine Sports Commission, under chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

Superal ties Thai at ICTSI golf helm TRECE MARTIREZ, Cavite— Princess Superal failed to check her putting woes at the back and turned in a second straight 70, settling for a share of the lead with Thai Chatprapa Siriprakob after two rounds of the ICTSI Sherwood Ladies Classic at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club here yesterday.

Superal bounced back from a bogey finish in the first round with two birdies at the front but muffed at least three chances inside five feet coming home and missed building a cushion heading to the final round of her maiden pro event.

Instead, she will have to grind it out with Siriprakob, who carded a 71, in what promises to be a final round shootout for the top P150,000 purse after the duo pooled four-under 140s.

“I missed a lot of chances at the back. I just couldn’t the get the right

speed,” rued Superal, who flubbed putts inside five feet on Nos. 10, 13 and 16 but rolled in a bending 10 footer to save par on No. 15.

Ajira Nualraksa, also from Thailand, bounced back from an opening 73 with a day’s best 69 to join Jayvie Agojo, who fired a 70, at 142, two shots off the joint leaders, while amateur Pauline del Rosario blew an impressive 34 start with a closing 38 marred by a double-bogey on No. 12 to drop to joint fifth at 143 with LPGA veteran Cyna Rodriguez, who also rebounded with a 70.

Nualraksa, however, gets the slot in the championship flight, providing added pressure on the local ace, who is hoping to mark her pro debut with a big victory in the P750,000 event sponsored by ICTSI. The former US Girls’ Junior champion has actually racked up three wins on the circuit organized

by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments,

Princess Superal blasts out of the bunker on No. 15 en route to saving par from 10 feet

Inc. as an amateur and hopes are high for the reigning Philippine Ladies Open and Hong Ladies Amateur Open champion to nail a fourth one.

“It’s an entirely different thing —different approach, different kind of pressure. I’ll do my best

and hope to live up to expectations,” said the 19-year-old Superal, who is also priming up for the LPGA Qualifying Stage II next month after turning in a impressive joint runner-up finish in the first phase of the grueling elims in California last month.

Bulldogs clip Warriors, grab share of lead

By Peter Atencio A BANGED-UP Alfred Aroga and J-Jay Alejandro found scoring opportunities in the endgame as the National University Bulldogs clipped the University of the East Warriors, 72-66, to grab a share of the lead Wednesday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6’7” Aroga limped after the game, his right knee bruised following several bad falls under the basket and after showing the way with 16

points and 13 rebounds for 66, off rookie Alvin Pasaol’s the Bulldogs, who weathered foul with a split charity in a close encounter marked by the last 23.1 seconds, the seven deadlocks and nine 6-foot Alejandro, who had lead changes.

10 points, got in the way of His layup off Nick the prolific and foul-trouAbanto in the bled Pasaol’s Games Saturday last 1:19 finally three-point atColiseum) handed the (The2Araneta tempt. He then p.m. UE vs UST Bulldogs the sank one of two 4 p.m. UP vs La Salle lead which they gift shots at the never relinquished, 69-66. expense of Pasaol after the Alejandro, who switched latter fouled out. back to his old and favorite Changing to a new jerjersey number (7) for good sey number, according to luck after he lent it last year Alejandro, inspired him to another teammate, denied because his idol, Tony KuUE another scoring chance. koc of the Chicago Bulls, After Jess Diputado pad- used the same number. ded NU’s edge to four, 70NU coach Eric Altami-

rano said he expected their game with UE Warriors to be this close.

“UE is a tough team.

I knew we were in for a tough battle today. I think our defense spared us in the fourth,” said Altamirano.

Meanwhile, the La Salle Green Archers, who drew 29 points from Jeron Teng, gave new coach Aldin Ayo a rousing welcome with their 83-78 triumph over the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Teng put La Salle safely ahead in the last 57.1 seconds with his two charities off Ron Dennison’s foul, 81-77.

Superal fell by two in the early going as Siriprakob, 24, birdied No. 3 but the former quickly forced a tie on a two-shot swing (birdie-bogey) on the next, went one-up as the Thai bogeyed the fifth and took a two-shot lead with a birdie on No. 6.

Cavs’ superstar James cancels 3rd Manila visit LEBRON James of the Cleveland Cavaliers won’t be pushing through with his third visit in Manila.

His sponsor, Nike, said in a statement that logistical issues were the reason behind this.

“Due to logistical challenges Nike has made the difficult decision to cancel the Manila portion of LeBron James’ Asia tour,” according to the statement.

James was supposed to have a meet and greet with fans on Friday evening.

Nike organized the

“Battle the Doubt Night” event at the Araneta Coliseum before the cancellation.

James was scheduled to lead the “Battle of the Doubt Bootcamp,” a oneday basketball camp featuring professional Nike coaches and athletes.

James was also set to inspire Filipino fans and basketball players to conquer their doubts the way he did on the way to winning for Cleveland its first major sports championship in 52 years. Peter Atencio

Phoenix moves closer to playoffs

By Jeric Lopez PHOENIX started out hot and ended the same way as it rolled to its third straight victory by downing abysmal Blackwater, 93-81, moving closer to a berth in the playoffs in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Once again, Eugene Phelps was at the forefront of Phoenix’s attack, scoring a gamehigh 29 points, while Mark Borboran added 15 markers for the Fuel Masters.

Phoenix improved to 5-4 and moved up to fifth place in the standings, while moving a win away from securing a berth in the quarterfinals.

“We’ll take this win. It wasn’t a quality win for me, but we’ll take it,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia, who didn’t like how his team allowed Blackwater to come close on multiple occasions despite the Fuel Masters controlling the game from start to finish.

On the other hand, this seventh straight loss dropped the cellar-dweller Elite to 1-8 and officially eliminated it from contention in the tournament.

All it took for Phoenix to grasp control en route to another victory was a dominant starting run that set the tone.

The Fuel Masters came out like a house on fire, erecting a 17-6 jumpstart that immediately gave them a commanding double-digit lead with under five minutes left in the opening quarter.

Though Blackwater had multiple runs throughout the game and came close on several occasions, Phoenix remained composed and kept its lead until it eventually carved an easy finish.

It carried a 47-41 cushion at the half, while ending the third with only a 65-61 lead.

The Fuel Masters then stepped on the gas pedal harder in the final period, banking on a 9-3 run to start the final 12 minutes and open up a 74-64 cushion. They never looked back and held on the rest of the way.

PH to return Bangladesh money B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

B1

Duterte outbursts hurt market

By Ian Sayson

L

OSSES in Philippine stocks are accelerating as foreigners keep pulling money from Asia’s most expensive market amid speculation the outbursts of President Rodrigo Duterte are hurting investor sentiment.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped for a third day, losing 1.3 percent to 7,619.10 Wednesday, the biggest decline in five weeks. The gauge has fallen 5.9 percent from a 15-month high on July 21, paring its gain this year to 9.6 percent. Related story on B2.

Foreign funds have pulled $276 million from local shares in a 10-day run of of outflows through Tuesday. The index is down 2.3 percent this quarter, the only decliner among major Asian markets.

Duterte’s threat to swear at US President Barack Obama if he criticized an anti-drug campaign that’s left around 2,400 dead, and the subsequent cancellation of a meeting between the leaders, “didn’t sit well” with overseas investors, said Rafael Palma Gil, a portfolio manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Group in Manila.

Duterte’s behavior is taking the shine off a market that had been an investor favorite due to one of the highest economic growth rates in Asia.

“The latest incident raises concern that President Duterte’s unpredictable behavior in politics will be disruptive and could eventually spill into economics and busi-

ness,” said Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist at BDO Unibank Inc., the Philippines’ biggest lender. It’s “further weakened a market that’s already been made vulnerable by uncertainty over U.S. interest rates, elevated valuations and overseas fund withdrawals,” he said.

The Philippine index is trading at 18.3 times 12-month estimated earnings. While that’s down from 19.6 in July, it’s still the highest in Asia and at a 31 percent premium to the MSCI Asia Pacific Index. The country’s economy expanded 7 percent last quarter from a year earlier, after 6.8 percent growth in the first three months of 2016.

Investors may be better off holding cash in the near term as the index could test its 7,500 support level, said BDO Unibank’s Ravelas. The gauge could fall as low as 7,330 in the next two months as the bud-

get deficit is set to rise when taxes are cut and spending raised, April Lee-Tan, head of research at COL Financial Group Inc. in Manila, said Monday.

“Smart investors should take advantage of the weakness and accumulate because this is all sentiment-driven,” said Rizal’s Palma Gil. “Other than incendiary statements and killings related to the drug war, investors like Duterte’s economic and fiscal policies or at least what has been communicated so far,” he said, adding that he expected the index would go back up to 8,000.

A deadly Sept. 2 bombing in Davao City, Duterte’s hometown, and the president’s subsequent declaration of a “state of lawlessness” pose only a limited credit impact in the near term, Moody’s Investors Service said in a statement released Wednesday. Bloomberg

Cabinet agrees to lift rice protection

By Gabrielle H. Binaday ECONOMIC managers agreed to lift the protection enjoyed

by Filipino rice farmers, which will open the Philippine market to more rice imports from other countries.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines would no longer apply for an extension of the quantitative restriction on rice imports at the World Trade Organization.

The quantitative restriction on rice allows the country to limit the volume of rice imports entering the Philippines.

Pernia, who also serves as the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said the economic managers of the Duterte administration decided to allow the expiration of rice QR in 2017 and not apply for another extension.

“No [extension on QR]. It’s hard because we have given already extensions. I’m sure some people like it extended, but in the opinion of the economic cluster, the economic team, we prefer to just let it go already,” Pernia said at the sidelines of The Philippines Energy and Infrastructure Finance Forum 2016 in Makati City.

Pernia was referring to the economic team including himself, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Pernia said the final decision of the economic team would be released officially after a meeting within the month.

Pernia said the lifting of the rice QR would improve the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers and make them more efficient.

INNOVATION CENTER. Miriam College marks its 90th anniversary with the launching of Miriam College-Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center, the Philippines’ first integrated marketspace in Katipunan, Quezon City. Shown during the unveiling of the marker to launch the innovation center are (from right) SM Prime Holdings Inc. vice president Hans Sy Jr., Miriam College president Rosario Lapus, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. president Elizabeth Sy and Miriam College board trustee Josefina Tan. Bobby Cabrera

Moody’s finds no threat to PH rating

By Julito G. Rada RECENT security and political developments, including the declaration of “state of lawlessness” by President Rodrigo Duterte, will not pose immediate impact on the investment-grade credit rating of the Philippines, global debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service said Wednesday.

Moody’s, however, warned that business confidence and economic outcomes could be affected if these events led to prolonged uncertainty.

A bomb blast in Davao City killed 14 innocent civilians Friday, forcing Duterte to declare a “state of lawlessness” nationwide the following day.

“The near-term sovereign credit impact of these developments is limited as we do not expect them to change economic and fiscal policies or outcomes,” Moody’s said in a report.

“However, if recent events lead to prolonged uncertainty around security or economic policy, such a development would eventually dampen business confidence and, consequently, economic outcomes,” it said.

Moody’s said while Mindanao had about 24 percent of the Philippine population, it only accounted for 14.8 percent of gross domestic product in 2015 and contributed 0.8 percentage point to the real GDP growth of 5.9 percent last year.

Govt Foreign exchange reserves hit new record plans

By Julito G. Rada Davao MRT GROSS international reserves climbed to a new record in August, as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas increased its foreign investments amid the sustained inflows of foreign exchange in the country.

Data from Bangko Sentral showed GIR reached $85.9 billion in August, up from $85.5 billion in July and $80.2 billion in August 2015.

“This was higher by $0.39 billion than the end-July GIR of $85.51 billion due mainly to the national government’s net foreign currency deposits and

the BSP’s foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad,” Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.

“These were partially offset by payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations and revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market,” Tetangco said.

The August reserves also surpassed Bangko Sentral’s yearend target of $82.7 billion.

Data showed that among the components of GIR, Bangko

Sentral’s foreign investments, mostly in US Treasury bills, reached $73.9 billion as of endAugust, up from $73.3 billion in July and $70.6 billion a year ago.

Gold holdings slightly fell to $8.3 billion in August from $8.5 billion in July, on lower prices of the metal in the world market.

Other GIR components were reserve position in the International Monetary Fund at $448 million; special drawing rights, $1.18 billion; and Bangko Sentral’s foreign exchange exposure, $2 billion.

Foreign reserves exceeded the country’s foreign debt estimated at $77.6 billion as of

end-March 2016.

Tetangco said at $85.9 billion, the reserves could cover 10.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It was also equivalent to six times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.3 times based on residual maturity.

Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months.

Investment pledges with BoI surge 98%

By Othel V. Campos

TOURISM AWARDEE. Alliance Global Group Inc. chairman Andrew Tan is named as this year’s Leader in Integrated Tourism Enterprise, the highest award given by SKAL International Makati during the 26th Tourism Personality Awards at New World Makati Hotel. AGI aims to become the largest hotel developer in the Philippines, targeting to build around 12,000 hotel rooms by 2020. Shown receiving the award on Tan’s behalf is AGI president Kingson Sian (second from left) from SKAL International Makati president Robert Sohn (left) New World Hotel resident manager Randal Linhart (third from left) and SKAL International-Makati secretary general Deedee Ledonio.

INVESTMENTS pledges approved by the Board of Investments surged 98 percent in the first seven months to P210.37 billion from P106.08 billion a year ago, led by power and infrastructure projects.

“Investments coming in are in sectors that will elevate our competitiveness such as in power and infrastructure,” said Trade undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

“Dispersion of investments in the region had also changed.

NCR [National Capital Region] usually receives the highest amount of investments, but now investments are dispersed as

other regions take the lead in attracting more investments,” he said.

Trade Secretary and BoI chairman Ramon Lopez said the agency expected approved investment pledges to further increase, on the back of sound economic fundamentals and sustained investor confidence.

“While confidence in the economy remains with investments continuing to pour in, the government is pursuing a number of strategic investment policy and promotion initiatives in a bid to further strengthen its efforts in attracting a massive flow of domestic and foreign investments in the country particularly those that would bring in new technology,” said Lopez.

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Transportation Department said Wednesday it is mulling over the construction of a mass rail transport system in Davao region.

“We are looking at the possibility of building a mass rail transport system that could start from Tagum City crossing Davao City towards Digos, which could potentially up to General Santos City,” Transportation undersecretary for planning Rommel Gavieta said during an infrastructure and energy forum in Makati City.

Gavieta said the government was studying the alignment of the proposed mass transit system in Davao.

He said the agency was also expediting the feasibility study for the construction of a railway system in Panay Island.

The Duterte administration is also looking at the Mindanao railway project, which would link two roll-on roll-off routes in Mindanao — the Surigao City or the eastern nautical highway and Cagayan de Oro City.

The Transportation Department in 2011 proposed to build a rail project that would span the whole Mindanao with a total length of 2,000 kilometers.

The railway network will be implemented in phases. Phase 1 includes the construction of a 124-km rail line from Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro City.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market sinks; ICTSI climbs

S

TOCKS fell for a third day since President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of emergency to address lawlessness, dragging the benchmark index to a 10week low, despite the gains in other Asian markets.

dent Barack Obama also raised concerns among investors over the new president’s diplomatic policy. The peso also dropped for a third day to close at 46.69 against the US dollar Wednesday.

Only four of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. which climbed 4.5 percent to P81.50 and First Gen Corp. which gained 0.6 percent to P25. LT Group Inc. rose 0.4 percent to P17.06, while PLDT Inc. added 0.2 percent to settle at P1,810.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks excluding Japan climbed Wednesday, after weak data on the US services industries bolstered speculation that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates lower for longer. Shares in Tokyo fell as the yen strengthened.

The weak reading out of Washington also lent support to high-yielding currencies, with the South Korean won sitting around one-year highs.

The Institute for Supply Management

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, sank 100 points, or 1.3 percent, to close at 7,619.10 Wednesday. It reduced the market’s gains this year to 9.6 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also tumbled 51 points, or 1.1 percent, to settle at 4,542.35, on a value turnover of P10.3 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 125 to 65, while 43 issues were unchanged.

Duterte’s crude comments against Presi-

said its US non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index had dived to its lowest level in more than six years. The reading follows figures showing a slowdown in jobs creation and factory activity.

Stephen Innes, senior trader at Oanda, said in a note: “The significance of the ISM services print cannot go understated as services account for more than 70 percent of the value of US GDP and will likely create jitters” over third-quarter economic growth.

The prospect of continued ultra-low borrowing costs in the world’s top economy was cheered on trading floors, sending the Nasdaq in New York to a record high while the Dow also rallied as investors returned from the Labor Day public holiday.

The upbeat mood filtered through to Asia, with Hong Kong up 0.1 percent— building on a four-day rally—while Shanghai put on 0.2 percent and Seoul 0.3 percent. Singapore, Taipei and Wellington also posted healthy gains.

Sydney edged up 0.1 percent after data showed the Australian economy expanded 3.3 percent on-year in April-June, broadly in line with forecasts and marking 25 years of unbroken growth.

However, Tokyo sank 0.7 percent by the break as the yen extended gains against the dollar following the US PMI reading.

The dollar bought 101.30 yen in Tokyo, down from 101.99 yen in New York and well off the 103.61yen in Asia earlier Tuesday.

After rallying last week on speculation of a rate hike this month, the data out of Washington has doused any of those hopes, analysts said, while a rise this year could now be in question.

“The trifecta of terrible ISM manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs and weaker-than-expected non-farm payrolls have left the quixotic calls for a September rate hike dead in the water,” Angus Nicholson, a market analyst in Melbourne at IG Ltd., said in an e-mail to clients.

MANILA STANDARD DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS METROBANK BDO UNIBANK SECURITY BANK PB BANK EAST WEST BANK PHIL NATL BANK MEDCO HLDG PHIL STOCK EXCH COL FINANCIAL CHINABANK MANULIFE BRIGHT KINDLE ASIA UNITED SUN LIFE UNION BANK RCBC BANK PH ISLANDS CITYSTATE BANK PSBANK AG FINANCE BDO LEASING FIRST ABACUS FILIPINO FUND IREMIT VANTAGE

85.65 111.8 225.8 14.3 20.65 57.6 1.31 274 16.4 38.15 600 1.43 46.8 1,400 73.5 33.6 105 8.81 99.7 3.51 4 0.7 6.85 1.93 1.47

85.65 111.9 226 14.3 20.65 57.6 1.38 274 16.48 38.25 601 1.51 47.7 1,400 73.75 33.95 106.1 8.81 100 3.69 4 0.71 6.85 1.93 1.47

UNIV ROBINA JOLLIBEE MAXS GROUP ABOITIZ POWER PETRON ENERGY DEVT CIRTEK HLDG EMPERADOR DNL INDUS ALSONS CONS VITARICH FIRST PHIL HLDG PHX PETROLEUM DAVINCI CAPITAL EEI CORP PUREFOODS CONCEPCION SWIFT FOODS AGRINURTURE PHX SEMICNDCTR ALLIANCE SELECT RFM CORP PEPSI COLA FIRST GEN HOLCIM PHINMA ENERGY INTEGRATED MICR MEGAWIDE MANILA WATER CENTURY FOOD MERALCO CEMEX HLDG DEL MONTE GINEBRA LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG MG HLDG ROXAS HLDG VICTORIAS ASIABEST GROUP CONCRETE A TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP IONICS SPLASH CORP

185.1 246 31.25 45.05 10.04 5.79 24.2 7.54 10.8 1.78 2.39 74.3 5.97 6.14 8.2 216.2 58.5 0.154 3.19 1.6 0.88 4.18 3.23 24.85 16.4 2.22 6.53 13.5 29 16.96 313 12 12.2 12.1 47.65 26.6 0.27 3.44 4.36 15.64 130 1.85 1.22 2.09 4.37 3.41 2.25 3.05

185.1 248 31.25 45.3 10.04 5.8 24.5 7.56 10.9 1.78 2.46 74.3 6.14 6.27 8.2 216.2 58.5 0.162 3.25 1.62 0.93 4.18 3.23 25.4 16.48 2.22 6.53 13.9 29.35 16.96 313 12.14 12.2 12.1 47.65 28 0.27 3.44 4.65 16.74 133.3 1.86 1.28 2.12 4.37 3.41 2.29 3.05

83.5 109.5 222 14.28 20.1 57.3 1.04 270.2 16.12 38.1 600 1.34 46.8 1,400 73.5 33.5 105 8.8 99.7 3.5 3.7 0.7 6.85 1.93 1.47

83.7 110.3 225.2 14.28 20.35 57.5 1.09 270.2 16.48 38.15 600 1.45 47.65 1,400 73.65 33.95 105.9 8.8 100 3.5 3.99 0.71 6.85 1.93 1.47

7,781,790 2,877,810 1,471,530 403,800 483,800 281,240 107,606,000 2,020 6,500 24,700 260 1,412,000 56,600 270 148,750 251,000 1,169,030 1,300 770 36,000 27,000 81,000 2,500 1,000 60,000

652,190,142 317,429,776 330,966,764 5,768,300 9,844,330 16,171,033 128,516,320 546,338 106,448 942,300 156,050 1,961,540 2,658,430 378,000 10,955,404.50 8,457,695 123,502,419 11,443 76,867 126,320 107,310 56,710 17,125 1,930 88,200

-246,368,195 -110,313,427 -27,578,844 -5,739,740 -1,993,650 -433,367.50 -123,390 -56,752 1,640 11,430 126,000 141,000 157,245 308,000 1,498,253 5,190,430 44,216,783 -

182 247 30 45 9.69 5.8 24.2 7.56 10.76 1.7 2.4 72.8 6 6.24 8.1 215.2 57.05 0.157 3.2 1.58 0.93 4.17 3.2 25.3 16.46 2.17 6.44 13.8 28.7 16.96 311.8 12 12.2 12.1 45 28 0.27 3.19 4.35 16.52 129.9 1.83 1.26 2.09 4.22 3.4 2.24 3.05

1,806,830 493,640 2,282,800 1,591,700 9,027,100 15,992,600 466,400 836,500 6,352,700 3,839,000 24,249,000 79,550 330,000 374,800 306,400 31,430 3,290 9,390,000 646,000 561,000 4,234,000 123,000 397,000 12,239,600 111,100 2,023,000 861,400 3,157,400 610,200 2,816,300 112,670 11,020,600 3,200 1,000 700 200 500,000 5,000 22,000 218,700 3,110 788,000 241,000 545,000 32,000 110,000 835,000 165,000

327,502,121 120,187,166 68,421,735 71,490,050 88,124,131 92,345,463 11,298,695 6,268,938 68,514,624 6,603,430 57,688,680 5,806,913 1,979,799 2,329,304 2,489,875 6,767,902 190,525 1,490,180 2,029,610 889,630 3,888,440 511,230 1,276,520 306,944,310 1,821,670 4,401,760 5,487,491 43,318,626 17,758,495 47,648,020 35,156,982 131,961,350 39,040 12,100 33,090 5,460 135,000 16,200 96,020 3,474,468 383,692 1,447,870 298,840 1,134,770 136,230 374,520 1,871,180 503,250

-108,964,116 -66,042,188 -45,609,635 -31,113,935 -28,079,834 -21,469,411 -7,187,890 -4,646,456 -4,332,350 -4,167,250 -2,728,380 -1,757,082.50 -1,688,100 -614,960 -217,897 -215,426 -23,340 -1,000 9,570 20,620 93,000 249,000 410,150 482,735 489,766 2,200,940 2,343,980 3,513,932 3,947,175 4,337,730 9,493,136 26,824,426 -

0.385 6.9 1,480 74.9 666 850 11.74 72.85 82 7.9 2.01 7.28 214 0.325 8.24 16.3 17.08 6.3 1.24 0.375 6.1 6.3 0.83 0.036 1.2 1.29 1 2.26 0.203 0.285

3,580,000 95,004,100 433,370 4,029,390 407,630 504,780 8,231,600 2,389,770 128,240 1,308,500 1,653,000 630,900 3,210 7,810,000 2,646,600 6,055,800 10,959,000 1,000 81,000 3,330,000 800 1,200 630,000 5,400,000 204,000 252,000 92,000 2,000 430,000 280,000

1,365,700 655,535,144 -329,650,225 643,950,395 -190,885,280 302,095,018 -153,965,541 272,345,840 -134,055,975 428,796,200 -69,661,095 95,896,942 -55,907,638 174,492,036.50 -41,249,674 10,408,688 -892,745.50 10,281,635 -125,453 3,323,870 -41,050 4,591,914 -14,560 686,418 2,124 2,580,600 99,000 21,840,995 4,733,391 99,864,202 6,574,644 186,478,198 29,373,170 6,300 98,890 1,252,950 4,880 7,560 517,940 192,300 242,960 323,840 91,160 4,520 85,700 79,800 -

27.2 38.35 4.57 30.3 5.5 58.35 1.85 0.156 2.91 1.03 3.22 1.05 0.6 42 1.08 1.31 7.56 0.27 6.8 1 0.173 5.12 0.62 0.78 3.36

26,816,300 10,985,100 115,653,000 2,367,400 10,480,600 589,520 3,263,000 520,790,000 925,000 4,432,000 9,611,000 3,096,000 4,237,000 1,500 13,862,000 921,000 74,800 1,040,000 9,000 1,000 54,660,000 42,400 6,340,000 191,000 597,000

730,297,145 423,093,060 528,600,430 72,174,205 58,263,851 34,295,323 6,046,950 83,704,880 2,721,840 4,533,560 30,213,640 3,351,180 2,559,820 61,100 14,952,830 1,210,210 564,980 280,800 61,200 1,000 9,415,220 217,088 3,872,730 148,980 1,999,510

INDUSTRIALS 180.1 240.6 29.5 44.7 9.67 5.7 23.75 7.35 10.72 1.7 2.26 72.4 5.97 6.14 8.09 215 57.05 0.154 3.05 1.58 0.86 4.15 3.19 24.7 16.02 2.16 6.33 13.4 28.4 16.68 311 11.88 12.2 12.1 45 26.6 0.27 3.19 4.35 15.5 120 1.82 1.22 2.05 4.22 3.4 2.23 3.05

HOLDING FIRMS ABACORE CAPITAL METRO PAC INV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT SM INVESTMENTS AYALA CORP DMCI HLDG ABOITIZ EQUITY SAN MIGUEL CORP LOPEZ HLDG PRIME ORION FILINVEST DEV TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG COSCO CAPITAL ALLIANCE GLOBAL LT GROUP ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A FJ PRINCE B HOUSE OF INV LODESTAR PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.395 7.02 1,512 76.8 681.5 855 11.8 73.8 81 7.9 2.02 7.28 212.8 0.345 8.26 16.82 16.8 6.3 1.2 0.385 6.1 6.3 0.82 0.036 1.2 1.29 0.98 2.26 0.197 0.285

0.4 7.03 1,512 76.8 681.5 855 11.8 74.9 82 7.9 2.04 7.3 214 0.345 8.34 16.82 17.12 6.3 1.25 0.385 6.1 6.3 0.83 0.037 1.2 1.3 1 2.26 0.203 0.285

0.38 6.85 1,474 74.25 663 845 11.5 72.7 80 7.75 1.99 7.25 212.4 0.32 8.22 16.3 16.8 6.3 1.2 0.375 6.1 6.3 0.8 0.035 1.18 1.27 0.98 2.26 0.197 0.285 PROPERTY

SM PRIME HLDG AYALA LAND MEGAWORLD ROBINSONS LAND VISTA LAND DOUBLEDRAGON FILINVEST LAND MRC ALLIED BELLE CORP GLOBAL ESTATE ARANETA PROP SUNTRUST HOME CYBER BAY PTFC REDEV CORP STA LUCIA LAND A BROWN 8990 HLDG ARTHALAND CORP ANCHOR LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP EMPIRE EAST PRIMEX CORP

28 39.05 4.72 31.05 5.74 58.95 1.84 0.147 2.96 1.03 3.16 1.11 0.61 38 1.1 1.34 7.7 0.27 6.8 1 0.177 5.12 0.62 0.78 3.32

28.05 39.2 4.75 31.05 5.74 58.95 1.88 0.172 2.98 1.03 3.27 1.13 0.61 42 1.1 1.34 7.7 0.27 6.8 1 0.177 5.12 0.62 0.78 3.4

26.95 38.25 4.49 30.2 5.5 57.8 1.84 0.145 2.91 1.02 3.03 1.05 0.6 38 1.06 1.31 7.53 0.27 6.8 1 0.17 5.12 0.6 0.78 3.32

-434,234,215 -189,354,360 -149,209,470 -58,424,605 -37,318,208 -14,142,770.50 -3,452,580 -2,561,270 -574,840 -511,000 -290,120 -274,260 -14,800 -11,400 -7,450 -3,990 342,015 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL SHANG PROP STARMALLS

0.425 1.69 3.3 6.58

0.455 1.69 3.31 6.58

0.425 1.65 3.3 6.58

0.455 1.69 3.31 6.58

60,000 132,000 11,000 500

25,800 220,870 36,310 3,290

-

GLOBE TELECOM ROBINSONS RTL BLOOMBERRY PLDT PUREGOLD CEBU AIR MELCO CROWN PREMIUM LEISURE LEISURE AND RES METRO RETAIL SSI GROUP BOULEVARD HLDG PHILWEB TRAVELLERS GOLDEN HAVEN 2GO GROUP CALATA CORP PAXYS NOW CORP SBS PHIL CORP HARBOR STAR IP EGAME PHIL SEVEN CORP ASIAN TERMINALS INTL CONTAINER ABS CBN GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN MLA BRDCASTING LIBERTY TELECOM DFNN INC IMPERIAL A IMPERIAL B ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES YEHEY CORP MACROASIA PAL HLDG DISCOVERY WORLD GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT FAR EASTERN U STI HLDG BERJAYA PACIFIC ONLINE MANILA JOCKEY APC GROUP EASYCALL IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON

2,082 81.2 5.52 1,830 45 120 3.84 0.95 4.26 5.56 3.2 0.099 6.53 3.46 14.92 7.3 3.86 2.77 3.71 6.09 1.95 0.009 130 12 77.9 49.5 6.3 0.58 20.05 2.16 5.57 20.2 150.1 0.295 1.41 3.74 6.04 2.25 5.42 2.23 20.4 0.35 960 0.62 5.4 11.3 1.99 0.59 3.01 9.3 0.445

2,082 81.2 5.65 1,830 45 120 3.85 0.95 4.27 5.56 3.2 0.109 6.55 3.46 14.92 7.3 3.99 3.2 3.71 6.1 1.95 0.009 130 12 82 49.9 6.32 0.59 20.05 2.16 5.57 20.65 150.1 0.3 1.45 3.74 6.04 2.25 5.62 2.23 20.4 0.35 960 0.62 5.4 11.3 1.99 0.59 3.1 9.35 0.445

SERVICES 2,000 78 5.06 1,798 44.5 118 3.68 0.89 4.21 5.4 3.08 0.097 6.04 3.38 14.38 7.2 3.81 2.52 3.61 5.97 1.75 0.009 130 11.4 77.9 49 6.25 0.58 20.05 2.16 5.25 20.05 150 0.285 1.41 3.65 5.7 2.24 5.42 2.23 20.4 0.35 960 0.6 5.2 11.3 1.99 0.59 3.01 9.2 0.43

2,010 78 5.06 1,812 44.85 118.7 3.72 0.93 4.24 5.56 3.09 0.107 6.1 3.39 14.38 7.26 3.95 2.6 3.61 6.02 1.79 0.009 130 11.4 82 49.15 6.26 0.58 20.05 2.16 5.25 20.2 150 0.29 1.41 3.7 5.7 2.24 5.61 2.23 20.4 0.35 960 0.6 5.2 11.3 1.99 0.59 3.1 9.3 0.43

110,425 2,793,780 23,369,600 128,375 2,094,200 791,260 4,551,000 32,379,000 2,841,000 4,545,800 4,760,000 561,460,000 1,398,300 416,000 232,000 49,600 4,720,000 349,000 2,234,000 590,000 11,280,000 17,000,000 5,260 73,500 2,396,950 29,700 181,800 277,000 100 113,000 34,100 25,900 80 25,760,000 551,000 118,000 10,000 135,000 45,600 10,000 1,000 20,000 100 771,000 9,100 8,500 30,000 539,000 5,000 839,100 1,120,000

221,835,890 -103,101,240 222,348,324 -51,011,420 121,914,785 -48,598,631 232,024,305 -19,567,410 93,798,975 -18,707,060 93,688,831 -13,434,808 17,012,570 -12,077,870 29,890,610 -10,522,090 12,022,760 -8,815,530 24,884,583 -6,070,134 14,784,080 -2,429,040 58,586,780 -1,430,920 8,720,920 -552,869 1,414,140 -170,130 3,362,914 -143,046 358,643 -76,605 18,294,010 -52,190 1,007,420 -29,600 8,149,670 -18,350 3,546,296 6,110 20,493,050 27,000 156,700 101,500 683,800 152,100 839,100 570,000 195,152,291.50 34,190,414 1,458,230 1,143,449 161,760 2,005 244,080 179,057 521,020 12,005 7,485,350 781,450 432,680 57,394 303,710 254,574 22,300 20,400 7,000 96,000 469,790 48,260 96,050 59,700 318,010 15,230 7,813,272 485,250 -

FERRONICKEL PX MINING ORNTL PENINSULA ATLAS MINING DIZON MINES LEPANTO B CENTURY PEAK PX PETROLEUM NICKEL ASIA SEMIRARA MINING APEX MINING ABRA MINING BENGUET A COAL ASIA HLDG GEOGRACE LEPANTO A MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES NIHAO UNITED PARAGON BASIC ENERGY ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL PETROENERGY TA PETROLEUM

0.86 8.45 1 3.88 8.5 0.225 0.61 3.28 6.44 113.3 3.06 0.004 2.18 0.405 0.275 0.203 0.012 0.011 1.63 2.93 0.01 0.226 0.011 0.012 4.08 3.4

0.86 8.64 1 3.88 8.8 0.226 0.62 3.28 6.59 113.5 3.09 0.004 2.18 0.41 0.275 0.217 0.012 0.012 1.68 2.93 0.01 0.226 0.011 0.012 4.08 3.4

MINING & OIL 0.83 0.83 8.45 8.55 0.99 0.99 3.85 3.87 8.18 8.7 0.215 0.222 0.6 0.6 3.13 3.14 6.37 6.4 112.8 113.1 2.99 3.03 0.004 0.004 2.14 2.14 0.405 0.41 0.27 0.27 0.203 0.214 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.012 1.6 1.6 2.88 2.9 0.010 0.010 0.226 0.226 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.012 4.08 4.08 3.26 3.26

68,416,000 1,738,900 143,000 54,000 5,900 80,000 1,361,000 1,432,000 2,891,200 529,030 710,000 112,000,000 11,000 250,000 70,000 23,960,000 7,100,000 400,000 507,000 108,000 5,000,000 10,000 600,000 4,500,000 1,000 37,000

58,579,270 14,841,479 141,800 209,480 50,613 17,690 827,160 4,533,970 18,564,771 59,859,048 2,158,910 435,100 23,580 102,300 18,950 5,061,570 79,100 4,700 819,800 312,480 49,700 2,260 6,600 53,400 4,080 122,870

-14,927,080 -618,990 -12,000 -7,720 -1,760 4,300 10,540 211,980 2,282,766 4,669,074 -

AC PREF B1 GMA HLDG PDR SMC PREF 2B PF PREF 2 FGEN PREF G DD PREF ABS HLDG PDR GLO PREF P LR PREF MWIDE PREF SFI PREF SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

528 6.06 79 1,020 118 104.9 50.2 540 1.02 110 2.18 81.65 77.95 79 80 79.5 78.35 78.85

530 6.06 79 1,021 118 104.9 50.2 540 1.02 110 2.18 81.65 78.45 79 80.3 79.85 78.6 78.85

PREFERRED 528 6.02 79 1,020 118 104.5 48.1 540 1.02 109 2.18 81.5 77.95 79 80 79.5 78.3 78.8

528 6.02 79 1,021 118 104.8 48.5 540 1.02 109 2.18 81.65 78.45 79 80.3 79.85 78.3 78.8

890 169,300 22,810 815 5,200 5,880 508,800 200 29,000 7,000 1,000 211,610 94,790 200 67,810 16,600 759,190 4,500

469,940 1,021,908 1,801,990 831,350 613,600 614,767 24,899,315 108,000 29,580 763,536 2,180 17,276,512 7,404,820 15,800 5,428,445 1,323,060 59,484,281 354,675

-1,021,908 -785,260 -780,300 -601,800 -1,049 17,387,145 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

2.51

2.51

2.42

2.42

325,000

796,990

-

4.2 4.7 3.77 15.5

2,060,000 405,000 6,000 642,100

8,802,590 1,938,260 22,510 9,982,028

-5,810 96,520 -4,888,444

2,553,248

-721,054

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.27 5 3.66 15.7

4.35 5 3.77 15.7

SME 4.15 4.65 3.66 15.5

FIRST METRO ETF

127.5

127.5

CHANGE TRADED FUNDS 125.3 126.1 20,310

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

124,296,516

INDUSTRIAL

119,955,352

HOLDING FIRMS

158,039,820

PROPERTY

791,238,046

SERVICES

713,092,094

MINING & OIL

232,509,820

GRAND TOTAL

2,142,268,444

VALUE 1,813.77 (down) 15.84 1,639,383,231.45 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,780.41 (down) 85.79 1,579,369,966.44 HOLDING FIRMS 7,507.59 (down) 112.65 3,330,845,538.664 PROPERTY 3,394.18 (down) -84.98 1,548.37 (down) 3.74 2,013,656,551.95 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,695.53 (up) 13.41 1,489,514,233.563 PSEI 7,619.1 (down) 100.08 189,593,567.109 All Shares Index 4,542.35 (down) -51.49 10,265,675,139.637 Gainers: 65; Losers: 125; Unchanged: 43; Total: 233

SMIC seeks to raise P50b

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. plans to file a shelf registration application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to P50 billion to support expansion, an executive said Wednesday.

SMIC chief finance officer Jose Sio said in an interview at the sidelines of the turnover of Henry Sy Sr Innovation Center to Miriam College in Quezon City the holding company of the Sy family planned to issue retail bonds before the end of the year.

“There is a plan to issue retail bonds before the end of the year, but it is still being worked out and subject for approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission,” Sio said.

Sio said proceeds would be used for “investment purposes,” support the capitalization of subsidiaries and fund the expansion of noncore businesses.

Sio said the conglomerate was looking at issuing bonds with tenors of seven and 10 years.

Property and shopping mall unit SM Prime Holdings Inc. raised P10 billion from issuance of 10-year bonds in July.

Other companies are expected to conduct fund raising activities ahead of the expected US Fed rate hike later this year. A number of listed companies have availed of the shelf registration program of SEC to fund expansion plans.

Under a shelf registration program, securities to be issued in tranches may be registered for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis for a period not exceeding three years. This means the issuers can time their capital raising activities as they are needed and/or when market conditions are favorable.

PAL set to receive 2 Boeing aircraft

By Darwin G Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines expects the delivery of two long-range wide-body twinengine jet airlines in the fourth quarter, a top executive said Wednesday.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said one Boeing 777300 ER would be delivered in October and another in December.

Bautista said Boeing 777 would be used for its longhaul flights. PAL uses Boeing 777 in operating daily flights from Manila to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto and London.

The airline also plans to expand its presence in Europe and is studying flight to four more cities including Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Hamburg in Germany; Rome in Italy; and Paris in France. It now flies to London.

PAL has six Boeing 700300 ER. The airline received its sixth Airbus A321 in August and expects two more jets in October and November.

The airline, now whollyowned by tycoon Lucio Tan after he bought back a 49-percent stake that San Miguel Corp. purchased from him in 2012, earlier signed a deal with Airbus to acquire six A350-900 jets worth $1.8 billion, with an option to buy six others to support long-haul operations.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Business

Standard

TODAY

B3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH to return Bangladesh money

T

HE Finance Department on Thursday assured Bangladesh it fully supports efforts to recover $81 million worth of funds lost in a cyber heist in February.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told retired Bangaldesh Ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes the Philippines was giving its “100 percent support” to recover the funds.

Dominguez, however, said the recovery efforts would have to go through the proper legal procedures for Bangladesh’s own protection so that no other party could contest its rightful claim to the money in the future.

Dominguez said the Philippines would assist in the initial recovery of $15 million that a Manila court declared forfeited on July 7and ordered kept in the vault of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“We want to assure you that the Philippine government, including all its instrumentalities from the central bank, the DoJ (Department of Justice), DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and of course the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council), are 100 percent behind you... ,” Dominguez said during a meeting with Gomes at the Land Bank of the Philippines office in Makati City.

“We have, however, a legal system that has to be respected and this system has to be followed so that whatever claim you are awarded, nobody can challenge that in the future,” Dominguez added.

Dominguez has asked representatives from the other agencies helping in the cyberheist probe to attend the hour-long meeting.

They were DoJ chief counsel Ricardo Paras III, Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., AMLC executive director Julia Bacay Abad and Jeffrey Salik, director of the South and Central Asia Division of the DFA. Also present at the meeting with the ambassador was Finance Undersecretary

Maria Edita Tan. “It’s a blessing that you have been able to give us your time, especially you have brought the AMLC, DFA, and DoJ, all here.

So I guess I’m surprised,” Gomes said.

The amount of $15 million came in two batches—one totaling $4.63 million and the other P488,280,000, or roughly $10.61 million—that casino junket operator Kim Wong hadturned over in the course of the Senate investigation into the cyber heist.

The DoJ filed a petition before the Manila court seeking the forfeiture of $15 million in favor of Bangladesh.

The DOJ was assisting Bangladesh in recovering the funds under the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crimes, where the Philippines and Bangladesh are signatories, Paras added.

Another P107.35 million of the stolen fund, roughly equivalent to $2.3 million, was voluntarily frozen by Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. (Solaire casino), and could go through the same legal procedures, Paras said.

Duterte backs micro firms, regional trade

By Othel V. Campos PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines’ inclusive growth strategy will focus on innovating micro, small and medium enterprises development, e-commerce, youth and women entrepreneurship.

Duterte bared the plan during the 13th Asean Business and Investment Summit recently held in Vientiane, Vietnam.

He said Asean in order to be a global player must ensure the effective implementation of key economic agreements and the in-

tegration of existing sub-regional cooperation frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Subregion , the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and the BruneiIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area.

“Hailing from Mindanao, I commit to promote BIMP-EAGA. We intend to open up our other major islands like Mindanao and the Visayas with high quality backbone infrastructure,” he said, adding the Philippines would accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges,” he said.

MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF

Lacson vs Diokno on pork barrel IF there is anyone in this country who has the right to talk about the issue of legislators’ involvement in the preparation of the national budget— more formally known as the General Appropriations Act—it is Senator Panfilo Lacson. I say this because he was one of only two members of the upper chamber of Congress—the other was the late Joker Arroyo— who consistently refused to avail of their allotments under the Priority Development Assistance Fund, better known as the pork barrel.

So great indeed, is Senator Lacson’s aversion to the PDAF system that, like a member of the K-9 brigade, he can sniff PDAF-related activity from a mile away. And he has good reason to believe that PDAF is back after having lain low in the wake of the 2013 Supreme Court decision declaring PDAF unconstitutional. He can smell PDAF in the Duterte administration’s asking each of the 295 members of the House of Representatives—including the partylist members—to propose P80 million worth of projects for their constituencies.

Just how strongly Senator Lacson feels about congressional intervention in the preparation of the national budget—particularly its expenditures component—ºwas very evident in the recent Senate ways and means committee hearing on the National Expenditure Program. To illustrate this, I can do no better than reproduce hereunder the media-related exchange between Senator Lacson and the Secretary of Budget and Management, Benjamin Diokno, on the subject of letting the representatives propose P80 million worth of projects.

Lacson: “Why do the congressmen have intervention in the NEP? It is clear that the preparation of the national budget is the exclusive domain of the executive branch. Is this [intervention] constitutional? Is it legal? Is that compliant with jurisprudence?”

Diokno: “I am not saying that legislators should meddle with the NEP. What I’m saying is [that] if a project is worthwhile, then you should listen to the congressman. You as a congressman are entitled to approach a secretary before the budget is passed.

[Projects] not aligned with the Duterte administration’s priorities would not be approved anyway, like basketball courts and waiting sheds.”

Lacson: “Isn’t that a clear conflict of interest because [congressmen] are involved in the authorization phase? How will they participate in the amendments budget? In oversight, how will they have objectivity when the budget [under discussion] includes their own projects? [I have] a serious issue with the funding mechanism ….. What’s important here is that a legislator should not meddle with the function of the Executive.”

Diokno: “You know very well I was one of the petitioners in the PDAF and DAP [cases], so I won’t be guilty of the same hypocrisy done in the past.”

Indeed, Benjamin Diokno was one of the courageous individuals who filed the cases against PDAF and DAP in the Supreme Court, and for that he deserves full commendation. But the fact is that the members of the proDuterte supermajority joined that group not for love of Rodrigo Roa Duterte but for their slabs of greasy pork.

Senator Lacson clearly has his job cut out for him, and so does Secretary Diokno.

: AUDIOWAV MEDIA INC. : : x--------------------------------x

REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES In Relation to an Initial Public Offering

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on 30 August 2016, a sworn Registration Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of Audiowav Media Inc., for the registration of up to Three Billion Nine Hundred Million Two Hundred (3,900,000,200) common shares with par value of Php0.011 per share broken down as follows :

i. Primary Offering (To be offered and sold by way of Initial Public Offering unissued shares)

900,000,000 common shares

ii. Issued and Outstanding shares 3,000,000,200 (these are not included in the offer) common shares Total 3,900,000.200

President Duterte (sixth from left) joins the 13th Asean Business and Investment Summit September 6, 2016 in Vientiane, Laos. With him are Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Finance Secretary Carlos Domonguez III, the Philippine-ASEAN Business Advisory Council led by incoming chairman Joey Concepcion, Tessie Sy-Coson and George Barcelon and the Filipino Entrepreneur Awardees at the 2016 ASEAN Business Awards led by. Sherill Quintana of Oryspa.

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS BANK INC, Mortgagee, -versusFRE NO. 11310 THE CHUAN CHOW SOY AND CANNING COMPANY INC., Mortgagors. x-----------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on DECEMBER 14, 2015 by THE CHUAN CHOW SOY AND CANNING COMPANY INC, - 41-43 Aguilar St., San Francisco Del Monte Q. City/No. 041-043 Aguilar St. Brgy., Brgy. Bungad Project 7. San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, Mortgagors in favor of PHILIPPINE BUSINESS BANK, INC. Mortgagee, to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of Php91,987,093.33 as of April 8, 2016 inclusive/exclusive of interest, penalties, attorney’s fees and other charges together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on September 29, 2016 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice, Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will sell thru public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in Philippine Currency, the following described real property/ies with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-123769 (146243) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 25, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision of Lots 19,21, 22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 24 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lots 27 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S., by Aguilar Street; and on the W., by Lot 23 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN SQUARE METERS (318) more or less.

Name Carlos Jose G. Hinolan

Position President/Chief Executive Officer/ Director and Chairman of the Board Director Director/Treasurer and Vice President for Purchasing, Procurement and Music Licensing Director and Investor Relations Officer Director/Comptroller and Vice President for Finance Independent Director Independent Director Corporate Secretary, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer Chief Technology Officer

Benigno G. Hinolan II Mary Lanie Joie S. Hinolan

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-79503 (146241) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 23, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24, Block described on plan Psd-1650, land Lot 18-A of plan 7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 22 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 25 of the consolidation subdivision plan; on the S., by Aguilar Street; an on the W.,

by Lot 21 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED SIXTEEN SQUARE METERS (316) more or less.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-79504 (146249) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-123715 (146240) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

A parcel of land (Lot 31, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs- being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19,21,22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7169, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N. by Lot 30 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S. by Aguilar Street; and on the W., by Lot 29 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN SQUARE METERS (347) more or less.

A parcel of land (Lot 22, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision of Lots 19, 21 , 22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N. by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 24 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S. by Lot 23 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W, by Lot 20 of the consolidation subdivision plan, xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (300) more or less.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-75110 (146248) PR-1929 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-79506 (146239) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

A parcel of land (Lot 30, of the consolidation -subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19,21,22,23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 29 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S., by Lot 31 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W., by Lot 27 of the consolidation-subdivision plan. xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED FOUR SQUARE METERS (304) more or less.

A parcel of land (Lot 21, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24, Block described on plan Psd-1650, land Lot 18-A of plan 7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N. by Lot 20 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lots 23 of the consolidation subdivision plan; on the S. by Aguilar Street; an on the W. by Lot 18 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED FIFTEEN SQUARE METERS (315) more or less.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-75111 (146247) PR-1928 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-123771 (146238) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

A parcel of land (Lot 29 of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351 , being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21 , 22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in, the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 28 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S., by Lot 30 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W., by Lot 26 of the consolidation-subdivision plan. xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED FOUR SQUARE METERS (304) more or less.

A parcel of land (Lot 20, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19,21,22,23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N. by Lot 37 (Road) of the subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 22 of the consolidation subdivision plan; on the S. by Lot 21 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W, by Lot 19 of the consolidation subdivision plan. xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (300) more or less .

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE, NO. RT-123770(146246) aforesaid office on the above stated date and time.

Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 28 of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351 , being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21 , 22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 on plan Psd-1650, and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S. by Lot 29 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the W., by Lot 26 of the consolidation-subdivision plan. xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED THREE SQUARE METERS (303) more or less.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a non-working holiday, it shall be held on October 6, 2016 at the same time and place without further notice.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, August 31, 2016.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-79505 (146245) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 27 of the consolidation-subdivision Pcs2351, being a portion of the consolidation of Lots 19, 21 , 22, 23 and 24 of Block described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 26 on the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E. by Lots 30 and 31 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S., by Aguilar Street; and on the W., by Lot 25 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SQUARE METERS (320) more or less.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-123716 (146244) Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 26, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351 , being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21 , 22, 23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N., by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lots 28 and 29 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S., by Lot 27 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W., by Lot 24 of the consolidation-subdivision plan. xxx containing an area of THREEHUNDRED SQUARE METERS (300) more or less.

Rufino D. Dela Rosa Reynaldo C. Lugtu, Jr. Mark S. Gorriceta Arnold Ray K. Alagar

Said Registration Statement and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively known as”RS “) and the subsequent updates are open to inspection by interested parties during business hours and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to every party, upon request, at such fees as the Commission may prescribe. Said RS may also be downloaded from the website of the corporation at www.wav.global.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-75109 (146242) PR-1923 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City A parcel of land (Lot 24, of the consolidation-subdivision plan Pcs-2351, being a portion of consolidation of Lots 19, 21,22,23 and 24 of Block 120 described on plan Psd-1650 and Lot 18-A of plan Psd-7189, GLRO Rec. No. 3563), situated in the Dist. of San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Bounded on the N. by Lot 37 (Road) of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the E., by Lot 26 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; on the S. by Lot 25 of the consolidation-subdivision plan; and on the W, by Lot 22 of the consolidation subdivision plan, xxx containing an area of THREE HUNDRED SQUARE METERS (300) more or less.

(Sgd.) PEDRO L. BORJA Sheriff IV (Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VI and Acting Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this.

Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of the auction sale under penalty of the law Copy Furnished; ATTY. NINO CHRISTOPHER R. PURA 3/F PBB Corporate Center 350 Rizal Ave. cor. 8th Ave. Grace Park, Caloocan City THE CHUAN CHOW SOY AND CANNING COMPANY INC, 41-43 Aguilar St. San Francisco Del Monte Q. City No. 041-043 Aguilar St. Brgy., Brgy. Bungad Project 7, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, (MS-Sept. 8, 15 & 22, 2016)

With par value of Php 0.01 per share

According to the papers presented, the following per on are the key officers/directors of the corporation:

Jimmy Francisco P. Perez Alma A. Jadie REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY

At an initial public offering price of Php 1.77 to Php2.96 per share.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director The company filed its amended Articles o/Incorporation to change its par value from Php 1.00 per share to Php 0.01 per share which was filed on August 30, 2016 (MS-SEPT. 8 & 15, 2016)

(MS-SEPT. 8 & 15, 2016)

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

National Capital Region

DENR-NCR Building, National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Quezon City

REGIONAL BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID PROJECT

:

PROCUREMENT OF POTTING MEDIA IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPERATION OF THE ESTABLISHED MECHANIZED & MODERNIZED FOREST PROJECT

LOCATION

:

DOST COMPOUND, TAGUIG CITY

OWNER

:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES – NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), through FY 2016 Budget and its Regional Bids and Awards Committee (RBAC) intends to apply the sum of FOUR MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PhP4,400,000.00), hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, authorized franchised dealers to submit Letter of Intent (LOI) and to Bid for the above-stated project, to wit:

Purchase Request (PR) No.

Quantity

Project

Approved Budget for the Contract (PhP)

2016-295

30,000 bags

Cocopeat

PhP3,000,000.00

2016-295

5,000 bags

Rice Hull

PhP 500,000.00

2016-295

5,000 bags

Carbonized Rice Hull

PhP 500,000.00

2016-295

4,000 bags

Saw Dust

PhP 400,000.00

TOTAL

PhP4,400,000.00

Eligibility Requirements or Complete Set of Pre-qualification forms and Bid Documents will be available for issuance at the Procurement Section / BAC Secretariat, 3rd Floor (Mezzanine), DENR-NCR Bldg., National Ecology Center Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone number 3734399. A non-refundable fee of FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (PhP5,000.00) for the bidding documents.

All particulars relative to the bidding process, such as Eligibility Screening, Posting of Bid Security and Post-Qualifications shall be governed by the pertinent provision of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and the latest guidelines issued by the GPPB. Given hereunder is the schedule of the Bidding Process, to wit:

ACTIVITY Publication • PHILGEPS • DENR-NCR Web • DENR-NCR Bulletin Board • Newspaper

DATE AND TIME September 07, 2016 September 07, 2016

VENUE

DENR-NCR Bulletin Board

September 07, 2016 September 11, 2016

Submission of Letter of Intent

September 07, 2016

Procurement Section/BAC Secretariat, 3rd Floor, Mezzanine Flr., DENR-NCR Bldg., East Avenue, Quezon City

Issuance of Bidding Documents

September 07 to 26, 2016 4:00 p.m.

GSS/BAC Secretariat, 3rd Floor, Mezzanine Flr., DENR-NCR Bldg., East Avenue, Quezon City

Pre-Bid Conference

Conference Room, 4th Flr., DENR-NCR September 14, 2016 Bldg., National Ecology Center Compound, 10:00 a.m.

East Ave., Diliman, Quezon City

• Submission of Eligibility Documents and Financial Proposals • Opening & Evaluation of Bids

September 27, 2016, 10:00 a.m.

September 27, 2016, 10:15 a.m. onwards

Post-Qualification

October 30, 2016

Preparation and Approval of Minutes of Meeting

September 30, 2016

Award of Contract

October 04, 2016

Preparation and Approval of Notice of Award (NOA)

October 05, 2016

Issuance of NOA

October 06, 2016

Preparation and Approval of Contract

October 04 to 10, 2016

Preparation and Approval of Notice to Proceed

October 11, 2016

Issuance of Notice to Proceed

October 12, 2016

-do-do-

Bids will be opened promptly on the above bidding date in the presence of participating bidders of their duly authorized representatives who chose to attend. Bids Prices shall be fixed. Adjustable price proposals shall be treated as non-responsive and shall be rejected.

All bids must be accompanied by a corresponding security bid bond in the form of Cash, Manager’s Check, Certified Check, Bank Draft or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency, or Surety Bond callable on demand issued by the GSIS or by any private insurance company duly accredited by the Insurance Commission and submitted to the undersigned c/o RBAC Secretariat on the bidding date.

DENR-NCR, reserves the right to reject any or all bids at any time prior of contract, waive any defects therein, accept the bid, and award the contract to the bidder with the lowest calculated and responsive bid. The office assumes no responsibility to compensate or indemnify the bidder for any expense or loss that may be incurred for the preparation of the bids, nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.

06 September 2016.

(SGD) DIR. SOFIO B. QUINTANA, Ph.D, CESO IV. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services and Chairman, Regional Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Assistant Regional Director, Technical Services DENR-NCR Building, National Ecology Center Compound, East Avenue, Quezon City (MS-SEPT. 8, 2016)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Ray S. Eñano, Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Business

Saudi to scrap $20-b projects S AUDI Arabia is intensifying efforts to shrink the highest budget deficit among the world’s biggest 20 economies, aiming to cancel more than $20 billion of projects and slash ministry budgets by a quarter, people familiar with the matter said.

The government is reviewing thousands of projects valued at about 260 billion riyals ($69 billion) and may cancel a third of them, three people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. The measures would impact the budget for several years, according to two of the people.

A separate plan includes merging some government ministries and eliminating others, two people said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

The world’s biggest oil exporter is taking unprece-

dented steps to rein in a budget shortfall that ballooned to 16 percent of gross domestic product last year, curtailing fuel and utility subsidies as well as cutting billions of dollars in spending. The International Monetary Fund expects the shortfall to drop to below 10 percent of GDP in 2017.

The Finance Ministry declined to comment, while officials at the Ministry of Economy and Planning weren’t available for comment when contacted by Bloomberg.

Several senior government officials are accompanying Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on an Asian tour.

“The revenue and economic diversification strategy being pursued will only start to yield results over the medium- to long-term,” Raza Agha, VTB Capital’s chief economist for the Middle East and Africa, said by e-mail. “In the short term, it is a question of living with lower oil prices by cutting some capital spending, and financing what’s left via debt sales and drawing down foreign reserves.”

The benchmark Tadawul All Share Index fell 0.2 percent at the close in Riyadh. The measure has dropped 17 percent over the past 12 months.

Prince Mohammed is leading plans for the biggest economic shakeup in the kingdom’s history to reduce the economy’s reliance on oil after the plunge in crude prices. His blueprint includes selling a stake in oil giant Aramco and creating the world’s biggest sovereign wealth fund.

In the meantime, however, efforts to repair public finances are slowing the expansion of the biggest Arab economy, with non-oil gross domestic product contracting in the first quarter of this year.

“Much lower government spending will translate into lower private sector growth, which is already started to be seen in economic indicators this year,” said John Sfakianakis, director of economic research at the Gulf Research Center. “It’s a double edged sword as the government has to rationalize spending because of the drop in oil revenues.” Bloomberg

Oysters to grow in recycled toilets NEW YORK―Toilets might not immediately conjure up thoughts of marine life but New York is growing 50,000 oysters on beds of recycled lavatory porcelain near one of the world’s busiest airports.

The “Billion Oyster Project,” which the city unveiled on Tuesday, is designed to boost storm defenses and improve the quality of brackish and fresh water wetlands of Jamaica Bay, home to John F. Kennedy Airport.

The $1-million project will be rooted in oyster beds made up of broken porcelain from nearly 5,000 recycled toilets, decades after the natural population died out due to pollution and overharvesting.

Officials hope they help create a more sustainable and resilient city, buffer New York from future storms and clean up the water.

“This oyster bed will serve multiple purposes―protecting our wetlands from erosion, naturally filtering our water and providing a home for our sea dwellers are just a few,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

New York was paralyzed

by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which also caused devastating damage in neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut.

The monster storm killed more than 200 people, left hundreds of thousands homeless and cut power in southern Manhattan for days.

Oysters help keep marine ecosystems healthy by filtering pollutants from the water, protecting wetlands and shoreline from erosion and storm surge, and providing habitat for fish and other organisms. AFP

PREMIUM SMARTPHONE. A South Korean staff member sets LG’s new premium smartphone V20 on a table during a launch event in

Seoul on September 7, 2016. LG Electronics unveiled its new V20 premium smartphone which features improved audio functions and dual-lens rear cameras. AFP

Hanjin holding Samsung products SAMSUNG Electronics Co., the world’s biggest smartphone maker, said about $38 million of its goods and parts were on board two vessels operated by the distressed Hanjin Shipping Co., which applied for bankruptcy protection last week.

Supporting Hanjin’s Chapter 15 US Bankruptcy Court petition, Samsung said in a court filing Tuesday that without an order protecting the shipping line against creditors, the vessels won’t be able to dock, causing the South Korean electronics maker losses that may “continue to escalate so long as the cargo aboard these ships remains unloaded.”

Hanjin Shipping won a provisional ruling Tuesday, protecting its assets in the US against creditors, while the shipping line proceeds with its reorganization in South Korea.

The collapse of Hanjin Shipping, South Korea’s biggest container shipping line, has sparked concerns the vessels won’t be able to pay docking fees and handling charges or their cargo might be seized by creditors, prompting many ports in the US, Asia and Europe to turn them away. As many as 85 Hanjin ships are stranded around 50 ports in 26 countries, according to the company.

Samsung said its visual display business division had $24.4 million of parts and finished goods in 304 containers meant for its factory in Mexico, while its home appliance business division had products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and microwave ovens worth $13.5 million in 312 containers.

If the cargo can’t be unloaded immediately, Samsung will be forced to transport alternative parts by air to help meet contractual obligations, entailing “great costs,” it said. For instance, it would have to charter at least 16 planes at a cost of $8.8 million to transport 1,469 tons of goods, it said.

Bloomberg

Australia marks 25 years of unbroken economic growth SYDNEY―Australia’s economy is growing at its fastest annual rate in four years, the government said Wednesday, as it trumpeted a quarter of a century of continued expansion.

Growth hit 3.3 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter of 2016, with government spending helping to offset falling trade as the economy shifts away from a decades-long resources-led boom.

In the three months to the end of June, it expanded 0.5 percent with Australia now not seeing a recession since 1991, making it one of the developed world’s best-performing economies.

“It’s official, Australia has now achieved 25 years of uninterrupted economic expansion,” Treasurer Scott Morrison said.

But while there was “much to welcome in these accounts today,” he also warned it was no time for complacency.

“We continue to fight for every inch of growth in a very challenging world economy,” he said.

A bumper quarter-on-quarter 1.0 percent expansion in the January-March period was driven by trade and household spending, but falling exports―a key growth engine―were a drag for the April-June number.

Over the three months, they

took 0.2 percentage points from GDP, but were offset by a 1.9 percent rise in government spending, and a whopping 15.5 percent jump in public investment.

Consumer spending also grew, but its 0.4 percent quarterly rise was the smallest in three years―a possible indicator that low wage growth was starting to bite.

The Australian dollar, which climbed ahead of the data, fell slightly after the announcement to 76.58 US cents but soon recovered, clinging on to gains made overnight after soft US data raised doubts about an imminent US rate hike.

Capital Economics’ chief Australia economist Paul Dales said the quarterly growth was “a good result” and should ease pressure for further interest rate cuts.

“The return of the Australian economy in the second quarter to the growth rates seen before the end of the mining boom relieves some of the pressure on the (central bank) to cut interest rates again, at least in the next few months,” he said.

But he added that stubbornly low inflation, which fell to a 17year low of 1.0 percent in AprilJune, may still prompt a rate cut to 1.0 percent next year.

The Reserve Bank of Austra-

lia on Tuesday held the cash rate steady at a record low of 1.50 percent, having eased twice in the past four months in a bid to boost prices.

National Australia Bank economists said in a note that Wednesday’s data “continues to suggest reasonable growth across the non-mining economy, despite some modest loss of momentum.”

“We do not expect any nearterm shift in monetary policy, but retain our view that two cuts will follow in mid-2017 in response to the ongoing weak inflation and risk that the economy slows too sharply in 2018,” they said. AFP

Singapore is best hub after London SINGAPORE is next in line if London loses its status as leading business hub in the world.

The Asian island nation ranks behind London as the best global city, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP said in a new study, based on social and economic data published before the UK voted to leave the European Union. The Cities of Opportunity Index places Singapore ahead of Paris and Amsterdam, two European cities that are seeking to attract foreign businesses if they decide to shift jobs out of London.

Superior technology, low taxes and efficient transport and infrastructure systems helped Singapore to overtake New York and move one notch higher in the rankings since the previous study in 2014, according to PwC. Unlike other surveys that rank financial hubs based on their competitiveness, the PwC index assesses cities on their social and economic health too, measuring

indicators such as the ease of doing business, demographics and technology readiness.

The results show Singapore’s growing business clout, driven in part by an expanding financial and insurance industry, which makes up about 13 percent of the economy.

Singapore leads its main Asian rival, Hong Kong, in categories such as ease of doing business, infrastructure and health, safety and security. Hong Kong dropped one spot in the overall index to ninth, partly due to a decline in the category measuring intellectual capital and innovation.

Few cities beat Singapore on taxes. The corporate tax rate of 17 percent compares with more than 30 percent in France, 35 percent in the US and an average of 22.8 percent for the 35-member Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“An analysis of corporate total

tax rate, personal rate, and tax efficiency shows that Singapore, along with Dubai and Hong Kong, have the lowest rates and highest efficiency collectively,” PwC said.

To be sure, the No. 2 spot on the index doesn’t mean Singapore will attract companies seeking to shift their operations out of London as the UK untangles itself from the EU. For a start, the city state has been tightening rules for foreign workers and has a perennial pollution problem from forest fires in Indonesia.

Ravi Menon, head of Singapore’s central bank, said Tuesday that businesses set up operations in Hong Kong and Singapore to tap Asian markets and Brexit may not dent London’s appeal as a financial hub.

“London will remain a major financial center,” he said. “At the margin there will some shift to other financial centers in Europe.” Bloomberg

LGUs

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

C1

VICTIM. Commission on Higher Education (CHED-ARMM) Commissioner Dr. Amor Pendaliday demands justice for Davao bombing victim Pipalawan Macacua (photo on Pendaliday’s phone) at the CHED-ARMM office in Cotabato City on Monday. Omar Mangorsi

Estrada clears MICT road

By Sandy Araneta

M

ANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada has started clearing roads leading to the Port of Manila to relieve port and traffic congestion.

This morning, Estrada led the Manila International Container clearing of the access road of the Terminal (MICT) in Tondo that

for years has been clogged with hundreds of kuligligs or motorized pedicabs and countless shanties and illegal structures.

The terminal is located between the Manila North Harbor and the Manila South Harbor and can be accessed by road through the MICT South Access Road.

Dennis Alcoreza of the Ma-

nila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) said the road has three lanes but only one lane was left open because of the obstructions on the road and its sidewalks.

During rush hour, Alcoreza said, the line of stalled vehicles reaches as far back as R-10 and Anda Circle on Bonifacio Drive, and up to Padre Burgos Avenue.

Bikers required to wear helmets

been hampering the efficient operation of the major seaports, particularly MICT,” Estrada said.

“We have to open an unimpeded path for thousands of container trucks going to and from the container terminal and relieve congestion on R-10 and Bonifacio Drive all the way to Roxas Next page

Quezon City hosts int’l conferences

By Rio N. Araja

By Jun David CALOOCAN City’s Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management has ordered the strict enforcement of the wearing of helmets by city employees including traffic personnel.

This came after officer in charge engineer Gilberto Bernardo observed that many city government employees violate the traffic rule on proper attire while driving motorcycles.

In a memorandum, Bernardo reminded the DPSTM personnel to observe traffic rules. “The traffic enforcers should themselves lead by example. Even police officers, Metro Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers and the like are not exempted from wearing helmets. Hence, violators will be sanctioned and issued traffic violation receipts with corresponding fines,” the memorandum read.

Bernardo admitted that many of his enforcers have been catching violators but the enforcers themselves do not wear the proper safety gear.

The Manila mayor personally supervised members of Task Force Manila Cleanup in removing and impounding hundreds of parked kuligligs, tearing down makeshift stalls and shanties, and hauling way debris and trash on the 1.1-kilometer long road.

“These obstructions are the cause of the perpetual traffic jam that has

TRAVEL. Foreign buyers and local sellers conduct a series of business-to-business sessions at the opening

of the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016, which aimed to broaden their chances of interaction and to encourage more in-depth discussions on tourism and trade opportunities. Ey Acasio

QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista announced plans to develop the city’s tourism attractions after the Singapore model to generate more jobs and trading opportunities, the local government announced.

The city is preparing to host the 3rd Global Mayoral Forum on the last week of September and the Metro Manila Tourism Summit on October 17 and 18, as well as the 2017 Asean Education Forum.

Former Tourism secretary Mina Gabor, one of the proponents of the tourism summit, was also present at the launch of the Quezon City’s new tourism campaign, bannered by the slogan “QC Welcomes You!” At the launch, Bautista said the city will partner with business

sector stakeholders in the creation and development of man-made tourist destinations in the city, such as hotels, restaurants, leisure parks and cyberparks.

He said he will incorporate some strategies adopted by Singapore when it launched its Green Campaign for the development of man-made tourist destinations. As part of the city government’s effort to boost its tourism, the mayor also underscored the need to take advantage of its sister-cities program, both local and international.

He noted the expansion of the Metro Rail Transit along Commonwealth Avenue now under way in which several trees lining the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue expected to be uprooted.

Anne Curtis a Unicef heroine for underfed kids

By Cathrine Mae V. Gonzales IN HER long years in showbusiness, Anne Curtis has learned that there is more to being a celebrity and that being a hero transcends the brief hours of a noon-time show.

This knowledge of the world out-

side the limelight led to her stint as the Unicef Celebrity Advocate for Children that began in 2014.

On September 4, she joined around 7,000 Unicef supporters and 45 children with disabilities in the Heroes for Children Run at the SM Mall of Asia grounds to raise funds for the UN organi-

zation’s First 1000 Days program that gives disadvantaged children a better start of life.

The fun run also coincided with Unicef’s 70th anniversary.

“There is more than one way to become a hero for children,” said Anne. “I am overwhelmed with the number of supporters who joined

this year, many more than the over 3,000 runners last year. It really is amazing to know that so many people are willing to work out for a good cause. In behalf of my Unicef family we want to thank you for all your love and support.”

Fans who wanted to help raise funds but could not run physically

were allowed to donate through the website simplygiving.com.

The First 1000 Days program of Unicef focuses on prenatal and early childhood interventions to end malnutrition among thousands of children in the country. Last year’s heroes helped raise P3 million to fatten undernourished children.

Buses to ferry freeport laborers

By Butch Gunio MARIVELES—To provide better transportation for the increasing number of workers in the local industries, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (Afab) and the local governments of Mariveles and Bataan are convincing transportation firms to start operations in the industrial town.

“Aside from housing programs for the workers, we are also looking into developing a reliable transport system for the FAB with the help of the Mariveles and Bataan government,” said Engr. Emmanuel Pineda, Afab deputy administrator for operations.

“Mariveles Mayor Ace Jello Concep-

cion and the municipal Sangguniang Bayan are helping us find transportation firms that will service night shift workers in the FAB. Hopefully, the number of public utility vehicles and buses running from Mariveles to the City of Balanga will double as the FAB continues to expand,” Pineda added.

Meanwhile, Concepcion said he was committed to helping the Afab provide better transportation services. “In the new business concept, the inclusion of a dependable and reliable transport system is an important factor to achieve growth,” the mayor said.

The municipal mayor and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board have discussed the granting

of permits to operate at least 10 minibuses to ply the FAB-Balanga City route.

The initiative to provide better transportation assistance program is part of the Afab’s commitment to build a worldclass freeport that meets all the needs and demands of locators.

The Mariveles municipal government and the provincial government of Bataan began discussions on a transportation program after the Afab reported that there were already 30,172 workers in the freeport as of August this year. The figure is 17 percent higher than the 25,803 workers in 2015. In the FAB’s first six years of operation, the number of workers increased by 136 percent from only 12,777 in 2010.

SLOGAN. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista led the unveiling of the city’s

Tourism Slogan at the city hall. With him are Tourism Department OIC Divine Pascua (left) and former Tourism secretary Mina Gabor (right). Manny Palmero

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LGUs

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Councilors Week set in QC Q

UEZON City may become the permanent host of the annual Philippine Councilors Week celebrations, according to Councilor Godofredo Liban II, the president of the local chapter of the Philippine Councilors League.

In a statement, Liban said center where local and national the city may build a convention events may be held, including

the yearly PCL gathering.

He revealed that there have been proposals for the construction of a convention center but the project was shelved. However, Mayor Herbert Bautista is still interested in pushing the project via a Private-Public-Partnership scheme, Liban said.

As Quezon City celebrates

Philippine Councilors Week, its legislators pushed for the implementation of Bautista’s executive and legislative agenda.

Presidential Proclamation 212 issued by President Fidel Ramos declares the first week of September as Philippine Councilors’ Week.

Quezon City is one of the

very few local government units spearheading the celebration, which its mayor said was an opportunity to bring government services closer to the people.

This year, the 36-member city council has lined up various projects and activities to highlight the weeklong celebration that will

start on Monday.

The visiting councilors will tour the QC Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (Tahanan) in Barangay Payatas.

The city councilors will also host tree-planting activities, a photo exhibit and a food bazaar.

Councilor Lena Marie Juico is this year’s QC-PCL week celebration chairman.

Davao lawmakers drug-free

By Funny Pearl A. Gajunera to a mandatory drug test Tuesday before the regular session DAVAO CITY—Vice Mayor started—and all of them tested Paolo Duterte and 23 local law- negative for illegal drugs.

Duterte and his councilors submakers submitted themselves

mitted urine samples to the representatives of the Region XI Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during the drug test at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Three councilors did not take the test.

According to council secretary Charito Santos, Councilor Mabel Acosta has been on official business since August, while Councilor Rene Elias Lopez was on domestic emergency leave.

On the other hand, Councilor January Duterte, wife of Vice Mayor Duterte, was in Manila for a medical checkup.

The vice mayor said those who were absent must find time to take the test.

“All present, including the vice mayor, tested negative for dangerous drugs,” PDEA XI Director Adzhar Albani said.

The vice mayor said he plans to take another test of hair or blood samples to prove that he is not a drug user.

He called on all councilors last week to take the drug test to show their support for the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte against illegal drugs and ensure that no councilor was using or is involved in illegal and dangerous drugs.

Earlier, Vice Mayor Duterte said councilors who will be found positive for drug use will be penalized.

Estrada...

From A1 Boulevard,” he added.

Estrada said owners of the motorized pedicabs have made the road their garage and repair depot, causing horrendous traffic jams.

“We prioritize this road because the big container trucks use it.”

Estrada said the road clearing will benefit not only the City of Manila but the entire country as well because of the unimpeded cargo-handling operations at the ports, which bring millions of revenues for the national government, and employment and economic opportunities for thousands of Filipinos.

LOST BEAUTY. The Cordillera Administrative Region, its line agencies and Barangay Asin set up a dump site and a materials recovery facility that allegedly polluted this waterfall in Tuba, Benguet. Dave Leprozo

Soil study best research paper

By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY—The Effective Microorganism-Based Organic Solanaceous Crop Production in Orani, Bataan was adjudged the Best Paper (Development Category) in the 11th Bataan Peninsula State University Research and Development In House Review.

BPSU officer in charge-vice president for research, development and extension services, Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, explained that effective microorganisms are soil enriching agents.

Dr. Rina Paguia was the project leader and Mirasol Rosana was a research member for the paper. Dr. Arturo Alegado and

Engr. Morrimer Daag did partial budget analysis and defining new technologies.

The paper bested other BPSU research projects: Application of Coral Transplantation Technology to Improve Productivity of Coral Reef Resources for Responsible and Sustainable Fisheries/Harness Potentials of Subic Bay for Underwater Tourism; Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Integrated Rice-based cum Sweet Potato and Slaughter Goat Production in Bataan; and Science and Technology Model Farm on Mango Production in Pampanga.

The evaluators during the recent in house review held at

BPSU Abucay Campus were educators from Central Luzon State University-CLAARRDEC Dr. Mario Agustin, Research Office; Dr. Romeo Gavino, professor, College of Engineering; and Nestor Pagaduan, instructor, Research Office.

On the other hand, the university research project Development of Automatic Fish Feeder using Microcontroller and GSM technology was Best Paper in the Research Category.

The BPSU OIC-VP said the university, in consonance with the direction of its president Dr. Greg Rodis, has a dynamic research and development office.

BPSU is considered the agricultural research center of Bataan.

BPSU holds extensionist talks BALANGA CITY—The Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors Inc. (PAEPI) will hold semi-

nar-workshop here on “Bridging Research and Extension for Dissemination” for members and extensionists in Central Luzon.

Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, Bataan Peninsula State University OIC vice president for research, extension, and training services and PAEPI vice president for Luzon, announced that the seminar-workshop is scheduled on September 8-9 at the BPSU Main Campus.

He said Dr. Nimfa Bracamonte, retired MSU-IIT Extension director and PAEPI vice president for Region X, will lecture Research and Extension Framework for De-

velopment; professor Lorenzo Isla, Extension Services director of Letran de Calamba and PAEPI national treasurer will discuss Project Cycle, Monitoring, and Documentation; and Dr. Roberto Saladar, sociologist/professor, ASU and PAEPI BOD chairman, will tackle Bridging Research and Extension in Project Initiation, Implementation, Monitoring and Documentation.

The PAEPI, formed in 1989, is one of the oldest associations and social networks of extensionists, project implementors, extension advocates, professors, and instructors in the Philippines. Butch Gunio

DRILL. The Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Valenzuela City Health Department and the Red Cross conduct a disaster preparedness simulation exercise on MacArthur Highway.

Andrew Rabulan

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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UN condemns Nokor missiles

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nited Nations—The UN Security Council on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of North Korea’s latest missile tests and threatened to take “further significant measures” against Pyongyang North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles Monday as world powers gathered for a G20 meeting in China, with leader Kim Jong-Un hailing the tests as “perfect,” and US President Barack Obama warning it would only up the pressure.

“These launches are in grave violation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s international obligations and UN Security Council resolutions,” the 15-member Council said in a

statement.

It called on North Korea to “refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and comply fully with its obligations under these resolutions.”

The council said it would “continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures” if merited and called on all sides to work to reduce tensions.

The document was adopted unanimously, including by Pyongyang’s only ally China.

Earlier, the envoys from Japan, South Korea and the United States appeared before the press together to slam North Korea’s missile program.

“With each test, each violation of UN Security Council resolutions—and there have been 22 of them so far this year—the DPRK demonstrates further advancement of its ballistic program,” US envoy Samantha Power said.

“The Security Council must remain unequivocal and united in its condemnation of these tests.”

UN resolutions bar North Korea from any use of ballistic missile technology.

Pyongyang has nevertheless conducted a fourth nuclear test and

a series of missile tests this year in defiance of UN sanctions, prompting South Korea to announce plans to deploy a US anti-missile system to counter such threats.

North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.

Earlier Tuesday, Obama held talks with South Korean counterpart Park Geun-hye on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos.

“North Korea needs to know that provocations will only invite more pressure and further deepen its isolation,” he told reporters after meeting Park in Vientiane.

Park described the launches as a “reckless provocation (that) will lead North Korea down the path of self-destruction.”

But despite the global chorus of

disapproval and tough sanctions, Pyongyang is unrepentant -- continuing to ignore the international community’s calls for a halt to its weapons program.

The North’s KCNA news agency said Kim personally oversaw Monday’s missile firing, which he “appreciated as perfect.”

“He stressed the need to continue making miraculous achievements in bolstering up the nuclear force one after another in this historic year,” the report added.

The North’s top newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried nine photos of the test, including one of a beaming Kim standing in front of a map surrounded by smiling officials.

South Korea’s defense ministry said the tests were of Rodong mis-

siles with a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). It said they had been fired over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) without warning.

The Rodong is a scaled-up Scud variant with a maximum range of around 1,300 kilometers, bringing most of Japan within range.

Melissa Hanham, an expert on North Korea’s weapons program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said it was difficult to determine so far if there had been any technical progress.

“The most obvious difference from the last test is the change in warhead,” Hanham said.

Last month, North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile from the northeastern port of Sinpo. AFP

SECOND INVITATION TO BID Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BISELCO), through its Bids and Award Committee is inviting all prospective Bidder to pre-qualify and to Bid for the supply and delivery of two units three-phase reclosers with the following requirements and specifications:

ABC: One Million Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (1,400,000.00 PhP) Interested parties must show proof of at least three (3) similar projects in the Philippines.

The criteria to be used by BAC in the eligibility of the prospective bidders shall be a non-discretionary “pass/fail” basis. As such, non-submission of any of the eligibility requirements will result in the disqualification of the prospective bidder.

PRAYER RALLY. Students hold signs as local Muslim leaders conduct prayers to condemn violence the day after a bomb blast in front of a school by

suspected separatist militants in the Takbai district of Thailand’s restive southern province of Narathiwat on Wednesday. AFP

Muslims go on hajj to Mecca MECCA—Muslims from across the world have gathered in Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage, which is a pillar of Islam, to take part in the following rituals: Ihram: Pilgrims wear special outfits, which for men is a twopiece white seamless garment.

Women wear loose dress, generally white, with only the face and hands exposed. During this period, pilgrims must abstain from sex and quarrels, not use perfumes, and not cut their hair or nails.

“I am answering your call, God,” pilgrims chant during the hajj.

Once in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, or circumambulation, seven times counter-clockwise, around the Kaaba, a black masonry cube in the centre of the Haram, or sacred site—a word used to describe the Grand Mosque.

Muslims pray in the direction of the Kaaba from wherever they are in the world. They believe the Kaaba was first built by Adam.

As they circle, pilgrims point their palms at the eastern cornerstone known as the “Black Stone” and say: “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest).

Walk back and forth between two stone spots, a distance of just under 400 metres (yards) at the Grand Mosque. This is known

as “Sa’i” and is carried out seven times, emulating a search for water by Ibrahim’s wife Hagar.

These rituals are considered the Umra, or lesser pilgrimage, which come ahead of the hajj’s main rites.

The key rites start on the 8th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja and end on the 13th (this year September 10-15).

Pilgrims head to Mina, around five kilometres (three miles) east of the Grand Mosque, on the first day of hajj known as Tarwiah (watering) day because pilgrims traditionally watered their animals and stocked water for their trip to Mount Arafat, 10 kilometers southeast of Mina.

Arafat Day, on the 9th of Dhul Hijja, (September 11) is the climax of the hajj season. Pilgrims gather on the hill known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy) and the surrounding Mount Arafat plain, where they remain until evening for prayer and to read the Koran. Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final hajj sermon there almost 1,400 years ago.

After sunset on the 9th of Dhul Hijja, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah, half-way between Arafat and Mina, where they stay at least until midnight. They gather pebbles to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil.”

After dawn prayers on the 10th

day, which starts the Eid al-Adha feast, pilgrims return to Mina. The first of three daily stoning rites, known as Jamarat al-Aqaba, begins after sunrise. Traditionally, seven pebbles are thrown at a post representing the devil, emulating the actions of Abraham.

Since 2004, it has been replaced by walls to accommodate the rising numbers of pilgrims and to try to avoid a repeat of deadly crushes at the site.

After the first stoning, sheep are slaughtered and the meat distributed to needy Muslims, symbolizing Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael on the order of God, who provided a lamb in the boy’s place at the last moment.

Pilgrims no longer carry out this rite themselves. They instead pay agencies to distribute the meat to the world’s needy.

Men then shave their heads or trim their hair while women cut a fingertip-length of their locks. After that they can end their Ihram and change back to normal clothing.

They then return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, circumambulating seven times around the Kaaba, and again performing Sa’i.

The pilgrims then return to Mina to continue the stoning ritual for two or three more days.

Finally, they return to the Grand Mosque, circumambulating the Kaaba seven times. AFP

ATTACK. A general view shows the marina in Koumac, in the North Province of New Caledonia on Wednesday. A shark savaged an Australian kitesurfer to death off New Caledonia on Tuesday, officials said. AFP

Protests beset Malaysian premier KUALA LUMPUR—A Malaysian group that has staged huge political demonstrations in the past will hold another rally in November to protest against the country’s scandal-tainted prime minister, its chairwoman said Wednesday.

Demonstrators will demand the resignation of Najib Razak, who is under fire over his alleged involvement in the looting of billions of dollars in state funds.

A date for the November rally will be announced on September 14, said Maria Chin Abdullah, chair of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections.

The group, an alliance of NGOs and civil-society groups commonly known as “Bersih,” the Malay word for “clean,” is the country’s most prominent political pressure group and previous rallies have ended with demonstrators clashing with police.

In 2015, it drew tens of thousands of people to peaceful demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur and other locations to demand Najib’s removal over the spectacular corruption scandal, shutting down the capital for two days.

“We will definitely have Bersih 5 in November,” China was quoted saying by news website Malaysiakini.

Contacted by Agence France Presse via text, she declined to provide further details but said more information would emerge next week.

Najib has so far fended off mounting calls to answer allegations that billions were looted from a state-owned investment fund he founded.

Najib and the fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), deny any wrongdoing.

But the US Justice Department filed lawsuits in the United States in July alleging a massive international conspiracy by Najib’s relatives and associates to steal billions from 1MDB. AFP

The complete schedule of activities are as follows: No. 1 2 3 4

Activities Issuance of Bid Documents Pre-bid Conference Submission and Opening of Bids Announcement of Winning Bidder

Schedule September 9, 2016 September 19, 2016 September 29, 2016 October 5, 2016

Complete set of bidding documents may be obtained at BISELCO BAC Secretariat through e-mail address biselco79@yahoo.com or mobile number 09159551913; upon payment of non-refundable fee of 5,000.00 pesos.

Sealed Bid Documents must be submitted addressed to the BAC SECRETARIAT, BISELCO, Bgy. 6, Coron, Palawan. Bidders or authorized representative are required to attend Pre-Bid Conference and opening of the Bids as scheduled. For more details, you may contact Mobile No. 09097178958 or E-mail at biselco79@yahoo.com BISELCO BAC reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to annul the bidding process, declare a failure at any time prior to the contract award, or not to award the contract, without thereby incurring any liability, and makes no assurance that a contract shall be entered into as a result of the bidding. Likewise, the BISELCO BAC assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

Noted by: (Sgd) ENGR. SELWIN Y. ALILI BAC Chairman/TSD Manager

(Sgd) RUTH L. GALANG General Manager (TS-SEPT. 8 , 2016)

Republic of the Philippines PROV I NCE OF M A R I NDUQUE Capitol Boac, Mar induque O FFICE O F BI DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE INVITATION TO BID Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for upgrading of Taytay-Haguimit-Nangka-Maranlig Provincial Road, Sta. Cruz and Torrijos, Marinduque The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the KALSADA PROGRAM intends to apply the sum of FIFTY EIGHT MILLION SIX HUNDRED TWENTY TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN PESOS & 93/100 (Php58,622,918.93) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for upgrading of Taytay-HaguimitNangka-Maranlig Provincial Road Sta. Cruz and Torrijos, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for upgrading of Taytay-Haguimit-Nangka-Maranlig Provincial Road Sta. Cruz and Torrijos, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 413 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php50,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 15, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before September 27, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on September 27, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: ALMA C. TIMTIMAN BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque

(042)-332-0722 www.marinduque.gov.ph (M S-S E P T. 8 , 2016 )

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

2 Nobel judges step down

World

CHILL. Space crew of the International Space Station (ISS), (left to right) US NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams, Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka, rest after landing some 150 kilometers to the east of the city of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. AFP

Venezuela SC voids legislature’s bills

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aracas—Venezuela’s Supreme Court has ruled the opposition-controlled legislature’s bills are “null and void” because it swore in three lawmakers accused of electoral fraud.

The decision, issued last Friday and published Tuesday, is the latest showdown between the National Assembly and the court, which the opposition accuses of blatant bias in favor of leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

The case dates back to legislative elections in December, which the opposition won in a landslide amid an economic crisis marked by severe shortages of food and basic goods.

The court barred the three op-

Asteroid named after Queen singer NEW YORK—Rock legend Freddie Mercury’s legacy is living on as an asteroid, named after him on what would have been the Queen singer’s 70th birthday.

Brian May, who is best known as Queen’s lead guitarist but also has a doctorate in astrophysics, announced that an asteroid—known until now by the less memorable 17473—was being named in the singer’s honor.

The asteroid is far from the British singer’s namesake planet and is instead in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

May showed a video of the asteroid’s movement on his website, accompanied by Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The Minor Planet Center, part of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory based at Harvard University, issued a citation timed for Mercury’s birthday on September 4.

“His distinctive sound and large vocal range were hallmarks of his performance style, and he is regarded as one of the greatest rock singers of all time,” it said.

The asteroid was discovered in 1991, the year that Mercury died of complications from AIDS. Mercury, born as Farrokh Bulsara in what is now Tanzania, remains one of rock’s most influential singers through his flamboyant stage persona and Queen songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions.” AFP

position lawmakers pending an investigation of fraud allegations.

The opposition condemned the case as an excuse to strip it of its powerful two-thirds majority.

Ignoring the court, opposition leaders swore in the lawmakers on July 28, saying there had been no signs of progress in the fraud investigation.

The court fired back by declaring the legislative majority in contempt.

Its latest ruling goes a step further.

“The acts issued by the National Assembly, including any bills passed, are manifestly unconstitutional and absolutely null and void as long as (the opposition bench) is in contempt,” it said.

The Supreme Court has blocked most of the legislature’s bills since the opposition took control, ending 17 years of dominance by the left.

Tension has been mounting between Maduro and the opposition, which staged massive protests last week calling for a referendum on removing the unpopular president from power.

More protests and counter-demonstrations by Maduro supporters are scheduled for Wednesday.

Maduro, who accuses the opposition of plotting a coup, has threatened to lift lawmakers’ legislative immunity. AFP

STOCKHOLM—Two members of the assembly that awards the Nobel prize for medicine are to quit for failing to heed warnings about a major ethics scandal, the panel said Tuesday.

The secretary of the Nobel Assembly, Thomas Perlmann, said Harriet Wallberg and Anders Hamsten were being asked to step down.

“The crisis of trust is such... that we are going to ask them to leave the Nobel Assembly,” he told the Swedish news agency TT. The two are former rectors of the Karolinska Institute (KI), Sweden’s top medical university, where the scandal coincided with their spells in office.

The affair centers on Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, who in 2011 soared to fame for inserting the first synthetic trachea, or windpipe.

It was a plastic structure seeded with the patient’s own stem cells—immature cells that grow into specialized cells of the body’s organs.

Hired as a visiting professor at Karolinska in 2010, Macchiarini performed three of these operations in Stockholm and five others around the world.

His work was initially hailed as a game-changer for transplant medicine. But two patients died and a third was left severely ill.

Allegations ensued that the risky procedure had been carried out on at least one individual who had not been life-threateningly ill. Swedish police are carrying out an investigation for manslaughter.

Macchiarini is also suspected of lying about his scientific research and his past experience with prestigious medical research centers.

KI dismissed Macchiarini on March 23 and announced the break in an exceptionally blunt statement.

“It is impossible for KI to continue to have any cooperation with Paolo Macchiarini. He has acted in a way that has had very tragic consequences for the people affected and their families.

His conduct has seriously damaged confidence in KI,” it said.

An article in the Swedish medical journal Lakartidningen described the case as an “ethical Chernobyl” for KI. Wallberg’s reputation has been tarnished for hiring Macchiarini while Hamsten, her successor as KI’s rector, has been accused of failing to grasp the scale of the problem as it unfolded. AFP

French army radar tracks Pokemonsters THE French army’s list of potential threats just added an unlikely candidate: Pokemon Go. The virtual monsters of Nintendo Co.’s Pokemon Go mobile game could lead to intrusions into army bases and even threaten national security, France’s defense ministry said in an internal memo. The military is enforcing a ban on the game, which mixes augmented reality with digital creatures, to stop staff from unknowingly sharing sensitive data like geographic coordinates or photos.

“Our nation’s defense isn’t a game,” said Valerie Lecasble, a spokeswoman for the ministry during a phone interview.

“There’s no way we’ll allow any form of inappropriate access to points of vital importance or priority installations of France’s defense.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s influential Orthodox Church on Tuesday accused a blogger of blasphemy as he faces up to five years in prison for filming himself playing Pokemon Go in a church.

Ruslan Sokolovsky from the Urals city of Yekaterinburg is in detention after being charged with offending religious believers and inciting hatred, over a YouTube video that has been viewed more than one million times.

Defense companies with French operations have followed suit. Plane-maker Airbus Group SE issued an internal reminder about forbidden photo or video recordings and highlighted the security risks posed to people, information and installations after it caught employees playing

Pokemon Go at work this summer. Safran SA also banned the game.

France isn’t the first country to restrict the Pokemon Go playground, with Indonesia taking one of the tougher stances. Still, the game has been a primary target of the French national police which has tweeted and posted digital road signs on highways to warn citizens not to play while driving. French Education Minister Najat VallaudBelkacem separately said she

will ask the game’s makers to delete the most sought-after characters from inside the country’s 63,600 schools.

Since its debut in July, the game created by Nintendo, Niantic Inc. and Pokemon Co. has spurred a global phenomenon, climbing to almost 45 million daily users at its peak, according to researcher Apptopia. Shares of Nintendo have surged and fallen on the back of user data and alliances with partners around the game, including SoftBank Group Corp.

Bloomberg

Humpback whales no longer endangered

VOCAL. Dan Smith of Bastille performs on stage at iHeartRadio Theater on Tuesday in Burbank, California. AFP

WASHINGTON—Most populations of humpback whales are no longer on the United States endangered species list thanks to international conservation efforts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Tuesday.

Four decades of national and international initiatives to protect and conserve the marine mammals have helped nine of 14 humpback population segments rebound from historically low levels.

“Today’s news is a true ecological success story,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries.

“Whales, including the humpback, serve an important role in our marine environment. Separately managing humpback whale populations that are largely independent of each other allows us to tailor conservation approaches for each population.”

After commercial whaling se-

verely reduced populations, the US listed all humpback whales as endangered in 1970. Today, just four whale groups remain on that list, and one is now listed as threatened.

The International Whaling Commission’s whaling moratorium imposed in 1982—which remains in effect—played a crucial part in the comeback, NOAA said.

The US Marine Mammal Protection Act that protects marine mammals within US waters still applies to all humpback whales, regardless of endangered status.

The MMPA prohibits the killing of certain marine mammals in US waters and by US citizens on the high seas, and bans their importation into the United States.

Two separate regulatory decisions filed Tuesday maintain protection for whales living off Hawaii and Alaska by “specifying distance limits for approaching vessels.”

Two of the four humpback groups still considered endangered can be found in US waters at some times of the year.

The Central American population looks for food in the Pacific Ocean off the US West Coast, while the group in the Pacific Northwest spends time in the Bering Sea and near the Aleutian Islands.

The humpback group from Mexico now listed as threatened regularly goes to the West Coast of the continental United States and Alaska.

In 2010, NOAA launched an extensive review of the status of humpback whales that resulted in the reclassification of the species into 14 distinct populations.

NOAA proposed last year to remove 10 of those 14 groups off the endangered list and gave the public 90 days to comment on the proposed change before finalizing its decision. AFP

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

WELLNESS & ENVIRONMENT

D1

The staff of St. Frances Cabrini celebrates the hospital’s momentous achievement of being the first NABH accredited in Southeast Asia

Cabrini Medical Center is first NABH accredited in Southeast Asia

T

HE National Accreditation Board for Hospital International (NABH International) continues to support the Philippines in gaining international accreditation in the field of healthcare. The latest accreditation was awarded to St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center.

A non-profit organization, NABH International is recognized by International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). One of the organization’s main objective is to redefine healthcare quality in the developing worlds but at the same time, providing accreditation with an affordable cost.

The organization has seen their main objective being imbibed by this worldclass provincial medical center.

St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center in Sto. Tomas, Batangas has always held on to its mission statement to strive passionately in providing healthcare needs and deliver high quality healthcare service to improve lives.

The hospital has aimed to provide excellent service to the entire Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region. They have marked milestones. among which is to be one of the only four hospitals in Southern Tagalog accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Philippine Health Insur-

ance Corporation (PhilHealth).

It has also been the chosen venue for international medical missions targeting indigent people of Region IV and V that do not have access to proper medical care. These missions support the hospital’s advocacy and that is to ensure that they extend the same quality of service to everyone who goes inside their hospital doors who is in need of medical care.

“St. Frances Cabrini has complied with all the standards of NABH International. This ranks them at par with the best hospitals in the world in terms of patient care and patient safety,” one of the assessors, NABH Director Dr. BK Rana stated.

St. Frances Cabrini is the only hospital in the United Nations Global Compact Initiative. An organization that is anchored on the practice of human rights, fair labor practice and protection against corrupt practices.

“Although our hospital had all the

St. Frances Cabrini’s Dr. John Alonzo and Dr. Florentino Afable (7th and 9th from left) receive the accreditation from NABH International CEO Dr. K K Kalra and Director Dr. BK Rana (6th and 8th from left)

universal equipment and qualified specialists all these years, the hospital achieved NABH accreditation only when it thoroughly started following all the NABH norms of documentation, pa-

tient safety and patient education. The Alonzo, SFCMC president and COO. NABH accreditation is actually more Joyce Socao-Alumno, NABH Philipfor the interest of the patients’ care and pines representative and country head safety as it ensures best treatment for Continued on D2 patient,” said Dr. John Cresencio F.

National strategy to conserve elusive native Raffles’

Banded Langur

SINGAPORE’S Raffles’ Banded Langur (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is getting a boost with the launch of a national conservation strategy for the critically endangered species. Ambassadorat-Large Professor Tommy Koh, who serves as patron of the project, launched the initiative during a ceremony at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Immediate priorities include managing the habitat and population through habitat enhancement such as establishing green corridors and exploring options for providing connectivity across forest fragments, focused enrichment plantings based on the understanding of the dietary requirements of the langurs, gathering data to understand more about the movements and habitat preferences of the langurs, and securing the necessary commitment and resources to ensure the long-term conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langur in Singapore and Malaysia.

A workshop was held at the Singapore Zoo in early August in which over 30 stakeholders from 15 organizations, including representatives from Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), National Parks Board (NParks), International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s

(IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Primate Specialist Group, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, conservation NGOs and universities came together to jointly develop a conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur. The workshop was funded by WRS and facilitated by IUCN. Securing a future for the Raffles’ Banded Langur will require targeted action in a number of areas. Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund will engage Andie Ang, who has studied the langurs since 2008, and is a member of IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, to set up and chair a Raffles’ Banded Langur Working Group.

The working group will glean outputs from the recent workshop to map out a Species Action Plan, which will be used to guide and implement the conservation work for this species in the coming years. The project is fully supported by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund over the next two years.

One of only three non-human primates to be found locally, the Raffles’ Banded Langur was first discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles 194 years ago. Up to the 1920s, they were still reported to

Wildlife Reserves Singapore and National Parks Board join hands to launch a national conservation strategy that will help protect and conserve the critically endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur that is found in Singapore and Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Andie Ang

be common in Singapore across Changi, Tampines, Bukit Timah, Pandan and Tuas. Deforestation for urban development led to the shrinking of their habitat such that the Raffles’ Banded Langurs were confined to only the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) and Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) in the 1980s. In 1987, the last member of a troop living in BTNR was reportedly mauled to death by a pack of dogs.

By 2010, it was estimated that there were 40 to 60 Raffles’ Banded Langurs

left in Singapore. This subspecie can also be found in southern Peninsular Malaysia, where a number of isolated populations continue to be threatened by habitat loss and conversion. Small and isolated populations have a heightened risk of extinction from the effects of genetic deterioration, extreme weather, disease outbreak and other catastrophic events.

Dr. Sonja Luz, director of Conservation and Research, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said, “It is a fitting time to embark on a consolidated, comprehen-

sive and integrated conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur, to ensure the continued survival of this highly charismatic primate. This conservation project is of national importance for Singapore, and together with NParks, we are fully committed to be a part of the pioneering approach to manage the species over the long-term so Singapore does not have a primate going extinct on our watch.”

Continued on D2

Life

D2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Improving learning spaces for public school students

A

S part of its commitment to uplift lives through education, CEMEX Philippines Foundation recently turned over a newly constructed library filled with books and other learning materials to Dalig Elementary School in Antipolo City. The initiative also included a restroom construction and a room renovation.

CEMEX Philippines Foundation implemented the Dalig Elementary School Library Project together with its donor, Dr. Karl-Heinz Sebastian, who provided the seed money for the initiative. Dr. Sebastian is the cofounder and senior partner at SimonKucher & Partners, a global management consulting firm.

“CEMEX Philippines Foundation and Dr. Karl-Heinz have always believed that books are part of the foun-

dation of a good education. We are grateful that our shared belief has given us an opportunity to serve the children of Dalig Elementary School and their parents, along with the community and our common goal towards enhancing the youth’s welfare,” said Pedro Palomino, CEMEX Holdings Philippines president.

In fact, the newly constructed library was lauded for being the most functional and complete within its district by the

BRIGHTER FUTURE AWAITS. Students at Dalig Elementary School get a better avenue to learn better and improve their skills.

CEMEX Philippines recently turned over a newly constructed library, complete with books and other learning materials, to Dalig Elementary School in Antipolo City.

Strike MultiInsect Killer Spray gets rid of mosquitoes sans harmful substance

Eliminate mosquitoes at home

STRIKE Multi-Insect Killer Spray is a safe and effective water-based insecticide, which disperses easily without leaving stains on any surface where it has been used. It has a triple fast killing action formula made proven by a clinical study that takes effect within 10 minutes killing 50 mosquitoes compared to other leading brands.

Aside from that, it has a refreshing orange scent, has very low toxicity and is definitely eco-friendly which means it does not contain a harmful substance called CFC or Chlorofluorocarbon that is harmful and hazardous to human health, pets, plants and the environment. More importantly, it is affordable and budget friendly compared to other brands.

To keep you away from mosquitoes in different ways possible, there are other Strike variants. The Strike Coil Mosquito Repellent is easy to use and does not give irritation as it smells good. Strike Liquid Mosquito Electric Repellent provides 40-day protection and can cover a 20-meter area. It does not emit smoke and disturbing odors. Strike Mat lasts for eight hours and can cover a 12-foot area Lastly, the Strike Patch for kids is made of 100 percent pure and natural essential oils which last for 48 hours.

The Strike variants can instantly help you get rid of mosquitoes without harming the environment, people, pets, plants and furniture. It is proven effective and very much affordable compared to other mosquito killing brands.

Strike Multi-Insect Killer Spray is available at 300ml can for P136.75 and 600ml can for P258.75. Available at Puregold and Mercury Drug outlets nationwide in a buy one-get one promo for a limited time only.

Department of Education – Division of City Schools, Antipolo.

The event was graced by Antipolo City Councilors Loni Leyva and Nixon Aranas, Dalig Barangay Captain Jerome Leyva and council members, and representatives from the Department of Education.

The Dalig Elementary School Library

Project is one of the ways CEMEX contributes to transforming communities through education.

Last summer, the Foundation also supported DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela activity or National School Maintenance Week in Dalig, where CEMEX H.E.R.O. (Help.

Engage. Reach. Out.) employee volunteers painted the school walls.

The lowdown on nursing bras for breastfeeding Pinays FOR a breastfeeding mom, wearing a nursing bra is a matter of preference and availability. In the Philippines, most breastfeeding women choose to wear a nursing bra when going out of the house.

However, looking for nursing bras that fit perfectly and comfortably is a challenge for most breastfeeding Pinays because available sizes in physical retail stores are very limited and not sturdy.

Experts say however that wearing a supportive bra may help reduce the stretching of tissues that could result in sagging. Breastfeeding mommies with big breasts will generally be more comfortable wearing a bra for support.

But, you might ask: Is a nursing bra really important for breastfeeding?

The answer really depends on whom you are asking. For lack of an idea of where to buy nursing bras, breastfeeding mothers settle for their regular bras. They just get a size bigger than their pre-pregnancy stage and are content. Others would temporarily replace their regulars with nursing bras because they find wearing them feels easier to have the baby latch on and still be comfortably discreet when breastfeeding in public places than using the standard bra.

It’s worth the time checking the different styles to find which one you are most comfortable wearing.

When shopping, feel the cups and choose those molded yet flexible ones because a hard cup would put some pressure on the breasts and can get irritating.

Cabrini...

From D1 of Aster DM Healthcare says, “Accreditation is beyond licensing which is the basic requirement for hospitals and even more than ISO certification. Accreditation is a tool that is meant to assist hospital achieve excellence by benchmarking with the best of the best. A hospital cannot claim it is world class if there is no third party expert to say that it is indeed of global standard. NABH International, just like JCI, is recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQUA) as an accredited agency that audits hospitals against the global standards of patient care and patient safety. These assessors were trained and licensed to do the audit.

The NABH International assessment is more than lip service. It involves audit of the entire organization of the hospital from the CEO down to the lowest ranking staff, and every nook and corner of the facility.”

Having an international accreditation also gives the Philippines the opportunity to ex-

Some styles have the center clasps while others have the shoulder clasps. Try opening and closing the cups and see how loosely or rigidly they come off and are fastened back.

Okay, now you’d ask: When should I buy a nursing bra?

The best time to get one or be fitted varies from woman to woman. As soon as pregnancy starts, the breast begins to prepare for lactation but it is either at the end of the ninth month or soon after the baby is born that a woman‘s breast swells to its biggest size.

Finally, you have decided that you will buy one and you’d wonder: Is it true that wearing an underwire is not recommended?

There is no scientific basis to the claim but the truth is that when breastfeeding, the size of breasts fluctuates by a couple of hours because milk is produced and drained in a continuous cycle. From experiences of lactating mothers, a rigid underwire in a bra puts some pressure on the breasts, which can lead to blocked milk ducts which can be very, very painful.

In short, choosing to wear a nursing bra or a regular bra during the entire breastfeeding adventure is entirely up to you. What is important is to make sure it fits comfortably. Different nursing bras offer different price points and you can choose whether to pick either an expensive label or a more affordable line.

plore the medical tourism industry that is currently on an uptrend. St. Frances Cabrini is the first to be proclaimed as a Medical Tourism Special Economic Zone, another achievement under the hospital’s long list of distinctions.

The NABH International plans to continue extending their international accreditation to the Middle East and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

The process may be tedious but once the organization completed and passed the assessments, they will be accredited for three years.

“This accreditation does not only target city hospitals. NABH International also provides accreditation to small health care organizations, wellness centers and blood banks, to name a few. Each category has a set of standards that they need to comply with. These organizations may apply under the relevant accreditation program that depends on the services that they offer. Hopefully, more hospitals and wellness centers in the Philippines will achieve international accreditation in order for the Philippines to gain global acceptance in the field of healthcare,” Alumno added.

“A better future for the country really starts with providing the youth apt avenues where they can learn better. Helping build and improve learning spaces forms part of our commitment to leave a sustainable and lasting legacy in areas where we operate,” said Chito Maniago, CEMEX Philippines Foundation executive director.

Experts suggest that moms need to wear nursing bras to help reduce stretching of tissues

A bra brand called Coobie, acknowledged in the US as the most comfortable bra ever, is now in the Philippines and is offering its nursing line to the local online market. It’s seamless, wireless, made of ultra soft, brushed nylon and spandex blend with molded and flexible removable pads.

Each Coobie bra has a unique ribbing and ruching design for a more shapely silhouette and never squashes the breasts. The wide straps and racerback style are designed for a relaxed fit and to keep as much weight off your shoulders to make breastfeeding a breeze for you and your baby.

It has a wide, soft, inner comfort band that helps keep it in place and keep the pressure off your ribs.

Even after breastfeeding, Coobie nursing bras are one of the brand’s most comfortable and supportive bra you can continue to wear.

It conveniently comes in two sizes—the regular bra for sizes 32A to 36D and the full bra for sizes 38A to 42D. Check CoobiePhilippines on Facebook and @ coobie.ph on Instagram to find out how to get a pair or two.

National...

From D1 Dr. Adrian Loo, director (Terrestrial), National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, said, “Reforestation, setting aside buffer parks such as the upcoming Thomson Nature Park and enrichment planting over the years have improved the rainforest habitat of the endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur. This will further help increase the foraging area and connectivity for the species, which saw an increase since the early 1990s. Even so, a multi-pronged approach is required to ensure the full recovery of the species. Thus, NParks looks forward to working with our stakeholders to guide the development of long-term conservation and management strategies for this shy, elusive species. We hope to see these animals thrive in our forests one day.”

Primatologist Andie Ang, of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group said, “The development of a regional Species Action Plan signifies a first collaboration between Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, universities, and NGOs in the research and conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langurs.

Besides ensuring that the habitat of the langurs is protected and restored, we hope that this joint effort can also help raise public awareness and appreciation of this primate and the natural heritage in both countries.”

D3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

C

Mecha-warriors

ELEBRATING its 20th this year, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s (GMAKF) Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project generated a total of 5,943 blood bags or 2,674,350 cc – a testament to the recently bestowed “Outstanding blood services partner” award by the Philippine Red Cross.

In July and August, blood drives were held in Taguig City (July 31), Bacoor, Cavite (Aug. 7), and Pulilan, Bulacan (Aug. 13).

The culminating event, held on Aug. 20 at Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City, generated 2,132 blood bags, equivalent to 958,950 cc. This last leg of the Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project was done in celebration of the birthday of GMAKF founder and ambassador Mel C. Tiangco.

Among the highlights of the event was the awarding of plaques of appreciation to frequent donors, who have donated blood at least 10 times to this particular cause of GMAKF. Kapuso personalities such as Bea Binene, Joyce Ching, Dion Ignacio, Mikoy Morales, Papa Dudut, Tess Bomb, and Benjamin Alves entertained the crowd during the bloodletting activity.

GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog expressed her appreciation to those who made this year’s bloodletting project a success. “Now more than ever, with the prevalence of deadly diseases like dengue, more of us should donate blood. It’s a public service that is much needed,” said Catibog.

The event was held in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, Ever Gotesco Malls and Go Tong Foundation, Inc. The first leg of Sagip Dugtong Buhay, held in February, collected a total of 1,942 bags or 873,900 cc.

GMA Network employees, including those from the provincial stations, participated and raised 208 blood bags or 93, 600 cc.

dominate the ring

A WILD mix of non-human entities dominate the scene as AXN’s newest show BattleBots 6x60 feature robots fighting for glory.

BattleBots showcases an action-packed tournament of machine versus machine inside the ring, each one meticulously designed and built by its creator. A decade after it was first aired, BattleBots is presented as a 6x60 series with bigger and even better robots. Even the arena is a new and improved version of the original, allowing viewers to witness the action close up.

As 10 years has passed, viewers can expect to see more advanced creations and more even better opponentcrushing power.

Each

BLOODLETTING. GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog looks on as a Philippine Red Cross representative extracts blood from one of the donors

Two decades of helping extend and save lives LAGUNA native Karan Singhdole bagged the Man of the Year 2016 title during finals at the Grand Central Hotel Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. The 23-yearold, 6-foot-2 model and Hotel and Restaurant student at STI College, born and raised in Sta. Rosa, Laguna of immigrant Indian parents, dedicated his winning to the land of his birth, to the Filipinos and his parents, especially to his father who is stricken with brain cancer.

Mr. Lebanon Tarek Moaykel and Mr. Netherlands Tim Bertrams were named 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively. Trịnh Xuân Nhản of Vietnam was 3rd runner up while local bet Meirizal Rifa’i of Indonesia finished 4th runner up.

Special Awardees were Jan Vurn of the Czech Republic (Mindful Man of the Year), Sandeep Pokhrel of Nepal (Masterly Man of the Year), Htoo Ant Lwin of Myanmar (Modern Man of the Year), Abhishek Shah of India (Manly Man of the Year) and Antonio PM of Spain (Masculine Man of the Year). Man of the Year Malaysia won the best in national costume award.

Singhdole, who joined Eat

Karan Singhdole named

Man of the Year 2016

Bulaga’s “You’re My Foreignoy” in 2014 and Bodyshots Philippines 2014, started modeling in 2012 with Bench, Cosmo, Globe, LG and SM. He speaks five languages, Hindi, English, Filipino, Punjabi and Bengali. Calling himself an Indian but “Pinoy” at heart, Karan

followed Filipino representatives with Indian blood like Venus Raj and Farul Shah.

Awarded the title of Man of the Year Philippines 2015 by Prime Events Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation, founder of Misters of Filipinas pageant, headed

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, September 8, 2016

ACROSS 1 Stretch fabric 6 Doled out 11 TV band 14 Kind of nut 15 Nintendo forerunner 16 London lav 17 Critical remark 18 Smidgens 19 Slangy refusal 20 Edible lichen 22 Lower in dignity 24 Breakfast goodies 28 Ices up 29 Use the key 30 Famed orca 32 Marshal’s badge 33 Inquired 35 The latest 39 Gael republic 40 — de plume 41 Dear, in Italy 42 Report-card woes 43 Crow over 45 “— — Around” (Beach Boys) 46 Shrimper’s net 48 Threat ender (2 wds.)

50 Facade 53 Red wines 54 Battery post 55 Seat formally

57 Qt. parts 58 Go biking 60 Javelin or marathon 65 Mineral deposit 66 Kauai dances 67 Farm structures 68 Checkers side 69 Gives a thumbs-up 70 Mohawk, for one DOWN 1 DJ’s platters 2 Longbow wood 3 201, to Ovid 4 Hip-hop music 5 Pale 6 Water conduits 7 Harrow rival 8 Ciao, to the queen (hyph.)

9 Geologic division 10 Entrance 11 Radius companions 12 Tackle 13 Bushy-tailed animals 21 “Diana” composer 23 Sprightlier 24 Ruminated 25 Loosen

episode brings a real thrill and engages fans in the heat of the combat. Follow the series as new creators bring mecha-entities to life and fight for the coveted title.

The show is hosted by Sam Ponder, Chris Rose, Kenny Florian, and Faruq Tauheed. The judges are Jessica Chobot, Fon Davis, and Leland Melvin.

BattleBots 6x60 airs Tuesdays-Thursdays at 8:50 p.m. first and exclusive on AXN AXN is available on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

26 Roadside warning 27 Woodsy 28 Brief craze 30 Cheers!

31 Dress bottoms 34 Kind of leopard 36 Silent flyer 37 Seize forcibly 38 Cloys 43 Prevent 44 Painted tinware 47 Keep on repeating (hyph.)

49 Least cooked

50 Smoke or mist 51 — nous 52 Sniffed at 53 Kasparov’s game 55 Bruins’ sch.

56 Overwhelm with humor 59 Hearty laugh 61 Caesar’s man 62 Yale athlete 63 San Francisco hill 64 Mao — -tung

by CEO Carlo Morris Galang, Singhdole is the second of PEPPS winners to win abroad following Mister International 2014 winner Neil Perez. “I am very happy for his victory he waited for this for a long time, He worked hard for this together with the organization PEPPs. We are offering his victory to our country the Philippines!”

Galang said.

Singhdole, who plays basketball and cricket, was provided his wardrobe for the Man of the Year 2016 competition by designers Francis Libiran for formal wear, Edwin Uy for his national costume and Olan Roque for the swimwear. “I dedicate this victory to my father who has cancer. I hope that I made my family proud,” said Singhdole who had to stop pursuing his college degree to help attend to his father and to concentrate in modeling.

Man of the Year 2016 is a new addition to international pageants for male which aims to find the perfect man who represents the Five (5) Ms, Masterly, Mindful, Manly, Masculine and Modern, best suited in modeling, entertainment and participation in notable global causes. Eton B. Concepcion

‘Battlebots’ returns for a new season with bigger mean machines outwitting each other inside the ring

SKY cable subscriber goes to Ultra Music Festival in Singapore KYGO, Afrojack, Axwell & Ingrosso, Deadmau5, Nero, DJ Snake, Far East Movement, Marshmallow, and Jauz are just some of the performers that SKYcable and Destiny Cable subscribers can look forward to at the Ultra Music Festival in Singapore if they win the “Are you the Ultra Warner TV Fan?” promo.

The chance to fly with a companion on Sept. 10 to the music fest acclaimed by DJ mag as the no. 1 in the world is as easy as logging on mysky.com.ph and telling SKY who your favorite Warner TV character in 50 words or less.

The event happens at the Ultra Park at the Marina

Bay Sands, Singapore.

The winner gets a pair of VIP passes to Ultra Music Festival, take home Ultra Music Festival merchandise worth $200.00 plus and back stage tour passes as specially arranged by Warner TV and Sky Cable Corporation and will be billeted for three days and two nights at a premium hotel in Singapore.

For 25 years, SKY has evolved to become more than just a cable network, offering enriching experiences to viewers by harnessing the latest in technology to deliver its rich content in various platforms, redefining entertainment for Filipinos in the digital age.

Ultra Music Festival is an annual outdoor electronic music festival regarded by a prominent music magazine as the number 1 in the world

Showbiz

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

D4

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

The cast of the moving family melodrama ‘The Greatest Love,’ which story revolves around Gloria (played by Sylvia Sanchez), a loving mother who slowly loses her memory due to dementia

Family drama in ABS-CBN’s

Kapamilya Gold L

AST Monday, ABS-CBN finally piloted its much-anticipated family drama The Greatest Love in Kapamilya Gold. It is a story about a mother who is going through a stage of dementia.

At 59, Gloria’s (Sylvia Sanchez) only wish is for her family to be happy and for her children Amanda (Dimples Romana), Andrei (Matt Evans), Paeng (Arron Villaflor), Lizelle (Andi Eigenmann), and grandson Z (Joshua Garcia) to lead good lives.

Gloria embraces happily being a mother, giving her best to her children, shielding them from all the pain and struggles that she herself went through.

However, Gloria’s once-intact family falls apart once a big secret that Gloria has kept from them for years is revealed.

“This is a story of a mother who has sacrificed everything for her children, neglecting

herself along the way. This is the most unique character that I’ve portrayed. Even before we take a scene, I’m already crying because it’s so heavy,” shared Sylvia.

Because of the secret, Gloria’s children will leave her one by one until all that is left with her are her memories.

But what if she starts to lose pieces of her memory after she is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease?

As Gloria slowly loses pieces of her memory, will her children also forget her? How will they handle the pain brought about by the secret? Will Gloria be able to unite her family before her memory totally betrays her?

The family drama, meanwhile,

ISAH V. RED

will also highlight an unforgettable story of love that viewers should watch out for.

“This is a story about second chances. We are all given second chances by life. This is a journey of a mother’s second chance at motherhood, as well as her second chance at her great love, even at her age,” said the program’s creative manager and legendary writer Ricky Lee. Also included in the powerhouse cast of The Greatest Love are Nonie Buencamino, Rommel Padilla, Tonton Gutierrez, Ejay Falcon, Ellen Adarna, Junjun Quintana, Aleck Bovick, Luis Alandy, Bobby Andrews, Alex Medina, Mercedes Cabral, and Guji Lorenzana.

With scenes set against the

Solenn Heussaff’s

picturesque landscapes of Quirino province, it is directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, Mervyn Brondial, and Dado Lomibao. *** Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali are back on the soap front in the first interactive rom-com series called Usapang Real Love or URL for short, soon on GMA Network.

Netizens who are avid fans of this love team will be thrilled to watch them as they also have a chance to be part of the series. All they have to do is to click “like” the Facebook page of URL and wait for the post for the video challenges.

A fan who wants to join should post a video of him/herself while going through the challenge and upload it to URL’s Facebook account or Tweeter or Instagram @UsapangRealLove with the hashtag #MagpaFanSin. Watch Usapang Real Love every Sunday as this might be your chance to be on TV with the couple Miguel and Bianca, soon on GMA Network.

LOVE ONLINE. Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali in a virtual love story in ‘Usapang Real Love,’ an interactive series produced by GMA Network

SNAPSHOTS

Zen and APHCA

‘Hot Sos’ SOLENN Heussaff makes achieving health and fitness fun in Hot Sos. Actress, singer, TV host, model, painter, makeup artist, fashion designer, and all-around fitspiration, Solenn Heussaff has made it her mission to help you achieve your best body— and have a blast while you’re at it.

Out now from Summit Books is Hot Sos, a fun fitness book where Solenn—whose nickname is “Sos”—guides readers in their journey to getting in shape, eating right, and most importantly, loving their bodies.

Solenn’s personal journey to health and fitness is an inspiring one. She makes no secret that she was a hefty child, who was called “Free Willy” by her peers, up until her teen years. Even as an adult, her eating habits were indulgent, and her exercise regimen entailed hitting up clubs and spending the next day in bed. Her less-than-healthy past is what makes her a truly believable role model for those hoping to turn over a new leaf fitness-wise—if Solenn can do it, so can you!

“Even after sticking to a healthy lifestyle for a while now, it’s still an everyday struggle for me,” Solenn admits in Hot Sos. “To be honest, the only thing that keeps me going is my goal.

I don’t work out to become skinny; I do it to be healthy.”

In Hot Sos, Solenn shares the lessons and techniques that have helped her get the hot

Solenn Heussaff’s ‘Hot Sos’ is a fitness guide where the actress shares her journey to health and eating right

body and health- oriented mindset she has enjoyed since her fitness awakening. Hot Sos contains workouts you can do solo or with friends, indoors or outdoors, that will whip you into shape without feeling like work.

Also inside are Solenn’s own recipes for healthy meals, snacks, and drinks that are all nutritious and delicious, making dieting more appetizing. And throughout the book, Solenn chimes in with helpful tips and relatable commentary to inspire you that your hottest body yet is just around the corner.

Hot Sos is out now in bookstores, newsstands, supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide for P295.00.

ZEN Institute gives full support for Asia Pacific Hair & Cosmetologists Association’s (APHCA) 20th International Hair Olympics.

Zen Institute, a premier aesthetics company, supports this year’s 20th international hair Oympics dubbed “Beauty Showdown in Manila”, where international and local beauty experts will showcase their talents and creativity.

The year 2016 is special as the event will happen in Manila where it originally started.

Beauty expert and APHCA President Ricky Reyes says the association’s membership has

now grown with beauticians from Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Hongkong and Macau), Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.

This grand beauty event will be held at Hall 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines on Oct. 25 to 26.

In photo are Taiwan country leader Johnny Tai, APHCA’s Reyes, Dr. MJ Torres of Zen Institute and Pasay City First Lady Edna Calixto.